Education Ph.D. graduate students become creative scholars who engage in research focused on the educational needs of students from linguistic and cultural groups that have historically not fared well in our nation’s public schools. The program provides students with grounding in the varieties of interdisciplinary theorizing, research methods, and applications needed to advance the study of learning and teaching for diverse student populations. Courses and research experiences are closely related to practice in K-12 classrooms and informal settings. Students in this interdisciplinary program apply tools and perspectives from education, anthropology, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, cognitive science, and cultural historical activity theory. The program integrates theory and practice to examine learning and teaching within the multiple contexts of classroom, school, family, and community. Graduates are qualified to teach and to conduct the kinds of educational research demanded by tenure-track positions in research and regional universities. Graduates also work in non-university based institutions that focus on teacher professional development, curriculum development, and related areas of educational research and development.

Together with their faculty adviser, each student develops an integrated program of study that includes advanced coursework, seminars, and electives. Students learn through an apprenticeship model in which they develop expertise through active participation in research. Courses may be taken in other departments, when appropriate.

Mga Resulta ng Pagkatuto ng Programa

PhD graduates will:

✔ Advanced Knowledge: Master and synthesize the fundamental methods, underlying theories, seminal work, critical analysis, and empirical research in education.

✔ Methods: Apply educational research methodologies to current educational questions, issues, and problems.

✔ Research: Conduct independent and original research in education, manage a research study or project.

✔ Pedagogy: Show competence in teaching at the university level.

✔ Communication: Communicate educational research to both educational researchers and practitioners through writing and/or presentations.

✔ Professionalism: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical standards in executing educational research.

Ph.D. Admissions Guidelines

The minimum GPA established by the University of California for admission to graduate school is 3.0. In general, the Ph.D. in education program admits based on a holistic assessment of potential for excellence in graduate study, whether this manifests itself in a high GPA, strong letters of recommendation, or a strong Statement of Purpose. Applicants are evaluated on their individual merits and also with regard to how well their proposed doctoral research can be supported by the existing resources of the program.

Admission Requirements

✔ Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accepted university prior to the quarter for which admission is sought

✔ 3.0 GPA or above

✔ Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse students and/or communities

✔ Statement of Purpose

✔ Personal History Statement

✔ A writing sample, preferably in education or a related field. The sample can be a term paper, a field report, a research proposal, or an essay written especially for the application

✔ Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended after high school

✔ Three current recommendation letters specifying potential for academic or scholarly work

✔ Current résumé

✔ Application fee

✔ International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. A minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL (paper), 220 on the TOEFL (computer), or 83 on the Internet-based test is required for admission. For those choosing to take the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 is required. The program follows Graduate Division guidelines when considering TOEFL waivers.
Prior to completing an application, we highly recommend identifying a potential faculty advisor and making contact with them by email. Please contact the education faculty member(s) whose research interest is similar to your own and explore the possible fit in your interests and their expertise. (For descriptions of faculty research, please visit the Education Department website).