Application FAQs
Do I have to submit an application directly to the University?
No. All application materials should be submitted through the CSDCAS portal.
Does SIUE require a writing sample or personal statement?
No. However, CSDCAS may require that you enter text in this field for your application to be considered complete. You are welcome to enter essay information for another institution. Any information provided in this portion of the application will not be used as part of the admission review process for SIUE.
Does the program only admit students once a year?
Yes. All students apply for a fall start. However, there is an option to take the elective the summer before you begin.
How competitive is your program?
Like most programs in CSD, the master's program at SIUE is pretty competitive. Meeting all admission requirements does not ensure admission.
In the past three years:
238: Average number of qualified applicants to our graduate program
70: Average number of admission offers
24: Average size of incoming class
Students in our graduate program have completed their undergraduate coursework at a variety of institutions including, the University of Missouri, Maryville University, Murray State University, Northern Illinois University, the University of Iowa, Eastern Illinois University, Indiana University Bloomington, Butler University, St. Louis University, Purdue and Indiana State University.
Please visit EdFind for more information about our admission trends including GRE scores and GPA of previous applicant pools.
Do I have to wait for my fall grades to be posted to request a transcript to be sent?
No, but we do need those fall grades in a timely manner, so go ahead and request your transcript! We recommend students make the request during the fall semester and indicate to their Registrar's Office to hold the transcript and send only after fall grades have been posted. Then, your current institution will automatically send the transcript to CSDCAS once fall grades are posted and you don't have to worry about making this request in December or January. We also recommend you follow up with your Registrar's Office to verity that the transcript was sent with fall grades posted. Also, remember to complete your Academic Update in CSDCAS.
Please note: if you are accepted, and decide to attend SIUE for graduate school, you will need to send an official transcript, with final degree posted, from your undergraduate institution to SIUE. Your advisor will help you through this process.
Is there a minimum GRE score I need?
No. SIUE does not have a minimum requirement for GRE scores. However, we do use the scores during the review process.
Is there any additional information you can provide to help me through this process?
Yes. The CSDCAS Student Page has valuable information for preparing students to apply, as well as FAQs, program deadlines and application support.
