How to Apply

Dominican's master of science program in special education accepts applications from candidates who meet the following requirements:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A candidate with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be allowed to take up to four courses on a conditional basis and must earn a grade of B or better in each course in order to continue registration. Upon completion of four courses with grades of B or better in each the candidate will be reviewed for full acceptance into the School of Education.
  • Two letters of recommendation. Letters from family members or current School of Education students are not acceptable.
  • Evidence of effective written communication skills and suitability for the teaching profession as demonstrated by the submission of candidate’s personal statement.
  • One official transcript from every college or university attended. Transcripts must be received by the School of Education in a sealed envelope from the college or university.

All admission documents should be submitted to:

Dominican University
Enrollment Operations
7900 W. Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305

An applicant must complete the admission process to the selected degree or endorsement/approval program prior to the first term of enrollment. Any exceptions require the approval of the director of the School of Education. Applicants must register for courses before the first class meeting.

Application Deadlines
  • Summer I: May 9–June 27; deadline April 30
  • Fall I: August 30–October 22; deadline: August 20
  • Spring I: January 10–March 4; deadline: January 3
English Proficiency

Students whose native language is something other than English are required to pass the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550 (paper) or 250 (online). They must also pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test prior to registration.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six semester hours of appropriate graduate-level credit from an accredited college or university may be accepted in transfer at the time of matriculation. The applicant must provide:

  • A copy of the course description as printed in the catalog of the institution attended, and
  • An official transcript demonstrating an earned grade of B or better and that the course was completed within the previous five years.
Residency Requirement

Once candidates (including those approved conditionally) are matriculated into a School of Education graduate program they must take all required courses and electives at Dominican University’s River Forest Campus or one of its off-site campuses. Any exception to this policy requires the written approval of the director prior to the candidate’s registration for the course(s) at another college or university.

Policy on Background Investigations

The School of Education is committed to the protection of all children and young people. To that end, we work with school districts and civic groups to ensure that all children under their supervision remain safe. All teacher education, administration and media specialist candidates must submit to a national, state and local criminal background investigation. Students and candidates may not participate in any field experience programs until a background investigation is on file in the Field Experiences Office at the School of Education.

Course Registration

At the time of initial registration each candidate will be assigned a graduate faculty advisor. Candidates should consult with their advisors as they plan and develop their programs. Candidates in the School of Education must secure the approval of an advisor to complete registration.

Well in advance of the term the dates for each registration period are posted on the registrar’s office page on MyDU (Dominican’s internal web site). Candidates may register in person or online after the scheduled registration period begins. No registrations will be accepted after the published late registration date.

Dominican University reserves the right to cancel any course for which the registration does not warrant the organization of a class.