School of Education | Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA LMU.edu
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School of Education | Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA LMU.edu
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Admission

Admission Application Steps

Step 1 - Apply Online!
Applications are submitted electronically (graduate.lmu.edu/apply/).  Feel free to start the application and submit when you're ready.  You can return as many times as you like before completing/submitting.

We accept and review applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Candidates may begin the program in any semester (Fall, Spring, Summer I or Summer II).  Most classes are offered synchronously online.

Submit or arrange for submission of three items:

  • Personal Statement of Intent (Questions prompts below and within the application.)
  • One set of official transcripts sent directly from your academic institution to LMU. (Directions below and within the application.)  A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalency) is required.
  • Name of at least two individuals who will submit a recommendation letter for you.  The application system will prompt you for the name, title, and email address of each recommender.  The application system will then send the individuals listed a personalized email for uploading the recommendation.

Step 2 - Participate in a Meeting/Interview with the Program Director
Applicants that meet the program admission requirements in the initial paper screening of their submitted application will be contacted for participation in an interview.

Step 3 -  Receive Admission Notification
Applicants recommended for admission or waitlisted admission will sent a notification email from Graduate Admission Office generally within a week following the interview. Accepted candidates work with their academic advisor and program director for enrollment procedures and program guidance.

Application Details

Personal Statement of Intent Directions:  (Tips for Personal Statement)
In your personal statement of intent (2-3 pages, double spaced, 12-point font) please address the following:

In your personal statement of intent (2-3 pages, double spaced, 12-point font) please address the following:

  1. A description of your personal and/or professional reasons to pursue the MA Educational Studies.
  2. The characteristics you possess which you believe will help you as you complete the degree.
  3. A summary of your experiences you have had working with K-12 or higher education students,
    including those from culturally diverse backgrounds.
  4. A summary of how your experiences, qualities, and goals reflect the School of Education's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

Tips for the two letters of recommendation:

  • Letters of recommendation ideally would be from a recent faculty member and/or current or recent supervisor(s).
  • Encourage your recommender(s) to focus on your personal qualities, along with your academic and leadership potential.
  • The online application system will ask you to input the name, title, and email address of your recommenders. The system will send out the request and instructions for uploading directly to your recommender.
  • Review optional tips for asking for a letter of recommendation.

Transcript Submission Directions:

We require one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve previously attended where you earned a degree(s).  Please have these sent directly from your academic institution(s) to LMU (graduateadmission@lmu.edu).  A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or international equivalency) is required for all graduate degree programs.  International degrees require additional evaluation of the degree by an approved international degree evaluation agency.  For institutions that do not provide electronic transcripts, they can be mailed directly to Graduate Admission Office, Loyola Marymount University, Charles Von der Ahe Suite 235, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

International candidates whose citizenship is from a country where English is not a primary language are further required to submit English proficiency test scores from either TOEFL, IELTS, or DUOLINGO.  

Does this program lead to a teaching credential?

No, the MA in Educational Studies program does not lead to a California Teaching Credential. If you are interested in earning a California Preliminary Teaching Credential in order to begin a career as a California K-12 school teacher, the School of Education offers an excellent two-year teacher preparation program that leads to a combined M.A. with a Teaching Credential. Please instead request information on our “Teaching: Elementary or Secondary Education” program or “Teaching: Special Education Mild/Moderate” program.