Admission Requirements

Competitive applications have average GRE scores of Verbal (550), and Quantitative (560). Any sub-score below 550 should be offset by evidence of expertise and accomplishment in the area of the low-scoring area. Writing samples are critically examined with respect to clarity, vision, and writing skill as well as for evidence of experiences that demonstrate excellence and persistence. Letters of reference are used to determine a candidate's academic qualifications and potential of success at the doctoral level. Applicants should check with the departments for individual program admission requirements.

Application Process and Requirements

The Graduate School coordinates the graduate degree programs of all schools and colleges at the University. For additional general information about graduate programs at the University of Louisville visit the Graduate School Website, call 502-852-6495, or send an e-mail message to graduate@louisville.edu.

In order to ensure maximum support and guidance, all potential Doctoral candidates should first make contact with the appropriate Doctoral Program Coordinator before applying. (Check with department receptionist to learn who this is). If, after a discussion with the program coordinator, the student decides to pursue admission to the program, the following components are typically required:

Step 1: Graduate Application

(Even if currently enrolled in a University of Louisville program). The application can be found and should be completed on-line at http://graduate.louisville.edu/students/application.html.

Step 2: Resume or Vita/Portfolio

Submit a resume or Curriculum Vita/Portfolio to the program.

Step 3: Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

• Use the 'Letter of Recommendation' Form provided at http://graduate.louisville.edu/students/application.html
• Recommendations should be solicited from individuals who are familiar with your academic background as a graduate student or professional.
• Request that individuals providing letters of recommendation submit them directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
• Provide letter writers with explanatory information found in the reference letter samples section
• Fill out your recommendation form completely before sending it to individuals making a recommendation for you. Including a vita/resume with your request is often helpful for the letter writer.

Step 4: Graduate Record Examination test scores

• The University of Louisville ETS code number is 1838. Request that the Education Testing Service (ETS) forward your scores to the University of Louisville.
• If you are a former student of U of L your GRE scores may be on file and therefore, you may not have to retake the examination.
• The TOEFL Examination is required of foreign students from countries where English is not the native language.

Step 5: Official Transcripts

Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate studies are required.

• If transcripts have been previously submitted to CEHD, please check with Graduate Admissions (502-852-3101) to confirm the status of your transcripts.
• If you have been a U of L student, but not in CEHD, attach a note to your application indicating this status.
• Applicants submitting foreign transcripts must submit such transcript to analysis by either of the following two agencies and have the agency submit their report to the address below for inclusion in the application packet: World Education Evaluation Service: www.wes.org or Educational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.org. The applicant must send the official transcript to the transcript evaluation agency. The agency will do an evaluation according to US guidelines and mail an official copy of the evaluation to U of L. We do not need the transcript if we have the official evaluation from ECE or WES. The agency also validates that the transcript is official and legitimate. In some cases the applicant may only have one official copy of the transcript. In that situation, WES or ECE will mail the official transcript back to the student after the evaluation has been completed.

Step 6: Written Statement of Goals

Prepare a formal statement of approximately 800-1500 words that provides:

1. a detailed rationale describing why you wish to pursue doctoral study and,
2. your research interest(s).

The statement should address:

1. your interest in doctoral study,
2. how your personal and professional goals, professional experiences, and commitment to education, learning, and research are congruent with a doctoral program in education,
3. a clear statement about your research interest(s) and goals,
4. how your goals relate to a specific concentration in the program, and
5. how the doctoral program will help you achieve those goals.

These materials described above will help members of the Admission Committee answer these questions about your potential of be a doctoral student:

1. Is the applicant likely to succeed in doctoral study?
2. Is there evidence the applicant possesses professional expertise and promise?
3. Are there patterns of excellence in the applicant's history?
4. Does this doctoral program (and chosen concentration) appear to be a viable match for the applicant's goals?

Step 7: Individual departments may have additional requirements for admission.

Departments may have other requirements for admission such as interviews or personal statements. Applicants should contact departments directly to learn about any special application requirements.