phd in education michigan state university

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Note about program modes

* Program modes noted (online, on-campus and hybrid) reflect the instructional format for programs during typical academic years. Individual courses may be offered in person, or in online or hybrid formats, as determined by instructors and to meet the needs of students. Check with individual program coordinators for more details.

Doctoral Programs

*Rankings shown are based on the most recent U.S. News & World Report ranking of graduate programs (doctoral) and online master's programs in education, with the exception of Rehabilitation Counsleing, which was last ranked in 2023. Complementary bachelor's-level programs are also listed as among those ranked. The Kinesiology rankings are from the National Academy of Kinesiology.

Last updated: April 2024

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• Graduate Specializations and Certificates
• Departments
• Program Rankings
• Our Faculty
• Office of the Dean

Certification

• MSU Interns
• Post Bachelor’s
• Teachers & Administrators
• School Psychologists & Counselors
• Non-Traditional Certification
• Student Affairs Office
• Centers & Institutes
• Research Projects
• Office of Research Administration
• Recent Awards
• Opportunities for Students
• Faculty Research Profiles
• Research News
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Graduate Research Opportunities
• K-12 Schools
• Urban Areas
• International
• Education Policy Innovation Collaborative
• Office of K-12 Outreach
• Office of International Studies in Education
• Education Policy Forum
• For Students
• For Faculty/Staff
• Technology & Data
• Buildings & Facilities
• Undergraduate Student Scholarships
• Graduate Student Scholarships & Fellowships
• College Merchandise

Five #1 Education Programs!

MSU listed among the best in U.S. News & World Report rankings!

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The MSU College of Education has a variety of degrees to suit your interests and goals—including nationally renowned programs and hands-on learning experience.

See All Our Programs

KIN RANKINGS

Spartan pride: The MSU Kinesiology Ph.D. program is #11 in the nation, according to the National Academy of Kinesiology in their 2023 rankings.

Big Ideas in Bloom

Big ideas begin HERE! The Spring 2024 Exhibit Big Ideas in Bloom is now up in Erickson Hall and IM Circle, and celebrates dreams of our Spartan community.

Convocation

We are honored to celebrate our spring 2024 doctoral degree recipients. Join us in person or virtually for the College of Education Convocation ceremony on Saturday, April 27.

Searching for the perfect graduation gift? Looking for ways to show your Spartan pride? Check out the college store! Browse exclusive items like totes, tumblers and blankets. Proceeds fund Alumni Board scholarships.

Shop the Store

Genoese receives National Doctoral Scholar Award honorable mention 

April 22, 2024

Department of Kinesiology Ph.D. student Francesca Genoese received an honorable mention for the American Kinesiology Association’s (AKA) National Doctoral Scholar Award. Since 2014, the award has annually recognized the top doctoral kinesiology students in the nation by way of leadership, se...

Doctoral student receives Emerging Leader Award

April 15, 2024

Kirby R. Gibson, a third-year doctoral student in the Higher, Adult, Learning and Lifelong Education (HALE) program at Michigan State University received the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from the MSU Women of Color Community (WOCC). The award recognizes Gibson for efforts in creating an inclusive and...

Spartans shine at 2024 AERA Annual Meeting

April 12, 2024

This year, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) is hosting its annual meeting in a hybrid format in Philadelphia, PA, featuring presentations from faculty, graduate students and alums from the Michigan State University College of Education, and other Spartans showcasing their resear...

Featured Stories

International honor: professor emeritus dan gould.

Dan Gould was inducted to the International Society for Sports Psychology Hall of Fame. He is one of the first 10 living scholars worldwide to be inducted.

MI Teacher of the Year, MSU Alum

Alum Candice Jackson (pictured left) is the 2023-204 MI Teacher of the Year! (Photo: Todd McInturf, The Detroit News).

What is the Value of Higher Education?

Professor Brendan Cantwell co-authored, edited: "Assessing the Contributions of Higher Education" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023).

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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Center for Education and Emerging Technologies Candidate Talk

115 Erickson Hall

7:30 pm - 8:00 pm

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Online (via Zoom or similar)

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

MSU CISGS K-12 Engineering Workshop

Michigan State University

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Master’s and Educational Specialist Commencement Ceremony

Breslin Student Events Center

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Doctoral Degree Commencement Ceremony

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Highlight links, change contrast, increase text size, increase letter spacing, readability bar, dyslexia friendly font, increase cursor size, about the doctoral program.

