1. What are the fields of specialization available in the Ph.D. in Urban Education program?
2. What are the required admission materials I need to include with my application?
3. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
4.  What qualifications do I need to have in order to get an interview?
5. What are the five Admissions Policy criteria?
6.  What other information should I include in my application?
7. How are applicants selected for consideration to the program?
8. When do I find out if I have an interview?
9. When will I be notified about an admission decision?
10. How many applicants are admitted each year?
11. When do classes start and how long is the program?
12. May I request to defer admission?
13. What is the application deadline?
14. Where can I apply?

Frequently asked Questions

1. What are the fields of specialization available in the Ph.D. in Urban Education program?

The six specializations are:

• Adult, Continuing and Higher Education
• Counseling Psychology
• Learning and Development
• Policy Studies
• School Administration
• Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language 

2. What are the required admission materials I need to include with my application?

• A completed on-line application to the College of Graduate Studies; payment of any required application fee
• A copy of your updated resume or CV
• Your statement of purpose (2-3 pages single spaced introducing your educational and professional background, your research experiences and interests, your future career goals, and why the Urban Education PhD with the particular specialization that you are applying for fits with your experiences, interests, and career goals)
• Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended; you do not need to send transcripts if CSU is the only university you ever attended
• Two letters of recommendation (three for Counseling Psychology), at least one from a college professor familiar with the applicant’s graduate-level academic ability.

3. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The GRE is no longer required for admission. Students may submit scores for consideration during admissions.  

4. What qualifications do I need to have in order to get an interview?

You must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.25 (3.50 for Counseling Psychology), and be able to meet three of the five Admissions Policy criteria before starting the program.You must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.25 (3.50 for Counseling Psychology), and be able to meet three of the five Admissions Policy criteria before starting the program with GRE scores, or two of the last three criteria without GRE scores.

5. What are the five Admissions Policy criteria? If a student submits GRE scores, they may be considered for admission under the previous admissions policy:

1. A minimum combined score of 297 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. 
2. A minimum rating of 4.0 on the analytical writing section of the GRE 
3. Demonstrated research experience through a thesis or research project at the master’s level or authored publication in a refereed research journal 
4. Successful completion of at least two graduate research courses with a grade of B or better, prior to admission to the doctoral program 
5. Sustained professional experience (that totals at least three years of full-time experience) and success with urban economic, social, political and/or educational issues as evidenced by the candidate’s portfolio and/or references. This can include evidence of extensive and successful evidence of leadership, policy or pedagogy innovations, teaching or therapeutic performance. Work experience may be full-time or part-time and may be paid or unpaid e.g., community activism and volunteerism will be considered.

However, if a candidate who meets three of the above five criteria has a combined score below 294 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE, the committee may recommend, upon acceptance, additional course work prior to beginning the doctoral program.

If an applicant does not submit GRE scores, they must meet two of the remaining three admissions criteria. 

6. What other information should I include in my application?

If applicable, the following information should be included as part of your Statement of Purpose:

• Let us know if you have taken two or more graduate research and/or statistics courses and earned a grade of B or better in both courses                  
• Notify us if you have completed a master’s thesis or have been published in a refereed journal
• If applicable, supply us with evidence of your work in an urban setting(s) or with urban populations for a minimum of three years

7. How are applicants selected for consideration to the program?

Your statement of purpose, professional and academic records (resume or CV and transcripts), letters of recommendation, GRE scores if submitted, as well as an interview with faculty will be considered to select the applicants who will be offered admission to the program.

8. When do I find out if I have an interview?

Finalists will be contacted by mid-March to schedule a personal interview with graduate faculty members. Counseling Psychology finalists will be invited to an on-campus Interview Day in late February or March.

9. When will I be notified about an admission decision?

Every effort will be made to notify applicants (other than Counseling Psychology) of admission decisions no later than June 1st.  Offers of admission will be made to Counseling Psychology applicants no later than March 15th and these applicants must accept or decline offers in writing by April 15th.

10. How many applicants are admitted each year?

The goal of the Doctoral Program is to admit a class of twenty to twenty-five students each year who will proceed through the program as a cohort.    

11. When do classes start and how long is the program?

Classes begin during the fall semester of each year. The counseling psychology program is  a minimum of five years and the other specializations are typically four-five years, with some students graduating in 3 1/2 years (including summer semesters). Extensions for graduation beyond six years in the program must be requested through a petition.

12. May I request to defer admission?
Students may submit a written request to delay admission for a period of one year and begin the program the subsequent fall semester. However, Counseling Psychology students must reapply to be considered for admission during the subsequent year.

13. What is the application deadline?
All admissions materials must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than the first Monday in February (by January 15th for Counseling Psychology applicants).

14. Where can I apply?

Online application is strongly recommended. To apply online, go to www.engagecsugradschool.com, select “How to Apply” and then select the “Online” option in step one. Application materials can be uploaded to Graduate Admissions. *NOTE : COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY IS NO LONGER USING PSYCAS FOR APPLICATIONS AND APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY AT THE LINK ABOVE. Applications will open in August for the upcoming cycle of applications i.e., the applications due in January/February for the following Fall Semester.

To apply via: