1. For consideration of admission, the applicant should have the following credentials:

a. Graduation from an accredited college

b. Grades indicating a likelihood for success in graduate studies. For full, non-provisional admission, the applicant must have an overall cumulative 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale of college work

c. A major undergraduate program appropriate for given teaching areas

d. Certification in some area of teaching (may be waived in certain cases)

e. Praxis II normally taken in the Specialty Area for certification in South Carolina 

2. Submit the following:

a. A completed, signed, dated and witnessed application form

b. $40.00 non-refundable application fee

c. Two letters of recommendation (with at least one from an academic source)

d. Official transcripts from all colleges attended

e. A personal statement of approximately 1 page (250-300 words)

The applicant should submit a personal statement as part of the application itself. This statement should be a reflection on how your personal goals as an educator tie with the Converse concept of The "Ideal" Educator. This ideal is derived from the Converse College Founder’s Ideal in which Dexter Edgar Converse said his desire was that Converse students "may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly." How do you see your Converse graduate program helping you "to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly"? Your personal statement should be approximately one page (250 – 300 words). In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work. Organize your essay clearly, proofread, and spell-check your essay carefully. Be as specific as you can as you reflect on how Converse can help you become The "Ideal" Educator.

f. Copy of teaching certificate

g. Copy of Praxis II (or NTE) scores

3. Graduate Admissions Committee
All applications will come before the Graduate Admissions Committee. The Committee will accept applicants fully or provisionally, defer applicants, or reject applicants based on its determination of likelihood for success in graduate studies. Having the minimal credentials does not guarantee a student's admission. The Graduate Admissions Committee meets every month except for July and December.

4. Schedule an Appointment
The School of Graduate Studies is happy to arrange appointments for prospective students upon request.

5. Send application forms and fees to:

School of Graduate Studies
Converse College
580 East Main Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302-1931

Phone:  864-596-9220