How to Apply Instructions

Spring admission only:

The application process consists of TWO parts. Both parts must be completed prior to the deadline. The application period is open from May 1 to Oct 1. If you have any questions regarding these requirements or need assistance with the application process, please contact coeinfo@hawaii.edu

COE Mākālei Application (free)

Start your College of Education Mākālei application: makalei.coe.hawaii.edu

• Category: Apply to a Licensure Track Program
• Program:  Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Special Education (PBSPED)
• Semester: Spring 2025 
• Select Program Options
  • CHOOSE LICENSURE TYPE: Make sure you choose Licensure (Note: Add-a-Field option is for those who are already licensed teachers in other fields)
  • CHOOSE MAJOR (SPECIALIZATION TRACK): Mild/Moderate or Severe/Autism
  • CHOOSE LOCATION: Which island you will be pursuing the program from
• Complete Licensure Track Application Checklist
  • Verify you read the Gainful Employment Information
  • Verify you understand you will also need to submit your UH System Application (info to apply is provided below).
  • Upload unofficial transcripts to Verify Eligibility (i.e., bachelor’s degree or higher, GPA of 2.75 or higher)
  • Complete your Video Recorded Responses & Essay
  • Write your Personal Statement/Essay
    • Think of the most influential teacher you have had.
      1. Tell us who that person is (including their name, level, and school) and how/why that person impacted you the most.
      2. Then tell us what unique qualities and skills you have that would make you a successful teacher.
  • Upload your Resumé
  • Input contact information for Three Professional References
  • Input Repeated courses, if any
  • Verify Prior Post-Secondary Program Enrollment
• Submit Makalei Application

Note: More detailed information and tips for completing these checklist requirements are automatically shared with those who start their Mākālei application. 

UH Mānoa System Application ($70 – fee waiver available)

Because this program is charged undergraduate tuition rates, please do not submit a Graduate Division application when applying to this program. Use the link provided below.

Start a new UH System Application

Note: Please only use one email address for your UH application – if you log into your application and change the email address in your file during or after you submit your application, it will delay processing and admissions decisions.

• • About You
    • This section includes: Personal Information, Your Address, Your Family (skip), Citizenship, Race & Ethnicity, and Other Background
  • Your Academics
    • Your UH Mānoa Plans
      • Choose 2nd Bachelor
      • Planned Course of Study: Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education (Spring Admission only)
      • Number of transfer credits: You can skip by putting ‘0’
    • Previous College Coursework: Please list the institution where you received your bachelor’s degree and any coursework thereafter.
    • Unofficial Transcripts: Upload a copy if you have them
    • SKIP – Personal Statement & Achievement sections (not needed)
  • Final Steps
    • Tuition Classifications – Complete the Residency Classification information
    • Request an Application Fee Waiver – All Hawaii residents are eligible for the application fee waiver. Submit and wait for confirmation of approval prior to fully submitting the application. If you are not a Hawaii resident, you can select ‘Other’ and use the code “PCERT” to receive a fee waiver.

• • • Final Step: Verify everything is correct by checking ‘Yes’

Once you finish submitting your UH application, please send official transcripts if you received your bachelor’s degree or higher from a non-UH institution. If you received your degree from a University of Hawaiʻi System institution (i.e., UHM, UHH, UHWO, or any Hawaii Community College) you do not need to send any official transcripts.

Official Transcripts