Northeastern University Graduate Programs

8 Careers You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Education

8 Careers You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Education

Industry Advice Education

By earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, you’re preparing yourself for a career with lasting impact—on students, on the future of a college or university, on your community, or on the trajectory of a nonprofit trying to improve other communities locally and abroad.

You’re also positioning yourself for advancement. Professionals who earn an EdD are qualified for roles leading and operating schools at the elementary, high school, or college level. They learn to lead in a way that can be effective at the front of a classroom or at the ground level of an organization.

An EdD signals to employers that you’re a thought leader; that you’re someone who’s demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. With your doctorate in hand, you’re prepared to take on a leadership role across a variety of industries.

Here’s a look at the types of positions EdD graduates pursue and eight of the top careers available in the field. 

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What types of positions do EdD students pursue?

Northeastern’s EdD students cultivate their leadership skills in the program by integrating practice and insights from experienced faculty and high-achieving peers . They come from diverse fields, including business, criminal justice, healthcare, military, human services, and the nonprofit sector. Their job titles and careers are just as diverse, with students working as policymakers, systems analysts, and administrative leaders within higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.

Top careers for doctor of education graduates

1. college president.

Median annual salary: $332,655

Presidents are the top leaders of a college or university. They establish and execute their school’s strategic vision, spearhead fundraising, attend student events, and deliver speeches to a variety of constituents, such as donors, lawmakers, government, and faculty, to raise the profile of the institution both locally and abroad. They also collaborate with senior administrators, faculty, and staff to devise new ways to support students and improve their learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. Depending on the type of public or private institution they lead, college presidents can earn impressive seven-figure salaries . 

2. Chief learning officer

Median annual salary: $156,399

In education, top executive roles include positions like “chief learning officer”—a senior-level professional who develops and drives strategies that help their college or university meet critical business goals. Chief learning officers (CLOs) focus on creating strategies for training, learning, and development, and typically oversee an insitution’s latest technologies, such as its online learning platform.

Median annual salary: $169,093

A provost—or vice president, depending on the college or university—is a senior-level academic administrator who tends to be second in command after the president. Provosts work closely with deans and department heads and help determine their institution’s academic goals and priorities, as well as how to allocate the resources necessary to support those initiatives. They often oversee daily operations and work to hire and retain a diverse faculty. 

4. School superintendent

Median annual salary: $145,399

Superintendents are the top executives of a school district. They’re responsible for establishing and overseeing their district’s budget, staffing, infrastructure, and spending. Superintendents collaborate closely with a school board to develop and implement new policies and programs in line with the district’s short- and long-term goals, as well as allocate the financial and human resources necessary to achieve the district’s overarching vision.

5. Elementary, middle, or high school principal

Median annual salary: $104,360

Principals oversee the daily operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. They hire teachers and staff, manage the budget, and enforce disciplinary rules when necessary. Principals also develop and assess educational programming aimed at achieving student learning outcomes, all while striving to create and maintain a positive learning environment. More than 20,000 principal positions are expected to emerge each year between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

A principal’s salary might differ depending on whether he or she works at an elementary, middle, or high school. According to PayScale, the median wages for principals at each level are:

  • Elementary school : $90,571
  • Middle school : $107,411
  • High school : $96,733

6. Academic dean

Median annual salary: $101,707

Deans work at the senior administrative level of a college or university. The role varies depending on the institution, but deans often manage faculty and staff, set academic goals, implement strategic planning, oversee their department’s budget, help fundraise, support research initiatives, and foster student development. Some departments you might find them in are:

  • Admissions : Those working in admissions develop and lead recruitment initiatives for a college or university. They evaluate applications, decide the number of students who should be admitted to the school, determine who those students should be, and communicate with prospects and their families.
  • Research : A dean of research often oversees faculty and collaborates with them to create a strategy for developing short- and long-term research initiatives. They also work to secure research funding, oversee the research budget, and establish key industry partnerships.
  • Student affairs : The student affairs office typically oversees a variety of different departments, such as residence life, athletics, student support services, and diversity and inclusion. A dean of student affairs typically establishes and evaluates nonacademic programs that foster and enrich the student student experience, handles disciplinary issues, and communicates with students’ parents or legal guardians.
  • Advancement : The advancement office—also known as “development” or “alumni relations” depending on the school—is responsible for securing funding for the college or university from potential donors, including alumni, government policymakers, corporations, and foundations. They nurture and maintain those relationships, ensuring all gifts received are being used as intended.

7. Professor

Median annual salary: $87,380

Postsecondary teachers, or professors, work at the college or university level, developing course curricula, instructing students in a specific area of study, and assessing their progress. When they’re not teaching, professors are often conducting research, writing scholarly papers, or attending conferences.

Professors’ salaries vary based on where they are on the tenure track and their area of expertise. Below are the median salaries for professors based on rank, according to PayScale.:

  • Instructor : $54,325
  • Lecturer: $59,676
  • Assistant professor : $75,696
  • Associate professor : $86,123
  • Professor : $92,393

Salaries range further depending on the professor’s focus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10 highest-paying subjects—and what those subjects offer in terms of median annual wage—are:

  • Law : $127,360
  • Economics : $115,300
  • Engineering : $106,910
  • Architecture : $105,770
  • Health specialties : $105,650
  • Forestry and conservation science : $101,650
  • Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space science : $100,690
  • Physics : $98,020
  • Business : $97,130
  • Computer science : $96,430

8. Executive director of education

Median annual salary: $100,350

Executive directors are often the senior leaders of a nonprofit organization or business. They work closely with a board of directors but are the ones who make the daily operational decisions. Executive directors hire and manage staff, handle external relations, engage volunteers, oversee the budget—including all fundraising initiatives—and develop policies, programs, and strategies that guide the organization’s mission and purpose. 

What can you do with an EdD from Northeastern?

