FAQ
Program Questions
What graduate programs does the School of Education offer?
What are the degree requirements for the Ph.D. programs?
What are the degree requirements for the M.A. programs?
Can I apply for part-time study?
Do you have a distance learning program?
Do I have to contact SUSE faculty members before I apply?
Where can I find papers published by SUSE faculty?
How do I apply to the Joint Degree program with the Graduate School of Business?
Do I need a masters degree to apply to a doctoral program?
May I apply to one of SUSE's programs if my prior degree is not in the field of education?
What work experience do I need before applying?
Deadlines and Application Process Questions
When will the application for 2013-2014 be available?
What are the application interests sections for on the online application?
What should be included in the Statement of Purpose?
Is a CV or Resume Required?
Do you require a writing sample as part of the application process?
What is the application deadline?
How do I request an application fee waiver?
Where do I mail my supplemental application materials?
Can I defer admission?
Do you have rolling admission?
If I previously applied, can my application be re-activated?
I would like to be considered for a Ph.D. and for an M.A. program. Do I need to submit 2 applications?
If I am not accepted into a Ph.D. program, can I be considered for a master's program?
How will I know if you have received my application and supplemental materials?
How/When will I be notified of the Admission Committee's decision?
Financial Aid Questions
Do you offer financial aid to M.A. students?
Do you offer financial aid to Ph.D. students?
How much financial aid do you provide to Ph.D. students?
Is there a separate application form for financial aid?
How do I indicate my desire to be considered for financial aid loan programs?
GRE Questions
Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
What is the last date I can take the GRE?
How recent must my GRE scores be?
What is the minimum GRE score required in order to be considered for admission?
Where should I have my GRE scores sent?
Do I have to take the subject matter portion of the GRE?
TOEFL Questions
Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
How recent must my TOEFL scores be?
What is the minimum TOEFL score required in order to be considered for admission?
Where should I have my TOEFL scores sent?
Other Test Questions
What is the minimum GPA score required in order to be considered for admission?
Do you require the Test for Spoken English (TSE)?
What are the codes for test score reporting?
Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts Questions
How do I submit transcripts?
How should my recommenders send their letters?
Do I need to submit PDF transcripts for every college-level class I have taken?
Can letters of recommendation be faxed or e-mailed to the School of Education?
Who can be recommenders?
STEP Questions (Additional FAQs for STEP Applicants Only)
Are there any additional requirements to apply to STEP?
Where do I upload the STEP essay and transcript summary?
What should be included in the STEP application essay?
Which exams do I need to take by the deadline to be eligible for STEP?
What is the CSET and when should it be taken?
Is teaching experience necessary?
Is the California teaching credential recognized in other states?
Who should write letters of recommendation?
What are the financial aid opportunities for STEP students?
How many students are in the program?
How many students have jobs when they graduate? How many stay in California?
Can applicants speak to STEP alumni?
Where can I find information about STEP on the web?
Who should I contact with questions?
Program Questions
What graduate programs does the School of Education offer?
The School of Education offers Ph.D., M.A., M.A./Teaching Credential, M.A./M.B.A. and M.A./J.D. programs. The Ph.D. and M.A. degrees are granted in more than twenty-five specializations and interdisciplinary programs. These specializations are grouped into three main Area Committees: Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education (CTE); Developmental and Psychological Studies (DAPS); Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies (SHIPS). In addition, the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) awards a Master's of Arts in Education with the California Secondary Single Subject Teaching Credential or with the California Elementary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. For more information on the programs that are offered at the School of Education, please visit the Programs and Degrees section of our website.
What are the degree requirements for the Ph.D. programs?
The requirements for the Ph.D. degree include core, methodology and area courses. However, because of the research focus and length of the doctoral program, students have more milestones to complete as part of their degree, including periodic review meetings. For more information on the requirements of the Ph.D. degree, please see our Doctoral Handbook.
What are the degree requirements for the M.A. programs?
The requirements for the M.A. degree include required core and methodology courses, area courses and pre-approved electives. Most programs also require a project or monograph. For more information on the requirements of the M.A. degree, see our Master's Handbook.
Can I apply for part-time study?
All Ph.D. programs require full-time study. The only master's program that accepts applications for part-time study is our Learning, Design and Technology (LDT) master's program which is offered through the Honors Co-op Program. Visit the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD) website for more information.
Do you have a distance learning program?
