How to Apply (Graduate Programs)

There are basic requirements to be met before you can be considered for admission:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution if applying for the master’s program, if applying for the Doctoral, then you will need a bachelor’s plus a master’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.  
2. A satisfactory grade point average (GPA), particularly during the last two years of college and in any graduate study previously undertaken. The minimum required GPA for the Graduate School is 3.0.
3. Official Test Scores: GRE is not required
4. Adequate Preparation: Your records must reflect adequate subject preparation for your proposed graduate major. 
5. If applying for our M.Ed. degree options in Autism and Developmental Disabilities or Early Childhood Special Education, indicate in your statement of purpose whether you wish to enroll for the online or in-person option.

All prospective graduate students are required to apply via the Graduate School. The Graduate School will review your application and send you an email confirming receipt within 1-2 days after submission. This email will also contain the applicant’s login information (UT EID) for the MyStatus page. MyStatus answers questions like:

• Is my application complete?
• What’s missing?
• Do I need to submit a CV? Another essay? A transcript?
• Did you receive my test scores?
• Did I upload this document successfully? Can I delete and re-upload this document?
• Have you received my letters of recommendation? How can I change my recommenders?
• Why was my transcript declined?

Application Fee

Fee waivers are available for those who are eligible.

Transcripts

Transcripts are required for each senior college attended. A PDF of the official transcript can be uploaded, but an official transcript from that college will be required after acceptance to a 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

The GRE is not required for any of our graduate programs.

Letters of Recommendation

Our department requires three letters of recommendation. 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 the applicant’s academic performance and potential.

Statement of Purpose

This essay describes the applicant’s interests and commitment to the goals and curriculum of the program area they are applying to. It is recommended to address not only the applicant’s personal and academic background but also their academic and professional goals. The applicant can also address a specific area of research interest or to work with a member of the Special Education faculty. Links to our faculty profiles can be found on our faculty listing page.

This statement should be no longer than 3 pages double-spaced. It should be submitted online as a part of the Application Form.

If applying for our M.Ed. degree options in Autism and Developmental Disabilities or Early Childhood Special Education, indicate in your statement of purpose whether you wish to enroll for the online or in-person option.

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

A recommended length of no more than 3 pages. The resume or CV should include:

• post-high school education
• relevant work or volunteer experience (indicate amount of time)
• honors received
• research experience
• conference presentations
• publications

In addition to the requirements for graduate students, international students have some additional requirements.

Official TOEFL/IELTS Scores (International Applicants Only)

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.

Financial support for first-year students is very limited. Applicants in need of financial support are urged to contact the Office of Student Financial Services. The Graduate School can provide additional information regarding financial assistance for graduate students.

All admission applications completed by December 1 will be automatically considered for departmental AND university-level fellowships. A separate financial aid application for these fellowships is not required. Applicants cannot self-nominate for department fellowships; a Fellowship Committee makes these nominations.

MyStatus (UT EID required) will let you see what application materials are missing, as well as allow you to upload required documents. Please use this online status check to monitor your application status. 

Note: Even though the application is submitted online, it still takes two to three days for your information to appear in our departmental system. Students will receive a confirmation email as soon as the department receives the application.

Applicants may be admitted, admitted with conditions, or denied admission. Learn more on the Graduate School website.