Admission to the School of Education
Admission to the School of Education
Trinity seeks students who have academic potential for its programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels, a strong record of scholastic achievement, and promise for success in the professional area in which they are applying. Students are admitted without regard to race, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Trinity encourages applications from qualified students of diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
Admission Requirements for Degree-Seeking Graduate Students
- General Entrance Requirements
- Additional Entrance Requirements by Degree Program
- Application Procedure
- Admission Status
- Praxis I/Praxis Core Examination
- Interviews
- Application Priority Deadline
- Transfer Credits for Degree Programs
Graduate Entrance Requirements
All candidates for admission to the Education graduate degree programs must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Entrance Requirements by Degree Program
In addition to meeting general entrance requirements, applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and Master of Science in Educational Administration (M.S.A.) programs must also submit the following documentation as part of the application:
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Applicants for Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education must demonstrate basic skills through either a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or through submit submission of official copies of passing scores for the tests of basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics on the Praxis Core exam or any alternative exam accepted by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
- Master of Science in Educational Administration: Applicants must have completed two years of documented, successful, full-time teaching in an accredited public or non-public school.
Graduate Application Procedure
Candidates for admission to the Education graduate degree programs must submit the following documents to the Office of Admissions:
- A completed online application for admission (no application fee assessed).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate and graduate level, sent directly to Trinity from the issuing institution(s). Transcripts submitted directly from an applicant are considered unofficial unless received in the original, unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- Two letters of recommendation testifying to the applicant’s aptitude for graduate education and potential for professional growth and development. One letter of recommendation should be written by supervisory personnel such as a principal or department chair.
- A one to two-page personal statement. In a self-appraisal, the applicant should identify their strengths and how they will serve as an asset to the applicant’s chosen academic program. Additionally, the statement should identify and address any areas the applicant hopes to develop and strengthen through the course of study. The statement should discuss the applicant’s academic and professional goals and how the selected program will foster and support achieving those goals.
- For M.A.T. applicants only: Official scores, sent from the testing service directly to Trinity, on the Praxis Core or OSSE-approver alternate examination, for applicants whose cumulative undergraduate GPA is lower than a 3.0.
- Applicants for whom English is not the first language and who have received degrees from institutions outside of the United States: Official scores of 550 or higher (written format), 213 or higher (computer format) or 79-80 or higher (internet format) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or comparable instrument must be submitted prior to admission. The TOEFL is administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS). NOTE: Students who have completed the equivalent of an ENGL 107 course (College Composition) at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education and earned a grade of “C’ or better may be waived from the English testing requirement.
NOTE: While the Praxis Subject Test is NOT required for admission into the M.A.T. programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary, and Special Education, passing Praxis Subject scores ARE required to student teach. Accepted students should plan to take the appropriate Subject test the semester prior to student teaching. Note also that the relevant Praxis Subject test and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching are required to obtain certification in the District of Columbia
All supporting materials may be sent via any of the following options:
- Uploading supporting documentation to the online application portal
- Send documentation electronically via email to admissions@trinitydc.edu
- Send documentation via postal mail to:
Office of Admissions
Trinity Washington University
125 Michigan Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20017
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all required documentation is submitted to Trinity in one package for an admission decision to be made. Applications are reviewed and evaluated in the order in which they are received. Admissions decisions will be communicated in writing to applicants as soon as possible after a decision is made.
All materials received by Trinity from applicants or third parties (high schools, undergraduate and/or graduate institutions, recommenders, etc.) will be the property of Trinity. Trinity does not return or release materials submitted to the Admissions Office to applicants or third parties.
Falsification or alteration of any documents submitted for admission will result in actions up to, and including, revocation of acceptance to Trinity and the School of Education and/or dismissal from Trinity.
Admission Status
Degree-Seeking Students
An applicant who intends to obtain a degree through a School of Education program and meets all admissions requirements to the program is admitted as a degree-seeking student.
