Post-Baccalaureate Admission Application

Applying to the Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE) post-baccalaureate program requires some advance planning on your part. Following these steps will help to ensure a smooth application process.

1. Submit a request for transcript evaluation

   The program director will review your previous coursework and determine which courses will meet program requirements for teacher certification. The request should be submitted before or at the time of applying for admission to the program.

   Request for Transcript Evaluation

2. Meet with your academic advisor

   Schedule a meeting with a School of Education academic advisor to discuss the post-baccalaureate program requirements and your eligibility for admission to the program. You can schedule and appointment by calling 414-229-4721.

   (Last names A – L) – Andrea Azarian, azarian@uwm.edu
   (Last names M – Z) – Nikki Claas, nclaas@uwm.edu

3. Submit the UW System application for admission to UWM

   The UW System application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.

   UW System Application

   In completing the UW System application, attend to the following:

   1. It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
      1. When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
      2. When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
   2. Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
   3. When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page. Select “Education & Training” and then select your program.
   4. Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
   5. Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, type the following: “I am applying to pursue a post-baccalaureate teaching certification.”
   6. Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.

4. Submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC)

   The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that all applicants to an educator preparation program pass a Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to admission. CBCs previously completed for employment or other purposes cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. You cannot be admitted or enroll in professional education courses until your CBC has cleared. 

   UWM uses CastleBranch to process our admission CBCs. The fee for this CBC is $40 however, through June 1, 2024, we are offsetting this cost for students by $27. Once you are admitted, $27 will be credited to your UWM student account. To proceed with the CastleBranch CBC, please follow the link to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee – School of Education portal: https://portal.castlebranch.com/IQ15

   • Choose the option for General Admissions
   • Be sure that you also complete the Background Information Disclosure (BID) form
   • If you have questions about this process, contact the CastleBranch Service Desk at (888) 914-7279 or email servicedesk.cu@castlebranch.com

   Criminal Background Check Requirements

5. Prepare a Professional Statement

   All applicants to the Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE) post-baccalaureate program must prepare and submit a professional statement.

   Prompt: Describe the factors that led you choose UWM’s Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education Program as a pathway to earn your early childhood education and/or early childhood special education teaching certification. 

   If you are also interested in obtaining ESL/Bilingual certification, please include the factors that have led you to choose ESL/Bilingual certification as well.

   Format: Maximum 2 pages double-spaced.

6. Complete the following application form