1500 N. Warner St. #1051
Tacoma, WA 98416-1051
Our School of Education builds professional knowledge through meaningful learning opportunities
By fostering collaborative relationships at the intersection of public schools and mental health agencies, the School of Education programs guide candidates as they develop the skills needed to make essential contributions in their fields.
Candidacy decisions will be based on the School of Education admission committee’s assessment of the applicant’s potential as a professional educator or counselor. The indicators upon which this judgment is based are drawn from the submitted application materials and include consideration of previous experiences with youth and adults, success in previous college level course work, cultural competency, written and oral communication skills, and the capacity to reflect and learn from experience.
Application
Complete both steps of the School of Education Application, including the required essay.
Required Essay
State in concise terms your reasons for pursuing your MEd in Counseling. As appropriate, discuss how your professional and educational experiences—as well as this track of graduate study—are related to your professional goals. (Recommended length is 300-500 words.)
Official Transcripts
Official Transcripts of all completed college-level coursework must be forwarded to the University of Puget Sound. Transcripts should be sent directly by each institution previously attended and reflect the completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (Degree in-progress is acceptable as long as completion date is prior to the start of classes.)
Appraisal of Applicant Forms
Consider requesting appraisals from academic and professional references who are in a position to speak to your oral and written communication skills, experiences with youth and/or adults, academic and/or professional preparation, and your ability to process feedback.
Academic Reference
MEd candidates should submit at least one academic reference if they have taken coursework at a college or university within the last three years.
Resume
Candidates must submit a current resume. This is submitted using the online application.
Interview
An interview is required for all MEd in counseling candidates. Interviews are arranged by the School of Education after completed applications have been received.
Application Fee
A $60 application fee is required, except for current University of Puget Sound undergraduate students and alumni. Please submit your payment electronically via the applicant portal after submission.
*Additional materials may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion.
Application
Complete both steps of the School of Education Application, including the required essay(s).
Required Essay
The required essay for the MAT program is comprised of three parts:
*When thinking about differences, consider one or more identity characteristics—such as disability, race, religion, gender identity, socioeconomic class, documentation status, and/or political beliefs.
(Recommended length for each prompt is 300-500 words, for a total of 900-1500 words.)
Official Transcripts
Official Transcripts of all completed college-level coursework must be forwarded to the university. Transcripts should be sent directly by each institution previously attended and reflect the completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (Degree in-progress is acceptable as long as completion date is prior to the start of classes).
Appraisal of Applicant
Consider requesting appraisals from academic and professional references who are in a position to speak to your oral and written communication skills, experiences with youth and/or adults, academic and/or professional preparation, and your ability to process feedback.
Resume
Candidates must submit a current resume. This is submitted using the online application.
Interview
An interview for MAT candidates may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion.
Application Fee
A $60 application fee is required, except for current University of Puget Sound undergraduate students and alumni. Please submit your payment electronically via the applicant portal after submission.
M.A.T. candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills and meet the content requirements for at least one endorsement area.
Requirements for basic skills are met through testing and requirements for content areas are met through both coursework (transcripts) and testing. Test scores are not required for the application process, but must be submitted by Aug. 1 of the year of enrollment.
M.A.T. With Music Endorsement
In addition to all requirements above, candidates must audition and submit transcripts for evaluation by the School of Music faculty.
For Fall 2025 entry, candidates can choose from one of two application options:
Master of Education in Counseling (MEd) candidates must submit the items below to complete the matriculation requirements.
Current University of Puget Sound undergraduate students and alumni in good standing will be reviewed through a streamlined admission process to the School of Education:
| Puget Sound Students and Alumni who ARE Education Studies minors and/or Music in Education majors applying to the MAT program | Submit only the application and supplemental testing requirements. Essay questions are not required. |
| Puget Sound Students and Alumni who ARE NOT Education Studies minors and/or Music in Education majors applying to the MAT program | Submit the MAT program application with essay questions, names and contact information of two references in lieu of written appraisals, and supplemental testing requirements. |
| Puget Sound Students and Alumni interested in the MEd program (regardless of major) | Complete all steps of the application process. However, candidates may submit names and contact information of two references in lieu of written appraisals. |
* Additional materials may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion. Complete details on the streamlined admission process are available on page 100 of the University Bulletin.
MEd applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree at Pacific Lutheran University with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 do not need to submit an application fee and only need to submit one appraisal form. However, the School of Education reserves the right to request additional materials upon review of your application.
Submit all application documents to:
Office of Admission
1500 N. Warner St. #1062
Tacoma, WA 98416-1062
Phone: 253.879.3211
Fax: 253.879.3993
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree offers professional preparation in teaching to students who hold baccalaureate degrees in the arts or sciences. Students completing the program will meet all requirements for Washington State teacher certification.
The Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling degree is designed for those wishing to enter the counseling profession in one or more settings. The school-counseling track leads to the K-12 certificate in Washington State. Coursework in the mental health counseling track can also be used to pursue licensure as a mental health counselor in Washington State.
All graduate students are charged tuition at a per unit rate. Because the number of units required for each program may vary, the graduate program you are enrolled in will determine your tuition for the academic year.
Learn More About Cost & Aid