This program is designed for those who show promise of becoming leaders in local, state, national and international mathematics education communities. The program prepares researchers and leaders to address critical issues in mathematics education by developing analytical perspectives for research, engaging in reflective teaching, and deepening mathematical knowledge.

In addition to required coursework in mathematics, students in this program take courses and gain research experience in mathematics education. During their time at MSU, doctoral students in the Mathematics Education Graduate Program usually teach (undergraduate mathematics and teacher education courses, including mathematics for elementary school teachers) and work on mathematics education research and development projects. For those who intend to seek academic jobs as mathematics educators in collegiate mathematics departments, do research about undergraduate mathematics teaching and learning, and/or teach mathematics content courses to undergraduate students, this Ph.D. program might be the most appropriate placement.

Students who may be Interested in the Program

• Graduates of undergraduate mathematics or mathematics education programs with interests in research and academic careers;
• K-12 teachers intending to return to the classroom or to leadership in schools and districts who desire strong, research-oriented knowledge and experience in mathematics education; and
• Graduates of undergraduate mathematics or mathematics education programs with interests in careers in curriculum development, policy, assessment, etc., not necessarily with a focus on research.

Experience Gained at MSU

Students in the Ph.D. program in Mathematics Education will have opportunities to acquire an understanding of and experience in various aspects of the mathematics education field, including:

• investigation of mathematical learning and teaching;
• the development of instructional materials;
• participation in policy formation;
• development and use of assessment; and
• the integration of technology into mathematics learning and teaching.

Students will address issues of research ethics in the Mathematics Education Proseminar courses, MTHE 926 and 927.

Mathematics Focus

A career at any level in mathematics education requires substantive knowledge of the core discipline of mathematics.  Therefore, the degree is designed so that a student can pursue the equivalent of a master’s degree or more in mathematics suitable to his or her area of focus.  With his or her guidance committee, each student will plan a set of courses in mathematics that, together with the student’s prior coursework and teaching experiences, is appropriate for the student’s career plans.

Jointly Administered

The Mathematics Education Doctoral Program is administered jointly by the College of Natural Science and the College of Education , with the College of Natural Science as the lead college. Graduate students are awarded many opportunities and fellowships through both colleges. Please contact Lisa Keller , Assistant Director in the Program in Mathematics Education, with any questions regarding the Mathematics Education Doctoral Program.

Mathematics Education Graduate Program

Beth Herbel-Eisenmann, Director of PRIME and Math Ed Doctoral Program [email protected]

Lisa Keller, Assistant Director of PRIME [email protected]

Freda Cruél, Academic Program Coordinator/Grad Secretary 619 Red Cedar Road C110 Wells Hall Michigan State University  East Lansing, MI 48824  (517) 432-1490 [email protected]

Department of Economics

PhD Programs

• Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program in MSU’s Department of Economics is a leader in economic research and training, routinely being ranked between the 25th and 35th best economics departments in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. According to the current Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) rankings, MSU is 24 th in the United States and is in the top-three in the Big 10 in Econometrics, International, Labor, Micro, and Public. For additional rankings, see the  American Economic Association .

We recognize that the best education comes from building a strong theoretical and econometrics foundation and working closely with faculty members and fellow classmates. As a department, we have taken steps to maximize these opportunities by offering competitive support packages, keeping field class sizes small, and fostering a collaborative environment within and between cohorts.

Our goal is that students will leave MSU with the research tools, experience, and professional network necessary to succeed in their desired careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in tenure-track positions at top research institutions (Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Arizona, Oregon State, Iowa State, Melbourne, Essex), top government agencies (Census, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Food and Drug Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Government Accountability Office), and top private sector firms (Abt, Amazon, Citi, J.P. Morgan, Mathematica).

• Dual Doctoral Degrees

Course Selection

While our course selection changes from year to year, we have structured the program so that we can offer at least one course in all of our primary fields each year:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomics
• Development
• Econometrics
• Environmental and Resource
• Industrial Organization
• International Trade

In addition to working on topics in these primary fields, we frequently have students working in secondary fields, including Aging, Behavioral, Education, and Health. Please see Michigan State University's  schedule of courses for a complete and up-to-date course offering.

Funding Information

All admitted students are automatically considered for funding and fellowships. In recent years, all admitted students received some form of funding, ranging from university-wide fellowships that require no teaching to teaching and research assistantships. We will communicate a student’s funding offer in the official admissions offer letter.

For more information, please contact Scott Imberman , Director of Graduate Studies, or Jay Feight , Graduate Program Coordinator. 

