Admissions in Special Education -- Doctoral Program

Doctoral candidates must follow University of Illinois at urbana-Champaign graduate application procedure.  An applicant for admission to a graduate degree program must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Please note that applicants are NOT REQUIRED to submit any test scores such as the GRE or MAT.  Admission decisions will not be finalized until the applicant has submitted:

  1. Official college transcripts from all previous academic training, both graduate and undergraduate,
  2. A written goal statement (minimum of 500 words) indicating why the applicant wants to pursue this particular advanced certificate focus and what their future career plans are upon completion of the degree,
  3. Three current letters of reference from persons who have direct knowledge of applicant's academic and/or professional performance and potential for graduate study, and
  4. Pass the Illinois Test of Basic Skills prior to admission, if applying to a teacher certification program (i.e., Learning and Behavior Specialists I).

Illinois residents seeking admission to a graduate program must submit evidence that they have passed the Illinois Test of Basic Skills prior to having their application reviewed by the admissions committee.

Non-Illinois residents seeking admission to a graduate program will receive a CONDITIONAL admission and must submit evidence that they have passed the Illinois Test of Basic Skills prior to completion of their first semester of graduate study. For more information see LBS-1 Graduate Certification Program Admission Statement.

Doctoral applicants should also submit:

  1. Letters of recommendation:  Minimum of three letters.  It is recommended that at least one of these letters be from a former professor who can comment on ability to succeed in graduate work.
  2. Experience:  Minimum of two years paid full-time professional experience related to special education or the field of disability.
  3. Goal Statement:  A written narrative that describes past experience, interested in the University of Illinois Special Education Department, research interests, and a goal upon completing doctoral degree.
  4. It is recommended that the applicant submit a brief writing sample.