Education Ph.D. Requirements

Admission Requirements

The following criteria will be used to assess a student’s application for admission into the Education, Health, and Behavior Studies (EHBS) doctoral program. No single criterion can adequately predict a student’s probable success in graduate work; as such, candidates for admission to the doctoral program are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university

2. Grade point average from all previous graduate work (minimum of 3.5 required)

3. Statement of goals

4. Professional resume

5. Writing sample

6. Three (3) letters of recommendation that address the academic and professional qualities that support you for doctoral-level work

7. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies' current minimum general admission requirements as published in the academic catalog. 

Statement of Goals

Submit a statement discussing your professional goals and aspirations, including how your current skills along with advanced study will aid you in the attainment of these goals.

Professional Resume

Submit a professional curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resume (no more than five pages) that includes the following information:

• Educational background
• Work-related experience
• Conference presentations (if applicable)
• Publications (if applicable)
• Professional honors and awards
• Any other experiences you believe may aid the admission committee in evaluating your application

Writing Sample

• Include with your application an individually-authored sample of your writing that the admission committee can use to evaluate your ability as a writer and potential success in the doctoral program.
• The minimum length of the sample is five pages and should not exceed 30 pages. Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, journal articles, paper from a course, or some written work product such as a manual or technical report.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the EHBS program.

Ph.D. candidates are expected to have undertaken and completed independent research leading to an original contribution of knowledge in the field. It is generally expected that the Ph.D. dissertation will be publishable. This degree option typically provides preparation for careers in research and teaching at colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. 

1. A minimum of 90 semester credit hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree.

2. With approval of a student’s Faculty Advisory Committee, up to 30 credits from a master’s degree may be transferred from another institution.

3. Maintenance of at least a 3.0 GPA for all classes completed as a graduate student.

4. Successful completion of comprehensive examinations. 

5. Completion of a dissertation, which incorporates independent work that is an original contribution to knowledge.

6. Successful completion of a final examination.