Doctoral Admissions

Admission to doctoral study is restricted to applicants whose backgrounds show promise of scholarship in the field of study. Before admission to a doctoral program, an applicant to Graduate School must submit:

• Evidence of an earned Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Official transcripts of all previous college work
• Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a professional colleague or academic advisor
• An interview with the appropriate concentration Program Admissions Committee 
• A supervised writing sample on a predetermined topic
• Other specific criteria may be required by concentrations within the Ph.D. program

Regardless of English proficiency documentation, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries will be evaluated for English proficiency upon arrival at UIW. If English proficiency is deemed lower than UIW’s 109, the student may not be allowed to take courses other than English as a Second Language until the deficiency is removed.

The admissions decision is based on a comprehensive profile of the applicant. Petitions for unconditional admission with exception to the published criteria must be recommended by the Program Admissions Committee and approved by the Dean of the Dreeben School of Education and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Exceptions must be documented with explanation. A copy of this explanatory documentation must be included in the student’s permanent file.

Conditional admission may be granted upon approval of the Program Admissions Committee, the Dean of the Dreeben School of Education, and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Criteria and time limit for removing conditions will be specified in the letter of admission and in compliance with the graduation requirements of the current catalog.

A student under conditional admission may be administratively dropped from the program for less than standard performance in any area during the first two (2) regular semesters of attendance. Request for regular admission status must be made upon completion of admissions requirements and no later than the end of the second semester of study. A student may not attend classes for more than two semesters under conditional status.