Application requirements differ depending on which program you are applying for. This is because the University and the State Licensing Board are not always good at talking to each other so requirements often differ between the Master's and the License. Please review application information based on the program you plan to apply for using the links below. If you have questions about which program track you should apply for, reach out to famed@umn.edu. 

Application deadlines:

• October 1 

• March 1

• June 1 

How to Apply

Application Requirements

The program requirements below are required by the Department of Family Social Science for applications to be considered complete. For more information including University application criteria and admission requirements for international students, visit Graduate Admissions. If you have any questions, please email famed@umn.edu.

1. Transcripts/Academic Records (Upload in Academic History section of online application.)

You must upload unofficial transcripts or academic records for each higher learning institution where you have earned credit, including partial or incomplete transcripts. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of these materials.

• A GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission.

Learn more about transcripts and academic records.

2. Letter of Recommendation (See Recommendations section of online application)

One letter of recommendation is required. Ask someone to write a letter of recommendation who can speak to your experience and promise in working with families, parents, and/or children. If possible the letter should also address the likelihood of success in post-baccalaureate study. When you apply, the online application includes a section for you to list the contact information of the individual recommending you. They will receive an email from the application system with instructions on how to submit their letter.

3. Test scores

No tests are required for you to apply to the program. We do not require the GRE.

However, our program utilizes the operational standards set by the Graduate School for English language proficiency requirements. Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information on minimum standards. The Department is currently accepting any of the University of Minnesota approved COVID-19 English Proficiency Testing Options.

4a. Personal Statement (Upload in Materials section: Personal Statement of online application.)

Write a formal statement in essay format (500–1000 words) with responses to the following:

• Why do you want to earn a degree in Parent and Family Education (such as: what will you do with this degree(s)? What are your professional goals afterwards? What are your areas of interest and/or populations you're interested in working with)?

• Unique contributions applicant would make to FSoS values, including social relevance, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

• How does your background contribute to your desire to seek professional development in Family Education?

  • Make sure to note your understanding of family education (versus family engagement) and how this relates to your goals to be a family educator

• Describe any additional experiences that have prepared you for the Parent and Family Education program in Family Social Science (e.g., experience with online courses, previous graduate level coursework).

4b. Optional Diversity Statement (Upload in Materials section: Diversity Statement)

While this is not required, our program is committed to strengthening the family education field with educators who are culturally and socially competent and are dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding and practicing issues of systemic privilege, inequities, cultural humility, and social and racial justice. Please write up to 500 words. Reflections can include (applicants can also include this reflection as part of their personal statement): 

• Personal, professional, or community experiences with populations that differ from your own and how this relates to your professional goals to be a family educator 

• How personal experiences and/or journeys have been formed by your individual intersectionalities and the role this plays in your pursuit as a family educator

• Understandings of cultural humility and social justice as it pertains to creating a learning environment equitable for your students - including race, ability, learning styles, culture, family structure, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and age. 

• Your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and how it plays a role in your work with families

• How you plan to use this degree to meet the needs of all families and to foster inclusive communities and cultivate culturally responsive teaching practices in your future work?

4c. Optional Extenuating Circumstances Statement (Upload in Materials section: Extenuating Circumstances Statement)

While this is not required, if there is something on your transcript that does not accurately reflect who you are as a student, please write up to 500 words documenting unusual circumstances or hardships you have faced and the ways in which you have overcome or responded to them.

5. Resume (Upload in Materials section: Resume/CV of online application)

Tailor your resume to highlight your experiences and achievements working with parents and families.

6. Current MN Teaching License (if applicable - Upload in Materials section: Graduate Program Additional Material of online application.)

8. Application Fee Waiver Request

Applicants who would like to request an application fee waiver must submit a written request two weeks prior to the application deadline. Funds are limited and no guarantee can be made that fee waiver requests will be granted. Requests should be sent to famed@umn.edu and include the following information:

• Your name

• Name of program/degree to which you are applying

• Indicate if you are a McName Scholar

• If you were not a McNair Scholar, please describe how the application fee provides a barrier to your application submission

Start your application now! Apply online.

Need additional help with starting an application? Review our step-by-step guide on creating an application.