When you earn your EdD from Northeastern , you’re not only advancing your own work, you’re joining a top-tier university and pursuing a rigorous education with an entrepreneurial orientation toward making our world a better place. You’re joining a vast network of students and alumni of the EdD program, which spans more than 2,000 professionals across many domains of education. You’re gaining access to engaging faculty who understand the importance of professional experiences in a growing leadership capacity, and who are prepared to offer you personal attention to support your professional development.

With your EdD, you can make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and organizations as you transform your problem of practice into a plan for change and action.

Download Our Free Guide to Earning Your EdD

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance. 

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How much do edd graduates make, did you know.

The median annual salary for professional degree holders is $97,000. (BLS, 2020)

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Finding A Career In Educational Leadership: 6 Job Options

Heidi Borst

Updated: Sep 6, 2024, 1:42pm

Finding A Career In Educational Leadership: 6 Job Options

Key Takeaways

  • Careers in educational leadership encompass multiple administrative roles in K-12 and higher education, including principals, deans, superintendents and registrars.
  • Some administrative roles in the education field require only a bachelor’s, but most leadership roles demand a graduate degree.
  • Educational leadership degrees are available at the master’s and doctoral levels.

If you’re a natural leader with a passion for education and a longing to make a difference, a career in educational leadership might be for you. Earning an advanced degree in educational leadership gives you the skills to take on various administrative roles, from assistant principal to university president.

With a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, you can work in a leadership role to shape the future of education—impacting students, faculty and communities. As an educational leadership professional, you’ll have the chance to explore and implement ground-breaking teaching methods to enhance your school’s learning environment.

Here are some of the exciting career options available in educational leadership, including qualifications for each.

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What Is Educational Leadership?

These professionals oversee staff, allocate financial resources, ensure a quality student learning environment, and maintain educational standards. From a broader perspective, their role involves curriculum development, policy creation, and technology integration. They facilitate positive relationships with students, parents of students, and the community.

This guide explores educational leadership careers, including education requirements and average salaries.

Careers in Educational Leadership

Whether you already have classroom or school administration experience or you want to enter the education leadership field directly after graduating from college, you have many career options to choose from. Here, we take a look at some of the top educational leadership career paths.

We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor in August 2024.

Assistant Principal

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $101,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education or a related field Job Overview: Assistant principals, also called vice principals, are responsible for the administration of primary and secondary schools. They assist with day-to-day tasks like maintaining safety guidelines, leading special needs services, conducting safety drills, enforcing attendance and discipline protocols, and coordinating teacher hiring, training and development.

Vice principals also help with curriculum development and serve as mentors to students, using interpersonal and organizational skills to fulfill their roles. In addition to a master’s degree in education, the position typically requires three to five years of teaching experience.

Median Annual Salary: $103,460 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education leadership or a related field Job Overview: Principals are responsible for many aspects of a school’s performance and operations, including employee supervision (teachers, maintenance and administrative staff); adherence to local, state and federal regulations; and resource management.

Principals perform various tasks to ensure a school is running correctly. They may analyze performance metrics, implement curriculums, plan and manage the execution of safety drills in collaboration with local law enforcement, perform budgeting tasks, and work with the school board on building renovations to ensure student safety.

Most principals need several years of teaching experience and a master’s degree (or higher) in education, though requirements vary by district. Public schools also typically require principals to hold state licensure as school administrators.

Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $113,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree Job Overview: Superintendents implement district-wide learning innovations to meet school board expectations. They work closely with school principals on strategies to improve a school’s performance, learning environment and curriculum.

These professionals hire staff, adhere to the district’s budget, manage maintenance needs and keep the school board well-informed. Superintendents must have a master’s degree for this high-level administrative role; sometimes, the position requires a Ph.D in educational leadership or a similar discipline.

Median Annual Salary: $102,610 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Deans lead individual colleges or schools within universities. These administrators manage faculty and staff while adhering to department budgets. They help expand their institution’s teaching and research initiatives and supervise student admissions and courses of study.

Deans create enrollment criteria, mentor faculty and students, implement policies to ensure a successful learning environment, develop fundraising strategies, and collaborate with the community, other departments and alums.

Most deans are former professors, and a doctorate—such as a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. —is typically required to become a college dean.

University Registrar

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $68,000 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field Job Overview: University registrars lead the day-to-day operations of the registrar’s office, which oversees academic data. These professionals help students plan their course loads (and add or drop classes), ensure transcript accuracy and facilitate credit transfers. Registrars often assist financial aid staff with student scholarships and loans.

Education requirements vary by institution; some colleges and universities may require a bachelor’s degree, while others may ask for a master’s.

Department Chair

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $191,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s or doctoral degree Job Overview: Department chairs are professors who perform administrative functions and report to the dean. These professionals interview potential new professors, schedule faculty members, oversee research, mediate conflict among students or staff, and act as mentors.

Department chairs spend time in the classroom providing instruction, holding office hours to meet with students, conducting research, managing staff and running department meetings.

As professors, many department chairs hold doctoral degrees in their field of expertise. However, at institutions like some community colleges where a doctorate isn’t required to teach, department chairs may hold only master’s degrees.

Educational Leadership vs. Educational Administration: What’s the Difference?

Both a master’s in educational leadership and a master’s in educational administration provide the leadership and management skills needed to work as an educational leader. The coursework for both degrees is similar, too, and typically features classes in school finance, school law and leadership foundations. However, while these two degrees are similar—and sometimes used interchangeably—they have important differences.

Educational administration programs typically cater to learners pursuing careers within pre-K, elementary and high school settings. These jobs may include assistant principal, principal and superintendent. Educational leadership programs can apply to jobs in these settings as well, but they also equip students for positions in higher education, such as university registrar and dean of students.

A master’s in educational administration may suit you if you want an entry-level leadership position in the field. In contrast, you might pursue a master’s or doctorate in educational leadership if you’re interested in a more senior-level role or a job in a postsecondary setting. Keep in mind that these careers often require leadership experience, too.

