Application Deadline
Summer 2026: March 10, 2026
Admissions Requirements
We welcome applicants from varying professional backgrounds who are passionate about supporting young children and families through inclusive early childhood intervention and family support practices. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 are required.
Two application pathways are available:
- Option 1: Licensed Applicants
- Applicants who currently hold a North Carolina Birth–Kindergarten (BK) teaching license qualify under this option with two years of teaching (or related) experience.
- Option 2: Non-Licensed Applicants
- Applicants without a current teaching license must have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, Psychology, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 2.75, plus at least two years of lead teaching or equivalent experience in an early childhood setting.
Successful candidates typically demonstrate a strong record of school-based experience, academic readiness, and a clear commitment to both their own professional growth and the wider impact of inclusive early childhood intervention and family support practices.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor their application status regularly to ensure all materials are received.
Application Process
To apply to the MEdX program’s Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support specialty, you must submit the following materials:
Option 1 Applicants: Licensed Applicants
- School of Education online application
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from your immediate supervisor (principal or director) who can speak to your academic potential, interpersonal skills, and school-based experience.
- Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required. If below 2.7, please address this in your Statement of Purpose.
- Official transcripts will be required upon admission.
- Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages, single-spaced) describing your professional experiences, goals, competencies, and how your work aligns with the mission of the program.
- Current teacher license
- Resume/CV
- Application fee: $95 (non-refundable)
- Official TOEFL/IELTS (International applicants only; valid within the last two years)
- Interview (by invitation) with program faculty after initial application review
Option 2 Applicants: Non-Licensed Applicants
- School of Education online application
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from your immediate supervisor who can speak to your academic potential, interpersonal skills, and school-based experience.
- Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, Psychology, or a related area
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required. If below 2.75, please address this in your Statement of Purpose.
- Official transcripts will be required upon admission.
- Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages, single-spaced) describing your professional experiences, goals, competencies, and how your work aligns with the mission of the program.
- Resume/CV
- Two years of lead teaching experience (or equivalent) in an early childhood setting
- Official TOEFL/IELTS (International students only, must be valid within last 2 years)
- Application fee: $95 (non-refundable)
- Interview (by invitation) with program faculty after initial application review
Statement on TOEFL/IELTS Scores:
The minimum total score required on the exams is:
- Internet-based TOEFL exam = 90
- IELTS exam = 7
- Duolingo English Test = 110
We use a holistic review process that considers all parts of a student’s application. Therefore, we understand that applicants will have different strengths and ways to demonstrate English language proficiency, and we use this approach to see applicants beyond just test scores.
Note: If you submitted your official test scores to UNC-Chapel Hill with your application, expect a minimum of seven business days for your test scores to be matched to your application.