Additional Requirements for Graduate Programs

Accounting, M.S.

Please note: Applicants to the Accounting, M.S. or the Business Administration, M.B.A. must apply using the BusinessCAS application.

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).

Applied Music Pedagogy, M.A.

Code (GM02) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

Prospective students must audition and, if accepted, take placement exams in music theory and history. Auditions are facilitated through neiu.getacceptd.com. 

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 3.0 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.

Please note: Applicants to the Accounting, M.S. or the Business Administration, M.B.A. must apply using the BusinessCAS application.

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 Documents

• Counselor Education application
• Essay (instructions located in the Counselor Education application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; attendance at the mandatory Pre-Admission Workshop (PAW). Visit the Counselor Education site for detailed information.

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.

Code (GS01) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Couple and Family Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG10) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Counselor Education application
• Essays (instructions located in the Counselor Education application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; attendance at the mandatory Pre-Admission Workshop (PAW). Visit the Counselor Education site 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. GCOE recommendation letter and form required in lieu of admission recommendation form.

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

• Copy of valid and current Illinois Professional Educator License
• Written exam
• 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 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). 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). 6) Two NEIU Disposition Assessments (completed by supervisors). 7) Successful completion of a written exam provided by the department. 8) Completion of a successful teaching OR school support personnel portfolio. 9) In-person interview. 

Elementary Education, M.A.T.

Code (GL11) Admission: Fall only

Additional Requirements

Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale).

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 and Sport Science, M.S.

Code (GR04) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

The statement of goals and objectives should be two pages and include your goals for a career in exercise science and why you are qualified for graduate study. 

Geography and Environmental Studies, M.A.

Code (GF08) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Completion of deficiencies undergraduate coursework if applicant has not previously completed coursework or have experience equivalent to a minor in Geography and Environmental Studies.

Gerontology, M.A.

Code (GP02) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Complete work/volunteer resume

Additional Requirements

Prerequisite training course in psychology-related statistics.

History, M.A.

Code (GF06) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

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

Human Resource Development, M.A.

Code (GH01) Admission: Fall only

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 written in Spanish
• Evidence of written and oral proficiency in Spanish at the advanced level, according to guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Contact department for more information about this requirement.

Linguistics, M.A.

Code (GC11) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Nine hours of foreign language study at the undergraduate level or above. 

Literacy Education, M.A.

Code (GJ03) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Additional Requirements

One year teaching experience preferred. GCOE recommendation letter and form required in lieu of admission recommendation form.

Mathematics, M.S.
Applied Mathematics Concentration

Code (GD02) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Students must have successfully completed a calculus sequence through multivariable calculus and up to 6 mathematics courses beyond the calculus sequence. Of the 6 courses, 3 must be from the following list – Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Analysis, Modeling, and Operations Research. Students also must be comfortable using computational software, such as Maple, Mathematica, MATLAB, or Fortran. Students may be accepted to the program conditionally if they only have 4 out of 6 of the courses beyond the calculus sequence.

Mathematics, M.S.
Secondary Education Concentration

Code (GD02) 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. 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: Fall only

Additional Required Documents

• A 400-word sample essay

Additional Requirements

GCOE recommendation letter and form required in lieu of admission recommendation form.

Political Science, M.A.

Code (GF07) Admission: Spring, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Public Health, M.P.H.

Code (GR03) Admission: Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Essay: In ~1500-2,500 words, describe 1) what public health means to you; 2) what areas of public health interest you most; and 3) how a degree in public health will support or advance your career goals. The MPH has two concentrations: Public Health Promotion and School Health. Please tailor your essay responses to reflect your concentration of interest.

Additional Requirements

An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4-point scale). Two recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience. 

Rehabilitation Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG12) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Counselor Education application
• Essay (instructions located in the Counselor Education application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; attendance at the mandatory Pre-Admission Workshop (PAW). Visit the Counselor Education site for detailed information.

School Counseling, M.A.

