How to Apply & Deadlines

Post-Baccalaureate Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the status of my application?

If you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you can log on to your application account to view your application status. If you still have questions once you have viewed your account status online, please contact the School of Education Office of Student Affairs at (919) 966-1346.

My application status shows that you haven’t received (my transcript/ letter of recommendation), but I sent them a while back. Where are they?

During peak admissions times, it may take a few days for your application status to be updated. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Affairs.

When can I expect to hear about decisions, or is there a decision on my application?

Once the application deadline has passed, programs are given two weeks to review applications and make decisions. The Office of Student Affairs notifies applicants by U.S. mail of the program’s decision.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in applying, please visit:

Please note: Some programs are administered through the UNC Chapel Hill Graduate School and this application can only be accessed by the UNC Chapel Hill Graduate School application. A link is provided on the “How to Apply” page.

Other programs are administered by the School of Education and can only be accessed using the School of Education application link located on the “How to Apply” page. It is critical that you pay attention to which office administers the program to which you are interested in applying.

If you do not see the program you are interested in when you begin the online application, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at (919) 966-1346.

I am an international student. How do I apply?

International students should apply with the instructions outlined above and are encouraged to visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website for more information on student visas, financial certificates, TOEFL requirements and foreign transcripts.

How long are GRE/MAT scores valid?

5 years

Where are the letter of recommendation forms?

Recommendation forms can be downloaded from the online application or on the application instructions.

Can I send you copies of my transcripts or GRE scores?

Transcripts must be official and arrive in unopened, sealed envelopes. GRE and MAT scores must be official and arrive from the testing agency.

What is the deadline for [SOE program]?

Application deadlines can be viewed at:

When are application materials due?

Application materials are due by the posted application deadline.

The application deadline is today and my online application shows that some of my materials have not been received. What should I do?

Contact the Office of Student Affairs at (919) 966-1346 to check to see if the office has received your missing materials. During peak admissions cycles, it may take a day or two for your materials to be officially logged into the system. The Office of Student Affairs MUST have your application materials by the application deadline in order for your application to be complete and considered for admission. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.

What if my application materials don’t arrive by the application deadline?

Your application will not be forwarded to the respective program for review.

What are the requirements for [SOE program]?

Program requirements can be viewed online on the program’s webpage at:

Interested students can view a program of study for each program. If you have specific questions about a program’s course requirements, please contact the program directly using the contact information found on the webpage.

My GPA or test scores fall below those of your average applicant. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply, but you may want to contact the program coordinator directly to see what they are looking for in a successful applicant. Along with these minimal requirements, admission decisions are based on a number of factors, including academic degrees and record, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores and relevant work experience.

Do you offer a master’s program in Elementary Education?

If you are a currently licensed and practicing Elementary Education teacher, you may want to investigate our Master of Education for Experienced Teachers, M.Ed. program. This program is offered in various rotating content areas.

The School does not offer a Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T. Elementary Education program.

Can I transfer in credit to a graduate program?

Transfer credit is awarded on a case by case basis at the discretion of the program in consultation with the Graduate School. Students enrolled in master's degree programs can transfer a maximum of 20% of their required coursework taken prior to admission, but they must fill out the appropriate forms and have program approval.

I plan on applying to the School of Education next year/semester. Can I take continuing studies courses to transfer into my degree program?

Please contact the program coordinator of your intended program for information about courses they may accept. Be cautious when taking courses before you are admitted as the School of Education cannot guarantee your admission into your desired program.

Is there any financial aid available?

There may be funding available to you depending on your intended program. Please visit Financial Aid & Funding for more information. You may also want to investigate funding opportunities through the University Office of Scholarship & Student Aid.

Are there any graduate assistantships?

Please visit the School of Education’s Financial Aid and Funding page for information on assistantships.

Do you offer any strictly online courses?

At this time, none of School of Education degree programs can be completed fully online. However, the Master of School Administration Flex (M.S.A.) program does offer coursework off-campus to meet the needs of practicing school professionals. The School also offers two completely online licensure programs and several online courses:

How do I take classes through continuing education?

Please visit the Friday Center’s website for more information regarding continuing education.