Reviewing Your Application

Education Studies (EDS) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) supports the goal of equity and educational excellence for all K-12 students in our public schools. This goal is actualized through the academic and field components of the credential/M.Ed. program. Students learn research-based teaching practices and engage in extensive reflection and writing on their classroom practice. Students are asked to examine their teaching performance in relationship to the diverse social, cultural, economic, and political context of California public schools. EDS classroom placements reflect our commitment to prepare our graduates to become highly successful teachers in under-performing schools situated within linguistically and culturally diverse communities.

Each prospective candidate’s file is carefully reviewed by a EDS Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee first determines that applicants have completed the requirements for admission, and then evaluates each applicant on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Experience working with children in formal and informal educational settings,
  • Involvement in public service activities, particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse communities;
  • Academic excellence in their undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) studies;
  • A demonstrated commitment to educational equity and a strong desire to be a teacher who supports academic excellence and equitable learning among all students.

Specifically,

  1. The EDS Admissions Committee reviews applicant files for completion of the basic admission requirements: BA/BS conferred; GRE result; CBEST result; Subject Matter Preparation: CSET result; 2nd language acquisition; and US Constitution course or exam. The Admissions Committee considers the timely submission of all exam results and other requirements as a good indicator of prior planning to become a professional educator and of candidates’ potential for successful graduate study at UCSD.
  2. The “Statement of Purpose” is carefully evaluated by the Admissions Committee to assess the candidates’ rationale for becoming a teacher. The Admissions Committee also looks for specific evidence of recent and/or prolonged work with school-aged children. Special consideration is given to those who have recent experience working in classroom or other formal settings.
  3. For candidates who plan to teach in a shortage discipline (mathematics, science, or English) or who can work effectively with students who speak languages other than English, the Admissions Committee may take into consideration course grades in candidate’s major and the EDS minor to compensate for a marginal overall GPA.
  4. Letters of recommendation are reviewed by the Admissions Committee to verify prior experience working with children and applicants’ potential for successful graduate study at UCSD. Letters from referees who have observed applicants’ work with students and university faculty who can attest to their academic potential are of highest priority. Letters from former employers, associates or friends are considered to a lesser extent when reviewing the application.
  5. Overall, the Admissions Committee looks for evidence that candidates are capable of handling the simultaneous demands of graduate academic study and classroom teaching. Applicants who show in their Statements of Purpose, academic records, letters of recommendation, or other evidence in their files that they can successfully take on complex professional and academic responsibilities will help to demonstrate their ability to succeed in the EDS M.Ed./Credential Program.

Admissions