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Informational Meetings

Prospective students may attend an informational meeting prior to submitting an application. Complete details regarding admission and specific program requirements, advising, and general information are discussed at information meetings. For details on upcoming dates, meeting locations, or registration, check the School of Education's information meeting calendar or call (626) 815-5376.

Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

International students have a separate application procedure that precedes the standard admission process. View international requirements below or contact the International Center at +1-626-812-3055 or by email.

After attending the mandatory information meeting to receive initial group advising, submit the following directly to the Graduate Center:

  1. A Graduate Application for Admission
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
  2. A $45 nonrefundable application fee
  3. Two copies of official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant's baccalaureate degree (bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution) and all post-baccalaureate study. An official transcript is one which Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and which bears the official seal of the college or university. A minimum baccalaureate or master's grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0-scale is required. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a grade-point average between 2.5 and 2.9 if competency can be shown using multiple measures.)
  4. Three recommendation forms that assess competence and character (Appropriate recommendations include those who have supervised the applicant's leadership and/or teaching experience with children/youth in public or private settings, an employer who directly supervised the applicant, or one faculty/academic reference. References from neighbors, friends, and relatives are not appropriate unless they have served as supervisors. Please use the required forms provided in the Application for Graduate Admission; additional letters are optional.)
  5. A one- to two-page Letter to the Dean addressing the following topics: experiences from the applicant's background that may enhance the teaching experience; the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working with children; why the applicant wants to teach; preferred grade level and content areas and why; special interests, hobbies, or abilities; extracurricular activities; and previous residence or travel experiences (Written communication skills will be assessed along with the content.)
  6. Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience, including most relevant work and volunteer experience
  7. Proof of Certificate of Clearance (Submit photocopy of the most current Pre-Intern Credential, Emergency Permit, or Certificate of Clearance [fingerprint check for CTC] application to the Graduate Center. For more information, please contact Casi Castellano at (626) 815-5455 [ccastellano@apu.edu]. Current Pre-Intern Permit or Emergency Permit also meets this requirement.)
  8. Proof of successful passage of the CBEST or proof of paid registration for the next CBEST (Proof of the successful completion must be submitted no later than the date of Application for Student Teaching/Intern Teaching.)
  9. The program admits only those candidates who meet one of the following criteria.
    Reference: Education Code Section 44227(a).*
    • The candidate provides evidence of having passed the appropriate subject-matter examination(s) - e.g., CSET/SSAT/PRAXIS
    • The candidate provides evidence of having attempted the appropriate subject-matter examination(s) - e.g., CSET/SSAT/PRAXIS.
    • The candidate provides evidence of registration for the next scheduled examination - e.g., CSET/SSAT/PRAXIS.
    • The candidate provides evidence of having completed a CTC-approved subject-matter preparation program.
    • The candidate provides evidence of continuous progress toward meeting the CTC-approved subject-matter requirement.
    • The candidate provides evidence of enrollment in an organized subject-matter examination preparation program.

After all above materials have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions in the Graduate Center, the Department of Teacher Education reviews the file and will notify you by mail or phone to schedule an admission interview. Plan to come dressed professionally and prepared to be interviewed before admission will be granted. In addition to the previously mentioned requirements, the following characteristics are also considered:

  • Evidence of good character and personality attributes and attitudes that are appropriate to professional service
  • Good mental and physical health

Students admitted with Provisional Program Acceptance must complete the first 12 units with a B or better in each course to remain eligible for continued enrollment at the university.

The department reserves the right to change the admission process and requirements.

All materials should be sent to:

Graduate Center
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
(626) 815-4570
Fax: (626) 815-4571
graduatecenter@apu.edu
www.apu.edu/graduatecenter

Admission Requirements – International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. CIS and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply to be a graduate student at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and other admission requirements specified by the program.

International applicants must:

International applicants must also submit:

  • An International Graduate Application
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
    Note: This application is submitted in place of the domestic graduate application.
  • A $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee
    Note: This fee is submitted in place of the $45 nonrefundable application fee for domestic applicants.
  • Official transcripts
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's International Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's international applicant transcript policy.

  • Official TOEFL/IELTS score report (if applicable)
    Request official TOEFL/IELTS test scores sent directly from the academic institution to APU. For more information, read our English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate and Doctoral Programs.
  • An affidavit of support and a bank statement
    International applicants must provide an affidavit of support and a bank statement proving financial ability to pay for educational costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • A recent photo
    International applicants must submit one recent photo of yourself.
  • A résumé showing work experience
    International applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates recent work experience.
  • Three recommendation letters (Download PDF)
    International applicants must request recommendations completed by professors or employers (non-family members) who have knowledge of the applicant's academic ability and potential. Some programs require specific information in their recommendations.
  • Essays (international master's applicants only)
    International applicants must submit a typewritten essay addressing the following questions:
    1. How do you hope to benefit from an academic experience in America?
    2. Describe your current religious or philosophical beliefs.
    3. Explain why you would be a good candidate to study at APU, including any leadership roles you have experienced.

Submit all materials to:

International Center
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave.
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
USA
+1-626-815-3055
Fax: +1-626-815-3801
Email IC

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the International Center, the department reviews the applicant’s file. The student is notified of the committee’s decision within approximately two weeks.

Admissions Interview and Advising Requirement

Prospective candidates should expect to participate in a group or individual interview that focuses on dispositions, skills, and attitudes for teaching. These are considered during the admission process and at selected transition points within each program.

Candidates must be advised by a designated education faculty member as part of an admissions interview prior to enrollment in the program. This occurs after the admissions application has been completed and reviewed by the Credential Analysts’ Office for any missing program required documentation. Candidates will be notified by the department when an interview appointment can be made.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. To view 2010-11 program information, please refer to the Academic Catalogs page. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.