Graduate students

This page offers general information about applying to online and face-to-face graduate programs at Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. 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 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 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale 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): Applicants must meet the English Proficiency score requirements established by ASU Graduate Admission Services.

Below is a general overview of supplemental application items required for MLFC graduate programs. Prior to applying, it is important to review the program handbook for your desired program to see if your program requires additional content, asks you to address specific questions or respond to a specific prompt.

• Personal statement: Supply a personal statement that demonstrates your goals with respect to program outcomes and success. Your statement should demonstrate high-quality writing and awareness that you understand the demands of graduate school. View the program handbook for more detailed instructions.
• Three professional recommendations: You will be asked to provide the name, email address and organizational affiliation for three professional recommenders. Recommenders will receive an email explaining how to submit their letters electronically. Letters may be from former professors or employers, although it is strongly recommended that at least one letter be from a former faculty member or academic professional — someone who can speak to your academic ability. Review the program handbook for your desired program to ensure your letters meet the program requirements. (MLFC graduate certificate programs do not require letters of recommendation.)
• Resume or curriculum vitae: Provide the following information in a resume comprising one to three single-spaced pages: educational background, work and other professional experiences (include current employer name, location, dates worked, job title and job responsibilities) and any other information that may be relevant (e.g. organizational affiliations, community service).

Program-specific application requirements

Please review the 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 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.)

Below is a general overview of supplemental application items required for MLFC graduate degrees. Prior to applying, it is important to review the program handbook for your desired program to see if your program requires additional content, asks you to address specific questions or respond to a specific prompt.

Writing sample

Writing sample requirements vary by doctoral program. View your program below for specific instructions.

EdD in Leadership and Innovation

Applicants must submit a guided writing sample responding to a prompt provided in the application instructions. The writing sample gives the admissions committee an opportunity to evaluate the applicant’s ability to engage with scholarly literature, develop a clear and well-supported argument and apply research concepts to a problem of practice. Previously written papers are not accepted as the writing sample.

PhD in Learning, Literacies and Technologies

Applicants must submit a guided writing sample responding to a specific prompt provided in the application instructions. The writing sample should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to develop a clear, well-supported academic argument and engage appropriately with scholarly literature. The writing sample should be written specifically for the application and should not be a reprint of an article or paper previously written for a class.

PhD in Educational Policy and Evaluation

Applicants must submit a writing sample written for an academic audience that demonstrates strong analytical and scholarly writing. The sample should include a references section and appropriately cite relevant literature. Examples may include an academic paper, article, literature review, thesis or other substantial scholarly work.

Official transcripts

Applicants must submit a copy of official transcripts from every college and university from which they earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Transcripts should be mailed to Graduate Admission Services.

Proof of English proficiency (international students only)

Applicants must meet the English Proficiency score requirements 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.