Education, Ph.D.

Admission to the program and prerequisites

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following:

1. Online graduate application to the Chapman University Ph.D. in Education program.
2. Supplemental application to the Chapman University Ph.D. in Education program (through the online application).
3. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts showing evidence of a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
4. Two letters of recommendation (e.g., graduate-level professors who can describe the academic potential of the applicant, someone who can speak to the applicant’s professionalism such as a current employer). Letters from relatives will not be considered.
5. A personal essay (minimum of 1500 words) that will be used to assess the applicant’s writing skills, career commitment, leadership potential, research interests and professional goals (uploaded through the online application). This essay may indicate the professors with whom the applicant wishes to study and the ways in which the applicant’s research interests align with faculty expertise. The essay should be substantive enough for the faculty to determine the depth of the applicant’s thinking and commitment to a rigorous program.
6. A current resume showing relevant education and work experience (uploaded through the online application).
7. Optional* Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results in the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections.
   
   *The GRE is NOT required for regular admission to the PhD program but is considered, if submitted, and may enhance the overall evaluation of your application file. However, the GRE is required if you wish to be considered for our fully funded Equity Scholar’s Program (see application or the Chapman PhD in Education website for details).

After initial screening of the application materials, selected prospective students will be invited for an in-person interview with faculty.

Continuous enrollment requirement

Continuous enrollment is required throughout the Ph.D. program. Students who have not yet advanced to candidacy and are not enrolled in any other courses must register for EDUC 797  for a minimum of one credit each term to fulfill the continuous enrollment requirement. Students who have completed all required EDUC 798  Dissertation credits but have not yet successfully defended their dissertation and are not enrolled in any other courses must register for EDUC 798A  or EDUC 798B  for a minimum of one credit each term to fulfill the continuous enrollment requirement. See Continuous Enrollment  for additional information. The maximum time allowed for completion of the Ph.D. is seven years.

Demonstration of mastery

The academic progress requirements for students include a minimum GPA of 3.250 and successful completion of department and program requirements, including successful completion of qualifying exams, advancement to candidacy, a dissertation proposal and the dissertation. A dissertation sets forth a proposition in which the student advances and maintains an argument. Students will conduct research in their emphasis under the direction of a dissertation advisor and committee (see the Academic Policies and Procedures  section for guidelines). 

Requirements for the Ph.D. in Education degree

The course of study for the Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in cultural and curricular studies, disability studies, leadership studies, education psychology, or teacher education is 57 credits with the possible waiver of up to 9 units for prior coursework or transfer units. The course of study for all emphases includes the classes in four areas of study: foundations and philosophy, inquiry, dissertation, and an emphasis (see below). Students who complete all coursework except for the dissertation core and do not wish to complete the dissertation may earn an Educational Specialist Degree in Education.

Students pursuing the Ph.D. in Education are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

• Minimum grade “B” or above required in all coursework.
• Maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 3.250 in the degree.
• Successful completion of department and program requirements.
• Successful completion of qualifying exams.
• Advancement to candidacy.
• Successful completion of a dissertation proposal and the dissertation.

The following emphases and courses make up the Ph.D. in Education curriculum: