Procedures for SED Master’s Students Who Wish to Apply to the Doctoral Program in the Department

Continuation from the Master’s degree program to the doctoral program is not automatic. Master’s students must complete an application and the Department’s Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) must formally approve admission. The following procedures must be completed for review of Master’s students in the Department who wish to be admitted to the doctoral program. 

1. The Graduate School requires students to re-apply to The University. Like other universities, UT Austin uses ApplyTexas as its application for admissions. ApplyTexas collects biographical, educational, and extracurricular information and essays.

2. After the ApplyTexas application is submitted, the Graduate School (https://gradschool.utexas.edu/how-to-apply) will review your application. Applicants will be sent an email confirming their application submission within 1-2 days after submission. This email will also contain the applicant’s login information (UT EID) from the MyStatus page. 

More information about how to apply is provided here https://education.utexas.edu/departments/special-education/how-apply on the Department website.

The Graduate School requires the following documents and the GSC will determine admittance based on the information contained in these documents.

1.  

   1. Three letters of reference, at least two of which should be from faculty who are familiar with the student’s work at the master’s level. One of these two letters must be from a faculty member who would be willing to serve as the student’s mentor in the doctoral program. The letter of reference should include such a statement.

   2. An updated professional/personal statement, with emphasis on the student’s research goals and interests.

   3. An updated resume.

   4. A professional writing sample. A Master’s thesis, report or term paper may be submitted for consideration.

The completed application will be handled in the same manner as other applicants:

1.  

   1. The GSC faculty will review the completed file in the area to which the student has applied.

   2. Students who are admitted must complete all Master’s degree requirements prior to enrollment in the doctoral program.

The department’s policy regarding semester of entry will apply to continuing students (i.e., students will be admitted for the Fall semester only). Students graduating from the Master’s program in the fall semester may request GSC approval to begin doctoral study in the following spring.