UCSC Ph.D. program in education

1. UCSC Ph.D. program in education • We prepare leading scholars and educators who engage in research focused on needs of students from linguistic, cultural, and other groups that have historically not fared well in U.S. public schools. • An innovative program that applies tools and perspectives from multiple disciplines: anthropology, sociology, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and the learning sciences. • Integrates research and theoretical analysis with contemporary topics in classroom teaching, educational reform, and school-community leadership.

2. Features of our Ph.D. program • Pursuit of high-quality research that informs theory and practice inside and outside of classrooms and schools • Explicit focus on equity, social change, and issues of culture in education • Deep examination of the social structures and histories, language contours, and institutions in which learning, teaching, and education policy are embedded • An emphasis on knowing and analyzing existing research and learning how to conduct one’s own cutting-edge research. • Interdisciplinary and cross-departmental connections encouraged

3. Features of our Ph.D. program (con’t) • An apprenticeship and immersion model: students join existing research and teaching projects early in their studies • Individualized programs of study: courses, research and teaching apprenticeships, and independent research (2nd Year Project and Qualifying Exam papers), followed by dissertation research and writing. • Expected time to completion: 5-6 years • Major time commitment; most students work ½-time (program-based work an advantage) • Small cohorts (approx. 10 students admitted per year) and small classes (between 5 and 10 students per class)

4. Program of study • Coursework (Years 1-2 or 3) • Second Year Project • Qualifying Examination (Year 3 or 4) 2 Position Papers + Dissertation Prospectus • Dissertation Proposal (Year 4) • Dissertation Research, Writing, and Defense (Years 5-6) • Graduation with a PhD!!

5. Admissions information • Bachelor’s degree • G.P.A. of 3.0 or better • GRE taken within last 5 years • Prior experience in education or related field • A statement of purpose • Writing sample • 3 Letters of recommendation • Ph.D. Deadline Dec. 1, 2015 • Application fee

6. The personal statement • Convey the strength of your preparation for pursuing scholarly inquiry • Describe what you want to study: areas of interests, possible research questions you want to explore, faculty members you are interested in working with • Describe career goals after graduation • Discuss fit between your interests and our program: Why THIS program? • Describe how you see your work in terms of larger social change or equity in education • Address any problems or inconsistencies in your academic record • Remember, this is the “face” of your application: should be substantive, well-written, error-free

7. 3 letters of recommendation: • Who they’re from is important. • Make sure at least 2 letters discuss your potential as a research scholar and focus on your academic attributes • Provide recommenders with a draft of your personal statement • Provide recommenders with current resumé • Give recommenders points you would like them to address in their letters • Recommenders must send letters electronically. You will enter their email address into your application

8. Financial support • Fellowships -campus -department • external organizations • Research Assistantships -pay salary include fees • Teaching Assistantships -pay salary plus fees • Loans, savings, assistance from family, etc.