Provisional Admission
At the discretion of the Dean of the School of Education, applicants to Education graduate programs who do not meet the standard admission requirements but who demonstrate potential may be admitted on a provisional basis and may enroll in up to six (6) credits of graduate course work during their first semester to demonstrate academic preparedness for graduate level studies. A minimum grade of “B” or higher must be earned and official transcripts for course work must be submitted for evaluation in order to be considered for full admission into the Education graduate programs. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be dismissed after the first semester.
Conditional Admission
At the discretion of the Dean of the School of Education, applicants to Education graduate programs may be admitted to Trinity and the School of Education on a conditional basis if all application materials are not received and evaluated prior to the beginning of the semester in which the applicant wishes to start. Applicants may be permitted to register for up to six (6) credits prior to receipt of all admissions materials as non-degree-seeking students. Those admitted on a conditional basis have one semester to submit all required admissions materials. Permission to register as a conditional admit should not be construed as conferring full admission to Trinity or the School of Education. Students from whom complete admission files have not been received by the end of the first semester will be dismissed and must reapply for admission.
The Praxis Core Examination
Applicants to the M.A.T. program at Trinity must demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics through one of the following ways:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Graduate degree GPAs may not be used to meet this requirement.
- Any combination of passing scores on the ETS Praxis Core tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics or on any alternate tests recognized by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Students meeting the basic skills requirement through test scores must present official copies of passing scores from the testing company. The Praxis Core test is administered by ETS. Further information about the test, testing dates and locations can be obtained from ETS. Trinity’s school code is RA5796. Assistance with Praxis Core preparation is offered through the Office of Continuing Education at Trinity. Please contact Continuing Education for information about online preparation courses in Reading, Writing, and Math.
For further details about School of Education state testing policies, please see the Education Programs Policy on State Required Examinations.
Students pursuing a B.A. in Education, an undergraduate minor in Education, or the B.A./M.A.T. Program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application or they must earn a qualifying score on the Praxis I or Praxis Core, ACT, or SAT exam prior to acceptance into the School of Education.
Interviews
Trinity welcomes prospective students to visit, experience the campus environment, and bring their questions to better understand the offerings and opportunities of a Trinity education. A formal interview is not required, but applicants may request an interview with an admissions representative. Prospective students can also shadow a current Trinity student through a typical day on campus. Reservations may be made for a campus visit and an interview by contacting the Office of Admissions.
Application Priority Deadline
Applications for admission to Trinity are considered on a rolling basis. Priority for admission is given to students who complete their applications by the priority deadline of February 1 for the Fall term. All others are encouraged to submit their application no later than March 15 for the Fall term, and November 1 for the Spring term. Candidates will be reviewed within two weeks of receipt of all required credentials. If additional information is required, candidates for admission will be notified promptly. To meet applicant timelines prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions.
All materials received by Trinity from applicants or third parties (high schools, undergraduate institutions, graduate institutions, recommendations, etc.) will become the property of Trinity. Trinity does not return or release materials submitted to the admissions office to applicants or to third parties.
Transfer Credits for Graduate Degrees
Students enrolled in a graduate degree program may transfer a maximum of six (6) credits from appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning toward a degree at Trinity. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”). For specific rules governing transfer credits, see the School of Education Academic Policies.
Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs may transfer credits according to the policies of their admitting unit, either the College of Arts and Sciences or the School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Students should be aware that transferred credits may or may not fulfill the requirements of their degree program.
Admission Requirements and Procedures for Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Admission to the post-baccalaureate certificate programs require proof of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Applicants to the post-baccalaureate certificate programs should show potential for academic success and similar ability to degree-seeking students also enrolled in the courses. Students with a 2.8 cumulative undergraduate grade point average or equivalent will be given priority consideration.
Students who have completed a Trinity certificate and wish to continue in a full degree program should submit the online application for consideration to their desired graduate degree program.