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Your Next Step

Learn how to apply

School of Social Work College of Social Science

Phd admissions.

All applicants to Michigan State University graduate programs use the online application system through the University’s Office of Admissions . This interactive system will allow you to send all of your information (with the exception of official transcripts) electronically to MSU. All information submitted via the online application system is secured with SSL encryption. MSU does not accept hard copies of any application materials, with the exception of official transcripts.

The University’s online application system will only allow you to apply for one graduate program at a time. You will need to identify your major preference. Please select Social Work (Doctoral) from the drop-down options.

During the admissions process we will be using e-mail to communicate with you. Please check your e-mail regularly (at least 2-3 times per week).

You are only considered an applicant to the PhD Program in Social Work when we receive all required application materials and your application fee has been paid. It is your responsibility to check the status of your application by logging into your personalized online admissions portal with your applicant ID and password. Early application is strongly encouraged.

All application materials must be received by the application due date in order to be reviewed.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application is complete by the due date.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via e-mail by April 1, 2024.

Who is Considered for Admission?

You must have an MSW (or be in the process of earning an MSW and have it awarded by the time you enter the PhD program in the fall) in order for your application to be considered.

We invite applications from:

• Experienced social workers who hold an MSW from an accredited program and show evidence of outstanding academic excellence, professional competence, research aptitude, and demonstrated career interests in social work research and education
• Recent graduates of MSW programs who, although limited in post-master’s experience, have outstanding academic records and the capacity to conceptualize and research issues that inform social work practice

How to Apply

• Step 1 - Applying to the MSU School of Social Work PhD Program
• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Two (2) samples of written work
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores [optional]
• TOEFL scores (or Duolingo English Test , IELTS Indicator , or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) (required for international applicants only)
• Copy of passport (required for international applicants only)
• Affidavit of Support and financial proof (required for international applicants only)
• Non-MSU students
• Current MSU students or MSU graduates
• Applicants from Chinese Universities

Step 1 - Applying to the School of Social Work PhD Program

• Use the online application process for admission to the School of Social Work PhD program from the MSU Office of Admissions. This step initiates your application process by generating an applicant ID. In order for your application to be considered for admission, your application fee must be paid and all required documents must be uploaded to your University application.
• After starting your application you will receive an email with a unique applicant ID and password. Log into your personalized online admissions portal using the box at the top of that page. Using your personalized portal allows you to check the status of your application and view supporting documents, as well as make changes to your application information.

Please read the following critical information regarding the application process to maneuver through the University's Admission application website

• You need to submit and pay your application fee, then you will be able to upload your documents using your ID and password.
• Select "Saved Application"
• Enter your applicant ID and password. This will allow you access to work on your application.

Step 2 - Application Uploads and Items to be Submitted Electronically

When filling out the application, documents that say "required" must be completed and uploaded. There are multiple items that you must upload or have submitted electronically.

Click the links below for more detailed information about what is required and for access to the specific forms:

• What educational and professional experiences have prepared you for pursuing a PhD? Please focus particular attention on experiences that have involved research.
• What are your current research interests? How did these interests develop?
• What are your career goals and how would obtaining a PhD in social work help you realize those goals?
• What life events or circumstances have influenced your career trajectory? If you have had to overcome any challenges, please address those.
• Graduate study can be stressful and can take an emotional toll. Tell us how you handle stress and what protective and resilience factors you plan to access or put in place to manage these challenges.
• What leadership qualities do you possess?
• The School of Social Work faculty are conducting research in a wide variety of areas: Are there particular faculty members with whom you would like to work? Please explain why you would you would like to work with these faculty members.

You are expected to organize your personal statement into a cohesive essay, rather than a list of discrete answers to the questions posed. In other words, you should use the questions to guide your personal statement but organize it like an essay or paper. The personal statement is a critical part of the application: We will assess your ability to address the questions, as well as your writing skills, research aptitude, and fit with our PhD program. Your statement should be double-spaced, and a maximum of 5 pages long.

The personal statement should be saved and uploaded to your application. Note: we do not require an academic statement, however this cannot be left blank. Please either upload your personal statement again or write a brief statement to upload.

• Log in to your account .
• Upload your CV under Upload Materials.

Applicants are required to submit two (2) examples of scholarly work as part of the application. These may include publications, papers completed when you were a student, research reports, or presentations. Ideally, these examples will highlight your writing ability for the admissions committee.

