Graduate Program Admissions Checklist

Checklist

Complete the UCCS online application: www.uccs.edu/apply/ and select "All Graduate Students".

Initially, you will be emailed a temporary user ID and would have already set your own temporary password to begin the process. Once you have these two pieces of information, you will be able to complete the UCCS Graduate School online application.

Individuals applying as non-degree seeking students should proceed with:

  1. "I am interested in taking individual courses, but not interested in pursuing a degree or certificate at UCCS"
  2. "I have completed an undergraduate Bachelor's degree"
  3. "I am interested in taking a course offered on the UCCS campus or online"
  4. Next then choose Program, select non-degree graduate (main campus-non seeking a certificate or degree)

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
GRE or MAT is optional for the Masters of Art in Counseling and Human Services program
GRE is required for the Ph.D. program in Leadership, Research, and Policy
Students who apply for other programs DO NOT need to take a standardized exam for admission

Submit three letters of recommendation (one academic, two professional) from professionals with whom you have worked or studied under. For Counseling and Human Services applicants, please see specific recommendations here under "Application Process."

Submit one transcript from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
Students who attended or graduated from UCCS do NOT have to request official transcripts for admission.
Students should have a 2.75 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA or above.

Applicants with any post-secondary course work from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country’s Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/members), or World Education Services/WES https://www.wes.org/)

See department specific requirements below

Submit a Current Resume

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Instant Background Check for Admission

  1. Go to website (https://www.cbirecordscheck.com/Index.aspx )
  2. Click on Individuals
  3. $6.85 is the cost to receive the results
  4. Print a copy of the background check and turn in with your admissions materials Current CO school or agency employees who completed a background check for employment may provide a copy of their CO license or a copy of the results of the background check used for employment.

Please contact the College of Education Student Resource Office to set up an admissions interview. education@uccs.edu 719-255-4996
Send all College of Education Application Materials to: Admissions and Records Office  1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway  Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918

Specific Department Requirements/Descriptions for the Career Goal Statement

Counseling and Human Services (CMHC and SC only)

Prepare a career goal statement to include a self-evaluation. We are particularly interested in your level of self-awareness, academic potential, personal growth experiences, your interpersonal skills, why you have decided to become a counselor, and what you hope to do with your counseling degree. It may address any volunteer work in the human services field.

Curriculum and Instruction (All programs)

Demonstrate professional dispositions through the development of a personal goal statement (minimum 2 - page, double-spaced, word-processed). Please describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator. Please be sure to include personal and professional information that supports this decision. Your statement should be at least two pages in length, double spaced. Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.

Leadership, Research and Foundations (All programs)

Upload your career goal statement into the online application and include responses to the following prompts. Please limit your narrative to 1500 words. Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.

  • What are your reasons for applying to this program?
  • What are your professional career goals?
  • How does this program align with your goals?
  • In what ways have your life experiences, work, and volunteer activities prepared you for a career in leadership?
  • What do you bring to the program that will benefit your student colleagues?
  • What personal strengths will enhance your ability to be successful in this program?
  • What factors might limit your ability to complete this program?
  • What other factors do you believe are important for consideration in evaluating your application?

Special Education

In your career goal statement, please share some of your reasons for choosing teaching as a career. Please also tell something of your personal background and your motivation for teaching. Your statement should be 2 – 3 pages in length.

  1. What motivates you toward a career in teaching?
  2. What specific events of experiences in your life have led you to want to become a special education teacher?
  3. Describe the thought process that helped you make the decision to apply to this program.
  4. What assets do you bring to the field of special education?