Undergraduate Entrance Requirements
Undergraduate students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Community Education should first apply to either the College of Arts and Sciences or the School of Professional and Graduate Studies and must meet the entrance requirements of those units. College of Arts and Sciences or School of Professional and Graduate Studies students with 36 credits or more can apply to the School of Education.
Admission Requirements and Procedures for Non-Degree Students
Individuals interested in taking courses at Trinity on a part-time, non-matriculating basis may apply as non-degree students. Prospective non-degree students must complete an online application for non-degree student status with the Office of Admissions.
Individual courses are offered on a space-available basis only, and students must satisfy all course prerequisites. Admission into these courses does not imply admission to Trinity. Students may earn no more than six graduate credit hours as non-degree seeking students. Credits earned through courses taken in the School of Education may be applied toward a Trinity degree once a student has gained admission.
NOTE: Credits taken through the Office of Continuing Education may not be applied toward a degree.
Admission Requirements and Procedures for International Students
International applicants must submit all credentials for admission as a first-year, transfer, graduate, or non-degree student.
The student is responsible for submitting all transcripts from institutions attended outside the United States for evaluation. To apply for admission to Trinity, international applicants must present the following documentation:
- Complete the Trinity online application (No application fee assessed).
- Transcripts: Original or certified educational documents of high school transcripts and degree, university transcripts and mark sheets. All international applicants or students who are U.S. citizens who have obtained high school or college/university credit from an institution outside of the United States must submit official transcripts with course-by-course evaluation by one of the agencies accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (see National Association of Credential Evaluation Services).
- Recommendation Letters: International applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from a high school teacher, college professor or current employer.
- English Proficiency Standards: If English is not an official language in the applicant’s country of origin, the applicant has not earned a college/university degree in the U.S., or the applicant is not currently enrolled in a degree program in the U.S., they will need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language or an International English Language Testing System exam before they can be considered for final admissions. All English proficiency scores are valid for two years from the test date. Official test scores must be provided directly from the testing agency. TOEFL: Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language must be submitted directly to Trinity by ETS (Educational Testing Services). Trinity’s code is 5796, and a minimum score of 550 on paper-based test (PBT) or 213 on computer-based test (CBT) or 79 on Internet-based test (IBT) is required. IELTS – Academic: A minimum6.5 total band score. is required. NOTE: Students who have completed the equivalent of an ENGL 107 course (College Composition) at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education and earned a grade of “C’ or better may be waived from the English testing requirement.
- The Immigration Form I–20 needed to obtain the F-1/Student Visa will be issued only to applicants who: 1) are admitted to Trinity and; 2) demonstrate sufficient funds to cover expenses for at least one academic year. Proof of financial responsibility, or financial affidavit, which includes an official bank statement for the first year of study, along with a letter of sponsorship from the sponsor. Contact the Office of Admissions for details regarding proof of financial responsibility. Note: All international students must pursue a full course of study (a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students). Failure to adhere to this USCIS requirement for F-1 students may jeopardize legal non-immigrant status.
Deadlines: All required documents must be submitted by July 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term. Financial aid is not available to international students.
Readmission
A student previously registered as a degree candidate who has failed to maintain continuous enrollment in the same graduate program for one calendar year or more must apply for readmission. Students who have not taken classes for five years or longer must apply for admission under the current academic program (the “five-year” rule). Under certain circumstances, students who leave the college may be required to repeat courses that have expired. Students in specific programs may be required to complete additional course work to meet degree, licensure, or certification requirements. The student’s transcript and program of study will be evaluated by the Dean.
Declaration of Intent
Upon notification of acceptance to Trinity, the applicant will be asked to submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI). The DOI confirms an accepted candidate’s intention to enroll at Trinity in the School of Education. Registration for courses cannot be processed until a DOI has been received.
Disclaimer
Trinity reserves the right to change, without prior notice, any policy or procedure, tuition or fee, curricular requirements, or any other information found on this web site or in its printed materials.
Questions may be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@trinitydc.edu.