In order to apply to a program at Relay, prospective students must complete Relay’s admissions process.  Admission to Relay includes the following requirements:

GPA

Applicants who intend to seek certification in Illinois through Relay must also meet the Illinois GPA requirements for admission to an educator preparation program: 

• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on all coursework previously attempted at an accredited institution of higher education from which the bachelor’s degree was conferred.

• Relay may admit up to 10% of applicants to Relay’s Illinois educator preparation programs via exception who have an undergraduate GPA below the state minimum of 2.50.

• Applicants with a GPA below the state minimum of 2.50 will be prompted to provide a statement of extenuating circumstances during their undergraduate program that impacted their GPA and how they will ensure their academic success in the graduate program and contact information for a second recommendation that will be used to evaluate their eligibility for admissions to Relay. This includes applicants below the state minimum of a 2.50 GPA in addition to applicants whose GPA also falls below Relay’s minimum GPA of a 2.50.  As of June 11, 2024, all GPA exceptions have been distributed for Illinois applicants.

Applicants who do not intend to seek certification must meet Relay's GPA requirement for admissions:

• At least a 2.50 Undergraduate GPA - If you are not seeking certification in Illinois and your undergraduate GPA is 2.50 or higher, you are eligible for admission to Relay.

• Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below the Relay minimum of 2.50 may apply to be admitted to Relay via an exception to Relay’s GPA policy who have:

  • • Earned a 2.50 GPA in their last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate program, or

    • Earned a master’s degree or higher with a GPA of 2.50 or higher.

• Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be prompted to have a secondary recommendation submitted that will be used to evaluate their eligibility for admission to Relay.  As of June 11, 2024, all GPA exceptions have been distributed for Illinois applicants.

Bachelor's Degree

Applicants must provide Relay with transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including an official bachelor's degree-conferred transcript. Click here to read more about submitting transcripts to Relay.

• Applicants in Illinois must meet the minimum credit requirements for the endorsement sought.  If they do not meet this requirement by credits earned at an institution of higher education, then they may take a CLEP exam.  Read more in the "Illinois Graduate Alternative Educator Licensure Program Admissions Requirements" section below.

Program-Aligned Instructional Role

Applicants must secure a program-aligned instructional role with one of our partners (see below). If you have questions about whether or not your teaching position meets the criteria for admission to Relay, please reach out to [email protected].

Application

Applicants must submit all application materials, including:

• An up-to-date and polished resume;

• A short essay on your commitment to teaching;

• Contact information for one recommender, to whom Relay will reach out

Admissions Checklist(s)

Applicants must satisfy all admissions requirements listed on their Admissions Checklist(s).

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