General admission criteria

The Department of Education Policy and Leadership applies the following criteria to evaluate and recommend applicants for full admission to a doctoral or master's program:

Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is required. A minimum graduate grade point average of 3.5 is required for doctoral programs.

Test Scores: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores must be submitter for applicants to all degrees except the Ed.D.

Master's Applicants: Of the three scores on the GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytic) at least one should be at the 40th percentile or higher. If the MAT is used, the score should be at least at the 40th percentile.

Doctoral Applicants:Of the three scores on the GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytic) at least one should be at the 70th percentile or higher and none should be under the 40th percentile for doctoral applicants. If the MAT is used, the score should be at least at the 70th percentile.

In addition, admission decisions also weigh letters of recommendation, statement of goals, and writing samples submitted by applicants.

Statement of goals, experiences and research interests: The compatibility of the applicant's statement with an EDPL graduate program is reviewed, as is the statement's evidence of careful and compelling thought and clear aspirations. The quality and compatibility of prior experiences are also relevant.

Writing sample: For all doctoral applicants and for master's applicants to the Higher Education and International Education Policy areas of specialization, a writing sample is judged for evidence of the applicant's ability to consider and write about complex ideas.

Letters of recommendation: Letters that attest to the applicant's academic, scholarly, and professional potential are given consideration.

Criteria particular to Program Areas

MSDE Certification: Individuals entering programs leading to Maryland State Department of Education Administrator I Certification must demonstrate that they have met MSDE requirements for Administrator I certification. The MSDE website provides information on certification requirements for the state: http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/certification/certification_branch/You may also contact

Joann H. Ericson, Ph.D., Certification Chief
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-0406
Fax: 410-333-8963

Resume: Only applicants to Higher Education and International Education Policy are required to submit a resume that provides a full educational and employment history, with all educationally relevant work experience specifically highlighted.

NOTE: The Ed.D. program is currently under review. We will not be admitting students until Fall 2007.