The process of applying for graduate admission at Penn State requires the following application materials, all of which are submitted via The Graduate School's online application.


Graduate Application and application fee Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your online application.

R'sum or curriculum vitae

Personal statement A one to two page statement addressing your purpose and objectives in enrolling in a graduate program in Special Education.

Transcripts A copy of an official transcript from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. Upon admission and your acceptance of admission, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

Three references Reference forms will be uploaded directly to the Graduate School application by the reference writer who will receive an email from the Graduate School after the applicant enters reference contact information into the application.

GRE Scores (PSU Institution Code: 2660) Suspended for 2023-24 application cycle. Official test results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be submitted electronically by ETS directly to Graduate Enrollment Services at Penn State. Advanced subject results are optional.
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
All applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher from prior coursework.
All applicants are expected to have a minimum of three years professional experience working with individuals with disabilities.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60