Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University

Washington State University

United States of America, Pullman

University Rank:#423

International students can study the Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University on the Pullman campus in United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 6 years and is offered at the Pullman campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on December 1, 2026.

About Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education

The Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education (CSSTE) Ph.D. option is a rigorous, flexible, and individually-tailored course of study that focuses on the issues of culture and power in the contemporary and historical contexts of education. Cultural studies includes popular culture and media, social justice, environment, ethics, aesthetics, race, ethnicity, gender, and social class, which are applied to a range of educational sub-fields that include literacy, educational leadership, teacher leadership, school reform, curriculum theory, higher education, science, art, special education, and bilingual/ELL (English Language Learners). The overall goal of the faculty is to articulate a cohesive and supportive community of educational scholarship and practice. While coursework is important, we work to establish a strong program of mentorship in which doctoral candidates are mentored into the world of research, knowledge generation and dissemination, and pedagogical and social action. We are committed to the idea that our scholarly endeavors stimulate positive change in schools and the communities and society those schools serve. Education, whether it takes place in the formal settings of schools and museums or the informal contexts of home and the movie theater, is defined by its cultural context. Cultural studies take these cultural contexts as the essential starting point to build research projects and define teaching practices.

All graduates will be able to:

Demonstrates the ability to locate, analyze, and synthesize research literature, and apply that synthesis to problems of practice.
Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate scholarly work through written, oral, and/or alternate formats.
Demonstrates the ability to skillfully inquire into areas of program-related interest.
Demonstrates scholarly habits of curiosity, inquiry, skepticism, and data-based decision making.
Demonstrates an understanding and valuing of diversity and social justice through his/her scholarly work.
Conducts and disseminates original scholarship that demonstrates acquisition and application of new knowledge and theory.
Demonstrates behavior that indicates he/she is becoming an emerging expert in his/her area of study.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a degree from an accredited 4-year institution and a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Complete the WSU Graduate School's online application, Official transcripts, a supplemental department application, Resume or Vitae, a writing sample, letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation as described on the supplemental department application. Students should have well-developed writing and critical thinking skills. Students should be interested in intellectual research and have a passion for ideas. Students should also maintain a practical orientation remaining grounded in doing good work for their communities.

English Program Requirements

TOEFL - iBT 80

IELTS Band 7

Career Opportunities after Completing Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education

University faculty in cultural studies, social foundations, or related fields; administrator or researcher in a school district or state/national educational organization or non-profit or non-governmental organization.

Assistant Professor, Eastern Washington University
Academic Counselor, Eastern Washington University
Assistant Professor, Northern Illinois University.
Assistant Professor, University of Portland
Assistant Professor, California State University at Stanislaus.
Assistant Professor, Gonzaga University
Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator for the Province of Alberta

Tuition and Fee Information for Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University

Gather Your Documents

Check the admission requirements for information about academic standards and required documents.

Your application for admission must include:

Official transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency
Copy of your passport identification page or national identity card

Get the admission application and other necessary forms.

Prepare Your Information

You will want to prepare some information before beginning your online application.

Be ready to answer questions about your anticipated visa status
Be ready to tell us how you meet the language proficiency requirement (through an English proficiency exam score or an exam waiver)

You may upload electronic copies of your documents when you submit your application online. If you upload transcripts they will be considered unofficial. It is best to send transcripts separately after you submit your application.

Complete the Application and Submit Documents

To complete the application and submit it for our review you will need to pay the $70 application fee by credit card or wire transfer. If you have questions about paying this fee please contact us.

If you do not wish to upload documents into the application, or do not have them ready to upload and submit, you may mail or email them to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office when you submit your application.

Office of International Programs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Kruegel Hall
PO Box 643251
Pullman, WA 99164-3251
USA
[email protected]

Doctor of Philosophy Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University

Washington State University

United States of America, Pullman