Graduate Admissions: How to Apply

Take the next step in your academic journey in one of our high-quality graduate programs! At the University of Houston College of Education, we offer master’s, doctoral, certification and certificate programs to support your career growth. We encourage you to start the application process early to give yourself time to gather materials, craft a thoughtful personal statement and secure references. Don’t delay your dreams — begin your application today !

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary by program and semester start. Visit Graduate Program Deadlines for exact dates. The online application opens on May 1 for admission the following spring and on August 1 for admission the following summer and fall.

General Admissions Requirements

GPA Standards

• Minimum GPA: 2.6 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Preferred GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

GRE Exam

• M.Ed., Ed.D., Certification & Certificate Programs: The GRE is not required.
• Ph.D. Programs: The GRE requirement is waived if the applicant has a master’s/terminal degree OR an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Application Checklist

• ApplyWeb online application
• Transcript(s)
• Statement of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation (not required for Certificate programs)
• English Language Proficiency (for international students)
• GRE Test Scores (Ph.D. programs only – waivers available)
• Writing Sample (Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs only)
• Supplemental Materials (for some programs)

Application Instructions

Follow the steps below to complete your graduate application.

Step 1 – Start Your Application

• Complete the ApplyWeb online application .
• Enter the contact information for your references as early as possible.

Step 2 – Submit Transcripts

• Initial application process: You may upload a PDF of your official transcript(s) via ApplyWeb. Read the instructions for uploading transcripts.
• If admitted: Official transcripts must be submitted directly to UH before you can enroll. Find all submission information via the UH Graduate School.
  • For international applicants: Official transcripts and degree certificates must be sent to the UH Graduate School in envelopes sealed and stamped by the issuing university. Review international student transcript guidance.

Step 3 – Submit Test Scores (Ph.D. only)

Step 4 – Demonstrate English Proficiency (international applicants only)

• International applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency according to the UH Graduate School standards.

Step 5 – Upload Required Documents

Statement of Interest

• Maximum of three double-spaced typed pages 
• Must contain the following:
  • Reason(s) for applying to the specific program
  • Preparation for the intended field of study
  • Research and study interests
  • Future career plans or other aspects of your background and interests

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Be sure the document is up to date and includes relevant experience.
• If applicable, list all journal publications/other publications within the document.

Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation are required for all degree and certification programs unless otherwise stated.
  • Two letters of recommendation are required for the Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. and the Higher Education Ph.D. programs.
  • No letters of recommendation are required for Certificate programs.
• Applicants must provide email addresses for recommenders via ApplyWeb . The application system will email recommenders directly with directions for submitting their letters.
• A recommender (employer, faculty member, work associate, etc.) should comment on an applicant’s academic potential for graduate work in the College of Education.

Writing Sample (Ed.D. and Ph.D. applicants only)

• Submit the writing sample via ApplyWeb under “Additional Documents.”
• Types of writing samples: an honors or master’s thesis, a published paper, a co-written paper, or a comparable article (a literature review; a research paper that includes research questions, data and conclusions; or a paper written for presentation purposes).
• Admissions committees review the writing samples for evidence of writing ability and the capacity for research, analysis and original thought at the graduate level.
• Minimum requirements:
  • A short, effectively written sample is preferable to a longer sample.
  • No longer than 50 pages, double-spaced.
  • Must have pagination.
  • Papers written in a language other than English require an English translation.
  • For a co-written paper, the applicant must be the first author.
• Note: Check your specific program to confirm if requirements differ.
• For programs in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, view ELPS Admissions Requirements .

Supplemental Materials

• Applicants interested in certification as a principal, superintendent, educational diagnostician or special education teacher must complete the supplemental questions in ApplyWeb. Required documentation may include a valid State of Texas Educator’s Certificate and service record to show the applicant meets the minimum years of teaching experience. View ELPS Admissions Requirements for these certification programs.
• For Higher Education Ph.D. optional materials, view ELPS Admissions Requirements .

Step 5 – Pay the Application Fee

• $50 for domestic applicants
• $80 for international applicants
• $25 for certification-only and certificate programs

Admissions Decisions

• Applicants will receive email confirmation via ApplyWeb when all required documents have been received.
• Admissions committees will review completed applications after the program deadline.
• For programs that require interviews (typically, Ph.D. programs): The admissions committee will notify the applicant directly regarding the date, time and scope.
• Admission decisions will be posted in ApplyWeb. Admitted students must take action in ApplyWeb to accept the offer.
• International applicants should review I-20 and financial backing information for documentation needed after being offered admissions.

Contact Us

Have questions about the application process? Contact the College of Education Graduate Student Success Team at coegrad@uh.edu or the program director. We wish you well in the application process and encourage you to apply now!