Professional Organizations for Educational Leadership

These organizations can help you sharpen your skills to make a meaningful impact within your school.

  • The Association of American Educators (AAE) serves over 30,000 educators and administrators in the U.S. It focuses on advocating for the teaching profession and providing benefits and career development opportunities for educators. Resources include professional development opportunities and member insurance benefits.
  • The Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) is a scholarly association dedicated to the study of higher education that focuses on policy, administration and leadership. Resources, including workshops and webinars, support members in their professional development and research initiatives.
  • The National Education Association (NEA) is a nonprofit organization with more than 3 million members working at every level of education, from preschool to graduate programs. NEA gives educators the necessary tools to provide a quality education for all students. It also offers resources to support leadership development.
  • AASA, The School Superintendents Association , is a nonprofit organization that focuses on educational leadership. It represents superintendents and other school leaders by advocating for policies that advance education by working with lawmakers. AASA provides various resources to support these professionals, including case studies, webinars and toolkits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Educational Leadership

Is an educational leadership degree worth it.

If you’re interested in a career as an educational administrator, a master’s in educational leadership or administration is worth it. In fact, earning one of these degrees is often the only way to qualify for a leadership or administrative role in education. That said, it’s important to weigh the cost and time requirements of a master’s program with your budget and schedule.

Why pursue an educational leadership degree?

If you want to enhance your professional credibility, broaden your impact on the school community and advance to a leadership position, an educational leadership degree will equip you with the skills to excel in your chosen administrative role.

What skills do educational leaders need?

Since educational leaders typically work with staff, faculty, students and community members to manage many aspects of running a school, it’s essential to possess skills in leadership, problem-solving, community building, strategic thinking and data-based decision making.

Can you teach with a master’s in educational leadership?

A master’s in educational leadership isn’t designed to lead to licensure as a K-12 teacher or a career as a college professor. Instead, this degree caters to individuals seeking careers in school administration.

However, there are some circumstances in which an individual with a master’s in educational leadership can teach—for example, at a community college where faculty members aren’t required to hold doctoral degrees.

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Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Borst is a lifelong runner and general fitness enthusiast who is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of sleep and self-care.

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The Ph.D. in Education equips students to systematically examine the theoretical and practical challenges evident across the P-20 educational pipeline to address the issue of inequity. The degree program will prepare individuals for careers in academia, research, and policy centers, as well as for high-level administration and curricular positions at educational institutions and agencies.

The program offers seven concentrations:

  • Comparative and International Education 
  • Higher Education Leadership
  • Mathematics Education
  • Science Education

The educational objectives for the PhD in Education are the following:

  • To advance research on inequity issues within the full P-20 educational pipeline.
  • To prepare students to use original and existing research to transform educational practice.
  • To equip future educational researchers with innovative teaching experience and cutting-edge transdisciplinary research experience to become attractive job candidates on the academic market.
  • To prepare candidates to create a collaborative learning community that integrates all the various educational contexts.
  • To prepare candidates to be critical thinkers who focus on leadership, policy, ethics, and social justice.

Candidates for the PhD in Education degree must complete a minimum of 54 academic credit hours, pass the comprehensive exam, and submit and successfully defend a research-based dissertation. All students in the program will be expected to complete academic core and research courses of 27 credits and concentration courses of 27 credits. The concentration courses are presented on the the relevant pages and in the PhD Program Handbook .

The Core 27 credits consist of the following:

Academic Core (9 Credits):

  • ASLP 600 Introduction to Doctoral Studies and Academic Writing (3)
  • ASLP 640 Race and Public Policy in Education (3)
  • ASLP 642 Equity and Social Justice in Education (3)

Research (15 Credits)

  • ASLP 620 Introduction to Educational Research (3)
  • ASLP 700 Methods of Inquiry (3)
  • ASLP 710 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
  • ASLP 712 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
  • *Students will complete an additional 3 credits of advanced research electives related to their chosen methodology.

Dissertation (3 credits)

  • ASLP 997/998 (3)

The department offers different delivery options for each concentration. For a full listing please click here .

Students in concentration areas that offer both the High and Low Residency option will be required to select their delivery mode upon admission into the program. Students who wish to switch their delivery option will need to make a formal request to the program direction with an acceptable reason.

Prospective students should complete this brief interest form to be connected to a faculty member for more information.

Admissions Deadlines:

  • Priority deadline for those seeking graduate student funding : January 15
  • Assessment, Evaluation, and Research: March 1
  • Community College Leadership: July 1
  • Comparative and International Education: March 1
  • Higher Education Leadership: March 1
  • Mathematics Education: July 1
  • Science Education: July 1
  • Urban Educational Leadership: March 1

The School of Graduate Studies coordinates the application process. 

Our program offers three types of funding:

  • Graduate Research Assistantships
  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships
  • Tuition Awards

Many of our students also leverage their Tuition Remission benefits from local institutions like the   USM schools ,   JHU , or   Morgan State . Tuition Remission is determined and coordinated by your institution. We encourage you to speak with your HR representative about how to use these benefits. 

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6 Career Paths for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Opportunities made possible with a doctorate in educational leadership.

Every person deserves a quality education. While professional educators are the leaders of this charge, one question still stands—who is teaching the teachers? Moreso, who decides the proper educator preparation needed, including the right methodologies, theories, and systems used for teaching?

That’s where a Doctorate in Educational Leadership steps in. 

If you are passionate about helping others reach their greatest potential, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) may be your grad school calling. This educational leadership degree offers numerous opportunities to advance your career, creating a meaningful impact in the education sector by improving leadership in schools . 

First—What is a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?

So, what exactly is a Doctorate in Educational Leadership? In short, it’s the final step towards being the top of your class in the education field.  

