Application Steps

The following information is intended to help you with your decision-making process; we are also happy to answer additional questions at any time.  If you have problems with the on-line application process or wish to check on your file, please contact EPE’s administrative assistant at 859-257-2626.  If you have further questions about our programs or funding support, please email the Director of Graduate Studies, Jane Jensen at jjensen@uky.edu.

STEP ONE…Choose a degree program:

Masters in Education:  Students holding a Baccalaureate degree in any field are welcome to apply to our masters program.  You have a choice of two degree programs that both require approximately 34 credit hours of coursework: Social & Philosophical Studies (SPSE) or Higher Education (HIED).   Social and Philosophical Studies includes a broad array of approaches to the study of education including non-formal and informal learning experiences.  A Masters in Higher Education prepares students for pratical careers in post-secondary education settings including the area of Student Affairs.  Both degree programs may be individually tailored to each students' interests.  If interested in student affairs, the department offers a recommended program of study that includes an internship component.

Doctoral Programs:  Our department offers two doctoral degrees which both require approximately 43 credit hours of coursework, a qualifying exam, and dissertation.  The Education Doctorate is primarily intended for students interested in investigating problems of practice in educational settings, including questions of measurement and evaluation.  The PhD in Higher Education assumes an interest in investigating research questions in higher education, broadly defined, that will advance knowledge in the field.

NOTE:   If your goal is to be a certified educator in K-12 settings or in methods of instructional design you should visit EDC: Curriculum and Instruction.  If you are interested in a licensed counseling position, you may want to visit EDP: Educational Psychology & Counseling.  If your interest is in professional administration in educational settings, then you should contact EDL: Educational Leadership & Administration. 

STEP TWO…Complete Application to the UK Graduate School:

Graduate School Application Form:  www.research.uky.edu/gs/gsprocedure_onlineapp.html

Your application to the Graduate School also initiates your status, if accepted, as a UK student.  All your registration, on-line persona, billing, scholarship, and employment data begin at the Graduate School.   The Graduate School has lots of information on their website and you’ll often be referred there during your studies.

STEP THREE…Submit GRE Scores, Official Transcripts, and TOEFL Scores to the UK Graduate School

The UK Graduate School GRE Institution Code is R1837.

One set of official transcripts should be sent to:

Many folks worry about whether their GRE scores or undergraduate grades are competitive.  We consider GRE scores and grade point averages to be part of the whole admissions package.  GRE scores are also considered in the selection of some fellowships and assistantships.  The University requires transcripts from ALL institutions of higher education you have attended even if you only took a few courses.  The Graduate School will forward scores and grade point averages to the department.

STEP FOUR… Submit Departmental Application and unofficial copies of transcripts to the department

Yes, this is a second application form that initiates your departmental file.  Receipt of your department application initiates the application review process.  If you have questions about what elements of your application have been received, please contact the department at 859-257-2626.

Your personal/professional statement(s) are very important to your application.  Masters students are asked to write one statement in which you clearly explain how participating in an EPE masters program will meet your personal and professional goals.  Doctoral students are asked to complete a second essay in which you outline your goals for research in the doctoral program.  The admissions committee is interested in determining how well your goals "fit" with what our department can offer.  These statements should be less than 500 words.

STEP FIVE…Solicit Recommendations to be sent to the Department

Doctoral Candidates must send four letters of recommendation.

Masters Candidates must send two letters of recommendation.

Your recommendations help us determine whether or not you will be successful in graduate school and confirm your description of your goals for study.  Thus your recommenders should know you well and at least half of your letters should come from people who know your academic work or at least your writing and analysis skills.  You may ask your recommenders to send their letters directly to us, or you may include with your department application in separate sealed envelopes.

STEP SIX… Submit a Writing Sample (Doctoral Candidates only)

Your writing sample helps us assess whether your writing skills are up to the challenge of graduate coursework in our department.  We like to see samples that show your ability to analyze a problem, develop a thesis, and work with primary and/or secondary sources.  Thus an academic paper or article is often the best choice, but some professional writing would also be acceptable if it includes evidence of these critical writing skills.  An alternative essay is also possible if you do not have a writing sample you feel represents your current skills.  Contact the Director of Graduate Studies if you would like to write an essay specifically for your application.