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Simmons Ph.D. Program Application Process

Applications are due December 1st annually.

Applications should include the following:

A. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

B. Personal Statement
Please prepare a personal statement no longer than two pages (single-spaced). Use some of the following prompts to prepare a strong and convincing statement that addresses the topics of motivation, research interests, personal experiences, and future plans.

• Motivation
  • Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú?
  • What is it about our program, specifically, that interests you?
• Research Interests
  • What are your research interests, burning questions, or topics you intend to explore during your doctoral research?
  • Which ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úfaculty member(s) would you like to work with and why?
• Personal Experiences
  • What life experiences have shaped your decision to pursue a doctoral degree?
  • What personal experiences, achievements, or accomplishments would help you contribute to the program and the university?
• Future Plans
  • What are your career aspirations once you complete your degree?
  • How will a Ph.D. from ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úhelp you reach your career goals?

C. Academic writing sample

See video for more information.

D. 2-3 letters of recommendation

Select individuals who know you well professionally and can speak to your ability to be successful in a PhD program.

E. Official copies of all graduate and undergraduate transcripts where you have received 9 or more credit hours or a degree has been conferred.

• Official transcripts must be sent directly by the institution to SMU.
• All foreign transcripts must be accompanied by a professional evaluation and an official transcript, including an English translation if it is not in English.
• Electronic transcripts should be sent directly by the institution to: gradappmaterials@smu.edu
• Paper transcripts should be sent directly by the institution to:
  • Graduate Application Processing
    PO Box 518
    Dallas, TX 75275-0518

E. GRE scores (optional)

F. TOEFL or Duolingo information

Applicants who do not speak English as their native language are required to supply scores on the TOEFL English language proficiency test, the IELTS English competency test, the Duolingo English Test (DET), or the TOEFL Essentials exam. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 80. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. The minimum score for the TOEFL Essentials is 8.5 with a minimum score of 8 in all subsections. The minimum DET score is 110. SMU’s ETS (TOEFL) school code is 6660. For the IELTS, please indicate “ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú– Graduate Application Processing Office”. For DET, please send scores to “ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú– Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.” This requirement is automatically waived for students who have received undergraduate degrees from an English-language institution located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa and who have been in residence at that institution for at least two years while earning their undergraduate degree. International applicants for whom this requirement is not automatically waived but who believe they have demonstrated English-language proficiency may also request to have the requirement waived. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

G. ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úFaculty of Interest

We strongly encourage you to explore our list of PhD faculty and reach out via email to any faculty whose research interests you! However, please note that this is not a requirement, and you are welcome to submit an application even if you have not made contact with a faculty member. During the application process, you will be prompted to “tag” one or more faculty members as potential mentors or advisors if you are admitted.

H. Application Fee

The application fee is $75. An application fee waiver may be available based on financial need. For more information about the fee waiver, please contact SEHD_PhD@smu.edu.