Frequently Asked Questions about Admission to the Higher Education Program
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: February 1st
Q: Is the GRE or MAT test required?
A: Neither the Graduate Record Examination nor the Miller Analogies Test scores are required for admission. However, the Admission Committee will consider these test results if submitted.
Q: What is the GPA requirement?
A: The Master’s criterion includes an earned GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
The criteria for post-master’s admission include an earned GPA of 3.30 (on a 4.0 scale) on previous graduate work, a Master’s degree in counseling, student affairs, or a closely related field, and at least three years of successful professional experience in student affairs or higher education administration.
Q: What is the writing sample?
A: The writing sample is not something that you need to send with your application. It is not something that you have previously written. Prior to Interview Weekend (IW), applicants that are invited to IW will be asked to complete a writing assignment so faculty can assess their writing skills. The writing sample is a timed response to a reading assignment. The HED recruitment coordinator will send you the reading and schedule a time for you to respond to a question by e-mail. Once completed, this exercise becomes part of the application file.
Q. What is Interview Weekend?
A: Upon receipt of your application materials, program faculty will review your file and determine whether further consideration is warranted. The department invites potential candidates whose application files have been completed by February 1 to an Interview Weekend that is generally held at the end of February. During the Interview Weekend, candidates will have admission interviews, as well as the opportunity to sign up and be interviewed for GA positions. Interviews take place the majority of the day on Saturday and Sunday. All faculty interviews are pre-scheduled in advance of IW.
Subsequent to the interview, faculty will consult with GA supervisors to make a final decision about the candidate’s admission and GA status. The program faculty will contact the candidate indicating whether admission has been recommended.
Q: How many students receive graduate assistantship positions?
A: All of our admitted full-time students receive a graduate assistantship (GA). Admission to the program is generally offered as a “package” with an offer of admission and a GA position. The GA position provides a monthly stipend and covers tuition.
Q: How do I apply and interview for GA positions?
A: Prior to Interview Weekend, you will be provided job descriptions of anticipated GA positions for the academic year. You will be given instruction on how to electronically submit your resume to open GA positions and you will schedule those interviews before coming to campus for IW. You will be given a copy of your pre-scheduled faculty interviews so that you can schedule GA interviews around those times.