An EdD prepares students to pursue leadership roles in any education setting from school principals and higher education instructors to policymakers. However, an EdD is a terminal degree—i.e., the highest degree possible to earn in its field. 1 This means most EdD programs will require you to hold a graduate school degree to enroll. Additionally, you’ll likely need some educational background or experience to earn this degree.

Most EdD programs take about three to five years to complete, requiring extensive coursework, research, and usually a dissertation. 2 While education leadership programs differ in curriculum, they will typically cover the same educational leadership areas and skills, which include:

  • Educational administration
  • Educational policy & analysis
  • Educational philosophy
  • Leadership theory
  • Organizational management
  • Research methods

What Career Opportunities Does a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Provide?

Achieving a terminal degree in any field can appeal to many employers. But, what is educational leadership and what can you do with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership? Essentially, an EdD allows you to pursue high-power positions in education with more oversight, authority, and expertise. Here are a few career paths and roles to consider once you earn this degree.

#1 Educational Administrative Leader

Every school and school system needs its leaders—and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership can help you become a qualified one. 

Educational administration leadership roles, such as principals or deans, are very common career choices for those with an EdD. By leading educational facilities, these positions take on a wide array of management and leadership tasks, including: 3

  • Establishing school missions and goals
  • Creating a safe learning environment
  • Overseeing curriculum quality
  • Monitoring school finances
  • Evaluating teacher and student performance
  • Enforcing disciplinary actions
  • Facilitating school public relations
  • Ensuring school-government compliance

Depending on the school or school system, the roles of an educational administrator may vary. With a doctoral degree, you could pursue these high-level administrator roles:

  • Principal – A principal is the leader of a primary or secondary school. This leadership role will typically manage the school’s daily operations, supervise teachers and staff, and ensure students receive a high quality education. While some principals only have master’s degrees, those with an EdD could bring more advanced knowledge in curriculum development, teacher supervision, and educational policy.  
  • Superintendent – A superintendent is the top administrator of a school district. Typically, they are responsible for managing the district's budget, programs, and personnel—essentially all moving parts. Superintendents typically have a doctoral degree in educational leadership or a related field, as well as extensive experience in education. 4  
  • Dean – A dean oversees a college or university’s academic programming and faculty. This role is usually responsible for pursuing institutional missions by setting academic policies, managing budgets, and overseeing staff members. In particular, those with an EdD can bring skills like strategic planning, organizational development, and personnel management to a dean position.  

#2 Education Public Policy Analyst

If your work in education is mission-driven, then you may have an eye for public policy. Fortunately, an EdD can be your pathway toward shaping the structures and goals within educational systems.

An educational public policy analyst is the “big-picture” role of the education field. This job analyzes and advocates for policies that they believe will improve the education of others. Typically, policy analysts work for learning institutions or governments to directly influence how educational facilities work. To shape the future of education, analysts may: 5

  • Conduct research on education-related topics
  • Collect data on school and student performance
  • Present findings to private or public parties
  • Create new policies for educational facilities
  • Monitor educational initiatives or trends

#3 Educational Consultant

Consulting isn’t just for finance and management. If you hold an EdD, you can help improve the outcomes of educational facilities by consulting them on their policies, missions, and work. 

Put simply, an educational consultation provides feedback and solutions to other educators. Some may serve on the boards of educational facilities, while others may be contracted to handle certain issues. For example, an educational consultant could reorganize a university’s faculty hierarchy for more efficient communication.

Most consultants have a specialty, such as college preparation, but they all should offer a high level of expertise. Some other educational consultant specialties include: 6

  • Curriculum design
  • Financial aid
  • School testing
  • Teacher training
  • Program augmentation

#4 Education Researcher

Yes, it’s true—you can study how people study. Education research is an exciting and dynamic field for those with a great passion for learning, particularly those with an EdD. 

Educational researchers study, analyze, and report data on anything to do with learning, all in hopes of improving educational quality. Since this endeavor requires rigorous scientific work, many education researchers hold an EdD to demonstrate their expertise. Through their data, researchers can help shape the policies that imbue educational systems. Some common research topics may include: 7

  • Teaching methodologies (lecture-based instruction, problem-based learning, etc.)
  • Student evaluation (testing, portfolio assessments, etc.)
  • Classroom management
  • Educational psychology
  • Educational reform (political forces, social trends, etc.)

#5 Social and Community Service Managers

Not all learning happens within schools. Local programs can offer incredible educational opportunities to the public—and they need intelligent managers to lead the way.

A social and community service manager coordinates programs that enrich the lives of community members, from neighborhood revitalization projects to after-school programs. While often hired by governments, these roles can also work under nonprofit organizations or social service agencies. Typically, a social and community service manager will be responsible for: 8

  • Program design
  • Budget management
  • Staff supervision
  • Program data & analysis
  • Collaboration with community members
  • Government advocacy

An EdD degree equips you with the skills to handle complex systems, social climates, and economic issues – useful across many environments. Your educational expertise can improve the lives of those even outside of traditional schools. 

#6 Education Writer or Journalist

They always say to write what you know. If you earn an EdD, you’ll definitely know a thing or two about education—thus, welcome to the world of education writing .

Like any other topic, education requires savvy and expert writers to share its intricacies. An EdD program offers an incredible breadth of knowledge on education, as well as requiring extensive writing. It’s safe to say this degree can prepare students for a future as an education writer or journalist, covering any of the following topics:

  • Teaching trends
  • School violence
  • University rankings
  • Government educational policies
  • Student behavior or performance

How Does an EdD Differ from Other Graduate Degrees in Education?

PhD, master’s, EdD—what’s the difference? When pursuing a graduate-level degree in education, your options can get a little confusing. To help you decide, let’s break down these different options.

