Thank you for your interest in the UCDS Graduate School of Education! Applications will open for fall 2025 enrollment on December 13, 2024. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact us at gse@ucds.org. Applicants will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis.

Interested in enrolling in one class? We invite local educators to enhance their teaching practice by joining one of our graduate-level courses, offering practical and fun continuing education opportunities.

Step 1: Submit a preliminary application form 

Step 2: Application fee (of $50)
Waived when you attend an information session. RSVP here or email GSE@ucds.org to schedule a session that works for you.

Next Steps:
In any order, complete the following:

• Submit essay questions
• Upload Resume and unofficial transcript
• Share this link with two references
  Choose one professional/academic reference (someone who has supervised you in the workplace or advised or instructed you in an academic setting for your professional/academic reference) and one personal reference (someone who can speak to what draws you to education and your strengths).

Final Step: Applicant interview
Once we receive all of your complete application materials, we will reach out to schedule an interview.

Contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.  We are small by design so feel free to send us an email or call us.

Katie Morrison, Dean of the Graduate School
katiem@ucds.org
206-547-8237

We use the admissions process to help us get to know you better and understand your vision for education. Our admission committee reviews applications to create a generative cohort. Here are some qualities that successful candidates express in their application:

• Passion for teaching
• Interest in pursuing a career in education
• Commitment to developing teacher leadership skills
• Core values that resonate with inclusion, collaboration, reflection, inquiry, and innovation

To be admitted to the UCDS Graduate School of Education, an individual must submit all required application materials detailed in the admissions process above. Applicants must also have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an association recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and be proficient in the English language. Applicants whose native language is not English may demonstrate proficiency through the application process.

Living in a diverse world presents challenges and joys. We believe each of us is entitled to an equitable and safe environment, which promotes acceptance and appreciation of ourselves as well as others. Our school is a community that strives to lead by example in respecting and affirming the unique qualities of each person. We actively seek individuals from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. The UCDS Graduate School of Education recognizes that different backgrounds and perspectives can sometimes create tension, but also stimulate growth and new possibilities; we encourage courageous conversation to challenge assumptions and foster greater understanding among people. We value what each of us contributes to the whole and envision our school as a mosaic that reflects the broader community.

For over 100 years, UCDS has been a vibrant educational community with a focus on individualized curriculum and supporting each child’s social and emotional development. The multi-age classrooms are innovative learning environments where students and faculty are engaged, challenged, and encouraged. We welcome you to visit campus and experience our community when students and faculty are working together. You’ll have time in classrooms as well as the opportunity to speak with members of the UCDS Graduate School of Education faculty.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations for Students
The UCDS Graduate School of Education is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all students, employees and qualified applicants. Except as required by law, UCDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, political ideology, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, ancestry, presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, HIV or Hepatitis C, marital status, familial status, parental status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, application for military service, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. UCDS will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants or students who believe they need an accommodation should contact the Student Services Director, Erica Swanson, by email at ericas@ucds.org or by phone at 206-547-8237.