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University of Wyoming

Adult Learning and Technology
Master of Science in Education, Instructional Technology Option
Admission Requirements

Admission to our graduate curriculum rests on three general requirements:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited college or university with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, on a 4-point scale (provisional admission may be offered to otherwise outstanding applicants with GPAs below 3.0).
  2. Advanced competency in areas necessary for graduate work (e.g. critical thinking, communication skills, information literacy)
  3. Commitment to working within the values, perspectives and practice arenas of Instructional Technology.

The Department of Adult Learning and Technology (ALT) has two application deadlines: February 1 for Summer or Fall admission and October 1 for Spring admission. Please realize this is a highly competitive program, therefore, you are encouraged to apply early. Applications must be complete by the deadlines above in order for the admissions committee to conduct the review. As part of the application process, an interview with applicants may be required. Applicants for admission to one of the ALT programs must fulfill the general admission requirements established by the University of Wyoming, as well as the requirements specific to the Department of Adult Learning and Technology.

Application to the UW Graduate School

The following materials must be sent to the Graduate School:

  • The Graduate Application, which can be completed online at http://grad.uwyo.edu
  • A credit card, check or money order for the amount noted on the application in U.S. dollars payable to Graduate Admissions, University of Wyoming. (This is a non-refundable fee.)
  • Official transcripts (one set) of all previous academic work, undergraduate and graduate, sent directly from the Registrar of each institution attended, whether or not credit was earned.
  • GRE scores forwarded directly from the Educational Testing Service (optional).

In addition to the items above, international applicants must also send the following information:

  • TOEFL scores forwarded directly from the Educational Testing Service.
  • Confidential financial statement form, certified, with supporting documentation. The ALT Department does not have graduate assistantships available for master students.

Applicants must send the above materials to:

Graduate School Admissions
University of Wyoming
Dept. 3108
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie WY 82071-3108

Application to the Department of Adult Learning and Technology

The following materials must be sent to the ALT Department:

  • Department of Adult Learning and Technology Application Face Sheet.
  • Department of Adult Learning and Technology Informed Consent Agreement.
  • Three letters of recommendation (please see additional information regarding the letters of recommendation).
  • A personal statement (please see additional information regarding the personal statement).
  • A current academic resume (please see additional information regarding the elements of the resume).
  • An academic essay (please see additional information regarding the academic essay).
  • Any additional information pertinent to the specific program (please see additional information listed within the specific program area).

Send above materials to:

Admissions, ALT programs
Department of Adult Learning and Technology
Dept. 3374
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie WY 82071

Admissions Review Process

Letters of Recommendation
The forms for the letters of recommendation are included in the application packet - they are also available online at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWGrad/applynow.asp. Applicants should carefully select those persons whom they ask to send letters of recommendation. References should include those people who can attest to the applicant's academic potential, her or his previous personal or work experience in adult education, and the applicant's fit with the standards and expectations that guide professional educators. If the applicant is currently working in a professional education position, it is expected that the employer/supervisor will provide a letter of reference.

Personal Statement
The applicant should carefully consider the purpose of the personal statement in the application process. This statement should be well thought out, carefully written and edited, and not exceed five double-spaced typewritten pages. The statement should address the following questions:

  • Describe your professional self. (Personal goals, strengths and weaknesses that prepare or limit you for graduate study, and special skills should be addressed.)
  • Discuss what attracts you to our graduate program, how you believe this degree can help you, and why you are applying at this time.

Academic Resume
Include the following in your resume:

  • Personal Information: Name and Contact Information (Address, Phone numbers, email)
  • Education: Institution, City, State, Dates Attended, Major, and Degree
  • Work Experience: Dates, Job Title, Employer, City, State
  • Professional experiences such as: Publications, Presentations and Grants; Continuing Education Activities, Awards/Honors Received; Community and Volunteer Activities; Professional Memberships; other

Academic Essay
As part of your application, you must submit a three to five page essay, in American Psychological Association format, addressing the following:

Identify a problem you've encountered, an issue you're aware of, or an area you're curious about within the general field of training, educational technology or distance education. Research and summarize existing viewpoints and then articulate your personal position based upon your research and professional experience.

This paper should be written in the following format:

  • Provide a concise introduction that outlines the importance of your topic.
  • Provide your personal perspective on the topic.
  • Provide a focused discussion, based on information from the professional literature and your experience that defines the topic and provides the context for the topic within a larger environment. In your discussion, please refer to evidence-based practice if applicable.
  • Provide an integrated summary of your perspective and the literature you have cited. Are your ideas and perspectives supported by the literature? If not, can you support your ideas? Are there areas that you believe should be researched further?
  • Provide a reference page for any resources you have cited.

Additional instructions:

a) The fifth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association should be used for citations and references. See http://www.apastyle.org/
b) The paper must not be longer than five double-spaced typewritten or word processed pages.
c) The professional resources you cite should be current or seminal works.

This essay will be used to evaluate your critical thinking skills, writing skills, your ability to use and apply resources, and your ability to organize and integrate information. Therefore, this paper must be completed entirely on your own. Do not solicit outside input, editing or ideas from others, including family members, instructors, friends, associates, colleagues, etc. Please note that you will be required to sign a statement, on the face sheet of this application, indicating that you have received no assistance with this essay.