FAQ for Prospective C&I Students

Admissions

1. Do I have to pick a program area before I apply?
2. Do I have to have teaching experience to apply?
3. How important are standardized test scores and GPA?
4. I haven’t taken my standardized tests yet--can I be admitted conditionally without scores?
5. How long should my statement of purpose be?
6. I’ve submitted my application. When will I be notified about the admissions decision?

Cost

1. How much will the program cost?
2. What are my options for financial aid?

Degrees

1. How do I know what Master’s degree is right for me?
2. How long will my degree take?
3. Do I need a Master's degree to be admitted to a C&I Doctoral Program?

Teacher Certification

1. Will my degree in the Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction result in Texas Teacher Certification?
2. How can I get certified to teach in Texas?
3. Do you have a Master’s degree that includes teacher certification?

Do I have to pick a program before I apply?

Yes. Please review current program areas within the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and indicate your interest in both your statement of purpose and ApplyTexas online form.

Do I have to have to have teaching experience before I apply?

Teaching experience is not a prerequisite for admission, but applicants should be aware that employment within the department often requires K-12 teaching experience in the United States. Check with individual program areas for further information about prior experience.

How important are standardized test scores and GPA?

The department reviews every applicant's materials on a holistic basis, considering all of the materials before making an admission decision.

I haven’t taken my standardized tests yet—can I be admitted conditionally without my scores?

No. The department will not make an admissions decision for applications without GRE scores, and in the case of international students, a TOEFL score. 

How long should my statement of purpose be?

1-3 pages is sufficient. Keep in mind that our essay should show familiarity with the literature and the specific issues you might want to explore. The Admissions Committee also looks for professional accomplishments such as presentations and publications and other indications of leadership.

I’ve submitted my application. When will I be notified about the admissions decision?

Your application will be reviewed by the Admission Committee in the program area that you indicated as your specific area of interest in your ApplyTexas form.  When they have made their decision, the notification will appear on your My Status page.  Admission committees begin making their decisions in January, and will continue to make decisions throughout the spring semester.

How much will the program cost?

Current tuition and fee rates are available online, and most students take advantage of financial aid. There are many opportunities for employment in the department and within the university, but preference is given to doctoral students. Speak with program coordinators for details about employment. Many students also work part-time or full-time during their graduate studies.

What are my options for financial aid?

The university offers many resources for funding your graduate studies. Visit the Office of Student Financial Services for details.

How do I know which Master’s Degree is right for me?

Each program area offers several Master’s degrees (M.A., M.Ed.) with options to complete the degree with coursework only, a thesis or a report. Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees usually require prior teaching or other work experiences. Master of Arts degrees (M.A.) require an independent thesis or report that investigates a topic of interest. Talk to specific program coordinators or program graduate advisors about specific requirements.

How long will my degree take?

The length of time students spend in graduate programs varies greatly. Students can complete their Master’s degree in four semesters if they are enrolled as full-time students, but many students choose to work during their degree. Some students are full-time teachers and take longer to complete the degree—this is possible because most C&I courses are offered in the afternoons, evenings and summers. There are three years of coursework required for Doctoral programs, after which students take exams and progress to candidacy status. The length time dedicated to dissertation research and writing varies.

Do I need a Master's degree to be admitted to a C&I Doctoral Program?

Yes

Will my degree in the Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction result in Texas Teacher Certification?

Not necessarily. Most C&I graduate degree programs do not fulfill the requirements for certification, but there are several Master’s degrees that provide initial Texas teacher certification. See the below FAQ for details.

How can I get certified to teach in Texas?

Visit the College of Education teacher certification page [LINK TO TEACHER CERT. PAGE] to find out which option best fits your needs.

Do you have a Master’s degree that includes teacher certification?

Yes, there are three options for Master’s degree with Texas certification in the following program areas:

1. P.E. Teacher Certification offered by the PETE Program
2. Secondary English Certification offered by Language & Literacy Studies
3. Secondary Social Studies Certification offered by Social Studies Education

Note: these Master of Education degrees do NOT require prior teaching esperience.