Applying to GSE's Master's Degree Programs
Each program has specific requirements for admission. There is no point in applying for a program for which you are not qualified. After reading about the program(s) that interest you, if you have questions about whether you meet those requirements, please contact Tami Mann or the Coordinator of the program. (Program Coordinator contact information is provided on the page describing each program.)
All applicants for admission to master's degree programs must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing. Undergraduates entering their final semester, and undergraduates preparing for a dual degree program also may apply.
Applicants to pre-service programs must have completed a general education distribution of coursework in the Liberal Arts & Sciences. Program-specific prerequisites may be found on respective program webpages. Be sure prerequisites are met prior to applying to the Graduate School of Education.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: New York Education Law now permits teachers to qualify for Permanent or Professional NYS Teaching Certificates when they have verified USCIS Permanent Resident status. Students who do not seek certification to teach in New York State should apply to the Educational Studies program.
SECOND, note application deadlines.
Most programs admit students to start in either Fall or Spring.
- For Fall admission, the application deadline is February 1
- For Spring admission, the application deadline is October 15
Applications received after those dates will be considered only on a space-available basis.
For the Childhood & Early Childhood programs, admission is for Fall only so applications must be received by February 1. Applications received after February 1st will be considered only on a space-available basis.
For the Adolescence Education (MAT) programs, applicants interested in admission for Spring should contact the appropriate Program Coordinator to ensure that Spring openings exist. This is generally the case, but occasionally a program is filled with new students in the Fall.
Graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships usually are awarded for Fall, so application materials should be submitted by February 1to be considered.
THIRD, familiarize yourself with all application procedures for Binghamton University's Graduate School as well as the Graduate School of Education (GSE).
It can take several weeks or months to prepare, collect, and submit all required materials. Although programs may consider students after application deadlines, only on-time applications are sure to be considered.
All applicants must submit all of the following materials:
- Graduate School online application to degree programs.
- Personal Statement. NOTE: This is the only personal statement you need to submit to apply to the Graduate School of Education. Applicants to the M.S. in Educational Studies program should follow the essay requirements outlined in that program description. All other applicants to GSE shall submit an essay of approximately 1,000 words (4-5 typed pages, double-spaced) that address these four topics:
- Why you choose teaching as a vocation
- The values and concerns you bring to the study of education
- Your present and future professional goals
- What you hope to contribute to the field of education
- Official Transcripts for all college study. Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
- At least two Letters of Recommendation from superiors who can attest to your competence as a teacher and/or potential to complete graduate study successfully. NOTE:The online system for application only allows 2 letters of recommendation to be uploaded. If you wish to send a third it may be e-mailed to gradadmission@binghamton.edu. Be sure to include your university "B" number.
- Graduate Record Examination (General Test only) sent to code 2535
- REQUIRED for students applying to all pre-service programs (i.e., students who are seeking their very FIRST teaching certificate).
- REQUIRED for students applying to the MS in Educational Studies program.
- NOT REQUIRED for students applying to all other in-service programs (i.e., already certified teachers) EXCEPT for MS in Educational Studies Program.
Please take the GRE in time for scores to be received by the application deadline. You may send a photocopy if available, as well as an official report, ordered from ETS to code 2535.
- Resumé, to include current employment, previous professional education experience (including student teaching), volunteer work, and other experiences with children and youth.
- Copy of NYS Teacher Certification, TEACH file, or TEACH reference number (required for all in-service programs). Note: A program may accept a teaching certificate from another state, but that does not guarantee that NYS will recognize it, or that our programs fulfill teacher certification requirements in other states.
We look forward to seeing you in the Graduate School of Education.
Application deadlines are February 1 to start in the Fall and October 15 to start in the Spring
