About PhD Program,
The Doctor of Education in Education Policy will prepare scholars for careers in academia, think tanks and public service in the field of K-12 Education Policy. The program of study is based on empirical and theoretical research in the social sciences and other academic disciplines. Our program is distinguished by its exceptional methodological rigor and reform themes, and boasts completion rates of 79% (4-year) and 89% (7-year). Students are required to be in residence at the University for at least the first three years of the program.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Applicants first apply for program entry. Once admissions decisions have been made, successful applicants will be considered for fellowship awards by the department and by the University of Arkansas Graduate School.
In addition to meeting university requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the successful applicants to the program typically have combined GRE scores over 300, an analytic writing score of 4.0 or higher, and a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 undergraduate or 3.5 in a master’s program. Admission is based on the individual’s total profile, with special attention given to those with professional experience in education policy. Those students who have quantitative GRE scores above the 40th percentile and/or who have completed calculus and statistics courses prior to arriving on campus will more readily satisfy the prerequisites for the program’s research methods sequence.
Any questions should be directed to our Graduate Coordinator, Tom Bennett, Ed.D., J.D., at tabennet@uark.edu.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships are combined with graduate assistantships to provide a package of stipends totaling $40,000 per year (2021-2022), a tuition waiver and further benefits. The DDF may be renewed for up to three years following the initial year while maintaining normal progress in the Education Policy degree program.
The DDF stipend is valued at $22,000 and paid out in 12 equal monthly installments while enrolled. Distinguished Doctoral Fellows concurrently hold a half-time, 12-month graduate assistant position in the department, requiring 20 hours of research work per week. This assistantship comes with an annual stipend of $18,000 while enrolled, a full tuition waiver for degree-related coursework and a partially subsidized health insurance program. Students are responsible for miscellaneous fees. The assistantship stipend is in addition to the DDF stipend for a combined annual income support of $40,000. In order to be considered for a DDF, all application materials must be on file at the department no later than Jan. 10.
Doctoral Academy Fellowships are combined with graduate assistantships to provide a package of stipends totaling $30,000 per year (2021-2022), a tuition waiver and further benefits. These awards may be renewed for up to three years following the initial year while maintaining normal progress in the degree program.
The DAF provides a $12,000 annual stipend. Doctoral Academy Fellows concurrently hold a half-time, 12-month graduate assistant position in the Department of Education Reform, requiring 20 hours of research work per week. This assistantship comes with an annual stipend of $18,000, a full tuition waiver for degree-related coursework and a partially subsidized health insurance program. Students are responsible for miscellaneous fees. The stipends are paid out in 12 equal monthly installments while enrolled. The combined annual income support for a Doctoral Academy Fellow is $30,000. In order to be considered for a DAF, all application materials must be on file at the department no later than Jan. 10.
The fellowship support is intended to permit students to focus on mastering the content of the program and progressing towards their degree. Students are prohibited from working outside of the department while in the doctoral program unless they receive written approval.
Application Requirement,
You will need to arrange the following application materials for submission to the Graduate School, through the admissions website:
- GRE test scores, from a test taken within the past 5 years, sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. This is required of all applicants.
- Official transcripts of all college- and university-level coursework,received directly from the registrars of the institutions you have attended.
- At least two letters of recommendation. The admissions website has a function that allows you to invite people to upload letters of recommendation. These letters should be written by persons (supervisors, professors, etc.) who are in a position to evaluate your capability to undertake a demanding doctoral program in education policy. Please ensure that all letters are printed on the person’s institutional letterhead and are signed by hand.
- Education Policy Ph.D. Departmental Application.
- Statement of Purpose of 1,000 words or fewer, in which you share your background and reasons for your interest in research related to education policy and reform.
- Curriculum vitae.
Application Deadline,
Jan 10, 2025
Application Fee,
The application fee is $60 for all new domestic graduate applicants. The application fee is $75 for all new international graduate applicants. For applicants who have current graduate enrollment at the UA, the fee is $30.
