- What information should my personal statement cover?
Your personal statement should include the following information:
- Why you want to complete this particular degree;
- What you want to do with the degree when you graduate;
- If you have had experience working in higher education, describe what it was;
- If you have had experience during your undergraduate years in clubs, organizations, etc., describe in what capacity;
- Anything in your record that you would want to address (e.g., if your GPA is under 3.0).
- Who should write my letters of recommendation?
It is preferable to have previous college instructors of yours fill out the recommendation letters. The recommenders should address how they assess your potential for success in a graduate program. You can also get one letter from an employer, especially if it is from a higher education setting. The letters must be submitted through FIU's Graduate School online application. The instructions are on the graduate school website.
- Is the program part-time or full-time? How long does the program usually take?
Our face-to-face program is open to both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students take three courses each term (9 credit hours) and complete the program in two years. Part-time students typically take two courses each term (6 credit hours) and complete the program within three years.
Students in the online program enroll full-time for three consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) and complete the program in a single year.
- Is there a possibility for employment with the university after graduation?
There is a possibility of employment at the University after graduation, and our students are introduced to national opportunities for employment at other institutions.
- What is the estimated cost of the program?
Use the FIU Tuition Calculator to determine the cost of attendance for graduate students.
- My undergraduate GPA is under 3.0. Should I still apply to the program?
Yes, you may. However, admission to the program is highly competitive. It is important to note that FIU's graduate school computes a candidate's undergraduate GPA based only on the upper-division (3000 and 4000 level) courses in a student's program (usually up to the last 60 credits in a program). This is called the UG 60, and it could be different than the GPA of the entire undergraduate program. Therefore, if you have not completed your undergraduate degree yet and you believe your UG 60 GPA will be a 3.0 or higher once you have graduated, we suggest that you wait until after completion of your undergraduate degree to apply.
- My undergraduate degree is not in education. Can I still apply?
Yes, many of our students have undergraduate degrees in other disciplines such as arts and sciences or business.
- I am still completing my undergraduate degree, but want to apply to program. May I do so?
Yes, if you are in your last semester as an undergraduate student, you may apply to the program. You will have to have official transcripts sent to the Graduate School at the time of your application (even though it will still show you as an undergraduate student). If you meet the admissions requirements and you are recommended for admissions, you will be notified that your entry into the program is “conditional” until you send official transcripts to the Graduate School with your final undergraduate degree posted.
- Once I am accepted to the program, is there an orientation?
Yes, once you are accepted you will get an email with details for orientation.