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Master’s Programs in Education

Scope and Purpose

In keeping with the stated philosophy of University of Holy Cross, the Graduate Programs in Education (i.e., the Programs) seek to provide opportunities for intellectual, psychological, and spiritual growth and to foster within students those qualities which enable individual contribution within a pluralistic society. Our Catholic heritage of the University and Christian understanding of service are integral to the philosophy of the Programs.

The Programs are specifically designed to enhance students’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions in their chosen academic and professional areas and to prepare them to accept professional responsibilities. Success in the Programs is based not only on completing the required course work, but also on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate to the profession. Graduates of the University of Holy Cross’s graduate-level Education Programs promote holistic development of each individual and the spirit of justice, which brings social equity and global harmony.

Master’s-Level Procedures for Admission to University of Holy Cross

Applicants must first be admitted to the University. To be considered for admission to the University, applicants must submit the following:

  1. A completed official graduate application form (online);
  2. Official transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate course work with a record predictive of success in graduate studies in Education. Ideally, this implies a degree in Education* or a related field with a cumulative undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of at minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.** (Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended and must indicate completion of a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree from a university or college approved by a recognized regional accrediting agency in the United States or proof of equivalent training at a foreign university.); and
  3. A personal goals statement describing why the applicant seeks a graduate degree.

The above-listed criteria must be received by the Office of Admissions prior to registration for the applicant’s first semester. During the first semester, the applicant may take a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate course work, unless a waiver is granted by the Program’s Coordinator. This does not, however, imply acceptance into the Graduate Program.

*Acceptance into Master’s-level Education programs does not require a degree in Education or considerable experience in the field of Education. However, lack of experience in the field of Education has been shown to create challenges in passing the School Leaders Licensure Assessment, which is an exit requirement for the Master’s Program in Educational Leadership, as well as Level I Leader Certification for the State of Louisiana.

**Admission of candidates with an undergraduate GPA below 2.999 is considered on a case-by- case basis.

Admission Procedures to Master’s-Level Graduate Programs (Candidacy)

Once admitted to the University, applicants are evaluated on the basis of a number of criteria to ensure their readiness for graduate studies prior to acceptance into their specific programs of study. This evaluation takes place during the first semester of graduate course work. These criteria include the following:

  1. Completion of the Writing Assessment Test (WAT) with a minimum score of 75%. The WAT is a writing assessment based upon a given grading rubric. Unsuccessful completion of the WAT results in mandatory writing sessions or required registration for ENG 401: Advanced Composition. This decision is based upon the grade received. Students who fail the WAT and refuse to participate in writing sessions or complete ENG 401 will not be permitted to continue in the program.
  2. Each student is responsible for knowing all pertinent requirements and regulations for the successful completion of the Master’s degree.

Once accepted in the Program, a student is considered a candidate. This stage of candidacy continues until the candidate completes all the requirements for graduation.

Foreign and ESL Students

A foreign or ESL (English as a Second Language) applicant must present evidence of satisfactory proficiency in the reading, writing, and speaking of English. The applicant may do so by presenting a satisfactory score on the TOEFL, normally 550, or iBT score of 79. For information about TOEFL, the applicant should write to TOEFL, 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036. A foreign applicant is also required to take the Writing Assessment Test (WAT).

Financial Aid

There are several aid programs to which graduate students may apply. Information about other loan options may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.

Letter of Good Standing

Students enrolled in graduate programs at other institutions who wish to register for transfer credits must submit a Letter of Good Standing and are not be required to submit complete transcripts. The Letter of Good Standing must come from the Dean of the student’s Graduate School.