MEd Science Education: How to Apply

If you are interested in the 12-month accelerated program under Strand A, you must apply for the summer semester (January 15). Students who wish to complete the Strand A program in more than 12 months may apply for any semester.

M.Ed. Science Education Application Deadlines Heading link

Semester you want to enroll Application deadline International deadline
Fall (August start) April 15 April 1
Spring (January start) November 1 July 15
Summer (May start) & required deadline for 1-year accelerated program January 15 December 15

Admission Requirements for Strand A | M.Ed. with Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) Heading link

Strand A requires an undergraduate major in one of the sciences or the equivalent coursework. Applicants who have at least 18 hours of completed coursework in the sciences may be accepted into Strand A and complete science deficiencies while earning the graduate education degree.

Strand A requires an overall GPA of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study, and 3.00/4.00 for any post baccalaureate/graduate coursework, as well as 2.50/4.00 GPA for science courses.  Remember, both Strand A and Strand B admit students every semester, but completing Strand A in 12 months requires beginning the program in the summer term.

Master’s of Science Education students in Strand A who plan on teaching in a low income school after graduation may be eligible for a federal TEACH grant.

Admission Requirements for Strand B | M.Ed. only Heading link

While fundamental science knowledge and science-related experiences are required, there is no specified amount of science coursework required for Strand B.

Strand B requires an overall GPA of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study, and 3.00/4.00 for any post baccalaureate/graduate coursework.

    1. New applicants must first complete the UIC Graduate Admissions application.
    2. Current UIC graduate students who want to change or add programs or degrees should complete the Request for Change of Graduate Program instead of the UIC Graduate Admissions application. Please read the instructions if you are not sure which one to fill out, or contact gradcoll@uic.edu with questions.
    3. The following documents should be uploaded online upon receiving email instructions after completing the UIC Graduate Admissions application:
      1. Undergraduate transcripts and all graduate transcripts
      2. TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants only
      3. Three letters of recommendation: These letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. Letters may be from current or former professors or supervisors. At least one letter should be from someone who can address your experience working with children.
      4. Personal statement. Strand A (certification) requires a 3-4 page statement addressing the applicant’s commitment to and/or experiences working with urban youth, and experiences with learning science.
    4. Interview with advisory staff.  You will be contacted to arrange a time.

**For students applying for a UIC Secondary Science Teaching Fellowship (must be applying to the one-year accelerated Strand A program): after your UIC application is complete, please fill out the online form to be considered for this fellowship.

  1. New applicants must first complete the UIC Graduate Admissions application.
  2. Current UIC graduate students who want to change or add programs or degrees should complete the Request for Change of Graduate Program instead of the UIC Graduate Admissions application. Please read the instructions if you are not sure which one to fill out, or contact gradcoll@uic.edu with questions.
  3. The following documents should be uploaded online upon receiving email instructions after completing the UIC Graduate Admissions application. View the Document Upload Guide for more information.
    1. Undergraduate transcripts for your last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree and all graduate transcripts
    2. TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants only
    3. Three letters of recommendation. These letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. Letters may be from current or former professors or supervisors. At least one letter should be from someone who can address your experience working with children.
    4. Personal statement. Strand B (degree only) requires a 3-4 page statement addressing the applicant’s reasons for pursuing this MEd and relevant background and experiences with urban education and science education.

Need help with your application? Please contact: Heading link