The two scholarly works should be saved as PDF documents and uploaded to your application.

• Upload your two examples of scholarly work (there is not a drop-down option yet for this so please select “Certification”).

We require three (3) letters of recommendation from people who can evaluate you academically and/or professionally, such as former professors and work/practicum supervisors. Carefully consider letter writers who can specifically describe your skills, abilities, and accomplishments as they relate to the pursuit of doctoral study. Letter writers should be able to discuss your intellectual capacities, your abilities in research and/or teaching, and your potential to advance social work research and academia. Do not use personal or family acquaintances, friends, relatives, therapists, ministers, or religious leaders. Please click here to review the information requested from your recommenders. Once you have identified your recommenders, they will be emailed and asked to electronically submit their letter to us.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to accept hard copies of recommendation letters. You must register them in your online application.

Submission of GRE scores are optional but will be considered by the admissions committee if submitted. GRE scores are required for some University fellowships; if you are interested in being considered for a University fellowship you must submit your GRE scores. If you submit GRE scores, submit the GRE general examination scores, which will come directly to us via ETS. We will not accept GRE scores that are older than five years. The Michigan State University code is 1465 , and the code for Social Work is 5001 . The PhD program admissions committee does not have a required minimum GRE score.

International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, Duolingo English Test , IELTS Indicator , or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition scores, which will be sent to us via ETS. The Michigan State University code is 1465 .

For regular admission, MSU requires a minimum average score of 80, with no sub-score below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking, or below 22 for writing (these scores are for the Internet-based test). If you score below these minimum levels on any of the sub-scores, you may still be admitted, but your admission will be provisional.

Provisional admission means that you will be required to take the MSU English Language Test upon arrival at MSU; based on the results of this test, you may be required to take English language courses at the start of your PhD program, as well as fulfilling all of the requirements for the PhD in social work.

While these are the University requirements related to TOEFL, Duolingo English Test , IELTS Indicator , or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition scores, the PhD admissions committee may impose additional criteria. Please see this web page for further information.

Step 3 - Submitting Transcripts

Request one (1) official transcript for the purpose of admissions for each and every university/college attended for all previous undergraduate and graduate course work. Unofficial copies of your transcripts will not be accepted. Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Graduate Programs School of Social Work 655 Auditorium Road Baker Hall Room 239 East Lansing, MI 48824

If your university/college provides official electronic transcripts, these can be emailed to the School of Social Work .  This is only for domestic students. International students should mail them to us.

An applicant who has been or is currently a student at Michigan State University does not need to order official MSU transcripts. We will obtain an applicant's MSU records from the Registrar's Office. For any other undergraduate or graduate program that you have attended, you will, need to submit one official transcript to:

If you are pursuing or have earned degrees from universities in China, the Office of Admissions requires you to submit not only transcripts and graduation certificates from China, but also obtain verification of these documents from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC).  Michigan State University requires these documents in the original language (Chinese) as well as an official English translation. All documents should be sent to:

We have created a checklist to help to ensure all required steps are completed.

Decision Process

Please visit our Decision Process page to learn more about the criteria used in the decision process.

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• Areas of Study
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• Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

Doctoral Program (Ed.D.)

For those seeking to generate and apply research in the solution of complex real-world challenges facing our communities..

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services’ Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) focuses on development of a high level and advanced proficiency in the education field of study as well as acquisition of research and leadership skills. It aims to produce graduates who can solve practical problems in a specific education-related context. The Ed.D. is ideal for educators who seek new skills and new opportunities for leadership and is designed to meet a critical need in southeastern Michigan for educational leaders who can transform education at the PK-12, community college and university levels.

Course Information

Program goals.

Graduates of the Doctorate of Education will conduct scholarly research including: 

• Identifying important/practical questions or problems that can be addressed through scholarship.
• Reviewing, critically analyzing, and synthesizing literature that addresses an important question or problem in education.
• Collecting and analyzing appropriate types of data.
• Communicating results of that research in writing and orally with diverse audiences.

Degree requirements

Program Information : The Ed.D. Program is a 60-credit hour program with 24 credit hours of core courses, 24 credit hours of concentration area courses and 12 credit hours dedicated to a dissertation or applied studies project. Students must maintain a “B” average (cumulative grade point average of 3.0) to remain in good standing in the Ed.D. program.

Transfer of Credit : Up to six credit hours from another (non-U-M) accredited university may be accepted as transfer credits with approval of the program adviser. Students may transfer up to one-half (1/2) the minimum number of credit hours required for the Ed.D. degree from the Ann Arbor and Flint U-M campuses.

