The Urban Education Doctoral Program is offered through the School of Education as an interdepartmental program designed to prepare scholars to study, research, and analyze contemporary educational issues within urban contexts at all levels.
The mission of the program is to prepare basic and applied researchers and research practitioners to work in a variety of urban settings and contribute to the improvement of urban education locally and globally. At the time of application for admission to the UEDP, students must choose a transcript designated specialization.
There are more than 80 faculty members involved in this doctoral program representing many diverse disciplines. Faculty maintain active research and publication records, serve as editors of journals, sit on editorial review boards, are principal investigators on many extramurally funded projects, and regularly present at national and international conferences.
Students should apply by November 15 of the year prior to entry, or earlier, if they plan to apply for University-wide fellowships.
JANUARY 20: Program Deadline for applying for University-wide Fellowships (Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship, Distinguished Dissertation Fellowship, Advanced Opportunity Program Fellowship). Visit the Graduate School Fellowship & Award Guidelines webpage for more information.
Urban Education Doctoral Program Handbook (Version 2, 11/6/17) (PDF)
“Cheat Sheet” of Key UEDP Guidelines and Policies (PDF)
UEDP Required Course Offerings by Cohort (PDF)
Specializations
This specialization is committed to the development of reflective administrative practitioners and leaders of a wide variety of urban organizations. These include post-secondary institutions (e.g. comprehensive colleges and universities, vocational and technical schools, and two-year centers, health care organizations, business and industry organizations, community agencies, religious organizations, and others. Doctoral students receive research-based preparation to fill several roles within these organizations such as Professor and Scholar, Administrative/Manager, Program Planner/Developer, Instructor/Trainer, Consultant, Counselor, and others.
Required Courses and Other Specialization Details
The program is designed to permit students to integrate their particular media and curricular interests in art and art education with theoretical knowledge and educational practices tied to the contexts of urban education and community studies. An art education specialization provides each graduate student with opportunities for growth as an artist, teacher, and researcher through the development of their own arts practices and the study of the social and cultural implications of the arts in society and among learners. The program emphasizes the exploration of media, the development of socially responsive art curricula in urban environments, and research using disciplines of inquiry in the arts and art education.
The specialization in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) gives students an opportunity to improve professional experiences with the students they teach, the educational contexts in which they work, and their disciplinary and content knowledge. The Curriculum and Instruction specialization combines theoretical and disciplinary content knowledge, practical experiences and scholarly activities.
The program prepares education professionals to work in such varied settings as schools, colleges and universities, school district central offices, government agencies, community organizations and private consulting. Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership roles as curriculum directors, instructional coordinators, school partnership coordinators, applied researchers, professional development coordinators and professors.
Required Courses and Other Specialization Details
The specialization in Educational Administration focuses on the development of educational leaders, particularly for service in urban metropolitan areas. Individuals trained in this program can provide excellence in leadership by nurturing leadership among others in the school community, creating a positive work environment for students, staff, and parents, and lastly contribute to the quality of teaching and learning in the district and within its schools. The curriculum draws from a variety of sources including current research and literature, national and state professional association standards, federal and state governmental guidelines, and the field of practice.
Emphasizing collaborative work between students and faculty, the Exceptional Education specialization examines and addresses critical issues in the field within the urban context. Focus areas include: Teacher education, cultural diversity in education, early childhood intervention, assistive technology, curriculum accommodation & collaboration, literacy, transition to young adulthood, deaf education, school reform and special education administration.
In addition to advanced coursework, students participate in research and development projects, curriculum development, co-teaching, and other activities designed to prepare leaders for roles such as college or university professor, curriculum leader, special education administrator, consultant, or project director.
The specialization in Mathematics Education integrates mathematical knowledge for teaching, urban education, research methods, and leadership for mathematics programs. Doctoral students engage in practice-based inquiry on significant issues and developments in mathematics education, including equity and access to high-quality mathematics programs, development of mathematical reasoning and understanding, and high-leverage mathematics teaching practices.
The program prepares education professionals to address critical issues in mathematics education across varied settings and contexts, including colleges and universities, school districts, governmental agencies, and community and private organizations. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles as mathematics education specialists, mathematics professional development providers, applied researchers, professors, and mathematics teacher educators.
Multicultural Studies is a fully interdepartmental specialization, offering a unique program of studies with an emphasis on integrating intercultural theory and practice in urban educational and community settings. Enhanced by study in anthropology, history and sociology, students gain depth and breadth in a dynamic specialization that prepares one for the unique challenges of the 21st century.
The Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the social forces that affect urban schools and communities. This program is designed for individuals who want to look deeply at the challenges facing urban areas in the 21st Century and are willing to explore creative solutions. Students in Social Foundations examine the sociological, historical, philosophical, anthropological, and political dimensions of schools and community change. Social foundations doctoral students may investigate issues and contexts grounded in the core disciplines of the social sciences.
How To Apply
All applicants must meet both the minimum Graduate School requirements and the minimum Urban Education Doctoral Program requirements. All program materials must be uploaded to the online application. Below is information on the requirements and the specific materials that must be submitted for consideration of an applicant to both the Graduate School and the UEDP.
Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and a Masters GPA of 3.5. If you have repeated any coursework, the undergraduate GPA calculation includes both attempts in your repeated coursework.
2. Graduate School Application
Applicants are required to submit the UWM Graduate School online application. The link to the online application can be found at graduateschool-apply.uwm.edu. Navigate to Apply Now and click the menu for the School of Education. Then, click Urban Education PhD and choose the link to your intended specialization.
