What programs does the School of Education offer?
The School of Education (SOE) offers Master’s, credential, and certificate programs, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice is also available.  Here are the programs we currently offer:

• Combined MA (in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Literacy and Language Arts) and California Preliminary SB 2042 Multiple Subjects or Single Subject Teaching Credential
• Combined MA in Special Education and Preliminary Special Education Mild/Moderate Teaching Credential
• Combined MA in Bilingual Education, California Preliminary SB 2042 Multiple Subjects or Single Subject Teaching Credential, and Bilingual/Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) Credential
• 5th Year/Clear 2042 Program
• Combined Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology, MA in School Psychology and PPS School Psychology Credential
• California Reading Specialist Credential
• California Preliminary Tier I Administrative Services Credential
• California Professional Tier II Administrative Services Credential
• MA in School Administration
• MA in Catholic School Administration
• MA in Counseling (with the option to earn a PPS School Counseling Credential)
• MA in Educational Studies
• MA in Early Childhood Education
• MA in Guidance and Counseling
• MA in Reading Instruction
• Online MA in Reading Instruction
• California Teachers of English Learners Certificate (CTEL)
• California Reading Certificate
• Certificate in Charter School Leadership
• Certificate in Catholic School Leadership
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

The SOE also offers two innovative programs in partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles that allow Catholic school teachers to earn a combined MA in Education and California Preliminary SB 2042 Teaching Credential.  CAST is designed for fulltime teachers who already hold a position in the Los Angeles Archdiocese.  PLACE Corps serves those who aspire to live in community while teaching in under resourced Catholic schools.

Please browse our site to learn more about the benefits, course sequencing, and admission requirements for our different programs.  After you have reviewed our offerings, you can email general inquiries or request information and an application.

What are the application requirements for School of Education programs?  What do I need to submit in order to apply?
Each SOE program has specific forms and admissions requirements, so your first step is to click here to browse our different programs and to determine which one you are interested in.

Once you have a program in mind, click here and use the drop down menus to request information, an Admissions Checklist, and an application packet for the specific program you want to apply to. Doing this will ensure that you receive the correct application packet for your specific program.

What are the application deadlines for the School of Education’s programs?
Most School of Education programs admit in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. The deadline for Fall is June 15, for Spring is November 15, and for Summer is March 15.

However, several SOE programs admit only once per year and have different deadlines:

• School Psychology admits in the Fall only (deadline February 1)
• Early Childhood Education admits in the Fall only (deadline May 15)
• 5th Year/Clear 2042 admits in the Fall only (deadline June 15)
• Special Education, Chinese Bilingual/CBTE and CTEL admit in the Summer only (deadline March 15)
• MA School Administration, Charter School Leadership Academy, Catholic SChool Leadership Academy, and Tier I Administrative Credential admit in the Fall only (deadline April 1)
• Tier II Administrative Credential admits in the Fall (deadline May 1) and Spring (deadline November 15) only
• Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice admits in the Summer only (deadline January 25)
• PLACE Corps admits in the Summer only (deadline January 31)

Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $50 application fee.

Do I need to take the CBEST?  CSET?  GRE?
All SOE programs that lead to a California credential require applicants to submit proof of passing CBEST status. The GRE is only required for the School Psychology and Doctoral programs.

Candidates pursuing Teaching Credential programs must also pass the appropriate CSET exams prior to entering Student Teaching, but these exams are not required for admissions. Please review the Admissions Checklist for the specific program you are interested in to clarify any testing requirements.

What can I expect once I have submitted an application?
After your complete application has been received and processed, you will be contacted to schedule an interview with the Director of the program you have applied to.  Interviews are held here at LMU, but out-of-state or international applicants can opt for a phone or Skype interview.  After the interview, the final admission decision will be made, and you will be notified by email.  If admitted to the SOE you will then be contacted by your Academic Advisor to discuss course selection and registration.

When will I find out my application status?
It generally takes 4 weeks for your complete application to be processed, for you to be called to schedule an interview, and for the final admission decision to be made.  After you have applied to a program, you can email to determine the status of your application. Please wait at least 2 weeks after applying to send your inquiry.

Do international students need to take additional steps to apply?
Generally, international students have the same application requirements and pay the same tuition rates as domestic students. Two exceptions should be noted:

1. All international applicants (including those who received their bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university) must take the TOEFL unless they received a high school diploma in the United States.  The minimum score for admission to the School of Education is 600.  Applicants must request that ETS send their scores to LMU Graduate Admissions (use Institution Code 4403).
2. All applicants who hold a degree from a foreign university must have their transcripts evaluated by one of the following agencies: 

• Academic & Credential Records, Evaluation & Verification Services (www.acrevs.com)
• Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (www.acei1.com)
• Academic & Professional International Evaluations, Inc (www.apie.org)
• American Education Research Corporation (www.aerc-eval.com)
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (www.ece.org)
• Educational Records Evaluation Service (www.eres.com)
• Institute for International Credentials Evaluations (iicecsufresno@cvip.net)
• World Education Services (www.wes.org)  

   

For more information on admissions requirements for international students, please visit http://graduate.lmu.edu/apply/international.htm.

When are classes offered?  
School of Education classes are designed to fit the needs of working professionals.  Generally, SOE classes are offered Monday through Thursday in the evening. In the fall and spring semesters, classes meet from either 4:30pm to 7:00pm, or from 7:15pm to 9:45pm. Class sizes are kept small, ensuring that you develop a close relationship with your instructors, as well as a built-in support network of fellow students.

What type of financial aid is offered?
Student loans (private, state, and federal), departmental grants, and graduate assistantships are available. To qualify, you must submit the FAFSA (found here). The financial aid application and other forms are available here.

LMU has a centralized financial aid office. As the School of Education does not handle financial aid, please direct all questions and inquiries to the Graduate Financial Aid Office or 310.338.2753.

Can I visit LMU?
You are welcome to schedule a campus tour. All tours are handled by the Graduate Division, or call 310.338.2721.