Application Process

The application system opens August 1 and closes after the deadlines listed below. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All EDP programs start in the Fall semester. We strongly encourage applicants to start the process well in advance of the deadline to allow Graduate Admissions enough time to process your application.

December 1: Ph.D. deadline

January 10: Master’s deadline

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. 

Minimum GPA of 3.0, particularly during the last two years of college and in any previous graduate study. Note: The department will consider applications with lower GPAs. Applicants may upload a letter to the application system explaining any GPA concerns after submitting the initial application.

Official Transcripts for Each College Attended
See the Graduate Admissions site for approved methods for submitting transcripts. Do not send transcripts directly to the EDP department via mail or e-mail – transcripts must be sent via the Graduate Admissions system.

Three Letters of Recommendation
Letters should come from references familiar with your academic performance and potential. When completing the “References” section of the application, you will be asked to list the names and email addresses of your references. Recommenders will be automatically notified by email with instructions on how to upload their recommendation letters after you have submitted and paid for your application. You will be able to view whether letters have been received, or change/add a recommender via your MyStatus page. 

Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is typically 1 to 3 pages and should address past experiences, why you are applying to the graduate program and what your future goals are. The statement should also demonstrate a good fit between your interests/experience and the program. 

Applicants to doctoral programs should also identify a faculty member within the program they are applying whose research interests are similar to theirs and with whom they want to work. The statement should address the specific reasons why the faculty member’s research and expertise will help the applicant meet their goals.

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

GRE Scores
The GRE is not required for any EDP programs.

International Applicants
Graduate Admissions requires students applying from countries outside the United States to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score as part of the application. See the Graduate School’s Admissions page for more information about minimum scores, how to submit and exemptions for qualifying countries.

STEP 1: Complete the Online Application

Apply via the Graduate School. Graduate Admissions will review your application after it is submitted. Applicants will receive an application confirmation email 1-2 business days after submission. This email will have your application login information (UT EID) for the MyStatus site, where you will upload the required application materials and track your application status.

STEP 2: Pay the Application Fee

After receiving the email from Graduate Admissions with EID/MyStatus link, pay the UT application fee (nonrefundable), or, if you qualify, submit a fee waiver request. Fee waiver requests must be submitted to Graduate Admissions per these guidelines.

STEP 3: Upload Required Documents and Complete Application

Complete the application by uploading the following items to MyStatus:

• Official Transcripts
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• CV or Resume

You can monitor your application status, status of application materials and upload any missing application materials online via MyStatus (UT EID required).

Check MyStatus

The University of Texas at Austin offers various funding opportunities for graduate students, including fellowships and employment opportunities through graduate research or teaching assistantships. All applicants will be automatically considered for any available financial support.

Recruitment Scholarships

We have a limited number of recruitment scholarships available to offer. Selections for these awards are competitive and are made based on academic merit, research interests and strong credentials; there is no separate application form to complete. Applicants offered admission will be notified by the department if they will receive a funding award.

Academic Employment

Students often obtain academic employment as teaching assistants or graduate research assistants within EDP or in other departments at UT. Consideration of available positions within EDP is automatic during the recruitment process.

• Questions about transcripts, scores/requirements, uploading documents, and residency
• Admissions Statistics
• For other questions, contact EDP