A master’s, PhD, and EdD are all considered graduate degrees you can pursue after college. However, the focus and intensity of each degree vary. Consider which post-grad options would best suit your needs in the educational field: 9

  • Master’s degree in education – Usually taking just two years to complete, a master’s in education offers training in a more specific area like curriculum development or educational leadership. Usually, higher-level educational positions (principals, community service managers, etc.) will require this degree.  
  • PhD in education – Standing for Doctor of Philosophy, a PhD in education takes about 4 to 6 years to complete. PhD programs are very academic, usually requiring students to conduct original research on education. This program may suit students pursuing educational research, high academic positions, or policy. Depending on the facility, a PhD program may require you to hold a Master’s degree.  
  • EdD in education – Similar to a PhD, an EdD in education is a more intensive graduate degree typically lasting 3 to 5 years. However, an EdD focuses on leadership roles in education rather than research and academic roles. Students usually apply research to the “real world” for practical or administrative use, opening the door to careers that combine both of these areas. Most EdD programs require you to hold a master’s degree.

Find Your Educational Path with Alliant International University

In education, the learning never stops. If you wish to reach your full potential and new career heights in this field, then pursuing an EdD could be the first step in your path—and we can help get you started.

At Alliant International University , our Doctorate in Educational Leadership program gives you the wide knowledge, real-life applications, and confidence you need to become a leader in education. No matter the role you wish to pursue, our faculty can help you feel prepared to make positive and lasting changes as a student, a teacher, and a leader in education. 

Learn more about our online Education Programs today.

  • “What Is a Terminal Degree and Do You Need One?.” Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/articles/terminal-degree . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  • “Online Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership” US News. https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/educational-leadershi… . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  • “School Administrator Job Description, Career and Salary: Resilient Educator.” ResilientEducator.com, September 1, 2020. https://resilienteducator.com/teaching-careers/educational-supervisor/ . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  •  “Educational Leadership: Master’s vs. Doctorate Degree”. Graduateprogram.org, December 23, 2021. https://www.graduateprogram.org/2021/12/masters-vs-doctorate-educationa… . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  •  “Jobs in Education Policy: Career and Salary Information: Resilient Educator.” ResilientEducator.com, January 25, 2023. https://resilienteducator.com/teaching-careers/education-policy-analyst/ . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  • “How to Become an Educational Consultant (plus Salary Info).” Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-an-edu… . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  •  “Common Guidelines for Education Research and Development.” Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.   https://ies.ed.gov/pdf/CommonGuidelines.pdf . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  •  “Social and Community Service Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 8, 2022. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-manager… . Accessed April 19, 2023.
  •  “Ed.D. vs. Ph.d. vs. Ed.S.: What's the Difference?: BestColleges.” BestColleges.com, April 6, 2023. https://www.bestcolleges.com/education/doctorate/edd-phd-eds-difference/ . Accessed April 19, 2023.

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Doctor of Education — Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Mortarboard

60 Credit Hours

Clock

Up To 12 Hours

Cost per Hour

Take on Leadership Roles Across the Education Spectrum

Become an innovative leader and positively impact schools and communities. EKU’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a terminal degree that  prepares individuals with an enhanced understanding and practical capacity regarding human learning, educational institutions, and the interaction of the larger society with educational, financial, and governmental entities and processes. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles across the education spectrum including, K-12 and postsecondary education, government, nonprofit and corporate settings.

*EKU is offering active Kentucky teachers a discounted tuition rate of $411 per credit hour in appreciation of their dedicated service to youth. To see eligibility criteria and limitations, visit the  College of Education and Applies Human Sciences for details.

Career Outlook

Employment related to this area of study, including postsecondary education administrators,  teachers, and training and development specialists, is expected to grow steadily through 2031 .

–  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Info

Post secondary education administrators’ duties depend on the size of their college or university. Small schools often have small staffs that take on many different responsibilities, but larger schools may have different offices for each of these functions.

Postsecondary education administrators can work in admissions, the registrar’s office, or as provosts or academic deans.

Postsecondary teachers, often referred to as professors or faculty, specialize in a variety of subjects and fields. At colleges and universities, professors are organized into departments by degree field, such as history, science, or business. A professor may teach one or more courses within that department. For example, a mathematics professor may teach calculus, statistics, and a graduate seminar on a topic related to polynomials.

Postsecondary teachers’ duties vary, often based on the size of their employing institution. In large colleges or universities, they may teach courses, conduct research or experiments, publish original research, apply for grants to fund their research, or supervise graduate teaching assistants. In small colleges and universities or in community colleges, they may spend most of their time teaching courses and working with students.

EKU Career Services

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review

*EKU is offering active Kentucky teachers a discounted tuition rate of $411 per credit hour in appreciation of their dedicated service to youth. To see eligibility criteria and limitations, visit the  College of Education and Applies Human Sciences  for details.

EKU is dedicated to preparing the highest quality educators and related professionals for Kentucky and beyond. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as content, effective pedagogical skills, and dispositions that foster life-long growth and learning.

  • EPSB-approved
  • CPED accredited
  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • Program centers on justice-oriented leadership
  • Graduates are prepared to attain rank advancement in Kentucky and increase salary potential
  • Take on leadership roles with more responsibility
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty service members and their spouses
  • Quality courses from respected faculty
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment
  • Study any time, from anywhere
  • Generous credit transfer policy

Ed.D. Concentration in Leadership, Policy Studies, and Social Justice P-12 and postsecondary leaders are charged to direct broad educational programs that increase excellence and equity as measured by outcomes. Educational entities and organizations need professionals who use current knowledge and possess strong leadership skills to design and administer programs that can improve teaching and learning. Moreover, they need leaders who know about and respond to the specific challenges and strengths of the communities they serve. Students will acquire skills to conduct and successfully apply research and gain enhanced practical capacity with regard to human learning, educational institutions, and the interaction of the larger society with educational, financial, and governmental processes. Course work will be built on a knowledge base that reflects current research, theory, and practice.

