Deadlines and Timelines

1. Apply online at http://apply.embark.com/GRAD/UTPA. You will need to fill out the online application, which includes uploading a one page written statement and providing email addresses of three people who know you professionally and would be willing to recommend you. You also need to submit some materials directly to the program coordinator, including your teacher service record, teacher certificates, and transcripts. The application process takes some time, so make sure you begin early. You must be accepted by the Graduate School before enrolling for any graduate courses at UTPA. However, acceptance into the UTPA Graduate School does not ensure acceptance into the M.Ed. of Reading program.
   
   All application materials (including GRE scores) must be submitted by the following deadlines:
   
   

   To begin coursework in...	A complete application must
   the fall semester	July 15
   the spring semester	November 15
   the summer sessions	April 15

   
   
   
2. Once you’ve been accepted into the program meet with your advisor and fill out the degree plan. This must be signed by your advisor and the department chair. A copy of the degree plan will be kept in your file. You should also keep a copy for your own records.
   
   
3. If you choose the thesis option, begin talking with your advisor about the thesis soon after your first semester in the program. Refer to the Reading Thesis Manual and the Graduate School thesis website for specific deadlines.
   
   
4. Two semesters before your anticipated graduation date go to the Graduate School and fill out an Application for Graduation. (E.g.: If you intend to graduate in May, apply for graduation the summer before). If your graduation date changes later on, you will need to pay a fee and inform the Graduate School of your new graduation date.
   
   
5. When your advisor receives your Application for Graduation you will meet to revise and update your degree plan. This final degree plan must be signed by you, your advisor, the department chair and the Dean of the College of Education. Keep a copy of this for your own records. You’ll need it when you pursue Reading Specialist certification.
   
   
6. During your last semester of coursework you must take the written comprehensive exam (this does not apply to thesis students). At the beginning of the semester, please contact the program coordinator to inform her of your intentions to take the exam. The written comprehensive exam must be passed in order to graduate from the program.
   
   
7. As soon as you have passed the written comprehensive exam or submitted your final thesis register for the All Level Reading Specialist TExES. The TExES is required in order to be a certified Reading Specialist in the State of Texas.
   
   
8. Students who have passed the TExES should contact the Office of Teacher Certification and Admission Services for more information regarding certification. Their website is http://www.utpa.edu/colleges/coe/studentservices
   
   It is the student’s job to pursue certification. Once a student has graduated from the program and is certified as a Reading Specialist they are also eligible to be certified Master Reading Teachers without taking the MRT exam.
   
   

*******Please note that all requirements for your master’s degree must be completed within one seven-year period. Work more than seven years old will not meet graduation requirements and can be reinstated only by special permission of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Graduate Programs and Research.