1. Complete the Graduate Application
   • Pay the $60.00 application fee
   • Upload your career goal statement.
   • Upload your curriculum vitae or professional résumé (include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable).
   • Complete and upload the Tuition Classification form.
   • Three references - references must be from a former instructor, current supervisor, and a professional colleague, these references must be in a position to give feedback regarding your ability to be successful in the program.
     • Please notify your recommenders of the deadline, as we cannot accept recommendation materials after the deadline.
   • Complete a background check or provide unofficial copies of all professional educational/teaching licenses.
      
2. Graduate Writing Sample
   • Please include a writing sample of a Master's level essay or research paper.
      
3. Official Transcripts: Transcripts can be emailed to ugapp@uccs.edu or mailed to:
   • UCCS - ATTN: Admissions
     1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
   • For other documents, if needed: gradinfo@uccs.edu
      
4. Additional Items for International Applicants
   • While we encourage international applicants to apply to the Ph.D. program in Educational Research, Leadership, and Policy, please note that funding for international students at UCCS is very limited. It is strongly advised that applicants secure funding from their home nation prior to applying for admission to the Ph.D. Program. 
   • English proficiency must be demonstrated through providing evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, a TOEFL score of 550-(paper-based) or 80-(internet-based), a Duolingo score of 105 or above, or a Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE®) score of a minimum of 460.

Applicants with any post-secondary course work from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country's Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/members.htm) or World Education Services/WES (https://www.wes.org/).

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities.

Career Goal Statement

Please upload your career goals statement into your online application. Your statement should respond to the questions listed below in a narrative format. In other words, this statement should be in essay form, not in the form of individual answers for each question. Please limit your narrative to 1500 words.

1. What are your reasons for applying to this program?
2. What are your professional career goals? And how does this program align with your goals?
3. Share a specific research idea you would like to pursue in this program.
4. In what ways have your life experiences and work (e.g., in leadership, research, and policy) prepared you for doctoral studies?
5. What do you bring to the program that will benefit your faculty and student colleagues?
6. What personal strengths will enhance your ability to be successful in this program?
7. What factors might limit your ability to complete this program?
8. What are other factors that you believe are important for consideration in evaluating your application for doctoral studies?

Connect with Program Faculty

The selection of a university and a doctoral program of study is an important decision. Therefore, prospective students are encouraged to meet and consult with a department faculty advisor prior to the application process.

Students should schedule an appointment to discuss career goals and special circumstances with a member of the faculty by contacting the COE Student Resource Office at education@uccs.edu or 719-255-4996.