Educational Psychology - Applied Developmental Science: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

• A master’s degree is not a prerequisite for admission. The faculty is especially interested in considering applications from persons of traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education.
• Contacting Faculty: Identification of a core faculty member with interests similar to yours is strongly recommended. It is highly encouraged that you find and read articles describing recent research conducted by one or more faculty members and directly contact them to discuss your research interests.  Please contact faculty via email (see contact information at the bottom of this page) to set up a time to talk either over the phone or in person.
• Please also submit a resume and writing sample. When submitting a statement of professional goals, identify your specific interests in applied developmental science, your rationale for applying to this program, your long term goals, and the faculty under whom you wish to train.

A committee of faculty in EP-ADS, comprising core and associated faculty, makes decisions regarding admission. Preference is given to individuals whose application materials show potential for outstanding performance in a rigorous and interdisciplinary doctoral training program and who are likely to make significant contributions to the study of applied developmental science.

We receive many qualified applicants for our doctoral program every year, yet we are only able to admit a few students. Please include a statement in your letter of application if you would like to be considered for our master’s program in the event that you are not admitted to the doctoral program. Then, we will forward your application to the master's program admissions committee with no additional application fee and notify you if you are accepted.

Visit our Graduate Admission page for the full admission process.

Coursework

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit the graduate record website. These webpages represent the official repository for academic program requirements.

The Ph.D. in education with a concentration in educational psychology–applied developmental science (EP-ADS) program is designed to require approximately four years of full-time on-Grounds research-intensive training. The typical program of study involves the following:

Interdisciplinary Requirements–a set of courses common to all Ph.D. students, with limited choice and substitution. Includes courses in community psychology, developmental psychology, and other areas such as family processes and education policy.

Coursework in a Substantive Area (e.g., social development, language and literacy, health, teacher education) for a 15-hour specialization, including up to 9 credits outside of education in disciplines such as economics, health sciences, psychology, or sociology.

A set of rigorous Methods Courses (including at least 5 courses in statistics, as well as several courses in research design and grant writing).

An ongoing, personalized, intensive Research Apprenticeship during each semester.

Teaching Experience at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Practitioner-Partnership Experience involving 8-14 weeks of collaborative work with nearby school districts, policy-making agencies or other organizations to experience a different perspective on applied developmental science.

Completion of a Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation Requirements. 

In May, each student will meet with their primary advisor and other faculty.