Code (GG11) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Counselor Education application
• Essay (instructions located in the Counselor Education application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience
• Evidence of Professional Educator License (PEL) or, if no PEL, results of state and federal fingerprint background checks

Additional Requirements

Application deadlines: March 15 for Fall; August 15 for Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; recommendation letters from references familiar with applicant’s scholarship and experience; attendance at the mandatory Pre-Admission Workshop (PAW). Visit the Counselor Education site for detailed information.

Social Work, M.S.W.
Full Program

Code (GW01) Admission: Fall only 

Full Program admission is for applicants that have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than Social Work; have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from more than five (5) years ago; or have a BSW degree that is not from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. 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
• Three letters of recommendation (preference of at least one from previous professor)
• Resume
• Professional statement (1000-1500 words) that responds to the following:
  1. What are your reasons for seeking a graduate education in social work at this time? What academic, work, volunteer, or personal experiences have influenced your decision to apply?
  2. What do you hope to do with your MSW degree following graduation?
  3. What is a current example of a social or economic injustice that is of concern to you? Explain why you are concerned about it.
  4. If you feel comfortable, please let us know if you are a first generation college graduate (your parents did not attend/graduate from college) and/or identify as being part of a historically minoritized community in the U.S. (e.g. in terms of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship status, religious affiliation, etc.).

Deadline is January 15; decisions mailed in April.

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

Code (GW02) Admission: Summer only

Advanced Standing admission is for applicants that have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from five (5) years ago or less; and have a BSW degree that is from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.

Additional Requirements

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Three letters of recommendation. One of the letters of recommendation must be from the program director, field director, or faculty member of the BSW program.
• Resume
• Professional statement (1000-1500 words) that responds to the following:
  1. What are your reasons for seeking a graduate education in social work at this time? What academic, work, volunteer, or personal experiences have influenced your decision to apply?
  2. What do you hope to do with your MSW degree following graduation?
  3. What is a current example of a social or economic injustice that is of concern to you? Explain why you are concerned about it.
  4. If you feel comfortable, please let us know if you are a first generation college graduate (your parents did not attend/graduate from college) and/or identify as being part of a historically minoritized community in the U.S. (e.g. in terms of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship status, religious affiliation, etc.).

Deadline is January 15; decisions mailed in April.

Special Education, M.A.

Code (GA10) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Requirements

GCOE recommendation letter and form required in lieu of admission recommendation form.

Special Education, M.S.

Code (GA11) Admission: Spring, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Proof of full PK-21 LBS I endorsement or equivalent
• GCOE recommendation letter and form required in lieu of admission recommendation form

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

Code (GT05) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

• For native speakers: Nine credits of college-level work, or the equivalent, in one or more foreign languages OR level 2 in a foreign language on the American Council on the teach of Foreign Languages Proficiency Assessment 
• For non-native speakers: English proficiency demonstration be a score of 95 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), with a minimum 20 on each of the four sections OR a score of 7.0 on IELTS, with a minimum of 6.5 on each of the four sections or 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
• 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. Statement of Goals must include your teaching history (what grade taught, where you have taught, what you teach, and for how long they have taught).

Urban Community Studies, M.A.

Code (GI03) Admission: Spring, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

Addiction Counseling Certificate

Code (G908) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

For current students in M.A. Counseling programs: 

• Certificate in Addiction Counseling application

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students: 

• Certificate in Addiction Counseling application
• Essay (directions on p. 2 of Addiction Counseling application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

Current enrollment as a graduate student in a mental health-related field and in good academic standing, minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students:  must have graduate degree in counseling or a closely-related mental health field from an accredited university; minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. See Counselor Education website for detailed information.

Art (K-12) Endorsement: Focus Program

Code (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

Bachelor’s degree with a major in biology (or the course equivalent of such, including the usual cognate science courses). Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their biology and cognate courses. Meet requirements of corresponding Teacher Licensure Program.

Couple and Family Counseling, Graduate Certificate

Code (G907) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

For current students in M.A. Counseling programs:

• Couple and Family Counseling application

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students:

• Counselor Education application
• Essay (directions on p. 2 of Addiction Counseling application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students: must have graduate degree in counseling or a closely-related mental health degree from an accredited university that meets the academic and clinical requirements for licensure as a master’s level mental health professional. See Counselor Education website for detailed information.

