PhD admissions

Ph.D. in Education: Admissions

The application for the Ph.D. in Education program opens October 1 for the following fall admission. The priority deadline is December 1. Applications received after December 1 will be accepted on a space-available basis. The application period will remain open until February 1.

Applications are reviewed holistically and in stages by admission committees. Committee members consider an applicant’s academic preparation, potential to succeed in the chosen field, match with the program goals, availability of faculty expertise, quality of supplementary materials, and personal story. An in-person, video, or telephone interview may be part of the process.

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The School of Education welcomes diverse learners, innovative thinkers, returning students, dreamers, and others who want to make a difference in our world. We look forward to your application.

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.

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International Student Resources
We welcome international applicants to our Ph.D. in Education program and provide a full package of financial support to those admitted. Please note the following information of particular relevance to international applicants:

STEM Program Classification
The Ph.D. in Education program is classified according to the U.S. Dept. of Education as a program in "Educational Research and Evaluation" (13.0601), which is currently classified by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM Designated Degree Programs, thus allowing graduates of the program, according to current DHS regulations, to receive a 24-month STEM optional practice training extension, for a total optional practical training program of 3 years. Please consult the DHS for any updates or changes to their policies. For more information about OPT and OPT STEM eligibility, please visit the International Center website.

Additional Information
For additional information, please see the UCI Graduate Division's information and resource site for international students.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A baccalaureate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
Prior coursework or background related to the “Area” of expressed interest (Areas of Study)
The GRE general examination submission is waived for the Fall 2023 admission cycle
All graduate applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS score taken within the past two years. Applicants are waived from this requirement if they have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the World Higher Education Database (WHED). More information can be found here.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Applications are evaluated on two major criteria:

Potential to Conduct Educational Research
The goal of a Ph.D. in Education 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.
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, 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 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit an electronic application:

Complete an online application listing the “Area of Interest” (EPSC, HDiC, or TLEI). You can discuss your interest in more than one Area and/or specialization in your Statement of Purpose if you wish.
Application Fee paid by credit card only
Statement of purpose and personal history statement
Three letters of recommendation must be be uploaded digitally – paper letters of recommendation will not be accepted
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
Writing sample and Resume (CV)
For the 2023 admissions cycle, the GRE requirement is waved
For international students, TOEFL or IELTS score are submitted electronically to the UC Irvine Graduate Division (institution code 4859)