No, the School of Education does not currently offer courses online. To learn about other distance learning options at Stanford University, visit the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD) website.
Do I have to contact SUSE faculty members before I apply?
No. Contact with faculty members is not a required part of the application process nor does it guarantee admission to a graduate program. If you do decide to contact a faculty member, please read our Which Degree Which Program article by Associate Dean Eamonn Callan. It includes the typical protocol for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests.
Where can I find papers published by SUSE faculty?
Feel free to search for faculty papers on Google Scholar or through Open Archive.
How do I apply to the Joint Degree program with the Graduate School of Business?
Students interested in applying to the Joint Degree program with the Graduate School of Business (GSB) must apply via the Graduate School of Business online application. Information on applying and application requirements can be found on the GSB website.
Do I need a masters degree to apply to a doctoral program?
No. Applicants who have a bachelors degree may apply directly to any of our doctoral programs.
May I apply to one of SUSE's programs if my prior degree is not in the field of education?
Yes. We accept applicants from a wide-range of professional and education backgrounds. If you have academic interests that overlap with the faculty at SUSE and programs we offer, please consider applying.
What work experience do I need before applying?
Applicants are not strictly required to have any work experience before applying to our programs. For some programs, however, relevant previous work experience is highly valued and admission is fairly rare for applicants who are lacking in that respect. Please check the websites for the particular program(s) in which you might be interested. Most important, though, is the fit between applicant research interests/career plans and the program to which s/he is applying.
Deadlines and Application Process Questions
When will the application for 2013-14 be available?
The online application for the 2013-14 academic year will be available by October 2012.
What are the application interests sections for on the online application?
The online application will give you the option of selecting up to three academic interests (doctoral applicants will have pull-down menu choices) and also give you the option to write in additional academic interests. Your academic interests can help us best match your file with the appropriate faculty reader. You may choose to indicate interests that are different from the specialization to which you are applying or they may be the same. For instance, if you are applying to the doctoral program in Teaching Education, you may indicate that you also have academic interests in Learning Science and Technology Design and Elementary Education. These are not mandatory fields.
What should be included in the Statement of Purpose?
Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be two pages (for non-STEP programs). Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, the faculty with whom you hope to work, your preparation for this field of study and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose? STEP requires a different writing statement. Please see STEP question below.
Is a CV or Resume required?
Yes, we require a CV or resume from all applicants. The online application will prompt applicants to upload a CV or resume in the Supplemental Application section of the application.
Do you require a writing sample as part of the application process?
No. Writing samples are not required, nor will they be reviewed in the admissions process.
What is the application deadline?
Application deadlines for 2013-14 will be published in August 2012. There will be only one round of application deadlines. Late applications cannot be accepted or reviewed.
*Applicants to the Joint Degree program with the Graduate School of Business should consult the GSB website for complete information on application deadlines and requirements.
How do I request an application fee waiver?
The application is administered and managed by the University's Office of Graduate Admission, not the School of Education, and only their office can issue an application fee waiver. Information about the waiver can be found on the Office of Graduate Admissions site at: http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions/applying/fee-waiver. Should you have questions about obtaining a fee waiver, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions directly at gradadmissions@stanford.edu. Important note: Requests for fee waivers must be received 15 business days prior to the School's application deadlines to apply.
Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers (IRT): Applicants who have participated in IRT are eligible for a waiver of the application fee. IRT participants should contact the Institute directly for details on how to request the waiver. Requests should be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions (gradadmissions@stanford.edu) at least 15 business days prior to the program application deadline. Their office will contact you via email regarding the status of your waiver.
McNair/MARC Scholars: Applications who have participated in the McNair Scholars program or the MARC program are eligible for a waiver of the application fee. Applicants must submit a letter from the McNair/MARC coordinator at their undergraduate institution confirming their status as a current McNair/MARC scholar (via fax or postal mail) which includes: Applicant Name, Applicant Email Address, and that the application is to the School of Education. Requests should be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions at least 15 business days prior to the program application deadline. Their office will contact you via email regarding the status of the waiver.
For the Office of Graduate Admissions contact information, please go to: http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/gradadmissions/about/office. All inquiries about application fee waiver should be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Where do I mail my supplemental application materials?
