Potential WSU education leadership students learn how to apply to the program.

How to Apply

1.  Meet the GPA Requirement

The Master’s program requires applicants to have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or above from all institutions.

Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may attain probationary status if the GPA is at least 2.60. Probationary status is considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Education Specialist program requires applicants to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or above from all institutions. Contact Dr. Steven Baule at Steven.Baule@winona.edu with GPA questions.


2. Gain Admission to School of Graduate Studies

Before an applicant can be considered for admission into a Winona State University Leadership Education or Education Leadership program, they must first apply for admission to WSU's School of Graduate Studies.

Follow the steps on How to Apply to ensure a smooth application process.


3. Gain Admission to a Leadership Education or Education Leadership program

The Written Statement is required by applicants to a Master’s (MS) program and an Education Specialist (EdS) program. The two to five page written statement must include:  

  • Vision of the purpose and role of K-12 education (or substitute a public or non-profit organization you have/or want to work for, for "K-12 education"), and
  • Personal interest, aptitude and experience in leadership
Email the Written Statement to Casey.pronschinske@winona.edu.

Note: The Organizational Leadership emphasis requires students to be employed and have at least one year of professional work experience.


Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Students

WSU School of Graduate Studies will accept students as Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Students who are able to take courses in the Leadership Education Department before they apply and are accepted.

A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university and who wishes to enroll in graduate courses, may register as a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Student.

Students can complete up to twelve (12) semester credits as a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Student.


International Students

International students are to meet the Admission to Graduate Status requirements as outlined on the International Services page.


Financial Information

Now that you have found a graduate program, it’s time to learn about the cost and options to help finance your education. Graduate students may be eligible for financial aid.

For more information, visit Financial Aid. WSU offers a wide range of graduate assistantships to help defray tuition costs.

If you find that you need to drop a class, refer to our refund policy in order to withdraw properly and refund your tuition.