Teacher Education Programs that Accept Low GPA

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Teacher Education Programs that Accept Low GPA [geo-in-name]

Finding teacher education graduate programs with low GPA requirements may be simpler than you think. We’ve compiled sponsored listings for graduate education programs that either accept relatively low GPAs, don’t state a minimum GPA, or offer potential paths to qualifying for admissions with below-average grades.

Whether you’re a current or future teacher seeking to earn a graduate teaching degree, there may be a program that suits your applicant profile!

List of 10 Teacher Education Graduate Programs with Low GPA Requirements

Browse the sponsored listings below to find graduate teacher education programs that may consider more than just your grades during the application process. And, keep reading to learn more about applying to teacher education graduate programs with a low GPA.

Keep in mind that GPA requirements are subject to change and all GPA requirements listed below are on a 4.0 scale. As a result, be sure to check with each school before applying for current requirements.

1. Northcentral University

Minimum GPA: None

Northcentral University is a regionally accredited online institution offering flexible degree programs to fit busy lives. Choose from a variety of graduate teacher education programs, including doctorate, PhD, specialist, and master’s programs.

Why Choose NCU?

  • One-on-one learning model
  • 100% doctoral faculty
  • Weekly course starts

The Education Specialist degree program offers a curriculum designed to take you beyond the master’s level, without leading to a doctorate. Students can drill down on an area of professional knowledge by choosing from 15 specializations in areas like Special Education, Curriculum & Teaching, and English Language Learning.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

2. Emporia State University

Minimum GPA: Varies*

*The graduate program in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5, plus a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 credits of college coursework. The Master of Education in Teaching program requires a GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of college coursework, or on the last 30 credits of a previously earned master’s degree.

Why Choose ESU?

  • Online graduate teacher education programs
  • Courses focus on current developments in the field
  • Taught by experienced education faculty
  • HPER program is accredited by CAEP

Known for its teaching programs, Emporia State University has been helping educators prepare for their goals since 1863. Graduate programs may be found on campus in Emporia, Kansas (as well as at other locations).

Additionally, Emporia offers online learning, including its innovative Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) graduate program – the first program of its kind to be offered in an online format. The program focuses on coaching and instructional methods, plus sports science topics like biomechanics and exercise metabolism.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

3. Concordia University-Portland

Minimum GPA: Varies*

*M.Ed applicants may apply for conditional acceptance with a GPA below 2.8. They must provide additional admissions materials, including a letter of recommendation and an explanation of what led to the low GPA.

Why Choose Concordia?

  • Pursue your M.Ed 100% online or on campus in Portland, Oregon
  • Taught by experienced practitioners
  • Small cohorts
  • M.Ed students may qualify for free textbooks

Known for their graduate teaching degree programs, Concordia University is a top choice among educators in the Northwest. Their MEd program is offered both on campus in Portland, Oregon, and in a convenient online format.

Choose from several tracks, including Curriculum and Instruction, which offers an additional 15 specializations in areas like Mathematics, Social Studies, and ESOL. Candidates may benefit from Concordia’s 3 to PhD® campus, a community-based endeavor that includes a public PreK-8 school right alongside the College of Education, so everyone from kids to graduate students can learn from each other.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

4. Colorado State University

Minimum GPA: Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may apply through Track II admissions*

*M.Ed applicants may apply for conditional acceptance with a GPA below 2.8. They must provide additional admissions materials, including a letter of recommendation and an explanation of what led to the low GPA.

Why Choose CSU?

  • The MNSE program features online, asynchronous courses
  • No GRE required for the MNSE program
  • Science lab kits let you try out classroom experiments at home

CSU Online, the online division of Colorado State University, has over 50 years of experience offering distance education. Featuring curricula developed at the flagship Fort Collins campus, this online division is home to over 40 programs, including the Master of Natural Sciences Education program.

The MNSE is aimed at either current science teachers hoping to strengthen their knowledge, or science professionals who wish to transition to a potential teaching career.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

5. Walden University

Minimum GPA: None

*M.Ed applicants may apply for conditional acceptance with a GPA below 2.8. They must provide additional admissions materials, including a letter of recommendation and an explanation of what led to the low GPA.

Why Choose Walden?

  • 100%-online programs
  • Multiple start dates per year
  • Accelerated MSEd programs
  • NCATE-accredited programs

An online university designed to serve adult learners, Walden University is home to a wide range of graduate teacher education programs. For example, the NCATE-accredited online EdD program is aimed at current educators or administrators who wish to strengthen their knowledge in one of ten specialization areas, including Special Education, Educational Technology, and Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment.

Choose from a traditional track in which you pursue one course at a time (ideal for working education professionals!) or the fast track, in which you take two courses at once.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

6. Liberty University Online

Minimum GPA: 3.0*

*The 3.0 GPA is for admission in good standing, but students may apply with a lower GPA for potential admission “on caution.”

Why Choose Liberty?

