Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education

University of Massachusetts - Lowell

To qualify for admission to the Ph.D. all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Candidates should submit a statement of no more than 1,500 words, that responds to two questions:
• 1. What are you interested in researching during your doctoral studies, and why
• 2. How would doctoral studies at UMass Lowell advance your career goals
• Earned masters degree from an accredited institution. The most appropriate masters degree is the M.Ed.; however, other related masters degrees will be considered if the candidate can demonstrate work experience or knowledge of education policy and/or research. The masters degree must have been earned with a 3.000 GPA or better.
• Resume, which highlights the applicants education and experience relevant to the degree after completion of the bachelors degree.
• Satisfactory TOEFL scores taken within the last year for international applicants as appropriate.
• Three letters of recommendation which speak to the suitability of the applicant for advanced graduate work, work ethic and knowledge of the field of education and/or education research.
• Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's ability to present a cohesive, focused and persuasive response to an education issues of his or her choice. The writing sample should be accompanied by a brief note explaining the context in which it was written and identifying the kinds of support received by the applicant producing it.
• Interview on-campus or via a video-conferencing tool for those applicants seeking Teaching or Research Assistantships, or for those whose application materials raise unanswered questions.
• This program no longer requires GRE or GMAT official scores.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)