Include information about your degree(s), employment experience, and specialized skills, training, and/or certification(s).

In this essential component of the application, explain your reasons for seeking this graduate program. Include any information that will advance your candidacy, such as personal and professional attributes and goals, volunteer and professional experiences related to the program to which you are applying, and other related life experiences. Describe your future academic plans and anticipated contributions to the specific profession for which this program will prepare you.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected. If you did not meet that minimum or if you did not have a B average in your major field, you also must address each of the following in your professional statement:

1. Explain why your grades were below Nazareth's minimum expectations.
2. Explain your potential to positively contribute to the teaching profession.
3. Describe relevant experiences and/or activities that demonstrate your ability to successfully complete graduate work at Nazareth University.
4. Outline specific procedures you will follow to successfully navigate and meet the rigorous requirements of graduate study.

• Submit these through the online application. If you would like to provide additional letters of recommendation, email the Office of Graduate Admissions, gradadmissions@naz.edu.
• Or you can use a credential file for this requirement if the letters were submitted for the purpose of graduate study, not for employment. If you have this type of file, have your college send it to Nazareth’s Graduate Admissions office.
• These recommendations are used only for admission to a graduate program at Nazareth University. Graduate Admissions will dispose of all letters of recommendation following the admissions review process.

• If you attended Nazareth, the Office of Graduate Admissions will obtain your transcript upon receipt of your application packet.
• If you didn't attend Nazareth, ask your previous college(s) to send your transcript directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. International applicants: Submit English-translated transcripts, including bachelor's or higher degree equivalency through a NACES-certified evaluation service such as World Education Service, Educational Credential Evaluations, or Josef Silny & Associates. (The evaluation is at the expense of the student.) Also see international admissions requirements.

• Proof of teacher certification from the NYS Teach system. This can be a screenshot that shows your certification has been issued or pending. 
• If you have not yet applied for certification (pending undergraduate program completion), will require proof of certification within your first term of study.

This is for applicants whose undergraduate degree did not lead to teacher certification.

All Initial Certification programs require an evaluation of prerequisite liberal arts and sciences coursework for New York state teacher certification. Outstanding prerequisite coursework needs to be completed before you can begin your student teaching semester and be recommended for certification through Nazareth University. If you have questions about your prerequisite coursework or required tests for certification, please contact Tracey Britton, Director of Academic Support Services, and Certification Officer in the School of Education, at 585-389-2051, or email tbritto3@naz.edu.