No supplemental application materials need to be mailed to SUSE (with the exception of the STEP program; please see the STEP section below). All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically. Transcripts should also be submitted electronically (you will be asked to upload your transcripts as a PDF in the online application). The online application notes that applicants need to send hard copies of the transcript to the department. Please do not send hard copies at the time of application. Only admitted applicants will be contacted with instructions on sending official transcripts. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this SUSE requirement. Transcripts should be submitted for any institution at which you spent at least one year doing academic study.
STEP applicants should mail their supporting documents to:
STEP applicants should submit their supplemental application materials to:
Stanford University School of Education
Academic Services - STEP Admissions
485 Lasuen Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-3096
No. SUSE does not grant admission deferrals. If you cannot enroll in the starting term for which you are offered admission, you must reapply for a future year.
Do you have rolling admissions?
No. Applications are accepted only once a year on the posted deadlines. All SUSE Ph.D. and M.A. programs begin in the autumn quarter, with the exception of STEP, which begins in the summer quarter. For the 2013-2014 admissions cycle, all non-STEP programs begin in the fall of 2013, and the STEP program begins in the summer of the 2012-2013 academic year.
If I previously applied, can my application be re-activated?
No. We are not able to re-activate applications or supporting documents from previous applications. Re-applicants must follow the same application requirements as new applicants by submitting a new online application and new supporting documents.
I would like to be considered for a Ph.D. and for an M.A. program. Do I need to submit 2 applications?
No. Apply for a Ph.D. program and answer "Yes" to the question on the application form that asks you if you would like to be considered for a Master's program. If you answer yes, please indicate in the Academic Interests section in which MA program you would like to enroll.
If I am not accepted into a Ph.D. program, can I be considered for a master's program?
Yes. Apply for a Ph.D. program and answer "Yes" to the question on the application form that asks you if you would like to be considered for a master's program (indicate the master's program for which you would like to be considered). Your application will be considered by both the doctoral and the master's admissions committees if there is a corresponding master's program to your proposed area of doctoral study.
How will I know if you have received my application and supplemental materials?
Because all application materials are submitted electronically, you may check your status through the online application website. All materials are required by the application deadline (including letters of recommendation). The Academic Services office will notify you if additional information is needed.
How/When will I be notified of the Admission Committee's decision?
The Academic Services office will send decision letters electronically for all applicants starting March 1 for doctoral programs, March 1 for STEP applicants, and March 15 for non-STEP masters programs.
Financial Aid Questions
Do you offer financial aid to M.A. students?
The School of Education makes every effort to help students who require financial assistance to meet tuition and living expenses. Limited SUSE fellowship aid is available to M.A. admitted students and granted on a merit basis at the time of admission (included in the admissions letter). Most students fund their studies through a combination of loans and personal funds. For more information on funding opportunities for M.A. students, please review the Financial Aid section of our website.
Do you offer financial aid to Ph.D. students?
Yes. Students in the Ph.D. programs are automatically funded through a combination of fellowships and assistantships for the first four years of their graduate studies. Funding is contingent upon satisfactory progress toward the degree requirements. For more information on funding opportunities for Ph.D. students, please review the Financial Aid section of our website.
How much financial aid do you provide to Ph.D. students?
Ph.D. students are funded for a full-time course load (11-18 units) in their first year through a school fellowship and work for 10 hours/week as research assistants. In the second through the fourth years, students are able to work for 20 hours/week as research or teaching assistants and enroll in 8-10 units of coursework. The assistantships generate tuition support through the School and provide a student salary. For more information on funding opportunities for Ph.D. students, please review the Financial Aid section of our website.
Is there a separate application form for financial aid?
For Ph.D. and M.A. applicants (except STEP): There is no separate application form. However, you must answer "Yes" to the question on the application form that asks: "Are you applying for Financial Aid from Stanford University."
How do I indicate my desire to be considered for financial aid loan programs?
All applicants who need financial support are encouraged to apply through the Financial Aid Office for loans by March 1 to ensure receipt of financial aid packages by April 15. The Financial Aid Office services all of the University and can take up to 6 weeks to process applications. Applications for non-STEP students require the completion of two forms (the FAFSA and Graduate Loan Application form). STEP students must complete FAFSA forms for two academic years and the Graduate Loan Application Form. See the Financial Aid Office website for information regarding your aid, such as the cost of attendance and applying for loans.
