Education - Graduate

Admission to the graduate programs at Ottawa University is limited. The minimum requirements for regular admission include the following (additional requirements and exceptions may vary by program or location as noted):

  • Official transcript indicating an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum junior/senior grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (see additional GPA and course requirements for professional counseling program).
  • Official transcripts of graduate coursework, if applicable.
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional abilities.
  • Current resume. Preference is given to applicants with at two years of relevant employment or volunteer experience. A copy of a current state certificate or teaching license in good standing and a minimum of three years (Arizona) or 5 years (Kansas) of teaching experience is required for the Educational Leadership concentration.
  • Essay of 300-500 words describing the applicant’s development and expectations for graduate study and demonstrating the ability to organize thoughts a clear, concise manner.
  • International students interested in applying to the graduate program should consult the Dean of International Programs.

Provisional admission may be granted to a student under the following conditions:

  • Junior/senior GPA is between 2.5 and 2.9.
  • Student has not completed necessary preparatory coursework required for the program to which they are applying.
  • Student lacks satisfactory grades in preparatory coursework.
  • Student lacks professional or interpersonal skills required for full admission into a program leading to licensure, based upon recommendation by the admissions.

Students granted provisional admission based on criterion must successfully complete 12 semester credit hours of OU coursework with no course grade below a “B” in order to be granted full admission. Students granted provisional admission based on any of the other criteria must meet all other requirements outlined in their provisional acceptance in order to be granted full admission.

Arizona Teacher Education Certification (Program Exit)

At the end of the practicum and/or internship (the last requirement for education majors), candidates may obtain an Institutional Recommendation form that alerts the State Department of Teacher Certification that the teacher candidate has fulfilled all academic requirements associated with each of the programs requiring certification in the State of Arizona.

To obtain the Institutional Recommendation form, the candidate must have:

  1. maintained a cumulative grade point average no less than a 3.0 in all coursework,
  2. possess an Arizona State Department of Education valid IVP fingerprint card,
  3. show proof of “passing performance” in the Arizona Educator Professional Assessment (AEPA), or National Evaluation Series (NES) where applicable
  4. complete the program of study in which certification is sought and in be good standing with the university,
  5. obtain a recommendation and audit clearance from his or her academic advisor,
  6. receives audit clearance and signature from the AZ-Certification Officer.

At Ottawa University – Arizona, the institutional recommendation is issued by AZ Certification Officer. The academic advisor of the candidate certifies the program of study to be complete. With these documents in place signature on the Institutional Recommendation form, plus an exit appointment, and the valid IVP fingerprint card, the candidate is eligible to approach the Arizona State Department for Certification, where they present the appropriate fee before receiving their first certification within 45 days of academic degree conferral.

Kansas Teacher Education Licensure (Program Exit)

To exit an advanced program (MAEd degree), the candidate must have:

  1. maintained a cumulative grade point average no less than a 3.0 in all coursework,
  2. complete the program of study in which the program is sought and in be good standing with the university,
  3. obtain a recommendation and clearance from his or her academic advisor.

To exit the Education Leadership program as a candidate seeking an Initial Building School Leadership License, the candidate must have:

  1. maintained a cumulative grade point average no less than a 3.25 in all coursework, complete the program of study in which certification is sought and in be good standing with the university,
  2. obtain a recommendation and audit clearance from his or her academic advisor,
  3. submit the appropriate school leadership assessment as determined by the state board with passing scores,
  4. contact the KS Licensure Officer for Ottawa University for state application guidance.

Each applicant for an initial school leadership license shall submit to the state board the following:

  • An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate level school leadership program;
  • Verification of a minimum 3.25 GPA in graduate coursework;
  • Verification of successful completion of a school leadership assessment as determined by the state board;
  • Verification of at least one year of recent accredited experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;
  • An application for conditional school leadership license;
  • The licensure fee; and
  • Verification of five years of experience in a state-accredited school while holding a professional teaching license, a professional school specialist license, a professional clinical license, or a full vocational-technical certificate.

KSDE will seek validation of your five years of experience with your school district and then email your license to you or place it in a state portal system. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing the application by KSDE.

The candidate secures a position as a principal or assistant principal. NOTE: The candidate must be in a position as a principal or assistant principal in order to complete the District Administered Mentoring Program.