Courses must be at the 500 level or above. The student’s program adviser must approve the transfer of the course and credits.

Transfer of Credit will be considered if:

• Graduate credits were completed within five years of application to the Ed.D. program at another accredited institution.
• Graduate credits were completed at another U-M School or College (including Flint and Ann Arbor).
• University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Northern Michigan University and Oakland University.
• Students completed the course during their junior or senior year 
• They were approved for graduate credit by the graduate school of the institution where and when the student took the course
• The courses were not used in whole or in part, in any way, to meet requirements for a degree
• The student’s program adviser approves the transfer of the course and credits

Time to Completion : The Ed.D. program is designed for completion of the degree requirements within four calendar years. Students will not be allowed to register for credits in the program after ten years without the approval of a formal petition by the Ed.D. Faculty Advisory Committee.

Course requirements

Core Courses (24 hrs)

EDA 725. Seminar in Metropolitan Education

EDB 722  Seminar in Educational Leadership

EDC 740. Seminar in Educational Psychology/Special Education

EDD 717   Seminar in Curriculum and Practice

EDK 700. Introduction to Educational Research

EDK 823   Quantitative Research Methods

EDK 825. Qualitative Research Methods

EDK 850. Research Design & Proposal Development

Concentration Area Courses (24 hrs) Eight graduate level courses must be selected in the area of concentration with prior written approval from the doctoral program adviser. The professional studies courses are offered through the College of Education, Health, and Human Services and other units of the university. The student will work with their faculty adviser to determine which concentration area courses are appropriate to the student’s needs and professional goals. This plan will be submitted to the doctoral program coordinator for approval within one year of admittance to the program.

Portfolio Defense and Qualification for Proposal (3 hrs) The portfolio defense is the first step in the process of moving from the pre-candidacy stage to the candidacy stage of the program. The purpose of the Ed.D. Portfolio is to provide the student with an opportunity to document their academic and professional growth and development in an organized, coherent, and selective record. The portfolio presentation and defense allows each student’s dissertation/applied study committee to evaluate their readiness to (a) conduct scholarly research, (b) connect with the community, and (c) engage in transformative leadership. The portfolio represents the student’s accomplishments in coursework, independent study, research experiences, internships, and other advanced learning activities. The portfolio also provides both a vehicle for self-reflection and a comprehensive account of a doctoral student's experiences and ongoing progress toward their academic and professional goals.

Dissertation/Applied Studies Project (9 hrs) A student will become a candidate for the Ed.D. degree after completing the required coursework with a minimum GPA of “B” and after passing both qualifying as well as preliminary examinations. At this point, the student will be allowed to pursue the dissertation or applied studies work.

The student must submit a written copy of the dissertation or applied studies project to the dissertation/applied studies committee for approval before the oral defense will be scheduled. All members of the dissertation or applied studies committee are responsible for reading the dissertation or applied studies documents and submitting their written evaluations to the committee chair at least a week prior to the defense.

Application

Admission is on a yearly-basis only.  Materials must be submitted in full by March 15, annually.

Learn more about application forms and admission information

Concentration Areas

Students will complete 24 credits in one of the three concentration areas that will specifically target their professional interests.

Educational Leadership

The concentration in Educational Leadership provides students the ability to develop the leadership and administrative skills needed to identify, solve and anticipate the challenges facing Michigan schools and community colleges.

Students in the Educational Leadership concentration can complete the program and be recommended to the Michigan Department of Education for the MDE-required Central Office Administrator Certificate for educators in or aspiring to a K-12 district central office leadership position.

Course Requirements:

• EDD - Educational Leadership with Central Office Administration Certificate  
• EDD - Educational Leadership

Metropolitan Education

The concentration in Metropolitan Education prepares students to assume leadership positions in metropolitan school systems and other educational agencies with a focus on the historical, political, economic and socio-cultural context of communities and schools.

Curriculum and Practice

Become subject area leaders and/or a curriculum specialist. This is a flexible concentration that may include any of the disciplines in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services such as mathematics, science, literacy, social studies, early childhood education and English as a Second Language.

Featured Links

• Ed.D. Handbook
• Ed.D. Graduation Deadlines
• Ed.D. Graduates
• Graduate Catalog

Admission Requirements

We utilize a holistic approach to reviewing applications and take into consideration all materials submitted when making admission decisions.  In order for us to complete this holistic review, students must submit the follow items with their application. The GRE is not required for admission to this program. The Office of International Affairs lists additional admission requirements for international students.