Computer Science Endorsement Focus Program

Code (G528) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

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

Statement of goals must discuss why you are qualified for graduate study in English. Meet requirements of corresponding Teacher Licensure Program.

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

• Complete work/volunteer resume

Additional Requirements

Prerequisite training course in psychology-related statistics.

History, M.A. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ12) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

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

Additional Requirements

Meet requirements of corresponding Teacher Licensure Program.

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

Code (GZ14) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Statement of Goals and Objectives written in Spanish

Additional Requirements

Meet requirements of corresponding Teacher Licensure Program. Evidence of written and oral proficiency in Spanish at the Advanced level, according to guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Contact department for more information about this requirement. 

Mathematics, M.S. and Teaching Endorsement

Code (GZ13) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Minimum 18 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. Meet requirements of corresponding Teacher Licensure Program.

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. If accepted, students take placement exams in music theory and history, and must meet requirements of corresponding Teacher Licensure Program. Auditions are facilitated through neiu.getacceptd.com.

Physical Education (K-12) Endorsement Focus Program

(G523) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Public Health Graduate Certificate

Code (G909) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4-point scale).

Reading Teacher Endorsement (PK-12)

Code (G527) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Copy of teaching license

Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate

Code (G911) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

For current students in M.A. Counseling programs: 

• Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling application

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students: 

• Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Counseling application
• Essay (directions on Counselor Education application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

Current enrollment as a graduate student in a mental health-related field and in good academic standing, minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students:  must have graduate degree in counseling or a closely-related mental health field from an accredited university; minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. See Counselor Education website for detailed information.

School Counselor Endorsement (Non-Degree)

Code (G526) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

• Non-degree endorsement application
• Essay (directions on p. 2 of Non-Degree Endorsement application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience
• If current teacher: copy of Professional Educator License (PEL). If no PEL, results of state and federal fingerprint background check. 

Additional Requirements

Program designed for individuals with a master’s degree in counseling or a closely-related field from an accredited university and seeking to meet academic and clinical requirements for endorsement as a school counselor. See Counselor Education website for detailed information.

School Health Certificate

Code (G912) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

There are no additional requirements.

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 - Curriculum Adaptation Specialist (CAS)

Code (G503) 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

Teacher Leader Endorsement

Code (GI08) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

Copy of teaching license.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

Code (G904) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Requirements

• For native speakers: Nine credits of college-level work, or the equivalent, in one or more foreign languages OR level 2 in a foreign language on the American Council on the teach of Foreign Languages Proficiency Assessment 
• For non-native speakers: English proficiency demonstration be a score of 95 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), with a minimum 20 on each of the four sections OR a score of 7.0 on IELTS, with a minimum of 6.5 on each of the four sections or a score of 587 on the paper-based TOEFL

Teacher Licensure Program

Code (see below) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Code (G300) TLP: Elementary Education (Spring/Fall only - Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.)
Code (G301) TLP: Early Childhood Education
Code (G302) TLP: Art (K-12)
Code (G309) TLP: Music Education (K-12)
Code (G310) TLP: Physical Education (K-12)
Code (G311) TLP: Spanish (K-12)

There are no additional requirements.

Teacher Licensure Program (TLP) Secondary Education

Code (G313) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

(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

Additional Requirements

Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale). Interview scheduled with program faculty once application is received.

Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate

Code (G910) Admission: Spring, Summer, Fall

Additional Required Documents

For current students in M.A. Counseling programs: 

• Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Counseling application

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students: 

• Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Counseling application
• Essay (directions on p. 2 of Addiction Counseling application)
• Resume showing work and volunteer experience

Additional Requirements

Current enrollment as a graduate student in a mental health-related field and in good academic standing, minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

For applicants who are not current Counselor Education students:  must have graduate degree in counseling or a closely-related mental health field from an accredited university; minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. See Counselor Education website for detailed information.

Workplace Learning and Performance Certificate

Code (G913) Admission: Fall only

There are no additional requirements.