Department of
Specialized Education Services
Frequently Asked Questions for M.Ed. Programs
Q: Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
A: If you are applying for admission to one of the M.Ed. programs the GRE is required and your application for admission cannot be processed until GRE scores are received. If you have taken the GRE within the past five years, those scores may be submitted. If you are planning to complete only the PAIL program, you do not need to take the GRE.
Q: When can I expect a response to my application?
A: Because your application has to be processed by the Graduate School, forwarded to the School of Education, and then reviewed in the Department of Specialized Education Services, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the process. If your application arrives during a break or holiday period or summer vacation, an additional amount of time may be needed. If you have questions about the status of your application, you can contact the department at (336)334-5843 for information.
Q: How long do I have to complete my program?
A: If you are completing an M.Ed. program, you have a total of five years from the date of the first course applicable toward the degree to finish all requirements. A complete discussion of time limits is included in the Graduate School bulletin ( Click here).
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: The UNCG Financial Aid office provides information on available financial aid. You can contact that office by calling 336-334-5702, e-mailing at finaid@uncg.edu or visiting their website at http://fia.dept.uncg.edu/
Q: Are Scholarships available?
A: The SOE has a limited number of scholarships. You can receive an application from the Student Advising and Recruiting Center in the School of Education, Curry Building, Room 324 Applications are reviewed in early spring.
Q: What does a graduate assistantship involve?
A: Graduate assistantships are designed for full-time students who wish to immerse themselves in their graduate studies and be an integral part of a department or office. The Department of Specialized Education Services usually has a number of graduate assistantships available. These are awarded in the late spring, usually for the following fall and/or spring. Occasionally some type of summer assistantship may be available. Graduate assistantships are either 10 hours or 20 hours per week for a small stipend. Some graduate assistantships also carry a tuition waiver.
In addition to assistantships in the department, students might be eligible to apply for an assistantship for another department or office on campus.
Q: Does a master's degree program include a comprehensive exam?
A: Students in the M. Ed programs should complete and present a final portfolio (See program handbooks or advisor for specific requirements). Students in PAIL program are not required to take a comprehensive examination.
Q: If I don't have a degree in teaching, can I still apply for the M.Ed. program?
A: Students without teaching credentials are invited to apply for the M.Ed. program. However, they will need to complete licensure competences prior to beginning the Master program. For Special Education: General Curriculum, this includes the PAIL program. For the BK:ISED program, courses needed to fulfill licensure requirements are identified when the application is reviewed.
Q: If I am an experienced teacher, do I need to do a practicum?
A: Yes. Students have opportunities to complete practica in their own classrooms, should it fulfill program requirements, but the course is not waived.
Q: For BK/ISED programs, what does the final internship involve?
A: It is a six credit hour course and internship placements are individualized based on student interest. It is a leadership internship so students will have the opportunity to make a contribution to the field, the community on a specific program. See advisor for more details.
EFFECTIVE 11/5/2009 - Change in Admissions Policy for the Graduate School regarding transcripts and course transfer information -
For immediate Implementation: Requirement for transcripts
Current text from the Bulletin, p. 10
In addition, all applicants must submit a completed application form accompanied by one official transcript of the student’s academic record from every college and university previously attended (even if the courses from one school appear on the transcript of another), three recommendations from former professors, employers, or persons well acquainted with the student’s academic potential, qualifying examination scores (#4 above), and a nonrefundable $55.00 application fee. Where a degree was earned, the official transcript must indicate the name of the degree and the date awarded. All credentials must be in English.
New text
In addition, all applicants must submit a completed application form accompanied by one official transcript of the student’s academic record from every college and university previously attended. If credit from one institution has been transferred to another, a transcript from the original institution is not required. Three recommendations from former professors, employers, or persons well acquainted with the student’s academic potential, qualifying examination scores (#4 above), and a nonrefundable $55.00 application fee also are required. Where a degree was earned, the official transcript must indicate the name of the degree and the date awarded. All credentials must be in English.
Please contact the SES Department at ses@uncg.edu to request more information.