Graduate admission

This page offers general information about applying to online and face-to-face graduate programs at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Most graduate programs have their own specific requirements as well. Please refer to each program's specific guide for the most complete information about requirements and application procedures. Program guides are available on the individual program pages. 

• Degree requirements: You must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution officially recognized by that country.
   
• GPA requirements: You must have maintained a minimum of a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average (GPA) in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements your application may still be considered. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.
   
• Proof of English proficiency (international students only):
  If you are from a country whose native language is not English (regardless of where you may now reside), you must provide proof of English proficiency. For more information, including additional requirements for international students, visit the ASU Graduate Admission Services website.
  • Applicants to non-certification master’s, graduate certificates and doctoral programs must meet the English Proficiency score established by ASU Graduate Admission Services.
  • Applicants to master's and Arizona Certification (MAC or InMAC) programs:
    • TOEFL score of 90+ (internet-based test) with scores on the Speaking and Writing portions in the high “Fair–Good” range (22–30)
    • IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5 with Speaking and Writing portions at least 6.5 (6=Competent User, 7=Good User)

For international students affected by testing center closures due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Arizona State University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English test. Learn more.

To be uploaded into the online application:

• Personal statement: Supply a personal statement that demonstrates your goals with respect to program outcomes and success in a graduate program. Your statement should demonstrate high-quality writing and awareness that you understand the demands of graduate school. See the detailed program guides and the application for details on personal statement requirements. Some programs require applicants to address specific questions or respond to a specific prompt. Carefully read the personal statement directions in the application or program guide for your program.
• Three (3) professional recommendations (name, email and organizational affiliation for each): Recommenders will receive an email explaining how to submit their recommendation letters electronically. Letters may be from former professors or employers. It is strongly recommended that at least one letter be from a former faculty member or academic professional — someone who can address your academic ability. Some programs require a letter from a specific individual. Review the program guide for your program to ensure your letters meet the program qualifications.
   
  • Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College graduate certificate programs do not require letters of recommendation.
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• Resume or curriculum vita: Provide the following information in a resume comprising one to three single-spaced pages: educational background, work and other professional experiences (including current employer name, location, dates worked, job title, job responsibilities), other information that may be relevant (e.g., organizational affiliations, community service).

Program-specific application requirements

Please review the applicable program handbook located on each individual program page

For teacher certification programs only:

• Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance requirement: An IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card will not be required from applicants at the present time. If you have not yet secured your fingerprint clearance card but your ASU application for admission is otherwise ready to submit, you now have the option of submitting your application for admission without the card. (Note: If you are admitted to ASU, you will not be able to enroll in classes until you have provided us with a copy of your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card. Therefore, we encourage you to apply for the IVP Fingerprint Clearance card as soon as possible.)

Testing requirements: Pearson, the company that administers the National Evaluation Series (NES) and Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) tests, is suspending test delivery at all U.S.- and Canada-based Pearson VUE-owned test centers through April 16. If your program usually requires a completed test before submission, we will waive that requirement for now. If you are admitted, our advisors can work with you to schedule a test if necessary.

• Writing sample: An applicant must submit a writing sample solely authored by the applicant. The purpose of this writing sample is to help faculty assess the applicant's likelihood of success in the program, particularly the applicant's ability to make cogent intellectual arguments using detail and an appropriate professional style. Examples may include a case study, literature review, grant application, thesis, curriculum review, curriculum materials, paper for a prior course, etc. Ensure that the literature, if applicable, is appropriately cited and referenced (see APA 6th edition).
• Items to be mailed to Graduate Admission Services:
  • Official transcripts from every college and university from which you have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
     

Proof of English proficiency (international students only). Applicants must meet the English Proficiency score established by ASU Graduate Admission Services.

• Test scores: The GRE is required for the PhD in Learning, Literacies and Technologies and the PhD in Educational Policy and Evaluation programs. No minimum score is required.
• Update Aug. 1, 2021: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is providing a temporary waiver of the GRE admission requirement for all PhD applications for fall 2022 admission.