I’m not able to start or continue an application.
The application resets annually and will open again in the fall of the following year. Please check back in September.
When will the application be available?
All application materials should be uploaded and submitted electronically to The Graduate School’s
online application. Paper or physical documents should not be mailed or emailed to the School of Education and Social Policy or the Graduate School.
I’m not able to submit or upload my documents. What should I do?
If you are having trouble with uploading the materials, please get in touch with the Program Assistant or Director of Faculty Services and Doctoral Student Affairs for further support.
What are the deadlines for fall 2024 admissions?
We are no longer accepting applications for fall 2024 admissions. Fall 2025 application deadlines will be shared when available.
Human Development and Social Policy: Friday, December 1, 2023.
Learning Sciences: Friday, December 15th, 2023.
Computer Science and Learning Sciences: Friday, December 15th, 2023.
When do the programs matriculate?
Applications matriculate for fall quarter only.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply?
The doctoral programs at SESP do not require a master’s degree for PhD admission. The minimum requirement is an undergraduate degree. To check an international degree’s equivalency, please visit this
page. Students may have a reduced number of courses if they are entering the program with a previous master’s degree.
What does the admissions committee look for in the writing sample?
Applicants should be the sole author of the writing sample. Former applicants have used their undergraduate or master’s theses, published papers, policy reports, class papers, etc. from previous application cycles for the writing sample component. The admissions committee does not require a specific number of pages or word count. Papers also do not need to be published. Longer writing samples can be accompanied by a cover letter with specific pages or sections for the admissions committee to focus on.
Is Professor _________ accepting students in this admission’s cycle? Do I need to identify or secure an advisor during the application process?
Contrary to other programs, your eligibility to apply is not dependent on a particular advisor’s availability or research lab openings. Prospective applicants are admitted without an advisor and assigned a temporary faculty advisor during the first year. As you refine your research and academic goals, you can continue your PhD candidacy with the same advisor or finalize a different advisor by the end of the first year.
Do I need to identify or secure an advisor during the application process?
If there are specific faculty members you’d like to work with, you may identify them on your online application and/or in your academic statement. Applicants are encouraged to identify between 1-3 faculty members.
Should I contact a faculty member before applying?
We encourage you to reach out to faculty who align with your research interest. Keep in mind, they may be receiving many queries so it may take them a little while to connect with you. Please feel free to send a follow up note if you don’t hear back. Applicants are not required to contact faculty members as part of our admissions process. Please note that your application will not be impacted if you don’t reach out or you don’t hear back from a faculty member. However, it will strengthen your application to have identified 1-3 faculty members who align with your research interests.
What kinds of transcripts should be uploaded?
The online application only requires the upload of unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions. Official transcripts are only required upon admittance and enrollment in the program.
Is there a preference for the letters of recommendation?
The admissions committee will accept academic and professional references. It is strongly advised that at least one of the letters comes from someone who can speak to your academic/research competencies.
I studied or majored in _______. Can I still apply?
We don’t require or prioritize specific areas of study. Students have entered the programs with a range of backgrounds and disciplines. Some students have joined us from academia/research or professional experiences gained in areas such as education, economics, public policy, psychology, sociology, etc.
I don’t have an extensive research background and/or I’m coming in with more professional experience. Am I qualified to apply?
Absolutely, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t have an extensive research or methodological background. We value the professional experiences that applicants bring into the program. We believe these experiences can help inform the admissions committee about why you decided to pursue doctoral studies at SESP and/or how they may have shaped or concretized your research interests. Students will receive methods training through coursework and have access to additional support and training through the university’s resources.