College of Graduate Studies

Admissions Requirements

Apply to the College of Graduate Studies and Research at Radford University for a MS degree in Special Education or as a Graduate Certificate or non-degree seeking graduate student no later than one month prior to the start of the semester (see university academic calendar for start dates). Any program-specific applicaiton directions are provided below.

You will need to submit the following:

A current resume
Names and emails for 3 professional references
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work sent to the Graduate College
A personal essay (typed, double-spaced, two-three pages in length): This is your writing sample, so please show us your best work. Your essay must include the following:
- Why you believe you would be a good candidate for the Master’s Degree in Special Education and what academic and personal strengths and experiences support your ability to complete a graduate program.
- If you have any poor grades or difficult experiences in courses or field experiences as an undergraduate, please explain these and tell us how you have grown past these difficulties to be successful in graduate courses.
- The special education option you are considering and what past experiences and interests influenced your decision to apply for this specific program area.
- Your short- and long-term goals and career aspirations for this program.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

No program-specific application directions.

Early Childhood Special Education

If you are currently teaching preschool-aged children with disabilities and do not have the ECSE endorsement, complete the consortium application, and send an email to Dr. Sharon L. Gilbert.

Special Education: Adapted Curriculum K-12

You must also apply to the Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Special Education Adapted Curriculum. Please send this form to:

Dr. Annemarie Horn, Graduate Advisor and Grant Coordinator for Adapted Curriculum and Visual Impairment
School of Teacher Education and Leadership
(540) 831-5140
alhorn1@radford.edu

Special Education: General Curriculum K-12

No program-specific application directions.

Visual Impairment

You must also apply to the Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Visual Impairment. Application to the Consortium involves submission of the application form for participation and three essays, your updated, detailed resume, and a telephone or face-to-face interview.

All individuals who wish to take one or more courses in visual impairment must apply to both the VI Consortium and the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Please begin the application process as soon as possible. It often takes at least 4-6 weeks for the process and you must be accepted and have an ID number before you can be registered for classes.