• Bachelor's and Master's degree from accredited institutions
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• 3.3 GPA or higher on submitted transcripts
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Writing sample that addresses one of the provided prompts

Ed.D. Alumni Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund originated as an idea in 2017 and was established by generous graduates of the Doctorate of Education program in 2018, most of whom were from the early cohorts when the Ed.D. program was launched.  The $10,000 to establish the fund was raised through donations and multi-year pledges.  Donors to the fund include Ed.D. alumni, UM-Dearborn faculty and administrators, as well as friends of the University.

The fund is expected to generate a $500 annual scholarship for Ed.D. students beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Everyone is invited to make a donation to the fund .

Contact Information

CEHHS Office for Student Success 262 Fairlane Center South (FCS) [email protected] 313-593-5090

Academic Advisor

Stein Brunvand, Ph.D.

To schedule an appointment with dr. brunvand please contact:.

CEHHS Office of Student Success email: [email protected] phone: 313-593-5090.

Christopher Burke, Ph.D.

To schedule an appointment with dr. burke please contact:.

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Master's Degrees

The Design and Technologies for Learning Across Culture and Contexts (DATL) concentration in the Master of Arts in Educational Studies program focuses on preparing professionals for designing a wide range of learning environments in formal and informal settings. Design takes many forms and can span the design of technology, curriculum, new pedagogical approaches, and even innovative spaces for learning.

Professional trajectories of graduates include:

• Media specialists
• Curriculum designers
• Software design
• Non-profits
• Technology startups
• Online learning/Learning experience design
• Museums/Science and Technology Centers
• Further graduate study

Career outcomes of recent graduates:

• 2022 Educational Studies Master's Survey Highlights
• 2021 Educational Studies Master's Survey Highlights
• 2020 Educational Studies Master's Survey Highlights

The Educational Equity, Justice, and Social Transformation (EEJST) concentration in the Master of Arts in Educational Studies program is designed to provide students with a foundation in the social, cultural, economic, historical, and political foundations of schooling. Students critically examine educational contexts, practices, and policies rooted in  injustice, whiteness, and oppression in educational systems to unpack how these systems have fostered social inequity and work toward justice-driven change.

• Non-profit organizational leadership in education and social service professions
• Pre-K-12 school and district leadership
• Research & development
• College access program coordination
• Preparation to become university faculty members/researchers
• Policy analysis
• Curriculum development

If your career objective is integrating business acumen with educational expertise to effect meaningful improvements in our education system, the Marsal Family School of Education and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business offer a unique dual-degree program leading to the Master of Arts in Educational Studies and the Master of Business Administration degrees.

• Leadership in K-12 educational organizations, government organizations, non-profit organizations, and other agencies focused on issues of educational improvement and reform
• Roles focused on improving education
• Educational entrepreneurship

The Research for Educational Improvement (REI) concentration in the Master of Arts in Educational Studies program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in research organizations, centers, or projects engaged in evaluation research, or as research support staff in formal and informal educational settings where education professionals are engaged in improving practice and policy. 

• Entry-level positions in research organizations, centers, or projects engaged in evaluation research
• Research support staff in formal and informal educational settings where education professionals are engaged in improving practice and policy
• Future doctoral study 

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP) is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares graduates with the entry-level skills required to lead and shape educational institutions and policies at local, national, and global levels. The program also allows teachers and current or aspiring building leaders to continue their work at the building or district level, returning to those settings with skills that focus on reform and justice.

• Classroom teaching
• Department chair
• Assistant principal
• Various central office roles 
• Curriculum design and development
• Policy analysts and other policy-centered roles
• Program administrators, directors, coordinators, and specialists
• Non-profit leadership roles
• 2021 Educational Leadership and Policy Master's Survey Highlights

The Master of Arts in Higher Education with a focus on Diversity and Social Justice in Higher Education gives students the tools for increasing their knowledge and skills regarding diversity and social justice in higher education. It equips students to address these issues within their careers and other spheres of influence. This concentration cultivates a supportive network of graduate students and faculty who are interested in research and pedagogy around issues of diversity and social justice.

Graduates typically go into these industries

Hiring organizations and job titles.

The Master of Arts in Higher Education program with an individually designed focus provides individuals with a general understanding of higher education as a field of practice and inquiry. The challenges that face higher education require that educators not only adapt to change but also engage in developing a vision of higher education for society. The program aims to prepare you for leadership in shaping the future of higher education. Students generate and apply knowledge on how to advance the role of higher education in supporting the public good and improving institutional practice.

