Graduate Admissions Writing Requirement
Graduate admissions in the Watson College of Education requires a writing component. Learn more about the requirements.
Education Statement of Interest Essay (Prompts for specific programs listed below)
- Letter format using 12 point font (e.g. Times New Roman).
- Single spaced text and addressed to the committee.
- Essay length:
- Degree-Seeking: 2-3 pages
- Add-on licensure, Non-Degree, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Brief one-paragraph statement
Assistantship Essay & Resume (Saved as one pdf document)
- Graduate assistantships are a form of paid academic employment in which students receive a stipend for the tasks they perform for faculty members, departments, or entire colleges.
- Available for degree-seeking programs.
- Format a one-page assistantship letter of interest.
- Detail research interest, technical aptitude, and any other special skills.
- Include first preference of departments to work with on campus.
- Include if you are willing to work with another department of office, if preference is available.
- Upload the essay and resume (Saved as one pdf document) after application submission into the Self-Service Portal.
Non-Degree Education
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students
Includes any candidates applying as non-degree seeking graduate students to the Watson College of Education.
The statement of interest should be no more than one-page describing why you are applying as a non-degree graduate student (e.g., missed application deadline, licensure renewal credit) and how enrolling in courses will assist you in meeting your personal goals. If you plan to apply to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student in a future semester, please identify the program for which you plan to apply and the semester/year you hope to begin this program.
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Essay identifying a current issue in education and describing potential ways in which the issue can or should be addressed by leaders in the field. Where possible, applicants should discuss how their professional and educational background and research interests align with this issue and its resolution.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Art Education Specialization
A statement of interest (2-3 pages) describing the candidate's interest in becoming an art teacher, experience related to teaching art or experience working with children or young adults, teaching philosophy about teaching and learning art.
Elementary Education Specialization
A statement of intent (2-3 pages) describing the candidate's background, any prior experiences working with children, why the applicant is interested in obtaining a degree in Elementary Education, and, specific qualities that would make the applicant a strong candidate for the program.
Candidates for the M.A.T program are strongly urged to have experience with children documented prior to applying in order to be knowledgeable about elementary school students and educational settings.
Such experience may include substitute teaching, part-time teaching, volunteer work, summer camps, babysitting, daycare, tutoring, etc.
English as a Second Language Specialization
This program prepares individuals for North Carolina teacher certification in the area of English as a Second Language. A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) describing any past experiences that might prepare you for your studies and your future goals in this area is required.
Middle Grades Education Specialization
The letter of interest must describe your commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with young adolescents, philosophy of teaching and learning, and understanding of the complexity of middle schools.
Physical Education & Health Specialization
A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) describing any past experiences that might prepare you for your studies and your future goals in this area.
Secondary Education Specialization
The letter of interest must describe your commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with teenagers, philosophy of teaching and learning, and understanding of the complexity of secondary schools.
Spanish Education Specialization
A letter of interest (in English) describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with World Language learners, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Special Education Specialization
Name and describe most important characteristics a teacher who educates learners with disabilities should possess. Provide examples of how you intend to be a special educator who reflects these characteristics.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Academically and Intellectually Gifted Specialization
The letter of application should include a description of the applicant's professional goals, prior experiences working with gifted and talented learners, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Curriculum, Supervision and Instruction Specialization
A statement of purpose delineating professional background, future goals, and how obtaining the degree helps in meeting stated goals.
Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy in Early Childhood Specialization
Education Statement of Interest. Please make sure to address each section of the given prompts.
- A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school.
- Your relevant experience and accomplishments that relate to the field of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in general and the LPAEC program specifically.
- Why you’re interested in the LPAEC and what makes a good applicant for this program. Be specific about your reasons, and if applicable, provide examples.
- Your professional goals and values as they relate to the LPAEC program in areas of leadership, policy, and advocacy.
Education Statement of Interest Formatting Requirements:
- Letter format using 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman).
- Single-spaced text and addressed to the committee.
- Essay length: 2-3 pages
Elementary Education Specialization
Statement of intent (750 words) describing the candidate's commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with elementary learners, qualifications, and prior experiences in elementary schools, and a philosophy of teaching and learning.
English as a Second Language Specialization
A letter of interest describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with English language learners, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Higher Education Specialization
Each application must include an essay that describes how relevant academic and/or professional experiences inform their interest in and preparation for graduate study in higher education. Applicants should describe professional goals and aspirations upon obtaining their degree.
Language and Literacy Specialization
The letter of application must include a description of the applicant's professional goals, educational interests in pursuing graduate study, and philosophy of teaching.
Middle Grades Education Specialization
The letter of application must include a description of the applicant's professional goals, educational interests in pursuing graduate study, and philosophy of teaching.
Physical Education and Health Specialization
A letter of interest describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with K-12 students in PEH classes, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Secondary Education Specialization
The letter of application must include a description of the applicant's professional goals, educational interests in pursuing graduate study, and philosophy of teaching.
Spanish Education Specialization
A letter of interest describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with World Language learners, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Master of School Administration (MSA)
School Administration
The letter of application must include a description of goals and interests in pursuing graduate study.
(This letter is in addition to the autobiographical statement which you must upload in a separate section of the application.)
Master of Science
Instructional Technology (MIT)
Letter of application describing applicant's educational and professional experiences, his/her reasons for pursuing a master's degree in instructional technology, and the contributions that the applicant hopes to make after completing the degree.