Additional Requirements for Graduate Programs

Accounting, M.S.

Code (GB02) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• GMAT or GRE Scores
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional Requirements

GMAT (450 points minimum) or GRE (149 points on each part, quantitative and verbal).

Biology, M.S.

Code (GE05) Admission: Fall only

Additional Requirements

Either an earned bachelor’s degree with a major in biology or the course equivalent of such, including the usual cognate science courses (i.e. chemistry, physics and math); an undergraduate GPA in their biology and cognate science courses; the personal statement must indicate career goals and reasons for choosing Biology M.S.

Business Administration, M.B.A.

Code (GB03) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• GMAT or GRE Scores
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional Requirements

GMAT (450 points minimum) or GRE (149 points on each part, quantitative and verbal)

Chemistry, M.S.

Code (GE07) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG13) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants with GPA between 2.25-2.99 may choose to submit GRE scores as one measure in support of exceptionality); graduate college application; counselor education application; transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; personal essay; two recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; resume; and attendance at pre-admission workshop. See Counselor Education website for additional details.

Communication, Media and Theatre, M.A.

Code (GC13) Admission: Fall Only

Additional Required Documents

Sample research paper, honors thesis, creative essay, or substantial research report

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have completed 15 undergraduate credit hours (nine of which must be junior/senior level courses) in CMT or CMT-related courses, with at least a 3.0 GPA in these courses.

Community and Teacher Leaders, M.A.

Code (GI05) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Computer Science, M.S.
General Concentration

Code (GS01) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Computer Science, M.S.
Management Information Systems Concentration

Code (GS01) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Family Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG10) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants with GPA between 2.25-2.99 may choose to submit GRE scores as one measure in support of exceptionality); graduate college application; counselor education application; transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; personal essay; two recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; resume; and attendance at pre-admission workshop. See Counselor Education website for detailed information.

Educational Leadership, M.A.
Higher Education Concentration

Code (GX06) Admission: Fall Only

Additional Required Documents

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional Requirements

No prior paid experience in higher education is required. Paid or volunteer K-12 educational experiences will be considered as well.

Educational Leadership, M.A.
School Leadership (K-12) Concentration

Code (GX05) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Note: The semester prior to admission to the M.A. program, student must be admitted as a Graduate Student-at-Large. The graduate program applications are completed during LEAD 424 while student is a Graduate Student-at-Large.

Additional Required Documents

• In-person interview
• Copy of valid and current Illinois
• Two letters of recommendation (completed by supervisors)
• Two NEIU Disposition Assessments (completed by supervisors)

Additional Requirements

1) A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; 2) Minimum 2.75 G.P.A. (on a 4.0 scale) from most recent degree; 3) Valid and current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) (i.e., early childhood, elementary, secondary, special K-12, or special preschool-age 21 certificate) OR until June 30, 2021 endorsed in a school support personnel area (i.e., school counselor, school psychologist, speech language pathologist (non-teaching), school nurse, school social worker, school marriage and family counselor) Under current law ISBE requires school support personnel to graduate and obtain the Principal Endorsement no later than June 30, 2021.; 4) Completion of two years of PK-12 full-time teaching OR school service personnel experience within the last five years. 5) Two letters of recommendation (completed by supervisors). 7) Two NEIU Disposition Assessments (completed by supervisors). 8) Successful completion of a written exam provided by the department. 9) Completion of a successful teaching OR school support personnel portfolio. 10) In-person interview. 

Elementary Education, M.A.T.

Code (GL11) Admission: Fall

Additional Required Documents

• 400-word writing sample

English, M.A.
Composition Concentration

Code (GC12) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Writing sample between 10-15 pages

Additional Requirements

The statement of goals and objectives should be two-three pages; in conjunction with narrating your goals, this statement should also narrate why you are qualified for graduate study (discuss specific English courses, papers, projects, etc.).

English, M.A.
Literature Concentration

Code (GC05) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Writing sample between 10-15 pages

Additional Requirements

The statement of goals and objectives should be two-three pages; in conjunction with narrating your goals, this statement should also narrate why you are qualified for graduate study (discuss specific English courses, papers, projects, etc.).

Exercise Science, M.S.

Code (GR02) Admission: Fall Only

Additional Required Documents

• Two letters of recommendation from a teacher or employer regarding your ability to complete graduate work
• 500-word statement about your goals, objectives and qualifications for studying Exercise Science at the graduate level

Geography and Environmental Studies, M.A.

