School of Education - George Mason University
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Admissions

  1. Education
  2. PhD in Education
  3. PhD in Education Admissions Requirements and Deadlines
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All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study.

Program Eligibility

Applicants must have conferred a master’s degree prior to beginning course work in the PhD program. Three years of work experience in a professional setting may be required.

Admission Requirements

  • Application Form and Fee

    Submitted application form and $75 application fee. Application fees are non-refundable.

  • Resume

    Resume should be updated and free of grammatical errors.

  • Goals Statement

    The goals statement is 750-1000 words and should describe your academic and career goals related to the intended program. We recommend applicants are specific in describing their past experiences related to the intended program as well as personal and professional aspirations. Applicants should address their intended specialization area within the PhD program.

  • Transcript

    Students can upload their unofficial transcripts for application review. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions for specific requirements.

  • GRE

    Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Scores must be from an examination taken within the last five years. Official test scores must be received by Mason by the application deadline.

  • Three Letters of Recommendation

    Applicants should follow the instructions included within the online application to submit the recommendation form directly to their recommender. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.

  • Students with International Education Credentials

    Additional requirements might be required. Please see the International Graduate Requirements for additional information.

See FAQs for more information.

 

Program Admission Deadlines

Fall Admission
Funding Deadline: January 15
Final Deadline: February 15

All required materials must be in the admissions office by the admission deadline to ensure proper processing. If you are missing parts of the required application materials, your application is incomplete and will not be considered.

Licensure Disclosure

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.