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FAQs: Doctoral Programs

Please find answers to frequently asked questions about our doctoral degree programs. If you have additional questions, email our recruitment office at coeinfo@uh.edu.

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Counseling Psychology Ph.D.

Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): None (a bachelor’s in psychology is NOT required)

Program format: Mostly in-person (although some courses are taught online)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? This program does not have a part-time option. Outside jobs would need to fit around the class schedule, which is unlikely.

What time are classes offered? Mornings, afternoons and evenings

Is there an internship requirement? Yes. Students must complete at least two years of practicum in the Houston area. Then, in their final year, students complete a yearlong internship, which can be across the country.  

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, five to six years 

Does this program prepare students for certification/licensure? Yes. This program offers the preparation necessary for students to apply for licensure as psychologists in Texas and possibly in other states and provinces

How flexible is the curriculum? Not flexible given the need to follow the standards of our accrediting body, the American Psychological Association standards

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 6:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

 

Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D.

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Master’s degree and teaching experience required

Program format: Mostly in-person (though some courses are online)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? This program offers a part-time option if needed.

What time are classes offered? Evenings for core courses, typically 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Is there an internship requirement? Yes. A one-semester internship is required and typically takes place locally.

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, four years for full time and six years for part time

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? We offer degree plans for full-time and part-time students.

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 3:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies Ph.D.

Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 2
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): None

Program format: In-person (some courses may be online)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? This program offers a part-time option if needed.

What time are classes offered? Evenings, typically 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Is there an internship requirement? No

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, three years if full time or four years if part time

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? This program has standard coursework along with 12 credit hours of electives.

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 12:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Measurement, Quantitative Methods and Learning Sciences Ph.D.

Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Admitted students often have obtained a master’s degree prior to initiating doctoral study.

Program format: In-person (some courses may be online)

Does this Program offer GRE waivers? Yes.

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? This program is designed as a full-time program, though it may be possible to complete the program part time. However, please note that, in the first year, all students are required to complete nine hours of coursework each semester.

What time are classes offered? Mornings, afternoons and evenings

Is there an internship requirement? No

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? As few as four years if enrolled full time

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? All students must complete a set of required department/foundation and program core courses. Students have great flexibility in choosing elective courses in their specialization area. 

What is the student-teacher ratio? About 3:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Professional Leadership Ed.D. — Health Science Education*

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

*Not accepting applications at this time

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental: Interview

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Master’s or doctoral degree required

Program format: Hybrid (a mix of in-person and online classes)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? Yes. This program is designed for working professionals.

What time are classes offered? Evenings

Is there an internship requirement? No

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years including thesis development.

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? The core curriculum is the same. However, it can be adjusted in later semesters to fit needs of the student based on research and professional focus.  

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 4:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Professional Leadership Ed.D. — K-12

Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: Valid copy of your Texas principal certificate (for all candidates seeking superintendent certification). (For students wishing to join the Fort Bend or Cy-Fair cohorts, there is additional screening specific to those districts.)

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Master’s degree required. Further, those seeking superintendent certification must have principal certification.

Program format: Hybrid (a mix of in-person and online classes)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? Yes. The program is designed for working professionals.

What time are classes offered? Evenings, typically at 5:30 p.m. Classes meet once per week and typically rotate weekly between in-person and online.

Is there an internship requirement? Yes. There is a specific one-semester internship class. The overall superintendency practicum is 160 hours of authentic district-level leadership experience spread over three semesters. 

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, about four years. However, it can be completed in as few as eight semesters (just under three years) with strong academic writing ability at time of program entry and on-time completion of all critical milestones.

Does this program prepare students for certification? Yes. This program prepares students to seek Texas superintendent certification. Note: This degree prepares students for a wide variety of district-level leadership positions.  

How flexible is the curriculum? The program is aligned to state standards and thus is not flexible.

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 10:1 or 20:1 (depending on the timing)

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? Yes, but only in the fall of even numbered calendar years (e.g., 2022, 2024, etc.)

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Please see the more detailed program FAQ for additional information.

Professional Leadership Ed.D. — Literacy

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: Valid copy of your teaching certificate

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 for graduate coursework and 3.0 for undergraduate coursework

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Must have a master’s degree with a related education major. Must be a certified teacher.

Program format: Online only

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? Yes. This program is designed for working professionals.

What time are classes offered? Classes are online with scheduled evening meetings.

Is there an internship requirement? No

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, two to two-and-a-half years (four semesters, one mini session and two summers). If courses are not taken in sequence, degree completion may take up to four years.

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? Students should follow the fixed course sequence to graduate in a more timely manner.

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 12:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Professional Leadership Ed.D. — Math Education*

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

*Not accepting applications at this time

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Must have a master’s degree. Applicants should have some experience with teaching and learning in PK-12 or higher education classrooms.

Program format: Hybrid (a mix of in-person and online classes)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? Yes. This program is designed for working professionals.

What time are classes offered? Evenings, typically 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Is there an internship requirement? Requirements are met through coursework, including field observations and coaching visits.

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, two-and-a-half to three years as part-time students (including intersession and mini-session semesters).

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? The curriculum is flexible to meet the needs of students – connecting to their content areas, grade levels and job specifications.

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 8:1

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? Yes. This program is primarily housed at UH at Sugar Land.

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Professional Leadership — Special Populations Ed.D.

Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): Must have a master’s degree, preferably in an education-related field

Program format: Hybrid (a mix of in-person and online classes)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. Six credits are required each semester in the first year; then, students may move to three credits in some semesters after checking with their advisor.

What time are classes offered? Evenings

Is there an internship requirement? There are internship courses in the form of Labs of Practice, where students focus their problem of practice on their professional activities within a district. There are no specific clock hours related to these courses.

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, within three years

Does this program prepare students for certification? No

How flexible is the curriculum? While completing designated courses, students customize their topic of study (Problem of Practice) and generate learning throughout subsequent coursework that is germane to their chosen topic. Instructors encourage students to differentiate their submissions in content area coursework.

What is the student-faculty ratio? About 18:1 in larger sections, 9:1 in smaller sections, with 1:1 personalized attention in advisor sections

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.

Professional Leadership Ed.D. — Social Studies Education*

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

*Not accepting applications at this time

School Psychology Ph.D.

Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

What materials are required to apply?

  • ApplyWeb online application
  • Transcripts
  • Official test scores (IMPORTANT: Check GRE waiver information.)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of recommendation: 3
  • Writing sample
  • Supplemental documentation: None

GPA requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduate coursework and 2.6 for undergraduate coursework in line with College standards

Prerequisites (beyond having a bachelor’s degree): None

Program format: In-person (some courses may be online)

Can I work full time and be a student in this program? No. This program is designed for full-time students.

What time are classes offered? Mornings, afternoons and evenings 

Is there an internship requirement? Yes, per the American Psychological Association for internships

How long does it typically take students to complete the program? Typically, five to seven years

Does this program prepare students for certification?

How flexible is the curriculum? Not flexible given the need to follow the standards of our accrediting body, the American Psychological Association standards

Is this program offered at UH at Sugar Land? No

What is the cost? Please use the UH tuition calculator for an estimate, and check University fees, College fees and course fees. For financial assistance information, visit the UH Graduate School funding website. Most students receive some form of assistance, which may include loans.