Program Requirements

*Now accepting applications for 2020

• The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application and $45 application fee

  • Upload the following to submit your online application
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Resume
    • Recommenders’ Contact Information

Transcripts:

• An official transcript from the university where you earned your bachelor’s degree is required at the time of application.

  • Students who earned their bachelor's degree from an institution outside the United States must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation conducted by a NACES current member.  
    • Applications for students educated outside the United States will not be considered complete nor can an admissions decision be made until this degree evaluation has been submitted.
  • NOTE: 
    • Official E-Transcripts are acceptable only if emailed by your institution to grads@sandiego.edu.
    • Transcripts from study abroad courses and transfer credits are not required.

Letters of Recommendation:

• A minimum of two professional letters of recommendation from a current supervisor or a professor attesting to both academic and personal skills, and if possible, to teaching abilities.

Current resumé or curriculum vitae

Statement of Purpose:

• The Mission of the Department of Learning and Teaching can be found at: https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/learning-and-teaching/mission-statement.php. What does this mission mean to you? How would you contribute to this mission as a teacher candidate within USD's Department of Learning and Teaching?
• Describe your purpose for becoming a school teacher. How do you hope to impact students and communities?
• Attending a rigorous master’s and credential program while working in classrooms/completing observations and student teaching experiences, passing required assessments, and maintaining relationships can be a delicate balance. What will you do to prepare and support yourself throughout the program?

English Proficiency Exam for International Applicants

• Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all international applicants and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
  • TOEFL minimum scores:
    • Internet-based test: 83
    • Computer-based test: 237
    • Paper-based test: 580
  • IELTS minimum score:
    • Band score 7

Education Requirements

• Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program. Applicants may apply prior to completing their bachelor's degree. In this case, please submit your most up-to-date transcripts, and if admitted, submit a second set of official transcripts after your degree is conferred
• The minimum cumulative grade point average is 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• This program does not have any specific prerequisite courses.

Experience Requirements

Teaching experience is helpful, particularly for applicants to the 12-month program of study, but is not required for admission.

Interviews

After an initial review of applications to the program, applicants may be invited to interview in-person or via video conference with the program faculty.

Standardized Testing

CBEST and CSET

Applicants must pass the  California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) prior to the start of student teaching in the program.  California state law requires that all credential-seeking students receive passing scores on the CBEST and CSET prior to student teaching.  We strongly encourage all applicants to our program to have passed the exam requirements prior to the application deadlines.  If you are unable to sit for an administration of these exams prior to applying, you are encouraged to submit proof of registration for a future test date. *Some program applicants may qualify to waive the CBEST requirement. Please view this page to learn more.

If applying to the:

• Spring or Summer 2020 program, submit official CSET and CBEST test scores by July 2020.
• Fall 2020 program, submit official CSET and CBEST test scores by December 2020.

GRE

Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)scores for consideration. However, the GRE is not required for admission.

International applicants 

Special Information for applicants who are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents

For an application to be considered for review, international applicants must complete the requirements listed below prior to submitting the application. These items are required by the state of California in order to participate in a Teacher Preparation Program, receive a teaching credential, and are considered part of our regular admission requirements. Please note: the application fee is non-refundable.

Certificate of Clearance

If you are an international applicant on a student visa, a non-U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. permanent resident, please note the following: in order to be eligible for student teaching, all applicants must complete a Certificate of Clearance through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) prior to enrolling in our program. The Certificate of Clearance application requires a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). For information on obtaining a SSN or ITIN, visit the IRS website. All international applicants must obtain a Certificate of Clearance before the application deadline to be eligible for admission.

Student teaching is a mandatory component of our credential programs and is required in order to complete the required coursework and obtain a teaching credential. If a student is not able to begin student teaching, he/she will need to withdraw from the program. Applicants who are ineligible to obtain a SSN or ITIN should not apply to this program. If you have questions, please contact the SOLES Admissions and Outreach Office.