Apply for an MEd/MS in Educational Leadership

Application Deadlines

Master of Science (MS)

Our Master of Science in Education Leadership is sunsetting as we launch our new Master of Science in Education Policy and Leadership (EPoL). Learn about EPoL!

Master of Education (MEd) + Preliminary Administrator Licensure

Applications Open: Late-November
Application Deadline: March 1 for summer start
Start Term: summer

Acceptance Rates

Each year, the cohort size for the master’s program is typically between 12 and 20 students.

Application Instructions

Complete the online Graduate Admission Application; select Educational Leadership (EDLD) as your department within the College of Education.

Nonrefundable Application Fee: $70 (Domestic Students)/$90 (International Students), paid by credit card or eCheck. You will need to pay the application fee before you are able to submit the application.

Fee Waivers:

Students who are applying to multiple graduate programs at the UO need to start the applications, pay the first application fee, and then contact the Graduate School with a request for a fee waiver. 

Students who have been admitted previously to the UO Graduate School and have registered for credits the term they were admitted should still fill out the admissions application. The form will ask if you have ever enrolled as an admitted graduate student at the UO; saying yes to this will automatically waive the application fee.

  • You do not need to complete the online application in one sitting.
  • You will be able to log in and view/update each section of your application until your payment is made
  • Once this fee is paid, your file is officially submitted to the department.

You will be required to upload the following documents in the GradWeb application:  

Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Revised Graduate Record Examination (rGRE), or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Scores

OPTIONAL but recommended for master’s applicants

  • Please note that you ALSO need to upload a scanned copy of your test results onto your UO GradWeb admission application before the posted deadlines.
     
  • GRE (or rGRE) or MAT scores taken within the last seven years are OPTIONAL but recommended for master’s degree applicants.
    • Please note that most testing services will not accept orders for official test results to be sent after five years.
       
  • We do not publish average or minimum required scores. For more information or to schedule a test, visit the UO’s University Testing Center.

References or Letters of Recommendation

At least (3) three recommendations are required for master’s applicants.

  • As part of your online application, you will be asked to provide contact information for individuals who can help determine your potential for success in a graduate program.
     
  • Individuals who have had previous opportunities to supervise or evaluate your work are the best candidates to write these letters.
     
  • Upon submission of a completed application, GradWeb will email a request and instructions to referees to log in to the GradWeb system and provide their answers to a series of questions and optionally upload supplemental letters of recommendation.
     
  • These references must be received before the deadlines for applications to close.
     
  • We encourage you to list additional references to ensure you get the minimum number required. 

Goal Statement

  • Your goal statement is a key document in the application process.
     
  • This is your opportunity to describe your purpose in pursuing a graduate degree in education.
     
  • Your statement should discuss any personal skills and experiences that explain your aspirations for graduate study, and how your work, experience, and goals are directly related to the expertise of the EMPL faculty.
    • Successful applications reflect alignment between potential program of study and the expertise of the faculty in supporting this program of study. 

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

Your vitae should include the following information, beginning with most recent education, including degree and institution (with dates of graduation):

  • Work experiences in education
  • Presentations at conferences or workshops
  • Publications, if any
  • Organizational affiliations
  • Any other relevant professional information 

Scholarly Writing Sample(s)

A writing sample allows our faculty to ascertain applicants’ skill in writing technical arguments that articulate a perspective and provide supportive logic.

  • Select and respond to an article from an educational journal related to your area of interest in education.
    • Endorse or refute the article in a manner that displays logic, clarity of thought and writing, and an understanding of the issue(s) anchored to your perspective.
    • The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to analyze, synthesize, and critically reflect on information.
    • It should display strong independent thinking and excellent writing skills.
    • The writing sample should be about 8–10 pages long, double-spaced.
  • In addition to the writing sample above, students have the option to submit one or more additional samples of scholarly writing (e.g., course papers, articles, essays).

Official Transcripts

In addition to uploading a copy of a transcript from any college or university from which you earned a degree onto your online GradWeb application, you must also provide an official copy of these transcripts to the Registrar's Office.

The transcript(s) must confirm the awarding of degree(s) received. Please arrange to have these transcripts received by the Registrar's Office by the application deadline EITHER via:

  • Official electronic copy (link to official transcript sent to UO Registrar's Office via email directly from the degree-granting institution)

    • If your degree institution offers official electronic copies sent by a secured provider (e.g., National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, Scrip Safe) you may have them sent directly from the institution at registrar@uoregon.edu.

      Note: we cannot accept PDF attachments via email.

OR

  • Official hard copy (paper transcript in a sealed envelope)

    Mail to:
    Office of the Registrar
    5257 University of Oregon
    Eugene, OR 97403

International Students

  • International students must provide the Registrar's Office with a copy of their official transcript in both the language of origin and in an officially recognized translated English version. Please read about special instructions for international transcripts.
     
  • International students should add an additional six weeks before application deadlines to accommodate the processing of additional required paperwork.
     
  • Copies of official TOEFL or IELTS score sheets or an explanation must be uploaded as “Additional Documents” to your GradWeb application, and official copies sent to the UO Registrar's Office.
     
  • International students should also visit the Graduate School and follow the instructions listed there to submit additional requirements.
     
  • Additional information and support can be found at UO Admissions’ International Students Support.