Application Process
Curriculum and Instruction Programs
Undergraduate Programs
The University’s Office of Admissions provides the next steps and detailed information you need to apply as a first-time college students.
Graduate Programs
Future students need to apply via the Graduate School website. Here, you will input your biographical information, your previous education and your essays. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline to allow us enough time to process your information.
STEM Education Applicants: Please see the STEM Education Admissions page.
November 1 – Harrington Fellowships and fall admissions – Doctoral applicants only
December 31 – College and department fellowships, fall admissions – Doctoral and Master’s applicants
Program Requirements
Master’s applicants: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
Doctoral applicants: A master’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
All applicants: A minimum GPA of 3.0, particularly during the last two years of college and in any previous graduate study. The department will consider applications with lower GPAs. If you feel that your grade point averages or test scores are not valid indicators of your ability, please wait till you have submitted your application and upload a miscellaneous document explaining your concerns.
We also consider teaching experience as a criterion during the admission process. EC-12 teaching experience, especially among underserved populations, is preferred by most program areas.
Application Process and Program-specific Instructions
Curriculum and Instruction Major Code (all programs): 32332
You will need to do the following to complete the Graduate School’s application:
Pay the Application Fee
Fee waivers are available for those who are eligible.
Have Your Transcripts Ready
Transcripts are required for each senior college attended. A PDF of the official transcript can be uploaded, but you must provide an official transcript from that college after acceptance to our program. Each transcript can be uploaded only once, so please make sure you have the correct and full version of each transcript before uploading. Learn more about how to submit your transcripts from the Graduate School’s site.
GRE Scores
Curriculum and Instruction applicants are no longer required to submit GRE scores.
Prepare Your Statement of Purpose
Approximately 1-3 pages in length, this essay should address your current situation, your intended area(s) of research/specialization and your goals for achievement in graduate study and beyond. Clearly specify to which C&I Academic Program you are applying.
STEM Education Applicants: Please see the STEM Education Admissions page.
Update Your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
This document should summarize and chronicle your academic and professional positions and achievements, including any awards and/or publications for which you are credited.
Submit Three (3) Letters of Reference
Recommenders will be notified by email with instructions on how to upload their letters once you have submitted and paid for your application. Letters should come from professors who are familiar with your academic performance and potential.
Bilingual/Bicultural Education Applicants
If you are applying to our Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program, you must provide a supplemental writing sample written in Spanish to be uploaded as a “Miscellaneous Admissions Document.” The writing sample should describe your cross-cultural and/or cross-linguistic experiences. You also should demonstrate competency with the language and content of the essay and show that you have made efforts to cross borders by working, traveling, or otherwise have lived in situations that required a multiplicity of cultural competencies.
University of Texas Urban Teachers Applicants
Please note that the University of Texas Urban Teachers Program requires fieldwork in area schools. To undertake that fieldwork, school districts require that you pass a criminal background check. If you do not pass a required background check, they will be unable to complete the required work of the academic program. Failure to pass the background check will result in the cancellation of our offer of admission.
International Applicants
International students must fulfill some additional requirements.
Official TOEFL/IELTS Scores
Students applying from other countries should submit either their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Scores. Learn more at the Graduate School website.
Application Status
Once all application materials are uploaded and completed, you will be sent an email confirming your application submission within 1-2 days. This email also will contain your login information (UT EID) for the MyStatus page where you can check on your application’s progress.
The initial review process by the Graduate School will take about 1 – 2 weeks before your application is sent to the department, so be sure to have everything turned in well in advance of the deadline.
Have Questions?
Contact Admissions Coordinator Stephen Flynn.
Please also see the General Guidelines from the Graduate School.