College of Education Admissions
Welcome to Pacific University College of Education Admissions!
We are pleased that you are considering Pacific for your education. We encourage you to gather information, to explore our website, to ask us questions, and to visit us either on one of our campuses or at one of our information meetings for prospective students.
To schedule a campus visit, to RSVP for an information meeting, or to check on your admissions status, please email teach@pacificu.edu.
Admissions
The admissions process is your first step toward becoming part of the Pacific University community and realizing your career goals. You may contact the College of Education Admissions Office at any time for more information at teach@pacificu.edu or 503-352-1435 (toll free 877-722-8648 ext. 1435). You may also request an admissions packet using the Inquiry Form.
All applications for programs on both campuses should be submitted to: Pacific University, College of Education Admissions, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116.
Qualified Candidates
Qualified candidates for Pacific's teacher education programs will have strong academic backgrounds, experience with children of the age they wish to teach, and a strong commitment to both education and children. They will also demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to function effectively as part of a team.
A minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 in at least 8 credits of graduate level work is required for all programs. Volunteering or observing in schools prior to submitting an application is strongly recommended. Candidates must have passing test scores on either the CBEST or the Praxis I (PPST) for all programs except MAE, MED VFL, and Advanced Programs. Preference is given to candidates who have completed the ORELA and or Praxis II subject area tests prior to application.
Selecting a Program
Pacific University offers both graduate and undergraduate teacher education programs on two campuses, one in Forest Grove, Oregon and one in Eugene, Oregon.
Undergraduate
High school students and community college students wishing to earn their bachelor's degree and Oregon Initial Teaching License for early childhood/elementary should consider the Education and Learning major. Students wishing to teach at the secondary level are encouraged to complete their bachelor's degrees in a subject they wish to teach and then consider either the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Fifth Year program or the MAT Flex program.
Forest Grove campus: Candidates for the undergraduate Education and Learning Major must first be admitted to Pacific University and then to the College of Education. You may apply to Pacific University online at applyweb.com/apply/pacific/menu.html. To apply to the College of Education at the same time, submit a completed TSPC Character Questions form
and a second letter of recommendation from someone who has observed you interacting with children along with your Pacific University application.
Current Pacific University students can apply to the College of Education by completing a College of Education Forest Grove undergraduate application.
Eugene campus: Candidates for the undergraduate Education and Learning Major in Eugene need only apply to the College of Education. Download this application.
Graduate
Persons who have already completed their bachelor's degrees should consider either the MAT Fifth Year or MAT Flex programs to earn their master's degrees and Oregon Initial Teaching Licenses at the early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or middle school/high school levels.
Persons wishing to earn their master's degree and Initial Teaching License in Special Education will be interested in the APT Special Education program. In addition, teachers certified for regular education can add their Special Education endorsement as well as a master's degree in this program.
Certified teachers can add their master's degrees and/or additional authorization levels and subject area endorsements within Advanced Programs. Pacific also offers an ESOL endorsement, Reading endorsement, and, on the Eugene campus, a Talented and Gifted Certificate as well as a Cultural Competency Certificate.
Graduates of Pacific's undergraduate teacher licensure programs are automatically admitted to Advanced Programs. These students may begin AP after submitting a letter of intent, a current resume, and a copy of their teaching license. If any classes were taken after leaving Pacific, a copy of the transcript should also be submitted.
Candidates for the graduate programs need only apply to the College of Education.
Application Deadlines and Program Start Dates
Program |
Start Date |
Early Application Deadline |
Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
MAT Fifth Year, Eugene |
Early January |
August 1st |
October 15th |
MAT Fifth Year, Forest Grove |
Mid June |
December 1st |
February 1st |
MAT Special Education, Forest Grove & Eugene |
Early April |
n/a |
February 15th |
MAT Flex, Eugene |
Late August |
n/a |
May 1st |
MAT Flex, Forest Grove |
January |
n/a |
Nov. 1st |
Advanced Programs |
January, June, & August |
n/a |
Dec. 1st, May 1st, July 1st |
Education & Learning, Forest Grove & Eugene |
Late August |
n/a |
June 15th |
Application Process
Once you have selected a program and submitted your application, the Admissions Committee will make an initial review of your application. Candidates selected for an admissions interview will meet individually with two faculty members. Candidates will be asked for an impromptu writing sample during the interview process.
After the interview has been completed, the interview team will send a recommendation to the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will then make a final review and an admissions decision will be made.
Candidates are notified by mail. Admissions for all programs except Special Education are on a rolling basis. Therefore, candidates applying early can receive early admissions decisions usually (but not always) within a week of their interview.
Questions
Many questions regarding the admissions process can be answered by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions page. You may also contact the College of Education Admissions Office directly at teach@pacificu.edu or 503-352-1435 (toll free 877-722-8648 ext. 1435).