The Master of Arts in Higher Education with a focus on Institutional Research equips students with factual knowledge about postsecondary institutions and systems, research methods used by institutional research professionals, knowledge of the processes and issues affecting institutions, and an understanding of the context and culture of the institutions in which students will work and study.

The Master of Arts in Higher Education with a focus on Management and Organizations considers the organizational dynamics of colleges and universities. This requires a fundamental understanding of the internal workings of higher education and its environment, as well as a thorough grasp of effective management and leadership of higher education organizations. 

The Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Business Administration dual degree program provides an in-depth examination of both business administration and higher education arenas. The Master of Arts in Higher Education degree provides a deep exposure to educational theory and programmatic flexibility that complements the Master of Business Administration experience. 

The Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Public Policy program is designed for students interested in broad policy issues that affect higher and postsecondary education, such as state governance and coordination, financial aid funding, and affirmative action in admissions and hiring. 

The Master of Arts in Higher Education with a focus on Public Policy helps students grapple with the challenges that face higher education and gain insights on how to develop a vision of higher education for society. Students analyze broad policy issues that affect higher and postsecondary education, such as state governance and coordination, financial aid funding, and affirmative action in admissions and hiring. You will generate and apply knowledge on how to advance the role of higher education in supporting the public good and improving institutional practice. 

The Master’s in Higher Education Student Access and Success program focuses on teaching and learning in colleges and universities as they are implemented in many institutional contexts, both inside and outside of traditional classroom settings. 

In the Master of Arts in Educational Studies with Elementary Teacher Certification program, students develop the professional and personal knowledge, dispositions, and skills required to engage diverse groups of children in thoughtful learning. The immersive full-time program begins in mid-June and finishes in mid-June the following year.

Out-of-state

In the Master of Arts in Educational Studies with Secondary Teacher Certification program, students participate in university and school-based experiences that enable them to meet the challenges facing today's educators teaching at the junior high and high school levels. The immersive full-time program begins in mid-June and finishes in mid-June the following year. Coursework is completed concurrently with a teaching internship to allow students to explore pedagogies through authentic classroom interactions while being fully supported by field instructors.

The Master of Science in Postsecondary Science Education provides a strong foundation in learning theory and application to support college-level teaching in the sciences. The degree is open only to current doctoral students in the School of Environment and Sustainability and in specific departments in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (Astronomy, Biophysics, Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Geological Sciences, Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Physics).

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Thank you for your interest in our Neuroscience PhD program at Michigan State University!

The Michigan State University Neuroscience Program offers world-class research and unparalleled education paired with outstanding mentors and a highly collaborative environments. The program provides a wide range of research opportunities for our students that covers molecules to man.

Review the information presented here to learn more about our PhD program. If you have further questions, please contact us at [email protected]. 

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Information on how to successfully apply to the MSU Neuroscience Program Graduate Program

Program Requirements

Know what will be required of you after admission to the MSU Neuroscience Program Graduate Program

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Campus Life

The MSU Neuroscience Program has locations in East Lansing and Grand Rapids. Learn about the two campuses.

Neuroscience Program Director A.J. Robison [email protected] 517-884-5003

Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building (ISTB) 766 Service Rd East Lansing, MI 48824-1101

Phone: 517-884-9523

[email protected]

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Program in Mathematics Education

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Link to RCR plan - Date on Plan: 09/19/2016 - Contact Person: Lisa Keller

Link to Graduate Handbook

Program: Mathematics Education Academic Plan: MATHED_PHD Award Type: PHD Phone: 517-432-1490 Email: [email protected] Address: Michigan State University, Wells Hall, 619 Red Cedar Rd, Rm C110, East Lansing, MI 48824

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College of Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering (Ph.D.)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Doctor of philosophy, department of electrical and computer engineering, program details.

Our graduate program is built on the quality of our faculty and their research. There is an outstanding environment at MSU for collaboration between departments, across campus, and with other universities leading to multidisciplinary projects where students can interact with groups outside their discipline to help address some of the most challenging problems of today and in the future.