GRE Questions
Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
All applicants to departmental graduate programs at Stanford must take the GRE, including applicants who have previously attended graduate school. The GRE scores reported must be from tests taken within five years of your application submission date (if you took the GRE on October 1, 2007, you'd need to submit the application (and send the scores to Stanford) by October 1, 2012). The University recommends all applicants take the GRE by September 30, 2012 in order to ensure the scores are ready for review by the faculty with your application. All applicants must take the exam AND have the scores before the application deadline or the application cannot be reviewed. The School of Education only requires the general GRE and not the subject GRE. We will accept both the previous and the current version of the GRE.
What is the last date I can take the GRE?
The University strongly encourages all applicants to take the GRE by September 30, 2012. Applicants need to report their scores on their application and arrange to have ETS send their official scores to Stanford University at institution code 4704. The GRE scores reported must be from tests taken within five years of your application submission date (if you took the GRE on October 1, 2007, you would need to submit the application and send the scores to Stanford by October 1, 2012). Files that are missing official GRE scores are incomplete and may not be reviewed.
How recent must my GRE scores be?
The GRE scores reported must be from tests taken within five years of your application submission date (if you took the GRE on October 1, 2007, you would need to submit the application and send the scores to Stanford by October 1, 2012). The University strongly encourages all applicants to take the GRE by September 30, 2012.
What is the minimum GRE score required in order to be considered for admission?
The School of Education does not have a cutoff GRE score requirement. The evaluation of each applicant is based on all the materials in the file and is not exclusively based on test scores. The School of Education does not provide average GRE score information of previous applicants or current students.
Where should I have my GRE scores sent?
Applicants should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send their scores electronically to Stanford University. Our university code is 4704. It is not necessary to indicate a department code. Self-reported scores are not official until Stanford receives the electronic record from ETS.
Do I have to take the subject matter portion of the GRE?
No. The School of Education only requires the general GRE and not the subject matter portion of the GRE.
TOEFL Questions
Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
TOEFL is required from all applicants whose first language is not English regardless of citizenship. Tests must be taken prior to the program's application deadline and application submission. Self-reported scores should be recorded on the application.
Exception: Individuals who have completed (not only attended) a bachelor's degree or a master's degree (or the equivalent of either degree) at a recognized institution where all instruction is provided in English. This does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken, though not all courses were provided in English.
For more information on TOEFL requirements, visit Stanford University's central Office of Graduate Admissions website.
How recent must my TOEFL scores be?
TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 18 months. No scores are valid beyond the date ETS will send or resend them to schools. Tests must be taken prior to application submission and the program application deadline.
What is the minimum TOEFL score required in order to be considered for admission?
The minimum TOEFL scores required are 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test and 100 for the internet-based test.
Where should I have my TOEFL scores sent?
Applicants should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send scores electronically to Stanford University. The university code is 4704. It is not necessary to indicate a department code. Self-reported scores are not official until Stanford receives the electronic record from ETS.
Other Test Questions
What is the minimum GPA score required in order to be considered for admission?
The School of Education does not have a minimum GPA requirement. The evaluation of each applicant is based on all the materials in the file and is not exclusively based on test scores or GPA. SUSE does not provide average GPA or test score information of previous applicants or current students.
Do you require the Test for Spoken English (TSE)?
No, we do not require the Test for Spoken English.
What are the codes for test score reporting?
Stanford's institution codes are listed below. No department code is required.
GRE: 4704
TOEFL: 4704
CSET: 582
SSAT: 582
Praxis: RA4704
CBEST: 327
Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts Questions
Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Graduate Admissions Office website differ from the SUSE requirement. The online application notes that applicants need to send hard copies of the transcript to the department. Please do not send hard copies at the time of application. Transcripts should be submitted electronically- you will be asked to upload your transcripts as a PDF in the online application. Only admitted applicants will be contacted with instructions on sending official transcripts. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Transcripts should be submitted for any institution at which you spent at least one year doing academic study.
.Do I need to submit PDF transcripts for every college-level class I have taken?
No. We only require you to upload PDFs of transcripts from postsecondary institutions you have attended as a full-time student for one year (i.e. three quarters or two semesters) or longer.
How should my recommenders send their letters?
In the online application, you will be prompted to list your recommenders and their contact emails. The recommenders will receive an email with a link where they will answer a few questions and submit their letter electronically. We cannot accept paper, mailed, faxed or email, versions of the letters of recommendation. All letters must be submitted electronically through the online system.
Can letters of recommendation be faxed or e-mailed to the School of Education?