  • Many programs are NCATE-accredited through CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
  • Eight start dates each year
  • Eight-week online courses with no set log-in times

Liberty University is an evangelical Christian institution based in Lynchburg, Virginia, and offering over 250 online programs. Graduate teaching programs include the Master of Arts in Teaching program, with several specializations to choose from, plus the NASM-accredited Master of Arts in Music Education, which is designed to help candidates potentially transition from a music career to teaching.

The School of Education at Liberty is accredited by NCATE and emphasizes a Christ-centered approach to teaching and learning.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

7. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Minimum GPA: No GPA Listed for Programs Below

*The 3.0 GPA is for admission in good standing, but students may apply with a lower GPA for potential admission “on caution.”

Why Choose FDU?

  • CAEP-accredited programs
  • Small classes and personal attention

Founded in 1942, Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest private university, as well as a leader in a career-oriented education. FDU is home to over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including graduate teacher education programs designed for diverse goals.

For example, the Masters of Arts in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL) program covers topics like the role of behavioral science in language education, literacy development for students learning a second language, and using technology for TESL.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

8. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Minimum GPA: 2.8 for Unconditional Admission*

*Students with a GPA lower than 2.8 may apply for conditional admission.

Why Choose EU?

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania was established in 1857 as a private training school for teachers. Today, as northwestern Pennsylvania’s largest institution of higher education, they maintain the tradition of offering quality teacher education.

Choose from several programs, including the Post-Master’s Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent program, which is designed to prepare candidates for a K-12 school district leadership path.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

9. University of Hartford

Minimum GPA: None specified for the Music Education program

With over 100 degree programs in areas like education, humanities, and the arts, University of Hartford is a culturally rich place to pursue a graduate teaching program.

Why Choose UHart?

  • Over 400 performances, recitals, and master classes each year
  • Choose from Master of Music Education (MMEd) or PhD in Music Education programs
  • Six concentrations within the MMEd program

The Music Education program has both master’s and doctoral tracks and may offer the ideal learning experience for music educators interested in teaching methodology, research, conducting, and more. The department is located in the Hartt School, on the West Hartford, Connecticut campus.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

10. Canisius College

Minimum GPA: None listed

Canisius College is a Catholic, Jesuit institution located in Western New York. The School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) at Canisius is dedicated to preparing socially committed education professionals with the pedagogical knowledge they need to make a difference.

Why Choose Canisius?

  • Flexible online programs
  • Innovative programs, such as the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program
  • Some programs do not require the GRE

Choose from a variety of master’s and certificate programs designed for current and future teachers – including programs that may help candidates pursue initial licensure in New York. Programs may be offered online or on campus, in Buffalo.

Graduate Teacher Education Programs:

DID YOU KNOW?

44% of Elementary and Secondary Education Administrators earned a Post-Master’s Certificate, as of 2021 according to O*Net OnLine.

  • Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
  • Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
  • Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access

5 Things You Need to Know About Applying to Teacher Education Graduate Programs

Having a low undergraduate GPA doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your goals in graduate teacher education. In fact, many students manage to get into grad school in spite of not performing to their full potential as undergrads. The secret? A lot depends on your prospective school’s approach to admissions.

For graduate schools with a holistic approach, factors like your GRE scores, resume, and letters of recommendation may paint a more complex picture of you as an applicant – especially if a significant amount of time has passed since you received the low grades in question.

These days, some graduate programs don’t list a minimum GPA at all. That doesn’t mean your grades don’t matter, but it may indicate that the school considers a lot of other factors during the admissions process. Here are five tips to keep in mind as you navigate the admissions process – low grades and all.

1. Work Experience May Count

Having some impressive professional experience under your belt may make a difference to prospective teacher education graduate programs. In fact, some programs may require you to have a valid teaching license or a certain amount of relevant work experience.

University of Hartford even requires candidates to submit a video of themselves teaching. In other words, there’s more than one way to prove you’re a deserving applicant!

2. Test to Impress

If your prospective program requires the GRE, that may be a chance to prove your academic potential by getting the highest score possible. If your GPA is low, consider taking the GRE even if it’s optional.

3. Make the Best of Your Personal Statement

Admissions essays offer a chance to get creative, explain your less-than-ideal grades, and demonstrate your commitment to performing to your highest abilities in graduate school. Hopefully your passion for teaching will shine from the page and wow the admissions team.

4. Find Recommenders Who Will Go to Bat for You

Strong letters of recommendation, if required by your prospective program, can say a lot about you as an applicant. For instance, a letter from a current supervisor attesting to your talent and dedication as an education professional could end up mattering more than your GPA.

Check out our list of grad schools with no GPA required to see which ones offer teacher education graduate programs.

5. Apply to Teacher Education Graduate Programs with Low GPA Requirements

Or better yet, no GPA requirements! These schools may take a more comprehensive approach to admissions, considering other aspects of your application over your GPA. That doesn’t mean the process won’t be rigorous, but at least you may have a fighting chance.

Find Teacher Education Graduate Programs, Low GPA

Ready to start honing your classroom knowledge at the master’s or doctoral level? Click any of the sponsored listings above to learn more about graduate teacher education programs that may be the perfect fit for you!

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