All application materials, including official transcripts and official scores, must be uploaded using UCSB's Graduate Division online application. Learn more here.
All materials must be received by the deadline. Due to the high volume of applications received near the deadline date, we strongly recommend that you apply early.
The graduate education experience varies from student to student. Time to degree similarly varies based on the student's research project and type of degree sought. Most students take 8 to 12 units per quarter. The fees are the same no matter the number of units. It is not unusual for students to work part-time in addition to taking classes. The M.A. degree generally takes 2 to 3 years. The Ph.D. degree has a broader range, as the goal is for students to make original contributions to the research literature. Ph.D. students typically finish in 5 to 6 years.
Official transcripts should be sent directly to you. You will upload them as part of your online application.
Request official transcripts well in advance of the application deadline. Once you receive the official transcript envelope, unseal and open the envelope, then scan and upload the official transcript to your online application.
Upload transcripts from each institution that you have attended and where you have completed more than 12 units.
The online application process allows us to expedite the review process. Mailed official transcripts are not allowed during the initial application process.
You may log back into the eApp portal using your username and password to check the status of your application. Please allow one to two weeks for your application and materials to be received.
It is to the applicant's advantage to apply early rather than close to the deadline. No application will be processed or reviewed until the application fee has been received.
No, the Gevirtz School does not require or accept GRE scores as part of the application process.
The information on our web pages is intended to serve as an advisory tool. For more detailed questions regarding our various programs, prospective students should contact the Department of Education Program Assistants or Education Faculty. Please see the following link for contact information: Dept of ED Contact. Applicants are encouraged to review the Faculty Bios for faculty who most closely align with their interests and could serve as their Advisor should they be admitted.
The Department of Education in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education offers an intellectually rich environment in which graduate students are encouraged to pursue a program of study tailored to their research interests. All broad Program Areas are characterized by a high degree of collaboration and mentorship. Through experience in graduate courses, research experiences, and teaching, students have multiple opportunities to acquire knowledge, dispositions, and skills to be first-rate scholars and teachers. Both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees are available in our three Program Areas.
There are approximately 150 students enrolled in the Department of Education. Although there are variations year to year, the Department of Education typically admits 20 to 30 new students each year.
Most students take 8 to 12 units per quarter. The fees are the same no matter the number of units. It is not unusual for students to work part-time in addition to taking classes. The graduate education experience varies from student to student. Time to degree similarly varies based on the student's research project and type of degree sought. The M.A. degree generally takes 2 to 3 years. The Ph.D. degree has a broader range, as the goal is for students to make original contributions to the research literature. Ph.D. students typically finish in 5 to 6 years.
The information on our web pages is intended to serve as an advisory tool. For more detailed questions regarding our various programs, prospective students should contact the Department of Education Program Assistants or Education Faculty. Please see the ED Contacts at the bottom of the Department overview page. Applicants are encouraged to review the Faculty Bios for faculty who most closely align with their interests and could serve as their Advisor should they be admitted.
The final application deadline for fall 2026 Ph.D. and M.A./Ph.D. students is December 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM, PST. Primary consideration deadline for fall 2026 M.A. ONLY students is also December 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM, PST. Secondary consideration and FINAL deadline for fall 2026 M.A. ONLY students is May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM, PST. (No funding available for applications submitted during the May deadline.)
No, we do not accept conditional admits.
Generally, faculty in the Department of Education are interested in admitting students of the highest quality, with relevant experience, and with research interests that can be served by the graduate program.
Not at this time, however, you are encouraged to periodically review our website for department recruitment event announcements.
The Visitor's Center home page has information about campus tours, a virtual tour, a list of local hotels and motels, and dates for special events, such as Parents' Weekend, Spring Insight, and Fall Preview. If you would like to meet with one of the Department of Education Faculty members during your visit here, you can contact the faculty member directly via email for an appointment. You may also contact the Program Office if you would like a tour of the Education Building and/or have general questions.
The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education does not offer any online degree programs.