Admissions Checklist for Specialist Degree

Specialist degree programs are for students already holding a master's degree in the same specialization field who wish to continue their education past the master's degree level. Students should have received an appropriate master's degree before proceeding into a specialist degree program.

The following items are required:

Submission of Online College of Education Application for Graduate Admission with $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
Two official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended, except for GSU. Even if you have applied to or attended Georgia State prior to this application, all transcripts must be sent; transcripts received prior to this application are not available for the Graduate Admissions Committee's use. Each transcript must be in a sealed envelope with the university registrar's signature across the flap. All transcripts must be received in order to process your application. International applicants must submit an evaluation made by an independent evaluation service -- Joseph SILNY, ECE, or WES.
Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores should be sent directly to Georgia State University from the Educational Testing Service. Scores should not be more than five years old at the time of application. The institution code for Georgia State University is 5251.
Some applicants can submit scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) in lieu of GRE scores. Applicants to the following programs may opt to make this substitution: Early Childhood Education; Educational Leadership; and Teaching and Learning. Applicants whose native language is one other than English should also submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Exception: This is not required of international applicants who have received an accredited bachelor's degree or a higher degree from a U.S. institution.
A 300-500 word statement of purpose (goal statement) (your professional/career goals) should be included in your online application. This is your opportunity to explain how your career and educational goals are compatible with those of the program to which you are applying. Applicants to School Counseling and Professional Counseling must indicate how their career goals and objectives are relevant to the program.
Two (or three) letters of recommendation should be submitted using the online application recommendation notification or submitting letters directly to the office. All Educational Leadership applicants must submit a recommendation from their school principal or immediate supervisor (if not school-based). Applicants to School Counseling and School Psychology must submit three letters of recommendation.
A resumé or vita should be included with your application. This document should describe all professional employment and work-related experience, as well as past educational endeavors.
Applicants to the School Psychology program must submit a writing sample (separate from the goals statement). The writing sample can be published or unpublished.
Specific certification levels are required for admission to some Ed.S. programs -- check the Application Materials Required list for details.