Application Process
Applications to the Specialist in Educational Administration program are considered on a rolling basis but decisions are not made until interested applicants meet with an admissions advisor in person or by phone. Applicants must have all materials submitted no less then 8 weeks prior to the semester they wish to enter. Michigan State University has 3 semesters:
- Fall (late Aug – Dec)
- Spring (Jan – May)
- Summer (May – August)
Required Application Materials
All Ed.S applicants must submit the following forms and materials directly to the K-12 Administration Department. Please note that submitted materials are not returned to applicants.
- A professional resume listing each activity that accounts for your time since earning a bachelor’s degree (e.g., employment, military service, travel). Be sure to include the type of activity, name of your employer, city/state, and dates. List the most recent activity first.
- Official Scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Scores cannot be more than 5 years old.
- A sample of academic writing such as a thesis chapter, a published article or a course term paper written by the author alone. Samples that demonstrate facility in expository and analytic writing are the most helpful.
- An academic and personal statement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation.
- Two (2) copies of official transcripts showing confirmed Bachelors and Masters degrees from accredited institutions. If degree confirmation is not stated on the transcript, provide certified copies of your degree certificates.
- An Application for Graduate Study if you have never been accepted to a graduate program at MSU or an Application for Change of Program and Status if you have previously been enrolled in a graduate degree program at MSU.
- Graduate students who have been away from MSU for more than one year will also need to fill out an online Readmission Form.
International Students
International students must also submit all supplemental application materials included in the Application for Graduate Study. Please see the checklist on page 8 of the downloadable application - for more details
Application Submission
Materials and questions about application procedures should be submitted to:
Admissions Assistant
K-12 Educational Administration
Michigan State University
402 Erickson Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 353-8480
Email: k12adm@msu.edu
Fax: (517) 884-1392
Please submit your application and fee online.
All remaining material should be forwarded to Admissions Assistant. If you prefer, you may download the application at the same link and submit it, the application fee, and all remaining material directly to the K-12 office
Review of Applications
Applications are reviewed by a committee of K-12 Administration faculty members. The review committee considers the following in assessing Specialist program applications:
- Experience with and potential for educational leadership.
- Strength of professional background and academic record.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Alignment of professional goals with the purposes and objectives of the specialist program.
- Consistency with Graduate School and College admission requirements.
