School of Education
Educators at Work

Applying to the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth


Application due dates vary by the desired program track.

  • Traditional M.Ed. advanced degree only: April 1 for admission in the subsequent Fall semester, and November 1 for admission in the subsequent Spring semester.
  • Alternate Routes MPCP: February 15 for admission the following summer.
  • 4+1 dual certification: January 15 of junior year for admission in the subsequent Fall semester.

Admission decisions are made by the full-time faculty in Special Education. Students will be admitted to the program based upon enrollment availability and evidence that they meet or exceed the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or current enrollment in a UD secondary education program.
  • An undergraduate cumulative grade index of 3.0 or higher.
  • A graduate cumulative grade index of at least 3.5 if graduate courses were taken.
  • For students whose native language is not English, an officially reported TOEFL test score of at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based).
  • GRE scores are not required.
  • Alternate routes MPCP applicants must submit an official copy of Praxis I scores as part of their application.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors.
  • A personal statement of career objectives and interests. If the applicant plans to pursue initial teacher certification through the MPCP or dual certification through the 4+1 in addition to the degree, this must be stated.
  • A writing sample on an important topic in the field of special education. In this writing sample, the applicant should address one of the following questions in a brief essay of 500 words or less:
    1. Select an important problem facing individuals with disabilities or the schools, teachers, parents, or other people who work with them and propose a solution to this problem.
    2. Describe an experience in your own life that influenced your decision to work with individuals with disabilities.

All applicants to UD graduate programs apply online at www.udel.edu/gradoffice/apply.


  • School of Education  •   Willard Hall Education Building  •   Newark, DE 19716  •   USA
    Undergraduate phone: 302-831-8695  •  Fax: 302-831-4110  •   E-mail: amgreen@udel.edu
    Graduate phone: 302-831-1165  •  Fax: 302-831-4421  •   E-mail: dhannah@udel.edu
    Director's Office: 302-831-3178  •  Fax: 302-831-6039  •   E-mail: levering@udel.edu