Application Process
Educational Leadership and Policy Programs
All graduate students are required to apply via the Graduate Program Application for Admission. The application typically opens in early August. Here you will enter your biographical information, previous education and essays. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline to allow us time to process your information.
You must select the appropriate semester. If you apply to the wrong semester or program track you could be subject to additional application fees. Program semester starts are included in the deadlines section below.
Deadlines
December 1
(Fall Semester)
Application due:
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Planning
M.Ed. in Educational Policy and Planning
November 15
(Summer Semester)
Nomination(s) due:
Cooperative Superintendency Program (Ed.D.)
Texas Principal Leadership Academy (M.Ed.)
December 1
(Summer Semester)
Priority application deadline:
Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Cooperative Superintendency Program (Ed.D.)
Texas Principal Leadership Academy (M.Ed.)
January 15
(Summer Semester)
Final application deadline:
Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Basic Requirements
All of our doctoral programs, Ph.D. and Ed.D. require a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
All of our master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
Application Steps and Program-specific Instructions
Apply via the Graduate Program Application for Admission.
After you submit your application, the OGPS will review it and send a confirmation email within 1-2 business days. This email will include your UT EID and instructions for accessing MyStatus. Save this email for your records.
Complete your application by uploading the following items:
Application Fee
An non-refundable application fee is required. Fee waivers are available for those who are eligible.
Transcripts
Submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- You may upload a PDF of your official transcript during the application process.
- Official transcripts will be required after admission.
- Each transcript can only be uploaded once, so ensure you upload the complete and correct version.
Official GRE Scores
The GRE is not required for:
- Education Policy and Planning M.Ed. and Ph.D.
- Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy M.Ed. and Ph.D.
- Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
If submitted for these programs, GRE scores will not be reviewed as part of the admissions process.
The GRE is required for:
- Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP) Ed.D.
- Texas Principal Leadership Academy (TPLA) M.Ed.
Submit GRE scored directly through the ETS website.
While there is no minimum score requirement, CSP and TPLA admissions committees consider both overall and section scores. Verbal and writing scores help demonstrate readiness for graduate-level writing, while analytical scores provide insight into research potential. If your scores do not accurately reflect your abilities, you may address this in your statement of purpose.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required.
After you submit your application and application fee, recommenders will receive instructions for uploading their letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who can speak to your academic performance, professional experience or potential for graduate study.
To help your recommenders write stronger letters:
- Share information about your program of interest.
- Explain your academic and career goals.
- Allow ample time before application deadlines.
Some of our programs have additional recommendation requirements. Refer to your program page for details.
Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose should explain your interest in the program and demonstrate how your academic, professional and personal experiences have prepared you for graduate study.
Consider addressing:
- Academic and professional background
- Career goals
- Research interests
- Faculty members you wish to work with
The statement should be submitted with your application and should not exceed three double-spaced pages. Review your program page for any additional requirements.
Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
Submit a current résumé or CV. A résumé is typically no more than two pages. Be sure to include
- Postsecondary education
- Relevant work and volunteer experience
- Honors and awards
- Research experience
- Conference presentations
- Publications
Before submitting, carefully proofread your document and consider having a colleague, mentor or career services professional review it.
Program-Specific Instructions
Additional admission requirements may apply. See your program page for details.
- Ed.D. – Cooperative Superintendency Program
- Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership
- M.Ed. in Educational Policy and Planning
- M.Ed. – Texas Principal Leadership Academy
- M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
- Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Planning
- Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
International Graduate Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Students applying from other countries should submit scores from one of the following:
Application Status
MyStatus (UT EID required) will let you see what application materials are missing and allow you to upload required documents. Please use this online status check to monitor your application status and check it frequently.
Have Questions?
Contact the Graduate Coordinator.
Please also see Where to Begin on the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
