Application Details
Prerequisites to Apply
A bachelor’s (four years) and master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university or an equivalent credential earned from a qualifying international institution. Previous degrees must document outstanding academic achievement in a relevant area of educational research. This program requires in-person residential study at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore, Maryland.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
| Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | The School of Education will pause admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) program for the 2025-26 academic year while we add several programmatic improvements. The next intake for admission to the PhD program will be for students who want to matriculate in the Fall 2026 semester. The online application will open in August 2025 to begin accepting submissions, and the application completion deadline will be December 16, 2025. Please complete our Request for Information Form to receive updates and announcements for the next admission period. All materials, including official transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Admissions Office on or before the deadline for full consideration. Please note that the application deadline represents the endpoint in the application process (i.e., completing your file) rather than the beginning of that process. | |
| Application Requirements | Online application form | |
| $80.00 application fee | ||
| Resume/CV | ||
| Essay: The Johns Hopkins School of Education provides rigorous training in impactful educational research. Please write a brief personal statement (not to exceed 750 words) describing: -What background/past experiences speak to your promise as an aspiring educational researcher? -What research topic(s) are you most interested in pursuing (and with which faculty)? Why? -In what ways do you anticipate this research training shaping your future career? | ||
| Writing sample: A sample of an applicant's most professional writing that demonstrates analytic and critical writing skills (average 10-20 pages). | ||
| Three Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters of recommendation - two submitted by faculty members who are familiar with the student's previous academic work, and one submitted by a supervisor or administrator who has been in a position to evaluate the student’s professional development. | ||
| Official GRE scores | ||
| Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. | ||
| Interview: An interview may be required. | ||
Tuition and Fees
All PhD students at the School of Education are eligible for a fellowship for up to four years. The fellowship includes a yearly stipend and health insurance and will cover tuition and fees.
We recognize that it can be financially burdensome to relocate to a new city to attend a PhD program. Students admitted to PhD programs at Johns Hopkins can apply to potentially receive a $1,500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to Baltimore for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. More information can be found on the Office of the Provost website.
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What to Expect
Program Goals
Upon successful program completion, graduates will have the capacity to:
- Translate disciplinary knowledge into multidisciplinary applications and solutions.
- Draw upon a suite of cutting-edge research skills based on their personalized interests and needs,— including:
- Employing sophisticated statistical and /data science approaches
- Linking educational practices with student outcomes in complex databases,
- Employing open science strategies,
- Designing survey measures,
- Conducting innovative program evaluations, and
- Navigating research-practice partnerships.
- Conduct and use evidence-based research to inform and assess educational policies and practices that improve outcomes for historically underserved populations.
What is the difference between a PhD and an EdD?
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in education centers on theory and academic research while a Doctor of Education (EdD) emphasizes practice and applied research.
At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, the PhD in education is a well-respected academic degree that focuses on the conduct of research, creating new knowledge vital for educational policies and practice. The EdD is a sought-after professional degree that focuses on the application of existing research to drive innovation and address practical issues in diverse educational settings.
How much is a PhD in education?
The cost of a PhD in education depends on a few factors.
At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, PhD students are eligible for a fellowship for up to four years. The fellowship includes a yearly stipend and health insurance, and will cover tuition and fees. Additionally, Johns Hopkins PhD students can apply to receive a $1,500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating.
What can you do with a PhD in education?
You can pursue various career paths with a PhD in education.
With a PhD in education from Johns Hopkins, you can pursue career paths such as university faculty or professor, researcher, policy analyst, educational consultant, educational leader (e.g., school superintendent or principal), curriculum developer, program evaluator, or positions in administration and leadership at the district or state level
How long does it take to get a PhD in education?
The duration of a PhD in education depends on a few factors.
The time required to complete a PhD program can vary depending on factors such as the program structure, research focus, and individual progress. On average, it takes around 4 to 6 years of full-time study beyond a master's degree to earn a PhD in education.
International Applicants
International students interested in applying to a program at the Johns Hopkins School of Education must follow the same application process and submit the same general application materials as their peers, along with some additional requirements.
International Student Admissions
Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.
International Student Admissions
Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.