Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to apply to the graduate school?

1. A completed graduate school application, indicating acceptance into the ENMU graduate program.
2. An official transcript indicating an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00. Grade point averages between 2.80 and 2.99 will be considered for "conditional" admission; if accepted, students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.00 with no grades less than a "B" during their first semester.
3. A letter of application to the Graduate Coordinator. The letter should specify the intended area of emphasis and how an advanced degree in education will advance their career.
4. One letter of recommendation from a supervisor, colleague or educator who can attest to the student's professional ability and capacity to complete a graduate program successfully.
5. One signed file copy of the Checklist for Procedures and Requirements that may be obtained from the Education records clerk.

*Acceptance into the Education Administration program requires documentation of a Level II New Mexico teaching license.

*A Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Bilingual Education is open only to students who do not currently possess a bilingual endorsement.

Do I need to student teach in order to obtain a graduate degree?

Graduate students are not required to student teach in order to obtain a graduate degree unless they have not yet obtained a valid teaching license. The option of obtaining a master's in Education without acquiring a teaching license is available, but in this instance the graduate student must sign a waiver indicating that they will not be teaching in public schools. If a graduate student has not yet obtained a valid teaching license and wants to do so, student teaching will be incorporated into a degree plan, established in cooperation with an advisor.

What are the requirements to be in the teacher education program?

1. You must complete a minimum of 40 semester hours of general education course work.
2. You must maintain a GPA of 2.80 or better on all course work.
3. You must score at least 240 on the New Mexico Assessment of Teacher Basic Skills. The Teacher Education Program recommends that students take the basic skills test no later than the semester of enrollment in EDF 222.
4. Students majoring in Special Education must earn a minimum grade of B in the SPED 300 class in order to advance to the next sections of instruction.

*Transfer Students should refer to the ENMU Student Catalogue, page 43 for further information.

What is the process to obtain alternative licensure?

Elementary Education
Initial Requirements

• Apply and get accepted into the Graduate School in the College of Education
  (must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0)
• Meet with an advisor, with an unofficial copy of your transcript
• Apply to the Teacher Education Program

After acceptance into the program

• File a degree plan with a TEP specialist
• Complete all required coursework with at least a "B" average
  (includes 30 hours in an endorsement area)
• Apply to and complete all student teaching requirement
  (including all scheduled meetings)
• Pass all sections of the New Mexico Teacher Assessment

Secondary Education
Initial Requirements

• Hold an appropriate bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree
  (Bachelor's- 30 hours in endorsement area; Master's- 12 hours endorsement area; Doctorate- in recognized endorsement area)
• Apply and get accepted into the Graduate School in the College of Education
  (must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8)
• Successfully complete the New Mexico Assessment of Teacher Basic Skills

After Acceptance into the program

• Complete 15 hours of graduate coursework
• Successfully complete all remaining sections of the New Mexico Teacher Assessment
  (prior to student teaching/ internship experience)
• Complete a full-time one-semester block of student teaching (or internship) in a public secondary school

How will I find out who my advisor is?

You will be assigned an advisor once admitted into your particular program. You can find your advisor's contact information on the Advisors page.

Who are the advisors for a secondary education major?

The College of Education does not offer a secondary education major. It offers the coursework required to qualify for a secondary level teaching license. Undergraduate students who pursue a secondary teaching license major in a discipline, such as English, mathematics or social studies are advised by a faculty member in their major discipline.

Why do I have to take BLED 590:Graduate Project again?
I have already taken it in the on-site ESL Endorsement Program.

The BLED 590:Graduate Project(1-6) for the Master of Arts degree is a separate course chosen by those who are not taking the Comprehensive Exam or writing a thesis. It is a research project and is comparable to a thesis in its demands. The choice is open to graduates who are educational practitioners and who wish to do classroom research. One must consult an adviser before proceeding with the project.

Can I earn a Master of Arts degree from ENMU in Bilingual Education?

After the appropriate course work, you would receive a master's in Elementary or Secondary Education or in Pedagogy and Learning with a concentration in bilingual education.

Does ENMU offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

Yes, but the program uses the new title of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).

Can I earn a Master of Arts degree from ENMU in English as a Second Language?

After the appropriate course work, you would receive a master's in Elementary or Secondary Education or in Pedagogy and Learning with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).

Does my degree plan have to be completed before I can take any classes?

No, the degree plan does not need to be completed prior to taking classes.

How long will it take to complete my degree?

As a full time student, it is possible to complete all course work within two years.