Graduate Application Process

How do I apply?

Follow these steps to complete your application. If you have questions about our programs or the application process, contact our admissions secretary or a program coordinator.

If you have already been admitted to the Graduate College as a Master’s or Doctoral student and would like to either: 1) transfer from your current academic program to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction; or 2) apply to the Doctoral program after completing the Master’s program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, please follow this link for additional instructions.

Verify Program Name and Code

The following codes are used on the Graduate College application.  The "Proposed Program" will always be 'Education - Curriculum and Instruction'.  Choose the proper code for the degree you seek below:

Master's Degrees (Ed.M., M.A., or M.S.)
Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.M. (10KS1144EDM)
Curriculum and Instruction - MA (10KS1144MA)
Curriculum and Instruction - MS (10KS1144MS)

Master's plus Teacher Certification (Ed.M. + Cert)
Elementary Education (K-8) Teacher Certification - EDM (10KS0211EDM)
Secondary Education (6-12) English Language Arts Teaching Certification - EDM (10KS8527EDM - Concentration Code 0216)
Secondary Education (6-12) Social Science: History Teaching Certification - EDM (10KS8527EDM - Concentration Code 0217)
Secondary Education (6-12) Science Teaching Certification - EDM (10KS8527EDM - Concentration Code 0218)
Secondary Education (6-12) Mathematics Teaching Certification - EDM (10KS8527EDM - Concentration Code 0219)
Early Childhood Education (Birth-5 years) Teacher Certification - EDM (10KS5082EDM)

Doctoral Degrees (Ed.D., Ph.D.)
Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.D. (10KS1144EDD)
Curriculum and Instruction - Ph.D. (10KS1144PHD)

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Curriculum and Instruction - CAS (10KS1144CAS)


Complete the Graduate College Application

All applications for admission are submitted to the Graduate College. The department reviews the applications first and makes a recommendation to the Graduate College for admission. You will receive a decision letter from the department and soon after, you will receive an email admission decision letter from the Graduate College.
Start the Graduate College Application.


Submit Application Fees

  • Domestic Applicants (Applying to: Fall 2008 or later) pay $60.
  • International Applicants (Applying to: Fall 2008 or later) pay $75.

Payment Methods

Paying electronically with a credit card means your application is available immediately to the C&I department. Hence, processing is faster when paying electronically.

You may also mail your check or money order (drawn on a US bank) with the completed fee coupon to:

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduate Admissions
203 Coble Hall
805 South Wright Street
Champaign, IL 61820


Prepare and Submit a Professional Resume and Statement of Purpose

  • All applicants must submit a current professional resume through the online application.  You must attach an electronic file to the Resume section.

  • All applicants must also submit a Statement of Purpose, or a personal statement discussing your goals for graduate study and any previous work in that area of study.  You must attach an electronic file to the application. 

Prepare and Submit Supporting Application Materials

  • (ALL APPLICANTS)  3 Letters of Reference - from persons who have direct knowledge of your academic and/or professional performance and potential for graduate study. If the recommenders complete this online, no additional copy is necessary.  You must enter 3 recommenders' names and contact information into the online application.

  • (ALL APPLICANTS)  Transcripts - both graduate and undergraduate - transcripts from only the universities where you have received a degree *including UIUC*. Please send them directly to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 311 Education Building, 1310 S. 6th St. MC708, Champaign, IL 61820.
    Note:  The UIUC Graduate College has established a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4) for admission. 
    Important:  Even if you have course work from the University of Illinois, you still need to order your transcript. Please contact the Office of Admissions and Records for more info.

  • (DOCTORAL APPLICANTS)  Applicants to doctoral degree programs are required to complete a writing sample. The sample must be in English and may be a Master’s thesis, an article, or a paper that you have written dealing with a professional subject that demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize literature and/or research findings. An electronic file may be attached to the online application OR a paper copy may be mailed to the department directly. 

    *Master's Plus Teacher Certification Applicants*

  • (Master's Plus Teacher Certification Applicants ONLY) Supplemental Application and Essay.  Submit the Supplemental Application for Graduate Admission Teacher Education Programs accompanied by a three to four-page essay.  This application provides details of the special requirements for admission to certification programs.  This should be sent directly to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

  • The State of Illinois requires applicants to take, and pass, the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Test of Basic Skills prior to admission.  To be considered for fall admission, you must do so no later than November 8, 2008.   If you live outside of Illinois , please contact the Graduate Programs Secretary about specific policies for out-of-state applicants.

In addition, if you are applying to any of the following areas, you are required to take, and pass, the appropriate subject-matter examination required for your area of certification no later than the November test date:

Secondary English Language Arts                            

Secondary Mathematics

Secondary Biology                           

Secondary Chemistry

Secondary Earth and Space Science     

Secondary Physics

Secondary Social Science: History

For additional information regarding ICTS tests and certification, please contact the Council on Teacher Education or the Illinois State Board of Education.


For International Students of All Degrees

Complete all of the steps in the checklist for the particular degree being sought. In addition:

  • Submit an official TOEFL score report to the Graduate college. (ETS code - Institution: 1836, Dept.:00)
  • Submit official GRE scores - Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores (Verbal and Quantitative) taken within four years of date of requested admission. (ETS code -Institution: 1836, program: 00)
  • Submit a Declaration and Certification of Finances complete with current bank statements verifying personal funding for your education or a letter of support from your supporting agency. 
  • Upon admission, you will be required to submit an International Student Verification Form.

All of the above materials are to be submitted to the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.