How to Apply Instructions

Spring admission only:

Enrollment Period: Applications open in May for the Spring 2025 cohort

• Early Admission Deadline: Sept 1
• Final Admission Deadline: Oct 1

To begin, applicants may work on and submit their COE Mākālei application starting in May. Once the UH Mānoa Application opens for general spring admissions, applicants will also need to submit this additional application, which will include submitting official transcripts as needed. To be eligible for admission, both online applications need to be received by the deadline.

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 2025 
• Select Program Options
  • CHOOSE LICENSURE TYPE: Make sure you choose Add a Field (Note: “Licensure” option is for those who are seeking initial licensure and are not yet licensed in anything.)
  • CHOOSE MAJOR (SPECIALIZATION TRACK): Mild/Moderate or Severe/Autism
  • CHOOSE LOCATION: Which island you will be pursuing the program from
• Complete Admission Checklist
  • Verify you read the Gainful Employment Information
  • Verify you understand you will also need to submit your UH System Transfer Application once it opens.
  • Upload unofficial transcripts to Verify Eligibility (i.e., bachelor’s degree or higher, GPA of 2.5 or higher)
  • Upload copy of HTSB license
  • Verify Prior Post-Secondary Program Enrollment
• Submit Makalei Application

More detailed information for completing these checklist requirements are shared with those who start an application. If you have any questions regarding these requirements or need assistance with the application process, please contact spedappt@hawaii.edu

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

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

1. Start a new UH System Application
   • 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 institutions you have attended
     • Unofficial Transcripts: Upload a copy if you have them for your bachelor’s degree and any coursework thereafter
     • 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 – Choose Hawaii resident and wait for confirmation of waiver prior to submitting

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

Official Transcripts

Note: If you received your degree from a University of Hawaiʻi System institution you do not need to send official transcripts (e.g., UHM, UHH, UHWO, or any Hawaii Community College).