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Application process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Your application will be reviewed as soon as it is complete.

Notification of acceptance

Continuous notification.

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.85 on a 4.00 scale

How to apply

Submit a UW System application
  • Follow the link to the UW System application. Register as a new user, unless you already have an account.
  • The email you enter on this application will be used to send you important information related to completing your graduate school application. You should use an email address that you monitor on a regular basis. 
  • There is a $56 UW System application fee, which you can pay online at the time of application. Alternatively, you can send a check (payable to UWL) to the address below.  Application fee assistance is available to McNair Scholars. 

Graduate Admissions Office
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

Watch your email

Following UW System Application submission, you will receive a WINGS email.

The first email is an invitation to your WINGS Student Center and includes information about your NETID/WINGS Username.  Access your WINGS Student Center to check the status of your application fee and transcripts.

WINGS Example

WINGS
WINGS example

Complete the following sections as indicated below

  • "ARE YOU APPLYING AS A DEGREE SEEKING STUDENT?".....Choose Yes

  • CHOOSE: Looking to Earn a Graduate Degree

  • "CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR/PROGRAM
  • Find Professional Teaching
    • Select your program
      • "Professional Teaching: Experience Based Emphasis"
      • "Professional Teaching: Learner-Focused Instruction Emphasis"

  • "WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO START SCHOOL?"
    • Consider the timing of your application and select the next available term. For example, if you're applying on 12/14/25, the next available term to select would be "Spring 2026 (classes start January 2026)."
  • HOLISTIC BACKGROUND
    • "EMPLOYMENT" (WORK EXPERIENCE)
      • check the “I have no work experience to report” checkbox, then click "SAVE AND CONTINUE"
    • "ESSAY"
      • briefly describe your experience working with learners and the setting in which you work (for example, a classroom teacher, in-season coach, youth leader with campers, etc.). Explain how you will have ongoing access to learners to complete action research and program projects, click "SAVE", then click "SAVE AND CONTINUE" 
Submit transcripts

Request that ALL previously attended institutions of higher education send official transcripts to the UWL Admissions Office. This includes college level courses taken while in high school. If you enrolled in fewer than 10 undergraduate semester credits at an institution, you do not have to send an official transcript unless the courses completed are prerequisites for the graduate program. Additional transcripts may be required at the university or graduate program's discretion. All graduate transcripts must be submitted. UWL accepts transcripts mailed directly from the issuing institution(s) or through an electronic secure document sending service. Transcripts should be sent to:

UWL Admissions Office
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
admissions@uwlax.edu

  • Applicants can check transcript status via their WINGS account.
  • Applicants who are current UWL undergraduate students/alumni do not need to request formal transcripts for UWL coursework. Admissions can access your UWL transcript.
  • It may take a week or more for transcripts to be received/uploaded to your application file. Please plan accordingly in order to meet application deadlines. 
Additional requirements for international applicants

In addition to the application requirements listed above, international applications will need to submit the following items:

  • Transcript information: As noted above, official, certified or attested transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted. Additionally, documents issued in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  • Proof of English language proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit evidence of one the following language proficiency requirements for admission:
    • TOEFL score (within last 2 years) of at least 79 iBT or 550 pBT - Institution Code: 1914
    • IELTS score (within last 2 years) of at least 6.0
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 110
    • 60 PTE score
    • A bachelor’s or higher degree from UWL or another approved institution where English is the sole language of instruction.
      • Degree must be earned within two years of expected enrollment in this UWL graduate program.
      • Applicant must have attended the institution for a minimum of two years.
  • Proof of funding: Submit a bank statement and completed Affidavit of Support form.
    • Applicants who require F-2 visas for dependents (spouse and/or children) must submit additional proof of funding and passport copies for each dependent.

  • Passport information: Submit a photocopy of the photo page of your passport. 

Please contact International Admissions at  intladmissions@uwlax.edu if you have questions.  Each of the items listed in this section "Additional requirements for international applicants" can be sent directly to the UWL Admissions Office.

UWL Admissions Office
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
USA

Next steps

Out-of-state applicants

This program may meet other states' licensing requirements. An applicant's state may or may not require that the applicant get a Wisconsin teaching license to be endorsed for their program of study. The Wisconsin licensing process may include taking coursework in Native American Studies (ACT 31). The applicant should check with their state licensing board prior to applying to ensure they understand the appropriate pathway to meet their state's licensing requirements

Are you struggling to complete your graduate program application?

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