Code (GF08) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

The statement of goals and objectives should be at least two pages and discuss the student’s academic and professional goals in relation to the M.A. program. Students who do not have coursework or professional experience equivalent to an undergraduate minor in the Geography and Environmental Studies disciplines will be eligible for conditional admission subject to the completion of deficiency undergraduate coursework.

Gerontology, M.A.

Code (GP02) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• A two-to-three page essay (doubles as statement of goals)
• Complete work/volunteer resume

Additional Requirements

Prerequisite training course in psychology-related statistics (e.g. PSYC 202).

Gifted Education, M.A. (currently not accepting applications)

Code (GA07) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Requires a valid Illinois Professional Educator License or for international students a teaching license.

History, M.A.

Code (GF06) Admission: Fall Only

Additional Required Documents

• Writing sample of at least 10 pages, preferable relevant to history

Human Resource Development, M.A.

Code (GH01) Admission: Spring, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Inner City Studies, M.A.

Code (GI01) Admission: Spring, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Instruction in Language Arts, M.S.
Secondary Education

Code (GL06) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

• Copy of teaching license

Additional Required Documents

Valid Illinois teaching license endorsed for secondary level content and a minimum of 18 hours of coursework in literature/composition, linguistics, and/or speech.

Latin American Literatures and Cultures, M.A.

Code (GC16) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Statement of Goals and Objectives at least 2 pages, written in Spanish

Additional Requirements

Advanced-level proficiency in written and oral Spanish as evidenced by a score of at least Advanced Low in the OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) and WPT (Writing Proficiency Test) administered by ACTFL (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages).

Linguistics, M.A.

Code (GC11) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores or proof of foreign language study

Additional Requirements

9 hours of foreign language study at the undergraduate level or above OR for English as a second/foreign language learners a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper); 79 on the Internet-based test; 213 (computer-based); OR a score of 6.5 on the IELTS.

Literacy Education, M.A.

Code (GJ03) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Proof of minimum of one year’s teaching experience.

Mathematics, M.S.
Applied Mathematics Concentration

Code (GD02) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Mathematics, M.S.
Secondary Education Concentration

Code (GD02) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Additional Requirements

Students must have successfully completed 18 or more credit hours of college-level mathematics content courses that include multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics. Equivalent courses completed in other subject areas such as physics, business, computer science, may apply. Applicants who have completed the requisite coursework but do not have licensure may be granted conditional admission if they are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in a Teaching Licensure Program (TLP).

Middle Level Education, M.A.T.

Code (GL12) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• 400-word writing sample

Additional Requirements

Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale). A 400-word sample essay as part of the program application.

Music, M.A.
Applied Music Pedagogy

Code (GM02) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Prospective students must audition and, if accepted, take placement exams in music theory and history.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics, M.A. (currently not accepting applications)

Code (GD05) Admission: Fall, Spring

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license
• 1,000-word essay

Additional Requirements

The 1,000-word essay must describe successful or unsuccessful elementary or middle school math lesson taught.

Political Science, M.A.

Code (GF07) Admission: Spring, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Rehabilitation Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG12) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants with GPA between 2.25-2.99 may choose to submit GRE scores as one measure in support of exceptionality); graduate college application; counselor education application; transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; personal essay; two recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; resume; and attendance at pre-admission workshop. See Counselor Education website for additional details.

School Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG11) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants with GPA between 2.25-2.99 may choose to submit GRE scores as one measure in support of exceptionality); graduate college application; counselor education application; transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; personal essay; two recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; resume; and attendance at pre-admission workshop. See Counselor Education website for additional details.

Social Work, M.S.W.
Full Program

Code (GW01) Admission: Fall Only. Transfers from other accredited MSW program should consult program for other start options.

Additional Requirements

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a post-graduate GPA of 3.0 in at least 6 credit hours is required; liberal arts coursework that includes coursework in the social and behavioral sciences, the natural sciences, and the humanities. Statistics course. Three letters of recommendation. Professional statement. Additional requirements may include a background check. Deadline March 1; decisions mailed in April.

Social Work, M.S.W.
(Advanced Standing)

Code (GW02) Admission: Summer only

Additional Requirements

Undergraduate GPA of 3.25. Three letters of recommendation. One of the letters of recommendation should be from the BSW Program Director, Field Director, of Faculty of the transfer school. Deadline March 1; decisions mailed in April.

Special Education, M.A.

Code (GA10) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Proof of Full (PK-21) Endorsement or equivalent

Special Education, M.S.

Code (GA11) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Proof of full PK-12 LBS I Endorsement or equivalent

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, M.A.

