MEd in youth development leadership - how to apply
We look forward to your application to the youth development leadership MEd program.
Applications are accepted on a year-round basis, though core courses are taken with a cohort and begin in the fall. Students seeking financial aid need to complete the the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) They also can apply for graduate student assistantships
Before you begin the online application, please gather the following materials:
Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended (including the University of Minnesota)
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Test scores
Applicants are not required to take the GRE exam. If you have scores, you can submit them.
If you are an international student and English is not your native language, submit English proficiency scores. More information about English proficiency exams, including minimum scores required, can be found on the Graduate School website.
You can still apply if your scores are below the recommended level. Depending on admission decision, you may be required to take an English course your first semester.
Description of research or work experience
A personal statement describing your career goals and rationale for interest in the program (limit of two pages). The program requires at least one year, and recommends two years, of experience working with youth.
Extenuating circumstances statement (if needed)
If your undergraduate GPA is below a 2.80 overall, or you have circumstances about which you wish to provide more information.
Application fee
The application fee must be paid online with a credit card. Current application fee information can be found on the Graduate School website.
Current CV or resume
Two letters of recommendation
Two letters of recommendation, from individuals (e.g. administrators, colleagues, or instructors) familiar with your performance, and who can attest to your capacity for youth development leadership.Recommenders must submit these letters electronically using Apply Yourself.
Online application steps to completion
Begin or resume your application through the Office of Graduate School Admissions website. Be sure to save your PIN number and password so you can work on the application over time. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully! Once your application is submitted, you will no longer be able to make changes.
As your application is reviewed, you will receive email notifications of your status. Your decision will be emailed to you once your application has been carefully reviewed by the admissions committee, and all transcripts and credentials are authenticated by the Graduate School. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions four to six weeks after their complete application has been submitted. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.
Complete the following sections of the online application:
- Personal information
- Applicant information
- Educational background (upload unofficial transcripts)
- Self-reported test information (GRE if available, TOEFL if necessary)
- Languages
- Awards and activities
- Employment and residence
- Financial support
- Legal agent and privacy statement (electronic signature)
- Applicant statement (upload description of research or work experience under “statement #1,” resume or CV under “statement #2,” and extenuating circumstances statement, if necessary, under “extenuating circumstances.”)
- Anticipated plan of study
- Employment history
- Fellowships (mark any fellowships you are applying for; mark “no” if not applying for any.)
- Important link fields (upload letters of recommendation)
Official UMN admissions criteria for the Youth Development Leadership M.Ed. is available on the University Catalog website.