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EdD Admissions

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Application Requirements for EdD Students

Thank you for your interest in enrolling in the Doctor of Education (EdD) program at the Pitt School of Education. Our program is committed to helping leaders in education reach the next level, as they work to transform education for the greater good.

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Admissions Deadline

February 1.  Applications received after February 1 will be considered if space is available.

Program Start Date

Cohorts begin in the summer term only. The program begins in May.

Admissions Requirements

Online Application

  1. GRE scores are not required. Admission is based on your past educational achievement and accomplishments, and your visions for the future. 
     
  2. Completed School of Education online admissions application.
     
  3. A non-refundable application fee of $50 (USD) by credit card
     
  4. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
     
  5. A goal statement: The Doctor of Education (EdD) program at the University of Pittsburgh is designed to support the development of high-level scholar practitioners that synthesize educational research and address problems of practice in their work contexts. The academic major is an integral part of the program with students deepening their learning and scholarly practice within their chosen major. Considering this framing, please write a 750-word personal statement that addresses the following:

    - What has been your educational and professional journey that led you to pursue an EdD?

    - What long-term professional goals do you have and how might an EdD in your proposed major help you achieve those goals?

    - What questions do you grapple with in your current place of practice? Why are these questions important? How could addressing these questions change or improve your place of practice?

    - How are your professional and educational goals related to equity and justice?

    - How do you think or hope the Pitt EdD program in your major will support your professional and academic development and learning? (e.g. people you’d like to be in conversation with, methods you’d like to explore, etc.)

    - Please identify 1-3 faculty in your major area you’re interested in working with and why. Faculty information can be found by clicking on our EdD majors, selecting a link for details on a major, and scrolling to the bottom of the page. 
     
  6. Three letters of recommendation. We recommend that at least one reference be professional (i.e.,. from a supervisor or a colleague) and at least one be academic (i.e., from someone with knowledge of your performance in an academic setting such as a master's program). However, it is acceptable for all three references to be professional. 

Transcript Submission

  1. In the Academic History section of the online application, please request that official transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended are sent to GRADCAS. If your previous institution is unable to send transcripts electronically, please contact an Admissions & Recruitment Manager at 412-648-2230 or soeinfo@pitt.edu. Grade point averages of 3.0 in undergraduate study and 3.5 in graduate study are recommended.
     
  2. Official, third-party evaluation of all international transcripts for applicants who have not received a master's degree within the United States; we strongly recommend using World Education Services (WES) to complete this service.

Credit Transfer Requirements

The EdD degree at Pitt Education consists of 84 academic credits. Of that total, 24 credits will be transferred into the program from a master's degree that the applicant previously completed. In order for credits to transfer, the applicant must have earned a grade of B or better in each course, and the courses must be in qualified area.

If you have any questions, please contact our admissions team at soeinfo@pitt.edu. We are happy to assist you! 

Need-Based Fee Waiver

Applicants may be eligible for a need-based application fee waiver due to:

  • Pell eligibility within the last three years
  • Recent participation in federal, state, or local programs that aid students from low-income families
  • Qualification for public assistance
  • Otherwise demonstrable financial hardship, including emergency expenses or unexpected medical bills

If you believe that you are eligible for a need-based fee waiver, please submit your request HERE. Our admissions staff will review your request, and reach back out to assist you in completing your application. The School of Education reserves the right to request any necessary documentation.