Ph.D. Application Process

PH.D.
ONLINE APPLICATION

Applications for Fall 2022 open October 1, 2021
Full consideration will be given to applications received
by December 1, 2021
Final Deadline for 2022 Admissions is February 1, 2022

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Did You Know? - Fee Waivers

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Education program may be eligible for a fee waiver. To see if you qualify, please click here.

Additionally, participants in a variety of diversity programs may also be eligible. To view qualifying programs, please click here.

UC Irvine School of Education offers a world-class Doctoral Program in Education featuring the benefits of an internationally acclaimed research and teaching faculty, a supportive scholarly community, and selective cohorts admitted annually. The three Areas of Study are Educational Policy and Social Context (EPSC), Human Development in Context (HDiC) or Teaching, Learning, and Educational Improvement (TLEI).

The program is structured for the student’s academic success. Doctoral students receive quality mentoring, relevant coursework, and opportunities to conduct research focused on improving the lives of learners across the lifespan

before applying

Review our Faculty Directory
Applicants should review the faculty research areas to match their own interests and contact the faculty listed in the area of their choice.  The faculty are listed under the following Areas: Educational Policy and Social Context (EPSC), Human Development in Context (HDiC) or Teaching, Learning, and Educational Improvement (TLEI).

Review our Program requirements
Coursework for the Ph.D. in Education program can be completed in 2-3 years. In addition, students are required to complete all milestone projects in a timely manner. Learn more about program milestones and review the Ph.D. Student Handbook and current Ph.D. course offerings.

APPLICATION requirements

• A baccalaureate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Prior coursework or background related to the “Area” of  expressed interest
• The GRE general examination submission is optional for the 2020-2021 admission cycle due to COVID-19
• All international students are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS taken within the past two years

APPLICATION DEADLINES

• The program starts in the fall quarter each academic year. Applications are accepted from October 1 to February 1. Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 1. Applications received after December 1 will be considered on a space available basis.

​ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Applications are evaluated on two major criteria:

1. Potential to Conduct Educational Research
   The goal of a Ph.D. program is to prepare people to conduct research. Thus, a major criterion for the program is our assessment of the applicant's potential to be a highly successful educational researcher.
2. Match with the Program and Faculty
   The school also considers the background, trajectory, and research interests of the applicant and the content of the program and interests of the faculty. We seek students  who match well with the program Areas and to faculty research interests.

 
In evaluating these two criteria, all aspects of an application are taken into account. An applicant's educational background (where studied, what studied, and academic performance), letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, personal history statement, writing sample, resume (CV) and standardized test scores (GRE and, when applicable, TOEFL) are all considered as evidence of potential to conduct educational research. The educational background, statement of purpose, personal history statement and other aspects are considered as evidence of match with the program and faculty. All components of the application are considered together and no single component trumps all others.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit an electronic application using the instructions posted in the application process:

1. Complete an online application listing the “Area of Interest”.  You can discuss your interest in more than one Area and/or specialization in your Statement of Purpose if you wish.
2. Application Fee paid by credit card only
3. Statement of purpose and personal history statement
4. Three letters of recommendation must be be uploaded digitally – paper letters of recommendation will not be accepted
5. Most recent unofficial copy of transcripts from every college and universities attended.  If you are accepted in the program, you will be expected to submit “Official Transcripts” for the same with your degrees posted
6. GRE, and other test scores (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS for International students) are submitted electronically to the UC Irvine Graduate Division via the posted application process (institution code 4859)
7. Writing sample and Resume (CV)

Frequently Asked Questions

International students: We have helpful information and resources available for you here.

CONTACT US

For more information regarding admissions you can contact:

Ph.D.

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Office of Student Affairs
949.824.5910
​educationphdinfo@uci.edu

M.A.T.

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Office of Student Affairs
949.824.5312
​educadvising@uci.edu

B.A.

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Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools
949.824.6703
​admissions@uci.edu