Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How do I find information about the Program? What steps do I take toward applying? What is the earliest the applications are accepted? Is financial aid available for international students? Is there more information about the program that is not on the website? Is it possible to meet with someone to discuss the program? Is the GRE required? Can I apply if I am not a current or former athlete? Should I gain teaching experience before applying? Do I need an educational background in a particular field to be admissible? Can my statement of purpose count as my writing sample? Can my writing sample be an un-graded paper? How long should my writing sample be? Will I have freedom in choosing courses outside of the core classes? Does the program offer a teaching credential?

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How do I find information about the Program ? 1. Go to the the Graduate School of Education website (gse.berkeley.edu) 2. Click on Academics and scroll down to Language and Literacy, Society and Culture 3. Click on Athletes and Academic Achievement (M.A.) for a description of the program What steps do I take toward applying? 1. On the School of Education website click on prospective students and follow the directions. Requirements include: Check off the Athletic and Academic Achievement M.A. listed under Language, Literacy and Culture on application Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Not required Statement of purpose (Include a clear and specific statement of why you want to study the education of student athletes. Also include teaching, coaching and mentoring/advising experiences) Three letters of recommendation (At least one letter should be from a faculty member who can comment on your academic ability) Personal resume Writing sample, preferably a paper written for a class

What is the earliest the applications are accepted? Applications are available September 1. The deadline for applications is December 1. Is financial aid available for international students? Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (those holding permanent resident cards) may apply for funds administered by the Financial Aid Office Is there more information about the program that is not on the website? Direct all other questions not answered by website to: Derek Van Rheenen, PhD Athletic Study Center 179 Chavez Student Center University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-4220 (510) 642-0605 or Professor Herbert D. Simons Language and Literacy, Society and Culture Graduate School of Education University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-1670 (510) 642-0747 or 642-0746 Is it possible to meet with someone to discuss the program? Yes, it is possible but not required to meet with someone to discuss the program. Also, during the academic year, a prospective student can visit the campus, sit in on classes, and spend time with a current student in the program. For more information, contact: Professor Herbert D. Simons Language and Literacy, Society and Culture Graduate School of Education University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-1670 (510) 642-0747 or 642-0746 or Derek Van Rheenen, PhD Athletic Study Center 179 Chavez Student Center University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-4220 (510) 642-0605

Is the GRE required? The GRE is not required.

Can I apply if I am not a current or former athlete? Yes, the Athletes and Academic Achievement program looks to admit a diverse group of students. who are interested in athletics and academics.

Should I gain teaching experience before applying? It is not necessary to have prior teaching experience before applying to the program.

Do I need an educational background in a particular field to be admissible? No, the Athletes and Academic Achievement program accepts students with various majors and backgrounds.

Can my statement of purpose count as my writing sample? No. The statement of purpose should be a clear and specific statement of why you want to study the education of student athletes. Also include teaching, coaching and mentoring/advising experiences.

Can my writing sample be an un-graded paper? The writing sample is preferably a paper written for a class, but some other type of writing is acceptable.

How long should my writing sample be? The writing sample should be 8-10 pages long.

Will I have freedom in choosing courses outside of the core classes? Yes, outside of the required Ed 257 and Ed 294B students choose any course on the Berkeley campus.

Does the program offer a teaching credential? No. Students who wish to teach in the California public schools will need to enroll in a teaching credential program after completion of the MA. [Students with an interest in teaching English may be able to combine the MA with the MUSE credential program.] Multicultural Urban Secondary English (MUSE) Master's and Credential Program, is a two-year course of study offered by the Language and Literacy, Society and Culture area of study, in association with the Bay Area Writing Project. Students receive their credential after one year and their M.A. by taking a seminar in the second year, often while they are in their initial year of teaching. (The MA from the Athletes and Academic Achievement program can substitute for the second year of the MUSE program.)