Ed.D. Concentration in Curriculum Leadership for Social Justice Curriculum leadership for social justice is geared for devoted practitioners committed to addressing problems facing leaders in the field of education. This degree concentration aims to develop scholars who wish to assume leadership roles in educational institutions, such as school or district curriculum leadership. Students will research and implement a diverse range of curricular trends focused on equity and social justice. Doctoral faculty will serve as mentors in helping students create doctoral dissertations that meet their professional goals.

Kentucky’s Rank System

Teachers in Kentucky are held to a three-tiered rank system. By completing additional education programs, teachers are able to advance their rank, leading to increased salary and promotion potential.

After completing a bachelor’s degree and earning a provisional teaching certificate, educators enter the field with  Rank III  eligibility.

By completing a 30-hour master’s degree, either to enhance competency in the initial teaching area or to add certification in a new area, educators are eligible to advance to  Rank II .

Educators choosing to complete 30 hours above their Rank II are eligible to advance to  Rank I . It is highly recommended that these 30 hours be taken as part of a second master’s program as Rank is not typically recognized outside of Kentucky. Rank I is the highest level attainable and typically carries the highest salary and promotion potential.

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for conferring rank and rank changes. EKU prepares educators with the required coursework and experience but does not award initial rank or changes to rank.

Education Program Disciplines

EKU’s graduate education programs are divided into three disciplines.

Curriculum and Instruction The department of curriculum and instruction is responsible for program advisement and development in elementary education, middle grades education, gifted education, literacy, secondary education, and library science. Programs of study may lead to the Master of Arts in Education degree, Rank II, Rank I, endorsements and certifications. At this time, EKU Online offers options in all areas except secondary education. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies The department of educational leadership and policy studies is responsible for preparing highly effective professional leaders who will develop productive environments for academic excellence and equity. Special Education Our Master of Arts in Special Education degrees prepare educators to work in a variety of capacities with persons with disabilities. Earning a master’s degree allows educators to improve their current skillsets and subject knowledge or expand their areas of expertise in the field of special education. Graduates are poised to advance their education career and increase their earning potential.

Curriculum & Enrollment

Shaker S. Ezaizat

Shaker Ezaizat

Call or email Enrollment Advisor Shaker Ezaizat for information about the EKU Graduate Education programs.

Contact Info: 859-622-2316 [email protected]

Acquire the skills needed to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, and to conduct and apply research. Course work will be built on a knowledge base that reflects current research, theory, and practice, and doctoral faculty will serve as ongoing mentor resources – answering questions, helping to resolve problems and issues in educational settings, collaborating on research projects, referring individuals to job openings, etc.

Degree Requirements

A total of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the program degree requirements:

  • Doctor of Education with a Concentration in Curriculum Leadership for Social Justice
  • Doctor of Education with a Concentration in Leadership, Policy Studies, and Social Justice
  • EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Application Deadlines

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A August 1 August
Fall B October 5 October
Spring A December 1 January
Spring B March 5 March
Summer May 5 May

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Education program is based upon the following entrance requirements:

Earned a master’s degree in education or a related field.

Must have professional experience (preference will be given to those with leadership experience) The applicant should note that the decision to admit students to the doctoral program is a collective judgment of the faculty and represents their determination of the likelihood of the applicant’s success in all major phases of the degree program. These judgments take into account the applicant’s professional experiences, communication and thinking skills, and other relevant capabilities. Thus, an applicant is not automatically admitted on the basis of meeting the minimal criteria.

A completed application packet includes the following:

  • Completed graduate school and concentration applications
  • Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
  • Resumé of professional experience
  • Score reports from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test if the graduate GPA is less than 3.5
  • At least three letters of recommendation—including at least one each from a peer, a supervisor, and a college/university faculty member.
  • Writing sample from previous graduate program that exemplifies applicant’s writing and research skills

Additional Contact Information

Admissions:  859-622-2106 Academic Testing:  859-622-1281 Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services):  859-622-2361 Military & Veterans Affairs Office:  859-622-2345

Student Success

My advising team has been so helpful to me in figuring out what classes I need to take and how to most efficiently earn my degree. They are always quick to respond when I have questions and are always supportive of my academic goals.

  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate

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Physical Address: 921 Campus Drive Moscow ID, 83844

General Contact: Phone: 208-885-6772 Email: [email protected]

Student Services: Phone: 208-885-4140

Fax: 208-885-1071

Mailing Address: University of Idaho Boise Center 322 E. Front Street Boise, ID 83702

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Phone: 208-292-2519

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Web: CDA Center

Doctoral Degree Overview

University of Idaho offers two advanced Education degree programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Differences between the two are explained below. The Doctoral Handbook will guide students through the steps necessary to be considered for admission to the doctoral program in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and College of Graduate Studies. For more information about our programs, contact us by email at  [email protected]  or call 208-885-6772.

For more information about our doctoral programs, contact Ann Brown .

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education prepares students as professional leaders, educators and practitioner-scholars who actualize the knowledge base in their respective field. Students will:

Create and model ethical evidence-based best practices

Lead organizational change 

Establish a caring and collaborative learning community

Support the principles of teaching and learning practices

Utilize the principles of effective leadership

Develop proficiency utilizing and applying technologies

Evaluate the individual, organizational, and societal contexts of learning

Design research that addresses professional policy issues

Integrate ethical sensitivity toward diversity and social justice in research, teaching and learning

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy prepares students as researchers, faculty and/or discipline-based scholars who contribute to the knowledge base of their respective fields. Students will:

Engage in ethical, empirical, theoretical, and/or conceptual inquiry

Develop an active research agenda

Engage in grant-writing, proposal and manuscript preparation and presentations

Develop understanding of pedagogies and content 

Contribute to professional organizations, societies and/or academies

Engage in appropriate outreach/service 

Doctoral Specializations

Adult, organizational learning and leadership, ph.d..

