FAQs

The GRE is only required for doctoral applicants. None of our credential or master’s degree programs require the GRE. However, please read #8, below, to see if your intended program of study has any additional testing requirements.

Because most programs review applications on a rolling basis, you are encouraged to apply in advance of our published deadlines. International students are advised to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks earlier than published deadlines.

Tips for paper application (accepted for Spring 2013 ONLY):

• Your application will be processed more efficiently if we receive all documents (application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) in one package.
• Have all of these documents sent to you, leave them in their original (sealed) envelopes, and then submit everything to the School of Education. If this is not possible, we will add documents to your application file as they are received.

Tips for online application for Spring 2013:

• This online application choice allows you to upload your statement of intent and resume. It also allows you to email your letter writers, giving them access to a form where they can write and submit an online recommendation. (NOTE: None of your documents will be uploaded and your letter writers will not receive an email until AFTER you submit the online application.)
• Transcripts must be sent in hard copy format.

Tips for online application for Summer 2013 and beyond:

• This online application system requires that you upload all supporting documents.
• If admitted, you will then be expected to submit official hard copies of all transcripts and test scores.
• For Summer 2013 and beyond, please do not send hard copies of any supporting documents until instructed to do so.

USF is currently transitioning to a new online application system. Please be sure to select the correct term category on our Apply page before beginning your application; Choose Spring 2013 or Summer 2013 and beyond.

Also, check our deadlines table to see if your program accepts new students for your desired term.

We will require a new application and fee, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. If you are applying for a doctoral program and your GRE or MAT scores are more than five years old, we will require new test scores. Depending on when you applied, we may still have your transcripts. Contact the Dean’s Office at 415-422-6525 and we will gladly check.

If you earned a bachelor’s or other degree from USF, we will likely have access to your transcripts. However, we may need transcripts from any outside institution(s) you attended. Please contact the Dean’s Office at 415-422-6525 to verify if your transcripts are on file.

The application fee is $55. It is non-refundable and cannot be waived.

Teaching credential applicants

• Multiple Subjects and Special Education credential applicants must pass the Multiple Subjects California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) and California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). An alternative to passing the CBEST is to pass the CSET: Writing Skills Exam. Passing test scores must be submitted as part of the application process.
• Single Subject credential applicants must pass the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) in their subject area, as well as the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Passing test scores must be submitted as part of the application process.
• Teaching credential applicants living outside California at the time of their application should contact the department for testing requirements.

School Counseling/PPS Credential applicants

• School Counseling applicants must submit passing scores from the CBEST.

Administrative Services Credential applicants

• Administrative Services Credential applicants must submit passing scores from the CBEST.

Doctoral applicants

• Doctoral applicants must submit GRE or MAT scores obtained in the last 5 years. This is a mandatory requirement and cannot be waived for any student.

International applicants

• International applicants (whether applying for a master’s or doctoral degree) are required to submit TOEFL scores unless they have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Minimum TOEFL scores for master’s degree applicants are 570 (Paper Test) or 88 (Internet-Based Test). Minimum TOEFL scores for doctoral applications are 600 (Paper Test) or 100 (Internet-Based Test).

* Note: USF’s school code for GRE and TOEFL is 4850. No departmental code is required. Please allow ample time to have your scores sent to USF.

In our admission process we carefully consider everything you submit. Grades and test scores are important, but we also learn about you through your letters of recommendation and personal statement. Please view these documents as opportunities to share your academic and professional goals, to discuss your reasons for selecting our program, and to highlight work/volunteer/personal experiences that will help you succeed as a graduate student.

Typically, we look for master’s degree candidates with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and doctoral candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If your GPA falls below these numbers, talk to us before you apply.

Most programs within the School of Education review applications on a rolling basis, meaning your application will be reviewed once it is complete. A complete application means that ALL required materials are on file with the School of Education, including all letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores. In most cases an application will be reviewed and a letter will be sent within four to six weeks. You may call the School of Education Dean’s Office at 415-422-6525 if you have specific questions about this process.

Admitted students must submit a $250 tuition deposit to hold a place in our programs. The deposit is non-refundable and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

All new students participate in a mandatory orientation program prior to their first semester of enrollment. Academic advising and course registration occur during orientation. Additional information about new student orientation will be sent to you after you are admitted. In the first semester, tuition is due upon your registration for classes. Thereafter, you will follow general payment deadlines set by the university.

Yes. Most admission decisions can be deferred for one semester or a full year. Programs that only admit once per year will only allow you to defer to the following year.

Transfer credit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Courses must not have been used to earn a previous degree. Transfer credit is limited to 6 semester units for master’s students and 12 semester units for doctoral students. In the School of Education, General Education core requirements may not be satisfied by transfer credits. Please contact the Dean’s Office at 415-422-6525 if you have specific questions about transfer credits.

All School of Education courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening, and/or on alternating weekends. Most students find they can maintain a full time job while earning their credential, master’s or doctoral degree. However, if your program requires you to spend time in a classroom (i.e. student teaching) or to complete a fieldwork or traineeship experience, such commitments will interfere with a normal workday. Please consult your intended program of study for more information.

On average, master’s and credential programs can be completed in 2 years; doctoral programs, in 3 to 5 years.

This varies by program, but most students take between 2 and 4 courses (6 to 12 credits) per semester. To be considered a full time student for financial aid purposes, master’s and doctoral students must enroll in at least 6 credits per semester. Credential-only students must enroll in at least 12 credits per semester.

Most students apply for, and receive, some type of financial aid. You may find more information on institutional, state, and federal resources in the SOE Financial Aid section. Also, contact the USF One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services Office online and at 415-422-2020.

No. All application requirements must be met before your file is reviewed and an admission decision is made. If you cannot submit test scores as part of your application packet, your file will not be reviewed until the test scores are received.

Yes. The School of Education is pleased to offer the Online Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with a Concentration in Digital Media and Learning. Please note that this online TESOL program cannot be combined with our campus (in person) TESOL program.