Higher Education - PHD - 2025-2026 (2024)

Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

Masters degree: This program requires a masters degree as well as the baccalaureate.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

• A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

• A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

• An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

• Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

• Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

• Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

• Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Additional Information:

• Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

• Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Additional Standards for International Applicants

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Transcripts

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Personal Statement Instructions

The Higher Education Department understands equity, diversity, and social justice as essential and fundamental concerns in the study, practice, and leadership of post-secondary education.Please provide a personal statement of academic and professional goals (1-2 pages, double-spaced).Include in your statement: (1) Research interests and professional objectives in the study of higher education. (2) Any personal, educational, and employment experiences that have shaped your research and professional interests in the study of higher education. (3) Expectations for how the PhD in Higher Education at the University of Denver specifically will support your research interests and professional objectives.Note: if there is a specific faculty member with whom you would like to work, based on your research interests, please mention and discuss in this statement.

Diversity Statement Instructions

Please provide a statement of equity, diversity, and social justice (1-2 pages, double-spaced). Include in your statement: (1) Your thoughts on the roles and opportunities for equity, diversity, and social justice in postsecondary institutions and/or higher education policy. (2) Any personal, academic, and/or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice in higher education.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Other Required Materials

Additional requirements for this program:

Virtual interview may be required.

Start Your Application

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Apply Now

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Financial Aid Information

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.