PhD in Education Concentrations:

Applied Developmental Science and Special Education 
Program Coordinator: Dr. Rodger Mills-Knooce (mills-koonce@unc.edu)

• https://ed.unc.edu/academics/programs/applied-developmental-science-and-special-education

Policy Leadership and School Improvement
Program Coordinator: Dr. Lora Cohen-Vogel (lora.cohen-vogel@unc.edu)

• https://ed.unc.edu/academics/programs/policy-leadership-and-school-improvement

Culture, Curriculum and Teacher Education (CCTE)
Program Coordinator: Dr. Dionne Cross Francis (dicross@unc.edu)

•  https://ed.unc.edu/academics/programs/culture-curriculum-and-teacher-education

Learning Sciences and Psychological Studies
Program Coordinator:  Dr. Matt Bernacki (mlb@unc.edu)

•  https://ed.unc.edu/academics/programs/learning-sciences-and-psychological-studies

Test Requirements

Applicants for Fall 2024: Beginning in Fall 2023, the PhD in Education program no longer requires the GRE to apply. Applicants must demonstrate adequate quantitative, analytic, and writing aptitude to be admitted. Students who believe their application materials do not fully reflect their academic potential are encouraged to include in their application an official GRE score received within the last 5 years.  Any candidate may submit official, current GRE scores for consideration by the admissions committee.

Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should submit three letters of recommendation from people who know them well academically and / or professionally.  At least one of the three letters should be from someone qualified to assess a candidate’s academic potential. At least one of the three letters should be from someone qualified to assess a candidate’s academic ability/potential.

Transcripts
Transcripts from all post-secondary education (including community colleges, summer sessions and extension programs) are required to be uploaded in the application.  Each applicant should obtain an unofficial copy of their transcripts and either upload the document directly if it is in an accepted format or scan it into a file that can be uploaded.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to view each upload and make sure it is clear and legible.  If a degree was earned at any post-secondary institution, the transcript upload must show proof of degree.

Admitted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions to The Graduate School.

Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose should include career goals, knowledge areas of interest, commitments, experiences and accomplishments.  The applicants may also describe how this program helps achieve their career goals and why they are good candidates.  The statement of purpose should be 2-3 pages, single spaced.

Applicants are not required to submit writing samples as part of their application.  However, faculty strongly encourage applicants to include brief writing samples (no longer than 10 pages) demonstrating their ability to compose academic arguments.

The PhD program does not have a formal requirement for years of teaching experience but many jobs in schools of education require 3-5 years’ experience and permanent teaching license, and thus we tend to admit those who we feel we can place in appropriate positions upon graduation.  Teaching experience also makes it easier for students to find funding during their doctoral studies.

Resume

Applicants must also submit a resume which must include a list of experiences working with children and/or adolescents, such as jobs and volunteer efforts, along with the duration of each experience.  Additional consideration will be given to applicants with counseling-related experience and/or experience working with diverse children and adolescents, and to applicants who have experience working in or with schools.  Your experience working with children and/or adolescents MUST be obvious in either your resume or statement of purpose.

Incomplete Applications
All application materials, including letters of recommendation and matched official test scores (if applicable), must be received by the application deadline.  Applications that are incomplete after the deadline will NOT be reviewed for admission.

All application materials are submitted electronically.  Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status and ensuring that their application, including letters of recommendation and official test scores, is complete by the application deadline.  Failure to do so will result in your application not being reviewed for admission.

Funding
Funding is available but not guaranteed in the form of Teaching Assistant (T.A.) positions and Research Assistant (R.A.) positions.  T.A. and R.A. positions typically include tuition waivers (both in-state and out-of–state), health insurance, and a monthly or bi-weekly stipend.  In order to be offered a T.A. position, you must already have completed your M.A. degree.

*Only in unusual circumstances and after consultation with the program are other admission terms considered.