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Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering graduate admissions  page for details on the overall process.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate admissions process is as follows:

Updated: March 2022

Deadlines for graduate applications are as follows:

• Fall Semester, for full consideration for admission, financial support, university fellowships (US Citizen and permanent residents only) and college fellowships (US citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants), completed applications and all required documentation must be received by December 30th of the preceding Fall term. We will continue to review applications submitted after December 30; however, we cannot guarantee full consideration of those applications. We will continue to review applications submitted after January 10, however, we cannot guarantee full consideration.
• Spring Semester, completed applications and all required documentation must be received by September 15th of the preceding Fall term.

I nstitution and Program Codes

• Electrical and Computer Engineering – MASTERS – 8093
• Electrical and Computer Engineering - PhD – 8095
• Electrical Engineering – MASTERS – 8091
• On-Line - 8094
• GRE Department Code = 1203
• GRE University Code = 1465
• TOEFL Department Code = 66

Application Process

You should submit a completed application form on-line along with an application fee (valid for one year). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Note: We will accept compete applications after these deadlines, but there is no guarantee that a late application will be processed. Save your MSU applicant ID number and password as you will need this to upload the required documentation.

The graduate student portal allows you to check the status of your application, send e-messages to the department, upload various required documents, and request letters of recommendations. Log into the student portal with your Applicant ID and password at: [email protected].

Admission to the department is linked to the availability of support in the form of a graduate Teaching Assistantship (TA), research assistantship (RA), fellowship, or government scholarship. For international students, support is generally in the form of a research assistantship from faculty, or a fellowship/scholarship from the applicant's government. Our admission process is a two-step process.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews your application to decide whether your application is considered qualified for admission if support is available. Then the research faculty will review your application to decide if an RA will be offered. This decision is made by the individual faculty who has funding for RA's.

Note that following items, along with the MSU application and the application fee, are required for a complete application to be considered for admissions.

• Enter the information for your references along with their email address. They will then be automatically emailed and asked to submit letters of recommendations. You will need three references (ideally at least two should be by a college faculty who knows you well).
• Two "official “copies of transcripts from all previous universities attended (undergraduate and graduate), as well as proof of diploma (graduate certificate) in an unopened sealed university envelope or e-transmitted to [email protected] by the university. Transcripts can be e-transmitted if domestic only. International students’ transcripts must be in the original language and in English, if applicable. These transcripts and certificates should be sent to: Michigan State University Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering 428 South Shaw Lane Room 2120 Engineering Building East Lansing, Michigan, USA 48824 MSU also does not accept transcripts that have been notarized, with the exception of countries in Eastern Europe that follow an apostille process. Do not submit your only original transcript, certificate, and/or diploma! MSU does not return any documents we receive. Have your college/university make a photocopy of the documents and stamp the photocopies official. Place them in official university, sealed envelopes.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude scores are required for all international applicants. GRE is strongly advised for domestic students, but not required. GRE test scores must be provided to us directly by the Educational Testing Service. GRE scores are generally above 159 for the quantitative portion. GRE Verbal scores less than 146 and Analytical scores less than 3.0 will generally not be considered acceptable.
• TOEFL Scores (PDF) are required for all international applicants. Applicants are strongly urged to take the internet-based tests, not the paper-based test. TOEFL test scores must be provided to us directly by the Educational Testing Service. We will not consider copies of TOEFL scores for any reason. We will also honor IELTS test scores that are sent to us by the testing agency. TOEFL scores of a total of 80 (19 in each category except Writing which is 22), and IELTS is 6.5 or higher.
• An Academic Statement and a Personal Statement are required.

Applicants with Fellowships/Scholarships If you have an external fellowship or scholarship of some kind, you should email [email protected] with information about the fellowship/scholarship, including:

• The name of the fellowship/scholarship (e.g., Fulbright)
• The dates the fellowship/scholarship will cover (e.g., August 2015-August 2016)
• The amount of support provided by the fellowship/scholarship (e.g., tuition and fees or $25,000/year).

Admission Requirements

• Students should have a four-year bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A graduate assistantship, fellowship, or scholarship should be available to the applicant.
• Successful domestic applicants are highly ranked in their bachelor's class. Most successful domestic applicants have GPA's of 3.5 or better. Domestic applicants with GPA less than 3.2 are generally not considered for admission.
• A general profile of a successful international student applicant is as follows.
• Graduate of a highly ranked school. • In the upper 10% of their class.
• International MS applicants must submit an Affidavit of Support if they wish to pay for their own education. This procedure must include the Affidavit of Support form and a bank statement. This statement must be in English. The account holder’s name should be on the Affidavit of Support form and it amount must meet our funding requirement.

If you have any further questions, please email Meagan Kroll at [email protected] .

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