Have Questions?
Many of the most frequently asked questions about the admissions process as well as the A-ARL program and the application process can be found in our FAQ:
Please only contact UNLV Graduate Admissions with questions related to the application process.
Questions about the A-ARL program should be directed to the A-ARL Team.
Apply for A-ARL Cohort 5
Prepare your documentation
Please ensure you have the following documentation/items ready to be uploaded with your application. Admission consideration may be delayed or denied without submitting these documents:
Transcripts may take several weeks to arrive and be processed. The good news? You only need to send in unofficial transcripts (that just means a PDF for most of you) to get the process started and apply. If admitted, you will need official transcripts on file.
Find more information about submitting transcripts and UNLV’s admission requirements on UNLV’s website.
If you are admitted to the program, you will need your immunization records. It’s never too early for you to start getting those together.
More information about required immunizations is available on UNLV’s website.
The following are requirements for admittance to the Elementary Education M.A.T. degree:
Two References (“Application recommendations”)
Within your Grad Rebel Gateway application, you will be required to submit the name and contact information of two references who will provide a recommendation on your behalf; Once you input their information, an
email will be auto-generated and sent to your recommender for them to submit.
Statement of intent
A one-to two-page letter of intent of professional goals and rationale for pursuing the degree.
NOTE: You are permitted to use your Statement of Intent for the short essay questions within your Supplemental Application (Kira Talent Assessment).
Passing PRaxis core or cbest scores by May 10, 2024
A PDF copy of testing results demonstrating core knowledge, which includes one of the following: Praxis Core or CBEST scores. All test scores must have been completed within five (5) years immediately preceding application date. If you are submitting CBEST or GRE scores, please email tl.arl@unlv.edu to request a Praxis Core Waiver form.
Test requirements can be found at the ETS PRAXIS website.
If you have passed Praxis Core/CBEST at the time of application, great! Submit your scores along with your application materials.
If you have not yet passed Praxis Core/CBEST, you will have until May 10, 2024 to successfully pass and submit your scores.
After submitting your application to the UNLV Graduate College, you will be emailed a Kira Talent Assessment which includes the following:
- Short Essay Question 1 (1,500 character limit)
We want to get to know a little bit about you. Introduce yourself, what you do, and tell us something about you as a learner. - Short Essay Question 2 (3,000 character limit)
This program is about thinking “Nevada Forward”—we see the work teachers do with students as a primary way that we can all achieve great outcomes for Nevada. Help us understand how you plan to be “Nevada Forward” as a teacher. We are particularly interested in why you want to teach and some of your innovative thoughts about how you will make a difference in the lives of Nevadans as a teacher. - Single Select Question (choose one)
Do you currently work for a Nevada public or charter school?
Once you begin your assessment on Kira Talent, you will have 10 minutes per question to formulate and submit your responses — we suggest pre-writing your responses so you can submit them directly into Kira without going over the 10 minute time limit.
Your answers to these questions will provide the NV-EPIC team with additional information about you that will help us determine if you are a good candidate for our program.
NV-EPIC Program Requirements
The NV-EPIC A-ARL program requires that students complete their program requirements while being employed full-time as a teacher of record or long-term substitute in a Nevada public or charter school. As such, the following are requirements to gain full admission to Cohort 5:
A current requirement for obtaining your Alternate Route to Licensure (ARL) Teaching License through the Nevada Department of Education, candidates must successfully pass either the Praxis Core (5752) or California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Those with an ARL license are eligible to be employed as a teacher while completing the A-ARL program, which is a required condition of students in the program.
Candidates invited to the NV-EPIC A-ARL Bridge Program must successfully pass either the Praxis Core or CBEST and submit official scores to NV-EPIC prior to starting the program in Spring 2023.
Students should register for and pass one of these required exams as soon as possible. For more information on these exams, visit Praxis or CBEST.
Students without official passing scores will be required to complete any necessary student teaching requirements for licensure. Any tuition and fees associated with these courses must be paid by the student — the NV-EPIC program will not provide funds for these courses.
The Accelerated Alternate Route to Licensure (A-ARL) program is designed for students to complete coursework while working full-time as an educator in a Nevada school.
Candidates must then secure a position in a Nevada public or charter school during the Fall 2024 semester to complete program requirements.
The NV-EPIC program maintains relationships with Clark County School District, Washoe County School District, and with Charter Schools and can assist students in finding open positions that fulfill A-ARL requirements.
Submit your application
Complete your application to the UNLV Graduate College (via Grad Rebel Gateway). In the Application Type section, make the following selections:
- Level of Study: Masters
- Program of Study: Elementary Education MAT (For K-8 Elementary Licensure)
- Term of Admission: Spring 2024
Applications are due November 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.**
**NOTE: This deadline has been extended from the prior date of November 1!