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Frequently Asked Questions about the PhD Program

When is the annual application deadline for Fall admission?

First Priority and Fellowship/Funding Deadline: JANUARY 2nd.
 Priority consideration will be given to those applicants who submit ALL materials by JANUARY 2nd. We highly recommend all applicants meet the Priority deadline. Applicants who meet the January 2nd deadline will be considered for fellowships, block grant awards and other funding opportunities.

Final Application Deadline: MARCH 15th. 
Completed applications received between Jan 3 – Mar 15 will be reviewed on a space available basis only. Applications received or completed during this period will not be considered for fellowships and may not be considered for block grant awards and other funding opportunities

How much is the application fee

An electronic application fee of $80 (U.S.) or $100 (international) is payable by everyone applying for admission. Visa, Mastercard and e-check are now available options for payment of the application fee.

Please note that the fee is not refundable under any circumstances, nor will an application be processed until the fee is received. Checks should be made out to “UC Regents.”

Do you accept applications for admission in the winter or spring quarters?

The Graduate School of Education/Graduate Group in Education accepts applications only for the fall quarter.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Students in the Ph.D. program typically complete the program in 4 to 6 years. Students must take approximately 2 to 2 1/2 years of course work followed by preparing for and passing the qualifying examination, and researching and writing the dissertation.

What does the program cost?

For current full-time graduate student fees, please refer to the official UC Davis fee schedule.

What prerequisite courses are required for admission?

The Education M.A and Ph.D. program has no specific prerequisite majors. However, a prior program of study that provides a logical foundation for your chosen emphasis area is necessary. And, for Science Education or Math Education a background in the subject area is required.

What is the minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score requirement?

The School of Education/Graduate Group in Education does not have a required minimum GRE score. High scores will not necessarily guarantee admission and low scores will not cause applicants to be denied admission. The admissions committee will look at GRE scores as a part of your entire application package.

GRE Codes:

  • Institutional Code: 4834
  • Department Code: 3999

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

The UC Davis Office of Graduate Studies requires students to have a minimum GPA of 3.0. If the School of Education/Graduate Group in Education wishes to admit an applicant with a lower GPA, we must ask special permission. If the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, but their graduate (completed M.A) GPA is 3.0 or above, the Office of Graduate Studies will use the graduate GPA for purposes of admission.

Is a personal interview required?

No.

What does the Admissions Committee look for in an applicant?

The Admissions Committee considers the following factors: GPA, GRE (general test) appropriate foundation coursework, fit with the program relative to current faculty interests, perceived ability of the applicant to do scholarly research and writing as gleaned from the statement of purpose, writing samples and letters of recommendation. The goal of the M.A./Ph.D. programs is to produce scholars who will be able to do outstanding independent research and teaching.

Can I transfer units taken at another school to the School of Education/Graduate Group in Educaton to count toward my M.A. or Ph.D.?

Transferring units toward your UC Davis School of Education/Graduate Group in Education M.A. or Ph.D varies from case to case. The Education program adviser examines each case on an individual basis and will not consider the transferability of courses until after an applicant has been admitted into the program.

A maximum of 12 quarter units from a University of California campus or six quarter units from another university can be applied toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. Each course must be at a graduate school level. A course cannot have been used to satisfy a previous degree requirement. The final decision is made by the graduate program adviser

Can I take individual classes without being admitted to the full program?

Yes, you may take classes through University Extension’s concurrent enrollment program. Up to 12 units of this coursework taken prior to admission may be counted toward the M.A. or Ph.D. program, with the approval of the graduate adviser

Where are classes taught?

Most classes are taught in the School of Education classrooms in Academic Surge.

When are classes taught?

Classes are generally taught in the late afternoon or evening. However all students who enter the program must be available throughout the day from time to time. Graduate classes are not taught during the summer.

Can I work full-time and earn my M.A. or Ph.D. degree?

Many of our Education graduate students are employed outside the program. However, most find it difficult to work full-time throughout their program. It is important to provide yourself enough time for adequate scholarly inquiry and School of Education/Graduate Group in Education collegiality. Further, some flexibility in work schedule is necessary in order to participate in full-time course work required for the Ph.D. program.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available in the form of internal and external fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, Federal workstudy, fee and tuition scholarships, and grants and loans.

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