Dominican University’s School of Education offers outstanding programs and opportunities for future teachers, current teachers and school administrators. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Graduate FAQs

Who should I contact if I have questions about graduate programs in education at Dominican?

Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission.

What are the requirements for acceptance into the School of Education graduate programs?

You'll need to 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. This does not apply to the Alternative Licensure Program or any program that leads to Illinois State Licensure to teach.
  • 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.
What do I need to complete my application file?

A complete application file to the School of Education consists of:

  • The application
  • $25.00 application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • A written personal statement
When can I start my graduate program?

Most degree programs begin in the summer or fall semester. The Master of Science in Special Education and ESL/Bilingual Endorsement programs accept students at the beginning of each semester. 

How long does it take to finish the program?

Our programs and endorsements vary in length. Licensure for Special Education takes between two and three years, while endorsements take less time. The Alternative Licensure program is completed in two years.

Where are classes held?

Classes are offered at our main campus in River Forest, Illinois, with some cohort classes offered at school sites. 

When do you offer classes?

Classes generally meet in the evening during the week, usually starting at 5:30 p.m. Occasional Saturday classes and online classes are also available.

How much credit can be transferred into a program?

Up to six semester hours of graduate credit can be transferred prior to matriculation, assuming the coursework is comparable to what you would learn in the Dominican program. Exception: the ESL and Bilingual programs do not accept transfer credit.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. The School of Education offers a limited number of scholarships and grants. You may apply for them after you are accepted and have registered for your first course. Federal Stafford loans are also available through the Office of Financial Aid.

Do I need any tests for licensure?

Each School of Education program operates under its own state testing requirements. Your program adviser will give you information on any state tests you need to take.

What are the requirements for teaching licensure?

Obtaining a teaching license requires successful completion of your program of study with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, along with passing scores on any required state tests. See the Illinois Licensure Testing System’s website for details.

How do Dominican School of Education students perform on state content tests, and what do alumni say about their experiences in the program? How do employers rate the performance of Dominican graduates?

Dominican candidates score extremely well on state content area tests and tests of professional teaching standards. Alumni report high degrees of satisfaction with their program experiences, and employers rate our graduates equally high on professional preparation.

Undergraduate FAQs

What size are typical undergraduate classes?

We work hard to provide an ideal learning environment for every class. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, you’ll have plenty of quality time with all of your instructors.

Where would I student teach?

We place our undergraduate student teachers in a wide variety of local area private, public and parochial schools.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, we offer a wide variety of scholarships, grants and loans. More than 90 percent of our freshmen receive some sort of financial aid. U.S. News & World Report consistently rates Dominican University a “Best Value” in recognition of our excellent academic programs provided at a moderate price.

Do you accept transfer students?

The School of Education welcomes many transfer students each year, and our transfer admission staff is dedicated to making the process easy for you. If you are a Chicago area community college student, check our detailed transfer guide.