How to Apply Instructions

Spring admission only:

Enrollment Period: Next application period opens in May 2024

• Priority (Early Admission) Deadline: July 1
• Final Admission Deadline: Sept. 1

To begin, applicants may work on and submit their COE Mākālei application starting in May. In addition, all applicants need to submit their UH Mānoa Application once it’s available. Both applications allow you to create an account and log in as many times as needed in order to complete them. To be eligible for admission, both online applications need to be received by the deadline. If you have any questions regarding these requirements or need assistance with the application process, please contact coeinfo@hawaii.edu

COE Mākālei Application (free)

Go to: makalei.coe.hawaii.edu

• Category: Apply to a Licensure Track Program
• Program:  Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Special Education (PBSPED)
• Semester: Spring 2024 
• 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 Transfer Application once it is open.
  • 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 shared with those who start an application. 

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

UPDATE (July 5, 2023): The UH System application is now open for Spring 2024. It’s a new system, therefore please make sure to use the appropriate link provided below to access the application portal.

Note: Because this program is charged undergraduate tuition rates, you must apply using the UH Undergraduate Application System. Please do not submit a Graduate Division application when applying to this program.

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
    • Personal Statement & Achievement sections: SKIP
  • Final Steps
    • Tuition Classifications – Complete the Residency Classification information
    • General Data Protection Regulation – Select ‘No’ (Unless you are physically in the European Union when you apply)
    • Request an Application Fee Waiver  –

Update (July 14, 2023) – We are now able to offer an application fee waiver for all our Post Bac applicants for Spring 2024 admissions! Choose ‘other’ and write in the code: UHM COE PB2024. Submit and wait for confirmation of approval prior to fully submitting the application.

• • • 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