Educational Psychology & Research, Development & Learning (D&L) subplan Curriculum & Admission Requirements
program structure
Coursework
Supervised College Teaching Experience
Residency requirement
program structure
Comprehensive examination
Dissertation
Graduate Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology & research or a closely related field with at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines, in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants are welcome to contact one (or more) of the faculty members in the department prior to applying for the doctoral program, however it is not required.
Application Deadline
Program Curriculum
The student will work closely with an advisor to determine a plan of study. The curriculum requirements outlined below are the minimum required for the degree. To be adequately prepared for an intended career, the student’s advisor may encourage additional coursework or opportunities which may include presenting and/or publishing scholarly papers.
Course requirements
Development & Learning (D&L) Subplan
- EDUC 800—Education as a Field of Study (3 CR)
- EPSY 800—Development During Youth and Adulthood (3 CR)
- EPSY 802—Child Development (3 CR)
- EPSY 807—Theories and Research in Human Learning (3 CR)
- EPSY 818—Social Development (3 CR) [can sub PSYC 825]
- EPSY 836—Behavior & Systems Neuroscience (3 CR)
- EPSY 837—Neuroscience of Achievement Motivation (3 CR)
- At least 1 course in professional development (e.g., college teaching, grant writing)
- EPSY 810—General Linear Models (3 CR)
- EPSY 822—Educational Scales, Questionnaires, & Sampling (3 CR)
- A course in qualitative methods (e.g., ELPS 871, C&T 808)
- One additional quantitative research course (e.g., EPSY 803, EPSY 812)
- [Note: Up to two relevant courses (6 CR) from the master’s degree can be used to satisfy research skills requirements]
- Students may use their specialization courses / electives to pursue topics of interest related to their study of human development and learning.
- Possible specialization courses include:
Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Application Checklist
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Research
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
List
Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions. If you are planning to apply to both the doctoral level and MSE level, you can save on application fees by submitting only one application to the doctoral level. Then, indicate your interest in the MSE level on the “Are you interested in our MSE program if not admitted to the PhD program?” question. At the discretion of the admission committee, those with strong credentials, but not qualified at the doctoral level, can be recommended to the MSE pool for consideration.
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended. Official KU transcripts are not required; they will be obtained internally.
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
GRE exam scores
Official copy of general GRE scores no older than five years is optional.
Resume or CV
Statement of intent
Please describe: 1) Why you are interested in this degree program, including what skills, competencies, and experiences you hope to gain in the program, 2) Your career goals and how this degree program relates to your career goals (that is, how you see this program preparing you to meet your career objectives), 3) Prior relevant educational, work, and research experiences, 4) One research topic or issue that you would like to pursue in this program, including the faculty member with whom you would like to work, if known.
Online letters of recommendation
Names and email addresses of three persons to be asked to complete letters of recommendation who can provide a thorough evaluation of one’s abilities at the graduate level. While the system only allows for three recommendations, if you have additional letter writers, they can email those directly to fritts@ku.edu.
Proof of English proficiency
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency
Financial document (international students only)
Required by U.S. government in order to issue the I-20 or DS-2019
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents; $100 for international applicants.
Writing sample
A writing sample of your best academic work.
Program Faculty
David M Hansen
Dr. Michael J. Orosco
Meagan M. Patterson