Education and Leadership Graduate Application

Graduate education program application requirements

• MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure (MAT)

  Application requirements

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. 
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Two-page essay outlining why you have decided to become a teacher.
  • Professional resume detailing your experience (volunteer or paid) working with children.
  • Letter of recommendation written by a person unrelated to you, who is familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study. The letter must be sent directly to Graduate Admission by the person writing the recommendation. 
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo of 105.

  If you have a GPA of 2.5-2.9, you may still be considered for admission. Please also provide:

  • A one- to two-page narrative to help the admissions committee assess your academic history and qualifications, in the context of the high standards for academic performance in our program.
  • Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you, who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study. 
• MA in Education (MAEd), MA in Natural Science and Environmental Education (MAEd:NSEE), MA in Literacy Education (MALEd)

  Application requirements

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. 
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Two-page essay explaining your personal and professional philosophy of education (MAEd), environmental education (MAED:NSEE), or literacy education (MALEd); how this program will support your personal and professional growth in the field; and how you hope to contribute to the field as a result of your graduate studies.
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo of 105.

  If you have a GPA of 2.5-2.9, you may still be considered for admission. Please also provide:

  • A one- to two-page narrative to help the admissions committee assess your academic history and qualifications, in the context of the high standards for academic performance in our program.
  • Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you, who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study.
• MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL)

  Application requirements

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. .
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Two-page essay explaining why you have decided to pursue the MATESOL and how the program will support your professional goals. Include an overview of your strengths, experience, and expertise in teaching and/or research, and identify what areas of the TESOL field interest you and why.
  • Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you familiar with your academic and/or professional history who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study.
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 100, IELTS score of 7.
  • Documentation of foreign language study (students must have at least two years of high school or one year of college foreign language or the equivalent).
  • If you have a GPA of 2.5-2.9, you may still be considered for admission. Please also provide a one-two page narrative to help the admissions committee assess your academic history and qualifications, in the context of the high standards for academic performance in our program. Applicants who have successfully completed a master's degree (GPA > 3.0) are exempt from the provisional review process.
• Doctorate in Education (EdD)

  Your commitment begins here.

  The EdD application is designed for working professionals with significant leadership experience. It asks more of you than a master’s application — and that’s intentional. The questions you engage with here are the beginning of your doctoral inquiry.

  Application requirements:

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. 
  • Official transcript of a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor's degree transcript from a regionally accredited university. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Admission office or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not need to supply transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Statement of your educational aims that specifies how the Hamline EdD will help you achieve your goals (one to two pages). 
  • Article written by you that demonstrates your ability to synthesize and portray thinking about a critical issue in education (10 pages maximum). Frequently asked questions about the writing sample (Google doc)
  • Three letters of recommendation, including at least two from instructors/professional colleagues familiar with your learning, leadership, and collaboration capacity.
  • Resume demonstrating at least three years of relevant work experience.
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo of 105.

  One more step: the faculty interview

  After submitting your materials, you’ll be invited to meet with a faculty committee. This isn’t a screening — it’s a conversation. We want to understand your research interests, your professional context, and how the EdD fits your goals. It’s also your opportunity to ask us anything.

  Don't want to wait until fall 2027?

  Admitted EdD students can begin elective coursework as early as summer or fall 2026 — before the cohort officially starts. Once admitted, you’ll work with an adviser to build a plan that fits your schedule and research interests. The cohort model means you move through core courses together as a group, but your overall journey can begin right away.

  For program-specific questions...

  Please contact Dr. Javier Gutierrez, Program Director, at jgutierrez@hamline.edu.

   

• Educational Specialist with Administrative Licensure (EdS)

  Application requirements

  Applicants must have a master's degree, hold a teaching license, and have three years of teaching experience. (Applicants may also satisfy MN Rule Chapter 3512.0700, subpart 4).
  Application materials: 

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. 
  • Official transcript of a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor's degree transcript from a regionally accredited university.
  • Current Minnesota educator license. 
  • Resume or curriculum vitae verifying at least three years of classroom teaching experience to meet licensure requirements.
  • One-page personal statement that addresses why you aspire to be an educational leader. 
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course by course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you, who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study. Letters must be sent directly to Graduate Admission by the person writing the recommendation. 
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.
• Educational Specialist - Leadership for Equitable Innovation and Transformation (EdS)

  Application requirements

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. 
  • Official transcript of a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor's degree transcript from a regionally accredited university.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae. 
  • One-page personal statement that addresses why you aspire to be an educational leader. 
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study. Letters must be sent directly to Graduate Admission by the person writing the recommendation. 
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.
• Administrative Licensure

  Application requirements

  Applicants must have a master's degree, hold a teaching license, and have three years of teaching experience. (Applicants may also satisfy MN Rule Chapter 3512.0700, subpart 4).
  Application materials: 

  • Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application. 
  • Official transcript of a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor's degree transcript from a regionally accredited university.
  • Current Minnesota educator license. 
  • Resume or curriculum vitae verifying at least three years of classroom teaching experience to meet licensure requirements.
  • One-page personal statement that addresses why you aspire to be an educational leader. 
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course by course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you, who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study. Letters must be sent directly to Graduate Admission by the person writing the recommendation. 
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.
• Additional licensure programs

  Application requirements

  • Online application (no fee for U.S. residents).
  • Current Tier 3 or Tier 4 Minnesota teaching license. Licenses cannot be added to one-year limited licenses.
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • If you have a GPA of 2.5-2.9, you may be considered for provisional admission. Please provide a one-two page written reflection indicating your plans for meeting the Hamline GPA requirements if admitted to the program. Applicants who have successfully completed a master's degree (GPA > 3.0) are exempt from the provisional review process.  
  • One- to two-page personal statement outlining your professional beliefs, your current and/or prior teaching experience, the reasons you are seeking an additional Minnesota teaching license, and two or three professional goals directly related to the new license area. (Note: This essay will also be used prior to entering your Advanced Practicum.) Not applicable for Reading License applicants.
  • Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo of 105.
• Graduate certificate programs

  Application requirements

  • Online application (no fee).
  • Official transcript of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 from a regionally-accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic transcripts should be emailed from the institution to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to supply transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
  • TEFL Certificate applicants must also submit a one-page statement that addresses why you aspire to teach English as a foreign language

  Students who are currently enrolled in a School of Education and Leadership degree or certificate program do not need to complete an application for admission to enroll in a new certificate program. Students seeking a first certificate or who are not currently enrolled at Hamline University need to complete an application for admission.