Code (GT05) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores or proof of foreign language study

Additional Requirements

Prior experience in education or teaching is not required. Language requirement: For native speakers, 9 credits of college level work, or the equivalent, in one or more foreign languages, or a level 2 in a foreign language on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Assessment. For non-native speakers, English proficiency demonstrated by a score of 95 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), with a minimum of 20 on each of 4 sections or by a score of 7.0 on IELTS, with a minimum of 6.5 on each of the four sections; or by a score of 587 on the paper-based TOEFL.

Teaching and Inquiry, M.S.

Code (GL10) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license
• 400-word writing sample
• Two letters of professional recommendation

Additional Requirements

Current and valid state teacher licensure; One of the letters of recommendation must be written by a teacher or administrator at the applicant’s school or previous school; Evidence of a minimum of 2 years of successful K-9 teaching in the applicant’s own classroom; A completed program application; A 400-word writing sample as part of the program application.

Art (K-12) Endorsement: Focus Program

(G524) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Bilingual Endorsement Focus Program

Code (G515) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Biology, M.S. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ10) Admission: Fall Only

Additional Requirements

Either an earned bachelor’s degree with a major in biology or the course equivalent of such, including the usual cognate science courses (i.e. chemistry, physics and math); an undergraduate GPA in their biology and cognate science courses; the personal statement must indicate career goals and reasons for choosing Biology M.S.

Couple and Family Counseling, Graduate Certificate

Code (G907) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

See Counselor Education website for additional details.

Early Childhood Education Focus Program

Code (G516) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Elementary Education Focus Program

Code (G517) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

English, M.A. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ11) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Writing sample between 10-15 pages

Additional Requirements

The statement of goals and objectives should be two-three pages; in conjunction with narrating your goals, this statement should also narrate why you are qualified for graduate study (discuss specific English courses, papers, projects, etc.)

Geographic Information Science Certificate

Code (G905) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Gerontology Senior Advocate Certificate

Code (G906) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• A two-to-three page essay
• Complete work/volunteer resume

Additional Requirements

Prerequisite training course in psychology-related statistics (e.g. PSYC 202).

History, M.A. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ12) Admission: Fall Only

Additional Required Documents

• Writing sample between 10-15 pages, preferably relevant to history.

Latin American Literatures and Cultures, M.A. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ14) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Statement of Goals and Objectives at least 2 pages, written in Spanish

Additional Requirements

Advanced-level proficiency in written and oral Spanish as evidenced by a score of at least Advanced Low in the OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) and WPT (Writing Proficiency Test) administered by ACTFL (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages).

Mathematics, M.S. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ13) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Students must have successfully completed 18 or more credit hours of college-level mathematics content courses that include multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics. Equivalent courses completed in other subject areas such as physics, business, computer science, may apply.

Middle Level Education Endorsement

Code (G525) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Music, M.A. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ15) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Prospective students must audition and, if accepted, take placement exams in music theory and history

Physical Education (K-12) Endorsement Focus Program

(G523) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Reading Teacher Endorsement: Elementary Level

Code (G520) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Reading Teacher Endorsement: Secondary Level

Code (G521) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

School Counselor Endorsement Focus Program

Code (G526) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

If current teacher: a copy of Professional Educator License. If not a current teacher: a state/federal fingerprint background check. See Counselor Education website for additional details.

Secondary Education Focus Program

Code (G518) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Special Education, Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) Focus Program

Code (G501) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Special Education, LBS II - Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)

Code (G504) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Proof of Full (Pk-21) LBS I Endorsement or equivalent

Special Education, LBS II - Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS)

Code (G502) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Proof of Full (Pk-21) LBS I Endorsement or equivalent

Special Education, LBS II - Curriculum Adaptation Specialist (CAS)

Code (G503) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

Proof of Full (Pk-21) LBS I Endorsement or equivalent

Teacher Leader Endorsement

Code (GI08) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

Code (G904) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores or proof of foreign language study

Additional Requirements

Prior experience in education or teaching is not required. Language requirement: For native speakers, 9 credits of college-level work, or the equivalent, in one or more foreign languages, or a level 2 in a foreign language on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Assessment. For non-native speakers, English proficiency demonstrated by a score of 95 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), with a minimum of 20 on each of 4 sections or by a score of 7.0 on IELTS, with a minimum of 6.5 on each of the four sections; or by a score of 587 on the paper-based TOEFL.

Teacher Licensure Program (TLP) Secondary Education

(G1) Language Arts Concentration
(G2) Social Science: History Concentration
(G3) Mathematics Concentration
(G4) Science: Biology Concentration
(G5) Science: Chemistry Concentration
(G6) Science: Physics Concentration
​(G7) Science: Earth Science Concentration

Code (G313) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.