College of Education

IEEP Admissions

Inclusive Elementary Educator Program (IEEP)

Admissions

Prerequisite Experience

Applicants should gain volunteer or paid experience working with children with and without disabilities in schools and/or other settings (such as the SPED 460/560 practicum). Applicants should obtain letters of recommendation from their supervisors in these experiences and will be asked to reflect on them as part of the application process.

Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite courses are available at PSU. Equivalent courses may be taken at community colleges or other universities. The prerequisites can be met by taking the courses listed below, by showing equivalent course work or experience, or in some cases by passing a test provided by the department that offers the course (e.g., music or math). Please attend a College of Education general advising session for further information.

Required Prerequisites

  • SPED 418/518 Survey of Exceptional Learners (3 credits)
  • LIB 428/528 Children's Literature, K-5 (3 credits)
  • MTH 211 Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I (4 credits)
  • MTH 212 Foundations of Elementary Mathematics II or MTH 213 Foundations of Elementary Mathematics III (4 credits)

Highly Recommended

  • SPED 460/560 Outdoor Education/Recreation for Persons with Disabilities

This two-week (6 credit) practicum is offered during the summer at the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp. While living at the camp, students form teams to provide an outdoor recreation program for persons with severe disabilities.

Exams

It is the applicant's responsibility to register for exams and arrange to have test scores reported to the College of Education. Study materials for the entrance exams are available at the Portland State University Bookstore and from the testing organizations themselves.

Applicants will need to pass three tests prior to being recommended for licensure:

Admissions instructions

  1. Check the application deadline for your program.
  2. Make sure you have everything ready from the Application Checklist.
  3. Create an account or sign into the Portland State University Admissions Application system.
  4. Select "Start New Application" and then "Graduate Application." Do not select "Non-degree". You will not be able to upload the necessary documents with the non-degree application, and your application will not be considered.
  5. For the college, select "College of Education"
  6. For the program of study, select "Special Education: Inclusive Elementary Educator Program IEEP"

To validate your admission you must take a course during the term in which you have requested to be admitted. Should you not take a course in that term, your application will be cancelled and you will need to reapply to the next cohort.

Questions about the application process?

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

Application checklist

  • Program-specific application
  • Unofficial transcripts are accepted by the College of Education for the program application. You only need to submit transcripts from institutions that you earned a degree from and where any graduate coursework was taken. Additional unofficial transcripts may be sent in if it significantly improves your application GPA. If admitted, you must send in official transcripts from each degree-granting school and any graduate school. More information on submitting official transcripts can be found on the Graduate Admissions page.
    • 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)
  • Apply for scholarships
  • Apply for FAFSA

To validate your admission you must take a course during the term in which you have requested to be admitted. Should you not take a course in that term, your application will be cancelled and you will need to reapply.

    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.

    Selection process

    Admission to the Inclusive Elementary Educators program is selective and competitive. Each application receives a thorough review from the admissions committee. High values are placed on interpersonal skills, academic achievement, course work preparation, potential to meet the needs of pupils, collaboration skills, time management and organization, and successful experience with children (with and without disabilities). A goal of Portland State University's College of Education is to attract academically able students who reflect diverse cultural backgrounds and who seek to work with children of varying abilities. Applicants are interviewed by a team of faculty members and educators from the field.

    Questions about the application process?

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