PhD in Education at Utah State University

The Education at Utah State University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Logan , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 6 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 29, 2026.

About PhD in Education

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, which houses the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, ranks in the top 2% of all graduate colleges of education. The college has been ranked third in the nation in total research dollars received, according to "America's Best Graduate Schools" U.S. News & World Report.

The School of Teacher Education and Leadership administers a program leading to a doctoral degree in education with a required specialization in curriculum and instruction. The degree is designed for educators who wish to prepare to become curriculum specialists, coordinators, or supervisors in public or private school systems or state departments of public instruction, and for those preparing to work as faculty members at the college or university level, generally in a teacher preparation area.

The PhD prepares candidates for academic careers in institutions that demand research expertise and an understanding of the theoretical foundations of a specific field. The PhD in Education degree is currently the only distance-delivered doctoral degree in the state.

Attention: The EdD program previously offered by the School of Teacher Education and Leadership is NOT currently accepting applications. Those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education should consider the Ph.D. in Education program.

Students must choose an area in which to focus their research. These areas are:

Instructional Leadership
Mathematics Education and Leadership
Literacy Education and Leadership
Cultural Studies
Science Education

Specialization(s):

Curriculum and Instruction: This specialization will prepare you to become a curriculum specialist, coordinator, or supervisor, or to work at the college or university level.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Education at Utah State University

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a master's degree and a minimum of two years of teaching experience. Generally, applicants have master's degrees in education-related fields, but the department may accept those with degrees in other fields in certain circumstances if applicants have teaching experience.

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
GPA of 3.0 or higher during most recent 60 semester hours
Provide curriculum vitae or resume
Provide personal essay describing experiences, goals, and research interests
Provide transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Admission Deadlines

The department has the following deadlines:

February 1 for Fall admittance
February 1 of even-numbered years for Fall admittance into the Distance Doctoral program

Comprehensive Exam:

Students pursuing the PhD must pass the comprehensive exam after their coursework is completed. They have the choice between a 72-hour take-home exam or an eight-hour exam on campus. Students will be tested on the subjects from their curriculum and instruction, research methods, and their specific concentration courses.

Financial Assistance

Graduate assistantships, both teaching and research, may be available for full-time graduate students. Qualifying students may receive doctoral and nonresident tuition awards, may be eligible for subsidized health insurance at only a small cost to the student, and receive a nationally competitive stipend.

A variety of additional funding opportunities are available, including fellowships, scholarships, and travel support.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 71

English Program Requirements

Students who do not demonstrate the required English proficiency scores, but are academically qualified, may be considered for admission to the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) on the Logan campus. If admitted, students complete required English language courses before beginning their academic coursework.

Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Education

The EdD program prepares candidates to serve as curriculum and instruction leaders in public or private educational institutions and to teach in education and education-related programs in colleges and universities.

Graduates with the PhD generally pursue careers in academia.

Fee Information

How to Apply

1. Visit Our Website

a. Go to gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ to start the application process.

b. Read all admissions requirements on our website.

c. Click on the “Apply Now” button to create an account to apply.

2. Fill Out Application

a. Fill out the following information:

i. Personal

ii. Demographic

iii. Misdemeanor/Felony information, if necessary

iv. Citizenship

v. Academic History

vi. Intended Program of Study Information

vii. NOTE: You cannot submit supplemental items until you have filled out all personal and demographic information, submitted the application, and paid the application fee.

b. Make sure to select the correct entry term (e.g., Spring 2022, Fall 2022, etc.)

c. Submit the application and pay the fee.

i. If you have a waiver code, use it in the discount code box to waive the fee.

3. Supplemental Items

a. Log back into the USU Recruit Application Portal.

b. Enter your application to submit items.

c. Required supplemental items may include, but are not limited to, the following (Please check with your intended program for specific details):

i. Transcripts

1. USU applicants do not need to send transcripts. We pull them from our system for you.

2. All other applicants, please send your official transcripts to the following address:

a. School of Graduate Studies

Utah State University

0900 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-0900

b. Please note that in order to be considered official, the transcript must (1) be sent directly from the institution to Utah State University, or (2) be forwarded by the applicant with the transcript remaining in the original, unopened envelope from the institution.

ii. Letters of Recommendation

1. Fill out the recommendation request forms. Recommendations must come from referee, not from applicant, to be considered valid.

iii. Statement of Purpose

iv. Test Scores

1. GRE Scores

a. Send to school code 4857

2. MAT Scores

a. Send to school code 2273

3. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

d. International applicants must also include:

i. Proof of English language proficiency through one of the options below.

1.TOEFL Scores – 71 or higher

a. Send to school code 4857

2. IELTS Academic Scores – 6.0 or higher

a. Upload student copy to application, clearly showing TRF number.

b. Our test score processor will upload official scores.

3. Completion of at least 24 credits of post-secondary/university course work taught in the U.S. in English, excluding English as a second language courses. Courses must have been taken at an accredited college or university to be considered for direct admission.

4. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

ii. A certified English translation of any transcript originally penned in another language.

1. Due to COVID-19 constraints, Utah State University is temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts from international applicants. Upon admittance, students will be required to submit an official transcript before registering for classes.

iii. Proof of Financial Support

1. Affidavit of Financial Support

2. Bank Statement Copy

iv. Passport Copy

v. International applicants can direct any questions not related to the information above to the Office of Global Engagement.

PhD in Education at Utah State University

Utah State University

United States of America, Logan