Admissions

Connect with a Member of our Admissions Team

  • General Inquiries: If you are interested in learning more about one of our programs, please contact tlel@binghamton.edu.
  • Application Process or Transcript Review: To learn more about the application process or a transcript review, please contact our Admissions and Certification Advisor, Tami Mann.

Accepting Spring & Fall 2024 Applications!

Rolling Admissions - Start your Application Today

CCPA programs review applications on a rolling basis (rather than after a set deadline), and we continue to make admissions decisions until the program is full. The earlier you submit your application, the earlier you’ll receive a decision!

Important application information

The following online programs use a different application than the other graduate programs that TLEL offers. Begin your application at this link if you plan to apply to any of the following programs:

  • Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Literacy Education
  • Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Special Education
  • Adolescence special education advanced certificate
  • Advanced certificates in TESOL and TESOL CR ITI

There are University requirements and program-specific requirements for each TLEL program. Those requirements can be found on the program admissions page and the Graduate School admissions page.

All applicants for admission to master's degree programs must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing. Undergraduates entering their final semester, and undergraduates preparing for an accelerated degree program, may also apply.

Personal statement

Please review the instructions for the personal statement required for your program of study on the program admissions page. The personal statement is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the admissions committee, so please be sure to follow the correct guidelines.

Note: we no longer require submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for application to any of our programs.


Consistently ranked a “Best Value”

  • Rated one of only 10 “Best Buy” public universities in the nation – Fiske, 2019
  • Consistently ranked among the top 50 public universities – U.S. News & World Report 

Admission cycles 

Education Minor

  • Applications are due during a multi-week application period each semester. This is a hard deadline with very few, if any, exceptions. Applications will not be accepted outside of this application period.
  • Questions can be directed to the Education Minor.

Master's Programs (MAT, MSEd, MA, MS) 

Initial Preparation Programs

    • Accepts applications for fall admission only.
    • Applicants can submit applications as soon as the application opens until the start of classes.

Advanced Preparation Programs and Non-Certification Programs

    • Accepts applications for fall and spring admission. Applicants can submit applications as soon as the application opens until the start of classes.
    • Applications generally open in early fall each year. Once they open, all terms for the following calendar year are available (winter, spring, summer, and fall).

EdD in Educational Theory, Research and Practice program

  • Accepts applications for both fall and spring admission.
  • Students who are interested in applying for graduate assistantships and attending the EdD program full-time are encouraged to submit their applications by February 1.
  • Applications received by February 1 will be given funding priority. 

4+1/Accelerated Programs

Those who are interested in a 4+1 program must inquire about pre-admission by their junior year so they can enroll in master’s classes your senior year. Those interested in a 4+1 program should contact Regina Alfieri.

Adolescence Special Education Advanced Certificate, Community Schools Certificate, Educational Leadership Advanced Certificate, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL Advanced Certificates.

  • Accepts applications for fall and spring admission. Applicants can submit applications as soon as the application opens until the start of classes.
  • Applications generally open in early fall each year. Once they open, all terms for the following calendar year are available (winter, spring, summer, and fall).

Application Deadlines for Funding

Graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships usually are awarded for fall semesters, so applications should be submitted by February 1 to be considered for funding.

For the Clifford D. Clark Diversity Fellowship, nomination forms should be submitted by November 15 (when applicable) for spring semester admits, and February 1 (for the first round of awards) or March 1 (for the remainder of awards) for summer and fall semester admits. Given the competitive nature of these awards, early nominations of strong applicants are encouraged. 


International Students

  • New York Education Law now permits teachers to qualify for Permanent or Professional NYS Teaching Certificates when they have verified USCIS Permanent Resident status.
  • Students who do not seek certification to teach in New York State may apply to the MA TESOL or Educational Studies program.
  • For more information on Admissions Requirements for International Students, please visit the Graduate School website.

Felony Statement

Candidates should be aware that some states, including New York, may restrict or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions or actions taken against them by a professional organization. Binghamton University's Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership cannot guarantee licensure upon completion of the program.

In addition, candidates in teacher and educational leader preparation programs must complete field experiences, including practicum and internships, in schools or other educational settings. For placement into field experiences, candidates are required to provide personal information, fingerprints and may be subjected to a criminal background check. Candidates admitted into the program are not guaranteed a field placement, practicum or internship placement as schools, districts and other educational settings have the right to refuse placement based on information collected during any background check results or the candidate's own disclosure.

Candidates with such situation(s) should consult the state's certification board and the program coordinator before submitting an application for admission.