PhD Program

PhD programs are designed to prepare students for careers in educational research. Programs are available in five general areas in the School of Education: Curriculum and Instruction(C & I); Educational and Psychological Studies (EPSY); Educational Foundations, Policy, and Practice (EFPP); Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity (EECD); and Research and Evaluation Methodology (REM). Joint PhD programs are available in EFPP and REM and in EPSY and the Institute of Cognitive Science. Students are required to be full-time during their three years of study. All students take the same seven core courses during their first year and fall of their second year in quantitative and qualitative methods, teaching and learning, research and policy, and multicultural education. Students then focus on the content of their chosen program areas.

The Curriculum and Instruction (C & I) PhD program is a research-oriented degree program that combines rigorous preparation for teaching and research in specific content areas with particular attention devoted to curriculum and instruction, cognitive and social processes, and research methodology. Specialty areas include mathematics education, science education, literacy studies, and teaching and teacher education. It is an ideal degree for those interested in the processes of instruction and learning within one of the previously mentioned content areas, and/or in the education and professional development of teachers. This degree is intended for those interested in preparing for careers in research and teaching in university settings, educational leadership and services to schools, or research and development in the private or non-profit sector.

Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity (EECD) PhD programs offers a course of study devoted to the critical examination of theory, practice, and policy in two major areas of emphasis: the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students and the education of exceptional children. The program stresses analysis, evaluation, and implementation of educational programs for students who represent diverse learning needs within the public school system. School culture, language policies, and the social and political context of school are examined across emphases. Policies that affect the assessment, placement, and services provided for exceptional children are also examined. Doctoral level preparation is research oriented and qualifies graduates to be curriculum specialists in school districts or faculty in university positions..

Educational Psychological Studies (EPSY) PhD programs addresses basic psychological processes related to learning, development, and instruction. For example, course topics include the social and cultural context of learning and development, achievement motivation, cognitive processes in learning, gender and learning, and the role of social interaction and communication. Courses also address theories of human development, with a particular focus on young children and adolescents. The experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse youth are a central focus of our research and teaching. EPSY faculty members and students study learning inside of K-12 settings as well as in community centers and after-school clubs. Programs are structured in accordance with a scientist-practitioner model with primary emphasis given to academic study and research. All students develop an academic foundation in educational psychology that prepares them for university faculty positions, work in K-12 education, or employment in the private sector. We encourage you to review the web pages of individual EPSY faculty members to get a sense of our interests and expertise.

Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice PhD programs focus on policy analysis, curriculum theory, and the application of academic disciplines — anthropology, history, law, philosophy, and sociology — to the analysis of education. Programs are devoted to the critical examination of the relations among education, society, culture, and government, with special emphasis on problems of race, gender, social class, and multiculturalism. Programs prepare students for university faculty positions and for policy analysis positions in federal, state, and local organizations.

Research and Evaluation Methodology programs emphasize combining methodological expertise with substantive knowledge in education policy and practice. Programs combine advanced work in research methods with work in social science that closely resembles PhD-level work in cultural anthropology, quantitative psychology, quantitative sociology, or policy analysis. Programs prepare students for university faculty positions, school district central office positions, and positions in state and federal departments of education.

Funding
All School of Education doctoral programs require full-time study; the School of Education does not admit PhD students for part-time study. Doctoral students admitted and attending the School will be provided with three years of funding. Award packages, guaranteed for three years, may be one of the following three types:

• A first-year fellowship combined with a 25 percent time research or teaching assistantship (total income for the academic year of approximately $22,000, based on 2007–08 rates), followed by a 50 percent time assistantship for two additional years (total income per academic year of approximately $18,000, based on 2007–08 rates).
• Miramontes Scholars Fellowship—same as above plus fourth-year stipend.
• 50 percent time assistantships for each of three years (total income per academic year of approximately $16,000, based on 2007–08 rates).

• Doctoral Fellowships and Assistantships
• Miramontes Doctoral Scholars
• Miramontes Doctoral Scholars Application

Admissions
Admissions requirements vary somewhat across the School’s program areas (choose from among program area links above). In general, decisions are based on multiple criteria, including past academic record, letters of recommendation, evidence of special accomplishments, GRE scores, and relevant past experience. The criteria are considered in the aggregate. Fit between program and applicant goals is also an important consideration. The program has affirmative action goals and funding; minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply. General requirements are the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate grade point average (GPA), and minimum 3.0 in all previous courses in education
• Minimum 3.00 post baccalaureate GPA.
• Submission of GRE scores (no fixed minimums)
• International applicants must submit TOEFL (650 minimum for written version; 280 minimum for computer version).

International applicants must submit applications for the fall term by December 1.

Students must have their complete application files in the Graduate Office of the School of Education by the above date. Incomplete or late applications may be accepted and are processed at the discretion of the admission committee with consideration for space availability.

Admission Requirements
Individuals interested in graduate programs in the School of Education must seek admission to the Graduate School of the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Materials for admission to the Graduate School are available from the Office of Student Services, School of Education, 249 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0249; phone 303-492-6555; e-mail: Edadvise@Colorado.EDU.  Please specify the program to which you wish to apply.  Some programs require supplemental application forms, and they will be provided to you.

• School of Education Graduate Application.
• Graduate school application forms (Parts I and II).
• Two official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has been enrolled. Official transcripts are mailed directly to the Education Office from the institution; they cannot be handled by the applicant. Any transcript provided by an applicant will be marked unofficial and will not be considered. Transcripts are also required if you have transferred courses to another college and they appear on that institution’s transcript; this includes study abroad course work.) Download Transcript Request Forms.
• Four references (forms are provided with graduate application or the recommender may use a letter format). For additional forms, click here.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required for: (a) master’s applicants whose grade point average is below the required minimum, (b) applicants to the ESPY program, and (c) all doctoral applicants. The test must have been taken within the past five years.
• $50 application processing fee ($60 for international applicants).

• Two sections of the University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog (the section for Graduate School and the section for the School of Education) for information on degree requirements. The University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog is available online or by sending a check for $11.50, payable to the University of Colorado, to the Office of Admissions, 030 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0030.
• The Graduate Student Handbook (PDF) available from the Office of Student Services, School of Education, 249 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0249; 303-492-6555; e-mail: Edadvise@Colorado.EDU.