Master of Arts in Teaching: Checklist for Admission

The priority application deadlines are January 10th for the full-time program (June start date) and July 1st for the part-time program (late August Start date.) WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING PART-TIME APPLICATIONS.

Ready to apply? Please submit the following:

  • Completed CU graduate application form (also available online) and $50 application fee (make checks payable to Concordia University).
  • 1-2 page Letter of Intent that explains why you want to be a teacher, why you are choosing Concordia, and where you see yourself in five years (both personally and professionally).
  • Official transcripts verifying a baccalaureate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. (In-progress transcripts must document current coursework.)
  • A minimum 2.8 GPA for undergraduate work (3.0 GPA for any graduate coursework) is required for admission. NOTE: Graduate credit at CU will only be awarded for courses receiving a B- grade or higher.
  • Resumé that lists education, recent work experience, and any experiences in educational settings.
  • Two letters of reference dated within the last 6 months. We ask that your references state how they know you, how they have seen you interact with youth or in an educational setting, and how they feel you will be as a teacher. Please have your reference seal the letter and sign over the seal. Letters of recommendation are confidential and not available to students.
  • Complete TSPC character questionnaire.
  • Passing scores at the state required level on one of the following basic skills tests: CBEST, PPST, C-PPST, or WEST-B (REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION).
  • Passing scores at the state required level on the ORELA Multiple Subjects Exam (required prior to student teaching.)*
  • Passing scores at the state level on PRAXIS II subject area specialty tests (required prior to student teaching). The PRAXIS II is required for students pursuing the Middle Level or High School Authorizations.*
  • Interview with the Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Programs. (This is the final phase of the admission process. If your completed file meets all requirements, you may be contacted to schedule an interview.)
  • International students must report a passing score on an English proficiency test and other pertinent forms.
  • TOEFL: computer-based = 213; paper-based = 550; internet-based = 80; IELTS: 6.5

*If you have not yet passed the ORELA and, if applicable, Praxis II tests, please read and initial the testing requirements statement on page 4 of the paper application. If you will be submitting the online application, download the testing requirements form and submit it with the rest of your application materials.

Once you have gathered the above materials, send to:

The Office of Admissions
Concordia University
2811 NE Holman St.
Portland, OR 97211-6099

Initial Testing Requirements