A Ph.D. in Adult, Organizational Learning and Leadership will prepare you to lead and teach professional development and training programs as a leader or educator. This doctorate program at  University of Idaho prepares students in a wide range of careers including higher education, business, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

  • View Ph.D. study plan

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Related Disabilities, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. specialization at the University of Idaho is designed to prepare prospective university faculty and leaders to teach, conduct and disseminate research and secure funding for research in the area of autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. This highly structured program is designed to accommodate full- and part-time doctoral students both at a distance and on campus, and to produce high-quality leaders that are philosophically oriented toward family involvement, cultural competency, inclusive and multi-tiered supports, evidence-based interventions and research to practice scholarship.

  • View Ph.D. study guide

Career and Technical Education, Ph.D. or Ed.D.

This program prepares education professionals for leadership positions in public or private education systems, including K-12 districts and community colleges. The degree is designed for experienced educators who want to perform and apply research to address practical problems relevant to their personal careers and local educational landscapes. As a student in this program, you will lead original dissertation research, likely within the context of your professional work, with a focus primarily on real-world, real-time applications in your local community. Students graduate proficient in program evaluation, case study and action research.

  • View Ed.D. study plan

Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D. or Ed.D.

This program offers opportunities to contribute to national and international conversations surrounding the many complex issues in today’s educational system. This research-oriented program is designed primarily, but not exclusively, for students who want research and/or teaching careers in higher education. As a student in the program, you will design and implement original dissertation research to address a specific problem or issue in the field of education. Your work should lead to publishable articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals. Students in this program become proficient in advanced statistical and qualitative research methodologies and gain the skills to lead further research in their professional careers in academia.

Educational Leadership, Ph.D. or Ed.D.

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with an educational leadership emphasis is for students who want to learn advanced skills and theories that will help inform and improve research and practice. This degree prepares students to assume positions as research-based faculty members in universities, high-level administrators and analysts in schools, school districts and in state and national-level agencies. The doctorate can also open doors in the private sector as a consultant and CEO.

Exercise Science, Ph.D.

This Ph.D. program prepares you to help advance the field of exercise science through teaching, research and service at universities or other exercise-related institutions. As a student in the program, you will focus your doctoral studies in biomechanics, exercise physiology or sport psychology. You also will lead independent research in the field, with opportunities to conduct performance, physiological or motor-skills tests in the on-campus Human Performance Laboratory which houses the Exercise Physiology Lab and the Biomechanics Lab.

Healthy Active Lifestyles, Ph.D.

Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), ph.d. or ed.d..

The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS) has a specialization in STEM education within its Ph.D. in education. The college focuses on the disciplines within STEM not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these disciplines are deeply intertwined in the real world and in how students learn most effectively.

There are various areas of expertise and experience in EHHS that include but are not limited to:

  • K-12 STEM Education
  • Math and Science Education
  • Engineering and Technology Education
  • Indigenous STEM Education
  • Experiential STEM Education

Because there is so much variance among study plans in the STEM Education specialization based on students’ backgrounds and focus, a sample program sheet is not provided. Contact the associate dean for the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences for specific information regarding a given focus within STEM Education.

Questions on our Graduate Programs?

» Visit our Graduate Program FAQ page

  • Doctoral Handbook pdf
  • Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Approval pdf

Admission Details

Ed.D. or Ph.D.

  • Next available: Fall 2025
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1
  • Summer only
  • Next available: Summer 2024
  • Application Deadline: April 15

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5 Ways an Organizational Leadership Doctorate Can Support Your Career Progression

Man climbing stairs representing career growth

Schools, non-profit organizations and businesses need change agents with strong leadership skills to drive organizational efforts to the next level. Recent research has identified long-term shortages of effective leadership in education and industry . Experienced professionals with organizational leadership degrees address this shortage while advancing their careers.

If you are an aspiring leader with a master’s degree, a good next step for your career is an organizational leadership doctorate. A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) can set you apart as you pursue change within your community or organization. The skills obtained in a doctoral program focused on leadership and organizational innovation will add value to your career in adopting research-based skills to inspire others through innovative approaches, problem solving, and driving initiatives.

What Can I Learn in a Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership?

The Ed.D. is the highest level of education for those who want to understand research-based leadership best practices. Ed.D. programs may focus on educational leadership, innovation and organizational leadership. University members of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) follow guiding principles , including:

  • Creating opportunities for collaboration and communication with diverse communities
  • Seeking practical solutions for equity, ethics and social justice challenges
  • Supporting field experiences for real-world analysis and problem-solving

The typical Ed.D. program requires at least four years of study, with streamlined online options available through some universities. Doctoral candidates learn leadership skills and how to best navigate organizational challenges from experienced faculty. A doctoral program in organizational leadership adds to the toolkits of future leaders by exploring topics like:

  • Administering Social and Human Capital
  • Models of Leadership and Coaching
  • Program Evaluation and Decision-Making

Course projects are applied to real-world organizational challenges through the completion of a dissertation. For example, the CPED recommends a Dissertation in Practice ( DiP ) to apply theory to a “complex problem of practice.” Faculty mentoring and taught skills to conduct extensive scholarly research bring new organizational solutions to life.

How can an Ed.D. Help My Career?

Influential leaders demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills in their daily work. A 2023 survey found that respondents viewed trustworthiness, honesty and strong work ethic as essential traits for today’s leaders. Graduates of organizational leadership programs know how to model these traits while deploying the following skills.

1. Knowledge of Leadership Models and Best Practices

Organizational and community leaders don’t use one leadership method throughout their careers. An effective leader deploys models based on their organization’s needs. Doctoral courses incorporating the study of differing leadership models helps you approach differing situations with a wholistic lens and solidify an effective path forward.

Leaders should also know the current best practices set by industry groups and professional associations. These standards provide the foundation for effective and efficient work in a classroom, board room, or council meeting. Graduates of organizational leadership programs know how to model best practices while achieving organizational goals.

