PhD in Education with an emphasis in Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice

We are devoted to the critical examination of the relationships between education, society, and government, with special emphasis on problems of race, gender, sexual diversity, social class, and multiculturalism. Our foundation is critical scholarship, which examines educational institutions within broad social, historical, political, cultural, legal and economic contexts. This program emphasis trains scholars, teachers, evaluators, and policy analysts for careers in academic institutions and agencies at the state and federal levels.

Financial Support

All of our doctoral students are awarded generous funding packages. Stipends and grants cover tuition costs and provide experiential graduate assistantships that further prepare you for your future as a researcher, educator, and leader in the field. Fellowship and assistantship packages are awarded on a competitive basis and vary for each student, but all funding packages cover five years of full-time study.

A typical package will include a total of a 50% appointment (~20hr/week) through a Graduate Research Assistantship and/or Teaching Assistantship, full tuition remission and a fellowship to assist with student fees, the majority of the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and a stipend of approximately $27,000 per academic year. Please note that these figures are subject to change and summer funding is not guaranteed.

Admissions Requirements

A Personal Statement
3 Letters of Recommendation
Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts are required after admission)
Optional GRE test score
English Proficiency Requirement (international applicants only)
Application Fee ($60 domestic application/$80 international). Application fee waivers are not available.

Admission to all our graduate programs is competitive and based on multiple criteria, including undergraduate academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, evidence of special accomplishments, and relevant past experience. In an effort to safeguard educational equity and access, the CU Boulder School of Education has adopted a test-optional policy for the GRE requirement for prospective doctoral applicants. Students may still submit GRE scores for consideration, which will be reviewed as a part of a holistic process. However, not submitting GRE scores will in no way make your application less competitive for admission to the School of Education. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

How to apply FAQ