Applying

Completed application packets are due January 15. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed.

• Application
• Transcripts
• Statement of academic interests
• Two letters of recommendation

Submit your application online via the UIC website—just follow the instructions listed there. There is a non-refundable application fee of $70 for all applicants.

You don’t have to enter and submit all application information in one sitting. You can return to the system as many times as you need to. You can also return to the system checklist as often as you like to see what materials have been uploaded and verified as received.

Once you finalize and submit your application and the application fee, the system will send you further instructions (typically on the next business day) on using the application checklist to upload materials and enter information to generate requests to your recommenders for letters.

Submit transcripts with the application online from each university and college attended.

Your statement of academic interests should include the following information:

• Describe your professional and/or personal background (300 words or less)
• Describe your research interests (300 words or less)
• Why do you want to do a MS in DHD at UIC and why now? (150 words or less)
• How will having a MS in DHD help with your future career goals? (150 words or less)
• List three faculty that align with your research interests who could serve as your mentor. Briefly outline why you want to be mentored by these faculty. Visit our department directory and use the filter by program feature to help you find prospective faculty mentors (150 words or less)
• Is there any other information you want the academic affairs committee to know? (150 words or less)

Submit two letters of recommendation in support of your application.

People who can comment meaningfully on your work in academic and professional settings are best suited to submit recommendations. Don’t seek recommendations from peers, family, friends or social acquaintances.

If English is not your native language, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the exam of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores must be submitted to UIC directly using the institutional code 1851.

The MS in Disability and Human Development program requires minimum scores of:

• TOEFL: 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test), OR,
• IELTS: 5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR,
• PTE-Academic: 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56

Declaration and Certification of Finances