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Application Process

Applications to the Ph.D program in K-12 Educational Administration are considered December 1st through April 1st. Applicants who wish to be considered for College and University Fellowship competitions must have all materials submitted by December 1st.  Note that Fellowship applicants require a 3rd letter of recommendation. All other applicants must have all materials submitted no later than April 1st.

Required Application Materials

All Ph.D. applicants must submit these materials to the K-12 Administration Department

Please note that submitted materials are not returned to applicants.

  1. A professional resume listing each activity that accounts for your time since earning a bachelor’s degree (e.g., employment, military service, travel).  Be sure to include the type of activity, name of your employer, city/state, and dates.  List the most recent activity first.
  2. Official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).  Scores cannot be more than 5 years old.
  3. A sample of academic writing such as a thesis chapter, a published article or a course term paper written by the author alone.  Samples that demonstrate facility in expository and analytic writing are the most helpful.
  4. An academic and personal goal statement. 
  5. Two (2) letters of recommendation (3 if you are applying for Fellowships). 
  6. Two (2) copies of official transcripts of all confirmed B.A, M.A or Ed.S degrees. If degree confirmation is not stated on the transcripts provide certified copies of your degree certificates.
  7.  An Application for Graduate Study if you have never been accepted to a graduate program at MSU or an Application for Change of Program and Status if you have previously been enrolled in a graduate degree program at MSU. Please submit your application and fee online at:  http://www.educ.msu.edu/students/prospectivegrad/howtoapply.htm
    If you prefer, you may download the application at the same link and submit it, the application fee, and all remaining material directly toK-12 Administration.
  8. Graduate students who have been away from MSU for more than one year will also need to fill out an online Readmission Form.

International Students

International students must also submit all supplemental application materials included in the Application for Graduate Study.  Please see the checklist on page 8 of the downloadable application for more details.

The review committee of K-12 Administration faculty members considers the following in assessing Doctoral program applications:

  • Experience with and potential for educational leadership, outreach, research and scholarship
  • Strength of professional background and academic record.
  • Skills in analysis and written expression.
  • Alignment of professional goals with the purposes and objectives of the doctoral program. 
  • Consistency with Graduate School and College admission requirements.

Please call us if you have any questions:

K-12 Educational Administration
Michigan State University
402 Erickson Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone:  (517) 353-8480
Email:  k12adm@msu.edu
Fax:  (517) 884-1392.