Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a strong academic record with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Complete the application materials required below by April 1, 2009.

Printable admissions checklist

Important first step: When determining your intended content area to teach in middle, or secondary schools (e.g., math, language arts, social studies, art, music, etc.), schedule an appointment with an adviser from the PSU academic department (representing the intended content area) to review your undergraduate coursework. For more information about determining your academic content

Admission procedures
Complete the prerequisite course: Psychology 311 Human Development (an equivalent course is offered at Portland Community College or Mt. Hood Community College—Psy 215)

Admission to the program requires admission to PSU and the Graduate School of Education.

Two separate applications must be sent.

Application Packet 1: PSU Admission

1. PSU Graduate Admission Application (packet 1)
   
   
2. $50 non-refundable application fee (do not send cash). The fee is good for one year.
   
   
3. One official transcript (must be in its unopened envelope) from each institution attended, not including PSU.
   

Application packet 2: School of Education Admission

1. Graduate School of Education Program Application (packet 2)
   
   Program: Secondary Dual Educator Program (SDEP) (Note: This writable PDF form allows you to type directly on the form and print for submittal.)
   
   
2. Three letters of recommendation with the program recommendation forms
• Print copies of the program recommendation form
  
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• Letters of recommendation should follow the guidelines in the program recommendation form and address your experience with youth. Letters may be written by teachers, advisers, employers, or community service supervisors.
  
  
3. One official transcript (must be in its unopened envelope) from each institution attended, including PSU.
   
   
4. Submit a two-page statement describing your professional goals.
   
   
5. Provide the department recommendation form (signed by the academic department adviser who reviewed your coursework to qualify you to teach in your academic content area).
   
   
6. Provide a current resumé reflecting your experience working with young people (including volunteer experiences).
   
   
7. TESTS - Provide photocopies of passing scores on:
   
   • Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) www.ets.org/praxis
     or
     
   • California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) www.cbest.nesinc.com
     and
     
   • Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Specialty Area

Note: The following test is to be taken after acceptance into the program:

• ORELA - www.orela.nesinc.com (if you expect to teach at the middle-school level)
  
  

(Note: In some circumstances applicants may be conditionally admitted without subject specific Praxis scores; however, passing scores must be submitted by the beginning of spring term 2008 to continue in the program. The Special Education Praxis tests can be taken at the end of the program, prior to licensure.)

Completed application packets should be returned to:

Kris Smith
Special Education
Graduate School of Education
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207

Applicants are notified of their admission status by letter. (Typically, letters go out six weeks after the deadline.)