Demonstrate cultural understanding and competence in gathering culturally sensitive data
Implement research-based practices
Document and communicate effectively information gathered, tools used and results, and progress made
Use a variety of practices, appropriate to one’s training and background, in the context of interdisciplinary promotion, prevention, and treatment.
Use strengths-based perspectives and practices
Demonstrate multilingual/cultural awareness in the application of interventions.
Evaluates critically the use of interventions for the general population, at-risk populations, and families who have been identified as needing treatment.
BA/BS with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
Experience working in one of the sectors of
Early care and education
Early intervention and early childhood special education
Inclusive early childhood education
Health, Mental Health, or Nutrition
Family Supports
One or more years of work or volunteer experience with families and young children 0-3 years
A GRE and other admissions exams are not required.
Underrepresented, bilingual, bicultural, and otherwise diverse individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
August 15, 2025 for Fall Start (late September)
Applications are reviewed bi-monthly
Quarters start in
Late September (Fall Term)
January (Winter Term)
Beginning April (Spring Term)
Late-June (Summer Term)
Program: College of Education: Special Education, Infant Toddler Mental Health
Within this online application, there are several sections to fill out, including the department application for SPED:
Personal background information
Residency information
Academic history
Employment information
Résumé
Personal essay statement of purpose (attach essay)
Program-specific questions
Two Recommendations (forms are provided within the application) completed by someone who has worked with you or served as your supervisor)
($67 non-refundable application fee paid via credit card)
You can continue to 'View/Update' each section until you pay the application fee. Once this fee is paid, your file is officially 'submitted' to the Department.
Unofficial transcripts are accepted by the College of Education for the program application. You only need to submit transcripts from institutions that you earned a degree from and where any graduate coursework was taken. Electronic official transcripts should be sent to graddocs@pdx.edu
Acceptable unofficial transcripts are:
Web-based transcripts downloaded from an institution: institution and student name must be visible on transcripts
Photocopies of official transcripts: these must include the front and back of all pages, including transcript key
If admitted, you must send in official transcripts from each degree-granting school and any graduate school. More information on submitting official transcripts can be found on the Graduate Admissions page.
Previous applicants:
If you’ve previously submitted official transcripts to PSU, you are still required to upload unofficial transcripts to complete your application.