VIL Admissions

 

All applicants must:

  1. Possess a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 2.75 in upper division course work.
  2. Meet the prerequisites (below) for admission. Individuals should have volunteer or work experience in education or social services, and experiences with children or young adults with disabilities.
  3. Complete either the PRAXIS Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to applying to the department. Registration information and exam schedules are available through the School of Education, PSU Testing Services, or by contacting the testing boards themselves.
  4. Submit two sets of official transcripts from every college or university attended. One set goes to the University Admissions office, and the other goes to the Special Education Department. For the department, have the transcripts sent to yourself and then submit them as part of the application packet. PSU transcripts submitted to the Special Education Department must be official copies.
  5. Apply to both the university and the Special Education Department. For details about applying to the university, see the Application for Graduate Admission (online!). This application is sent directly to Graduate Admissions.

All application material and forms can be accessed here:

SPED Department Packet

 

What happens next?

The application deadline for the new cohort is February 15. Applications will be accepted after that date, but will be considered only on a space available basis. Interviews will be scheduled in March. Following the interview, applicants will be notified by mail within three weeks whether or not they have been selected for admission. Both full time and part time programs begin during the first summer session of each year.