Ph.D. in Education Policy

Graduate School Admission and Doctoral Fellowship Application Process

Due to the rigorous nature of the program, applicants should have combined GRE scores of 1100 (or 308 new scale score), writing scores of 5.0, and a minimum GPA 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 relevant to education policy. Those students 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.

Step 1: Apply to the University of Arkansas Graduate School.

Step 2: Departmental Application
Submit to the Graduate Coordinator of the Department of Education Reform:
(1) The Doctoral Fellowship and Program Application form (see link below)
(2) Your application essay (instructions are on the application form)
(3) Official GRE scores sent directly by ETS to the Graduate Coordinator. Official scores must also be sent to graduate admissions at the University of Arkansas, even if you have a Master’s degree.
(4) A curriculum vitae or resumé
(5) Two letters of recommendation (mailed directly to the Graduate Coordinator by the authors of the letters)
(6) Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning you have attended.

Doctoral Fellowship and Program Application

Deadlines

To be eligible for fellowship consideration, all application materials must be received by the Department of Education Reform no later than January 10. Applications for admission received after this date may be evaluated based on space available.

Overview

The Department of Education Reform offers competitive merit-based fellowship awards, providing full tuition plus an attractive annual stipend for qualified applicants. An additional stipend is given to all fellows through the award of a Graduate Assistantship, allowing the student to gain valuable experience by doing research for 20 hours per week in the Department of Education Reform.

Many other avenues for financial assistance exist as well. More information can be obtained from Funding Your Graduate Degree (include link to http://grad.uark.edu/recruit/funding/index.html).

Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships (DDF)

Recipients of the DDF are provided with an annual stipend of $20,000, paid out in 12 equal monthly installments while enrolled. The award may be renewed for up three years following the initial year, while maintaining normal progress in the degree program. The DDF includes a full tuition waiver for degree-related coursework. Students are still responsible for miscellaneous fees. Distinguished doctoral fellows will 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 $12,000 (conditions as with the DDF) and a subsidized health insurance program. In order to be considered for a DDF, all application materials must be on file at the Department of Education Reform no later than January 10.

Listed below are the academic requirements for the Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship.

Doctoral Academy Fellowships (DAF)

The Department of Education Reform can nominate qualified applicants to be considered for Doctoral Academy Fellowships. Doctoral Academy fellows receive a $10,000 annual stipend, paid out in 12 equal installments while enrolled. The award may be renewed for up three years following the initial year while maintaining normal progress in the degree program. The DAF includes a full tuition waiver for degree-related coursework. Students are responsible for miscellaneous fees. In addition, Doctoral academy fellows will 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 $12,000 (same conditions as with the DAF) and a subsidized health insurance program. In order to be considered for a DAF, all application materials must be on file at the Department of Education Reform no later than January 10.

Listed below are the academic requirements for Doctoral Academy Fellowship.