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Neag School of Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Apply to ph.d. program.
Doctoral study in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction is research-oriented. Because the Ph.D. degree is the highest degree conferred by the University of Connecticut, it is granted to a graduate student only when evidence indicates a pattern of pursuing powerful ideas , developing distinctive expertise , cultivating professional commitments , and engaging an able imagination . The degree is never awarded solely for a required period of study or the completion of a prescribed program of course work.
Prospective doctoral scholars must meet the admission criteria of both the Graduate School and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. Consideration for admission requires the following:
- Complete the online application to the Graduate School
- Transcripts of all collegiate work completed to date, graduate and undergraduate
- 3 Reference Letters
- Personal Goal Statement
- Residence Affidavit
- GRE Scores (Verbal & Quantitative)
- TOEFL (for international applicants whose native language is not English)
- Academic Writing Sample
- Evidence of K-12 or Other Relevant Teaching Experience *
Taken together, the documents in your application file should provide a compelling argument for why you aspire to doctoral work. Seek excellence in the documents you submit. Provide explanations for your application materials. Help the Admissions Committee understand: Why do you want the Ph.D.? Why do you want to earn the degree at UConn? What are you curious about? To the committee, the documents in your application folder must present a persuasively argued appeal for investing in your long-term scholarly goals.
Prospective applicants, please see the Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. Handbook for additional important admissions information.
* A minimum of three years of K-12 teaching experience is preferred, but not required for Ph.D. applicants. This is especially true for candidates who plan to pursue a position as a faculty member with a university-based teacher education program after earning a Ph.D. Many of these positions require and/or prefer at least three years of K-12 teaching experience.
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How to Apply to UConn’s Doctoral Programs in Education. Prospective doctoral students must meet the admission criteria of both the UConn Graduate School and the specific Neag School doctoral program to which they are applying. Ph.D. applications are due by December 1 for admission the following Fall.
How to Apply to the Ph.D. Program. Doctoral study in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is research-oriented. Because the Ph.D. degree is the highest degree conferred by the University of Connecticut, it is granted to a graduate student only when evidence indicates a pattern of pursuing powerful ideas, developing distinctive expertise, cultivating professional commitments, and ...
The Neag School is waiving the $75 application fee for 100 Ph.D. Program applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. To be eligible for the fee waiver, applicants must: Complete their application to a Neag School Ph.D. program in the Graduate School's application portal. Fill out this form requesting a fee waiver.
Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Connecticut Working professionals will find plenty of CAEP-accredited Ed.D. programs in our Connecticut school listings. UConn’s highly ranked Neag School of Education has an offering, but there are also CSCU opportunities (i.e. state universities) and private options with intriguing concentrations (e.g. international education). Many programs are part ...
1. Complete the online application to the Graduate School. In the Intended Program section of the application, select: Level of Study: PhD/Doctoral Academic Areas: Education Program: Curriculum and Instruction PhD Concentration: choose from the list. Campus: Storrs Entry Term: Fall 2025; 2.
ADMISSIONS . Doctoral study in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction is research-oriented. Because the Ph.D. degree is the highest degree conferred by the University of Connecticut, it is granted to a graduate student only when evidence indicates a pattern of pursuing powerful ideas, developing distinctive expertise, cultivating professional commitments, and engaging an able imagination.