3. Transcripts
All applicants, including UWM students, must upload an official or unofficial transcript directly in the online application for all work done at higher education/post-secondary institutions. Be sure to check into the cost of an unofficial transcript as this might be more cost effective.
All applicants who are admitted to the Graduate School will be required to submit an official transcript with the degree posted within two weeks of the beginning of their first term of enrollment. Official transcripts are received by the graduate school directly from the issuing institution. UWM students will not have to submit their official, degree-bearing transcripts.
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Submission of scores on the General Test portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Applications will not be considered complete without GRE scores. An official copy of your GRE scores should be sent to the Graduate School (Institution Code 1473 for the paper-based test). Scores that are more than five years old will not be considered. The GRE must be taken before completing the graduate school application. More information on the GRE can be found on the Educational Testing Service website.
5. Recommendations
The program requires 3 letters of recommendation. These letters must be submitted through the application’s electronic recommendation feature by the recommenders themselves. Letters uploaded or sent by the applicant will not be accepted.
6. Reasons Statement
An essential part of your application, the Reasons Statement is used to determine the appropriateness of your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing. In the statement:
- Explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study.
- Describe specific interests and your background in the field.
- List any relevant skills or training you have acquired.
- List relevant academic awards or honors you have received.
7. Writing Sample
Applicants must submit a writing sample completed within the last five years. The writing sample must be single authored, at least 1500 words, and must be selected from ONE of the following options:
- Master’s Thesis
- Undergraduate Senior Thesis
- Technical Reports
- Term Paper
- Publication
- Written Description of Project
- Action Research Project
- A 5-10 page response to the following question: How would you go about determining and evaluating ethical issues in urban education?
The response to this question must show evidence of appropriate references to a knowledge base.
8. Interview
An interview may also be required as part of the admissions process.
9. International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, please visit the Center for International Education to begin your application process.
10. Fee/s
A $75 application fee is required of all applicants. If you are applying to a doctoral program and already hold a UWM master’s degree, you do not need to pay the application fee. If you have any questions about your application, please contact Graduate Program Support Specialist Allison Hochmuth directly at hochmuth@uwm.edu or email soeinfo@uwm.edu.
11. Deadlines
The preferred deadline for fall admission is December 1. Having your application materials in by that date will ensure that you are able to apply for all the available forms of financial assistance that are available to you on our campus.
Application materials MUST be submitted by July 1, in order to be admitted for the fall semester. Please note that it is no longer possible to officially start in the UEDP program in the spring.
Application Deadline
The preferred deadline for fall admission is December 1. Having your application materials in by that date will ensure that you are able to apply for all the available forms of financial assistance that are available to you on our campus. Applications completed after the preferred will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application materials MUST be submitted by June 15, in order to be admitted for the fall semester. Please note that it is no longer possible to officially start in the UEDP program in the spring.
Financial Support
Students admitted into the Urban Education Doctoral Program (UEDP) are eligible to compete for a variety of types of financial aid. Applicants are also eligible to apply, pending acceptance.
Graduate assistant (GA) positions carry a stipend and typically also tuition remission. Please see the Fringe Benefits section for information on the benefits included with graduate assistantships.
For Current Students & Advisors
The purpose of the plan of studies is to assist you in carefully planning and executing a coherent program of coursework. You may use the Plan of Studies as a planning document in dialogue with your advisor. You must submit to the UEDP office a completed plan of studies by the fourth semester after being admitted to the Doctoral Program.
External Member Approval Form (DOC)
This form must be completed when a doctoral committee is comprised of two or more members that are from a different department than the specialization that you are enrolled in or if the external members are from a different institution other than the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Doctoral preliminary examinations, or “prelims,” as they are commonly called, are designed to assess a doctoral candidate’s mastery of subject knowledge and application skills, and ensure adequate preparation for individual dissertation research. The Application for Preliminary Examinations must be completed after all coursework is complete. Students must complete the electronic Application for the Doctoral Preliminary Examination, located in the online Doctoral Milestones System, found by clicking the link above.
Application for Dissertator Status
The Application for Dissertator Status must be completed after Preliminary Examinations have successfully been completed. Students must complete the electronic Application for Dissertator Status, located in the online Doctoral Milestones System, found by clicking the link above.
Note: Students in programs such as ACHEL, Educational Administration, and Social Foundations of Education that combine the Preliminary Examinations and Proposal Hearing must fill out this form after completing their proposal hearing.
Application for Dissertation Proposal Hearing
The Application for Dissertation Proposal Hearing must be completed when the student has scheduled the defense of their dissertation proposal. Students must complete the electronic Application for Dissertation Proposal Hearing form, located in the online Doctoral Milestones System, found by clicking the link above.
Application for the Doctoral Dissertation Defense and Graduation
The Application for the Doctoral Dissertation Defense and Graduation form must be completed one month prior to the final defense of the student’s dissertation is held. Students must also adhere to graduation deadlines set by the university by applying for graduation using PAWS. Graduation Application deadlines can be found on the Graduate School’s Graduation Dates & Deadlines webpage.
UWM also has a membership with The Versatile Ph.D. “the largest online community dedicated to non-academic and non-faculty careers for PhD graduates.” This is a great resource for students who plan to pursue careers outside of academia.
Contact Us
For more information or questions about the program
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu
Mailing Address
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Urban Education Doctoral Program
School of Education
P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI. 53201