Admissions

First, check the application deadline for your program. To apply, create an account or sign into the Portland State University Admissions Application system. When prompted for the program, select "College of Education" as the College, and then "Educational Leadership and Policy: PACE specialization, Masters" as your program of study.

Before applying to our program you must:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the highest degree earned.

Apply for graduate admission to Portland State University

• All applicants, regardless of which ELP program they are applying for, must fill out the application.
• Be sure to indicate the term you intend to take a course as your admission term. You must take a course the term you are admitted to the program or your admission will be automatically cancelled by the university Office of Admissions.

If you have questions about the application process, please email elpadmit@pdx.edu

Deadlines

Applicants are responsible for ensuring all application materials are received by the department by the application deadline! Faculty will review applications only after all application materials have been received. A timely admission decision cannot be guaranteed for incomplete applications. However, since the program reviews applications continuously, students should apply as soon as possible even if they missed the original deadline.

After the application review is complete, departmental decisions will be emailed to the student and are subject to final approval by the university Office of Admissions. You will be notified of your official admission status via a mailed letter from the Office of Admissions. Only after you are officially admitted you will be able to register for courses. The whole admission process may take a minimum of up to 4 weeks to complete. Please plan accordingly.

Application checklist

• Unofficial transcripts are accepted by the College of Education for the program application. You must submit transcripts for all institutions previously attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree or not. If admitted, you must send official transcripts to the Graduate School in order to register for classes.
  • Acceptable unofficial transcripts are:
    • Web-based transcripts downloaded from an institution: institution and student name must be visible on transcripts
    • Photocopies of official transcripts: these must include the front and back of all pages, including transcript key
  • Previous applicants:
    • If you’ve previously submitted official transcripts to PSU, you are still required to upload unofficial transcripts to complete your application.
• After you are admitted, you must submit official transcripts to:
  • The Graduate School
    Portland State University
    PO Box 751
    Portland, OR 97207 - 0751
    Electronic official transcripts should be sent to graddocs@pdx.edu
• Personal statement (writing prompt provided within application)
• Résumé
• Two recommendation forms (forms are provided within application)

Questions about the application process?

If you have questions about the application process, contact askcoe@pdx.edu.
Learn about available scholarships and financial aid.

Retention of student documents

All application documents submitted to PSU become the property of the University and may not be copied or returned to a student. Transcripts from other institutions cannot be copied. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email elpadmit@pdx.edu.

It is a University requirement that students register and pay for at least one credit in the term they are admitted. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of your admission. If you need to change the term for which you intend to begin classes after you have submitted your application, please contact the ELP Department at elpadmit@pdx.edu to discuss your options.

Equal opportunity

PSU supports equal opportunity in admissions, education, and use of facilities by prohibiting discrimination in those areas based on age, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, religion and sexual orientation. This policy implements state and federal law (including Title IX), and inquiries about it should be directed to the Affirmative Action Office, 122 Cramer Hall. A major goal of this department is to provide a diverse pool of qualified applicants for educational leadership and administrative positions in Oregon. African, Asian, Native Americans, Hispanics, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.