No. Recommenders have only one option for submitting letters of recommendation: online via the online application. They will receive an email with a link to the system. Then they will be asked to answer a few questions and submit their letter electronically. We cannot accept paper, mailed, faxed or email, versions of the letters of recommendation.
Faculty or others who qualify to evaluate your potential for graduate study can serve as recommenders. At least one evaluation and letter should be from a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years). Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work.
STEP Questions (Additional FAQs for STEP Applicants Only)
Are there any additional requirements to apply to STEP?
Additional forms are required to apply to STEP and can be found at STEP Elementary website and STEP Secondary website.
Where do I upload the STEP essay and transcript summary?
STEP essay: You are required to write a STEP-specific essay responding to the STEP prompt. You can choose to write a single essay incorporating both the prompt on the online application and the STEP-specific prompt. One or both essays can be submitted electronically with your online application by uploading them into the personal statement section. If you chose to write two essays please combine them into one word document before uploading.
Transcript Summary: In the online application there will be a section to upload additional documents. Use that upload feature to submit the summary online.
What should be included in the STEP application essay?
Successful applicants demonstrate an intellectual passion for their subject area, commitment to teach traditionally underserved populations, and an interest in issues of social justice. Applicants should also convey why STEP is a good fit for their goals and how they can contribute to the program.
Which exams do I need to take by the deadline to be eligible for STEP?
The GRE is the only exam that is required to be completed by the application deadline. However, we strongly encourage applicants to take the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) in their intended subject area as early as possible. All STEP candidates will be required to pass a minimum of two subtests in their subject area prior to starting STEP in June.
California residents are expected to submit passing CBEST scores with their application. Out of state residents may take the CBEST in August after they are enrolled in STEP.
What is the CSET and when should it be taken?
The California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) is a subject specific test required by the state of California. We urge applicants to take the test or at least sign up for the CSET before applying to STEP. Applications will be reviewed if candidates have not taken the exams or have not received their results by the application deadline. To begin the program in June, applicants must pass a minimum of two CSET subtests in their intended teaching subject. Candidates must ultimately pass all subtests to begin independent student teaching and be credentialed upon completion of the program.
Note for out of state applicants: STEP organizes an open house in March for admitted STEP students only, the Friday before the CSET exam. If you are admitted to the STEP program, you will need to take the exam no later than March in California.
Is teaching experience necessary?
Applicants to STEP do not need teaching experience to apply. However, experience working with youth (i.e. tutoring, coaching, church groups) is strongly recommended.
Is the California teaching credential recognized in other states?
Yes. California has reciprocity with most states and transferring the credential is usually a simple process. Check with the state where you will seek equivalency for their requirements.
Who should write letters of recommendation?
Professors and people who have seen your work with youth are good choices for writing letters of recommendation. The letters should speak to your commitment to the profession, character, work ethic, and academic ability. It might also include why you would be a good fit for the STEP program.
What are the financial aid opportunities for STEP students?
The STEP program makes every effort to help students who require financial assistance to meet tuition and living expenses. Fellowships range between $2,000 and $30,000 per student. The fellowship application is part of the supplemental form in the online application and should be completed before you submit your online application.
In addition to fellowships, students may also apply for loans. Stanford provides sufficient loan packages to cover the cost of attending the university, which is calculated based on tuition and living expenses. Several thousand dollars of loans are forgiven every year for STEP students who teach particular subject areas or in particular schools. You are strongly encouraged to consult the Stanford Financial Aid Office website and SUSE's Financial Aid section of our website for further information about loans and loan forgiveness programs.
How many students are in the program?
STEP secondary consists of approximately 70 students in five subject areas: English, Mathematics, History/Social Science, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics) and World Languages (Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Mandarin). STEP elementary consists of approximately 25 students.
How many students have jobs when they graduate? How many stay in California?
The vast majority of STEP students are offered teaching jobs when they graduate. STEP works closely with students in the spring quarter to create their resumes and prepare students for the interview process. Approximately 70% of students choose to teach in California.
Can applicants speak to STEP alumni?
Yes. Please contact Susana Carranza (susanac@stanford.edu) who will be happy to put you in touch with a current student or alumni from the program.
Where can I find information about STEP on the web?
For more information on STEP please visit http://suse-step.stanford.edu/.
Whom should I contact with questions?
Please contact Susana Carranza, STEP Program Coordinator, at susanac@stanford.edu.
