Santa Clara University

Admission Requirements for Master Programs

1. An admissions application with a $50 nonrefundable application fee (check is
payable to Santa Clara University).
2. Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
3. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
(NEASC, NCA, MSA, SACS, WASC, NWCCU). International transcripts
must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
(NACES)-accredited and School of Education, Counseling Psychology, and
Pastoral Ministries-approved service to show U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency,
course-by-course evaluation, and final cumulative grade point average. Please
contact the Graduate Services Office for a list of approved agencies.
4. Evidence of written and oral English proficiency.
5. Letters of recommendation. See specific degree program applications for number
of letters required.
6. Essay/statement of purpose.
7. Special Education applicants must submit either the GRE or MAT test scores.
GRE and MAT scores are valid for five years.
8. Applicants to the Reading Certification, Reading Language Arts Specialist Certification
and the Preliminary Administrative Services credential must provide
proof of a valid teaching credential.

Admission Requirements for Credential Programs

Admission requirements to the credential programs are as follows:
1. Completion of the admissions application with a $50 nonrefundable application
fee (check is payable to Santa Clara University).
2. Overall grade point average 2.75 with 3.0 in the academic major.
3. Formal interview with Coordinator of Teaching Credential Program.
4. Demonstrated competence in reading, writing, and speaking English.
5. Three letters of recommendation. Recommendations from family members or personal
friends will not be considered.
6. Two copies of official transcripts from all domestic and international colleges
and universities attended.
7. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
(NEASC, NCA, MSA, SACS, WASC, NWCCU) by the time of enrollment.
International transcripts must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential
Evaluation Services (NACES)-accredited and School of Education,
Counseling Psychology, and Pastoral Ministries-approved service to show U.S.
bachelor’s degree equivalency, course-by-course evaluation, and final cumulative
grade point average. A list of approved agencies is available from the Graduate
Services Office.
8. A written statement of purpose that describes the applicant’s reason for
entering the teaching profession.
9. Evidence of successful practicum work, community service, and/or experience
with children or youth groups.

Note: It is highly recommended that applicants complete the subject-matter requirement
by passing the appropriate subject matter examination (CSET) before beginning a
credential program. Subject-matter competence must be met and on file before students
enroll in Education 321 (winter quarter).

Current Multiple and Single Subject credential candidates who wish to apply for a master’s
degree in Teaching and Learning, Language and Literacy Development, Environmental
Literacy and Ethics, or Catholic Education must submit the following:

1. New application (available online)
2. One additional letter of recommendation from their directed teaching supervisor
3. New statement of purpose
Admission to master’s program is contingent upon completion and recommendation of
credential. Transfer of credential coursework toward master’s degree is done in consultation
with academic advisor.

Current Multiple and Single Subject credential candidates who wish to apply for a 45-
unit master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, Teaching and Learning with
Technology, or Environmental Literacy and Ethics must submit the following:

1. New application (available online)
2. Letters of recommendation. See specific degree program application for details
3. Essay/Statement of Purpose

The master’s programs listed above require 45 units of new coursework; credential
courses are not accepted.

Note: A score above 1,000 on the GRE (taken within the past five years) may be used
to compensate for a low GPA.

Degree/Credential Program application deadlines are as follows:
• April 1–15 for summer session
• June 1–15 for fall quarter
• October 1–15 for winter quarter
• February 1–15 for spring quarter
Decisions are issued quarterly, shortly after the deadline dates. Results of the admissions decisions are sent to the candidates via postal mail.