How to Apply & Deadlines

Graduate Admissions - Supplemental Instructions
Culture, Curriculum and Change; M.A., Ph.d.

Application and Admission Statistics

Culture, Curriculum and Change faculty begin to review completed applications files in January. Those who submit completed applications in December have better odds of being offered admission to our M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

 

Year # of M.A. Applicants # of Ph.D. Applicants
Fall 2006 36 41
Fall 2007 31 54

The goal is to enroll 5 M.A. students and 10 Ph.D. students each year.

Program Fit

It is important for prospective students to review our faculty and their research interests carefully. Finding a potential advisor and ensuring that there are faculty members within our School of Education who can meet your academic needs are critical parts of the application and admissions process.

Admission Standards

M.A. and Ph.D. admissions standards for Culture, Curriculum and Change are set by the Graduate School. In general, the Graduate School expects applicants to have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and to have scores in the 50th percentile on all three sections of the GRE. However, our faculty looks more broadly at background and particularly at commitments, and how they relate to our concerns with equity and change.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a developed and high-quality statement of purpose. The statement of purpose may include career goals, knowledge areas of interest, commitments, experiences and accomplishments. The statement of purpose should be 2-3 pages, single spaced and is submitted as part of the online application.

Writing Samples

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

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should request letters of recommendation from people who know them well. At least one of the three letters of recommendation should be from an academic connection.

Teaching Experience

The 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.

Funding

Funding is available, but not guaranteed, to Culture, Curriculum and Change students 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. 

The Graduate School awards a small number of fellowships, for which the School of Education nominates appropriate candidates. 

Mailing Instructions

Applicants are responsible for directing the materials appropriately and according to the instructions provided below. Failure to direct materials per the instructions will result in delays in the processing of your application. The School of Education cannot be responsible for materials not submitted in accordance with these instructions.