Admission Requirements

The following are needed to apply:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A current resume

•  An essay of at least 500 words, typed and double-spaced. This essay should represent your highest level of academic writing. Provide a description of your professional experiences and background that have contributed to your readiness for graduate education. Specify those unique experiences that prepared you for the Master of Education at Concordia College. Clearly describe your professional goals and how you believe pursuing a Master of Education with a concentration in Teaching and Learning relates to achieving those goals.

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals not related to you. They should have strong knowledge of your character including observation of special skills, your achievements and/or professional experience, and your ability to succeed in a graduate program. Please notify your evaluators that they will receive a link to the Liaison Evaluator Portal to create an account and complete a form on your behalf. They also have the option to upload a personal letter. 
  

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions should be requested through GradCAS or sent directly to GradCAS at:
  GradCAS Transcript Processing Center
  P.O. Box 9217
  Watertown, MA 02471
  

Application Process

Steps to Apply:
You may begin your application before all materials are ready. GradCAS saves your progress and you may return any time to continue with updates.

• Create your account in GradCAS

• Select the semester the program will start (Summer 2024) and click Apply.
  

• In the program selection window, type Concordia College in the search box.

• Select your program-Master of Education Teaching & Learning or Master of Education Health & PE.
  

• Complete the three standard GradCAS application sections and the fourth program section where you will upload required documents, assign evaluators and answer program questions.

• Pay the $38 application fee. (No second institutional application fee is required.)

• Ensure all documents are requested or attached before submitting your application.
  

GradCAS Applicant Help Center

Questions related to your application status:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | GradCASinfo@liaisonedu.com

Having trouble accessing the application:
Google Chrome and Firefox are the preferred browsers

Desmond is currently working as a behavioral specialist. He decided to pursue his master’s after being told he had the qualities of a teacher. Leading a gym class, he was impressed with the student’s engagement and how successful they were in taking responsibility based on his direction. Concordia's online program allowed him to work while also going to school. He also chose Concordia because it was a faith-based, private school and his wife has family in Moorhead. His experiences in the program have given him a platform to help students of color excel. He hopes his story demonstrates to others they can take on challenges and be successful.
He admits this year has been tough; working through the program is a testament to his motivation as he starts his second masters. Desmond reinforces the value of faculty support. "Yesterday, my professor emailed to see if I was okay. It meant a lot knowing that she has a very busy schedule, especially at this time of the year, and that she took the time out of her day to check in and see that I was okay."
Desmond continually shares what he's learning in the program with his students. He can see some students are really engaged, and his teaching methods are making an impact.

Desmond's advice for future students...

Be prepared for the unexpected. Be predictably unpredictable - get out of your comfort zone and normalize that for your students so they feel comfortable getting out of their shell. Education is truly an art form. It's not easy, but it's worth it. 
Be prepared to work hard and test your limits by doing things you didn't think you could do.

Desmond Rakestraw | M Ed Health & Physical Education