2. Fostering Organizational Change

Organizational change involves significant shifts in areas like strategy, structure and culture. Employees, patrons and other stakeholders need clarity on the organization’s goals before full implementation. Poor communication, ineffective training and a lack of transparency can add stress to change.

A doctoral program in organizational leadership trains aspiring leaders to be transformative leaders. Graduates know how best to pursue the four I’s of transformative leadership - inspiration motivation, idealistic influence, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. They can also place their organization’s change efforts in community and global contexts.

3. Managing Organizational Conflict and Crisis

There are abundant opportunities for conflict within and between organizations in every industry. Leaders face interpersonal conflicts within their teams based on differing styles and goals. Budget constraints, pressure from competing organizations and global economic changes may lead to crises in addition to internal differences.

Ed.D. graduates can identify, analyze and develop strategies to diffuse organizational strife as it emerges. Doctoral coursework explores best practices for crisis management and conflict resolution. With this knowledge, you can not only deal with current challenges but emerge with greater resilience against future conflicts.

4. Practicing Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership creates a transparent and accountable organizational culture across all levels of an organization. Organizational leaders demonstrate attributes like respect and integrity through one-on-one, group and public interactions. The 2021 LRN Benchmark of Ethical Culture found that organizations with strong cultures outperform the competition in employee loyalty, innovation and adaptability. Strong organizational cultures are built on foundational elements like:

  • Leadership modeling of ethical behavior
  • Recognizing team member achievements
  • Open and honest communication by employees and leaders
  • Organization-wide accountability to high standards of conduct

Aspiring organizational leaders build the foundations for ethical leadership through Ed.D. programs. They learn about the value of diversity in the workplace and changing social demographics. Ed.D. graduates defuse toxic workplace cultures before they emerge and understand ethics through social justice frameworks.

5. Integrating New Technology into Existing Processes

Upgrading hardware, adopting cloud-based platforms and other innovations can be challenging for organizations. Without proper training from technology experts, employees, students and volunteers may see their daily workflows disrupted. New technology integration can be disruptive and expensive if it creates data vulnerabilities or lacks compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Organizational leadership programs prepare leaders for strategic planning and communication related to new technology. Ed.D. candidates understand the impacts and long-term benefits of innovation on all stakeholders. Marymount University’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation is the best place to learn these lessons.

Strengthening Leadership Skills at Marymount University

The Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation supports students in taking their next career steps. This 100% online program can be completed in less than three years of study. A 48-credit curriculum focuses on the leadership skills you need to affect change, including:

  • Ethical Leadership & Social Justice
  • Leading an Organization: Theory, Practice & Reflection
  • Transformative Leadership: Leading Organizational Change

Online Ed.D. candidates complete DiPs as part of their studies. This innovative approach to dissertations applies academic research and leadership theories to real-world situations. Experienced faculty members guide students through the DIP process as Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentors ( LDFMs ).

A Marymount University degree is valuable in the job market thanks to its strong national reputation. U.S. News & World Report placed Marymount in its top National Universities rankings for 2024. Marymount is also a 2024-2025 College of Distinction for Business and Education .

An Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University supports your efforts to inspire and carry out change within your organization or community. Connect with an enrollment advisor to get started.

Learn More About The Online Ed.D. Program at Marymount

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6 Education Studies Degree Jobs to Consider

Whether you are working your way through a program or approaching graduation, you may be curious what the career outlook is for educational studies. If you’re looking to lead, innovate, and support the educational journey of others, this field offers a wide range of possibilities waiting to be discovered.

Below, we outline a variety of careers with an educational studies degree that will give you the opportunity to shape and inspire the next generation.

1. School Counselor

One of the education studies degree jobs you can opt for is being a school counselor. In this position, you will provide students with career guidance, academic support, and social-emotional development.

You will also be able to advocate for students, ensuring they have access to resources they need and creating academic plans for them. You’ll help them achieve success personally and academically, making a difference in their lives and within the school.

2. Educational Policy Analyst

If you’re looking for careers with an educational studies degree that take place in a school system, an educational policy analyst could be an ideal option. This position plays a key part in shaping the educational system by providing evidence-based recommendations to improve practices and policies. In this role, you’ll find yourself working with lawmakers, administrators and educators to improve systems within schools.

3. Camp Counselor

While this may not be a long-term career option, it definitely can help you gain valuable experience and make an impact on children’s lives. Taking on a camp counselor role can give you the creative freedom to create engaging activities and apply educational theories in a real-world setting.

4. Education Publisher

As an educational publisher, you will oversee the production, marketing, and distribution of educational books and other materials. In this career, you’ll be tasked with developing books and resources for school programs, allowing you to influence education on a larger scale.

5. Museum Guide

Your main responsibility in this role will be to develop and implement educational programs and activities that improve the visitor experience in museums. You’ll work hand in hand with exhibition designers, curators, and other museum staff members to create engaging events or exhibitions. If you have an interest in art and making a difference, this could be a perfect option when applying for education studies degree jobs.

6. Career Services Specialist

Another career with an educational studies degree that involves students is a career services specialist. Here, you’ll focus on offering career guidance and prepping students to secure employment after they graduate. Some key responsibilities include organizing workshops, coordinating career center resources, editing resumes, researching job market trends, and more.

Launch Your Career with an Educational Studies Degree from Hiram College

At Hiram College, we are committed to helping our students develop the skills they need to thrive in their future careers. Within our Educational Studies program , you’ll develop skills in problem formulation, basic analytical methods, and understanding how educational institutions function, individuals grow and change, and social groups are shaped by educational processes.

Beyond these essential skills, you’ll gain hands-on experience through our education club, which promotes ongoing education for both adults and children. This student-run organization offers a glimpse into some of the education studies degree jobs available. Additionally, at Hiram, we take pride in our alumni’s success, with 95% of students securing employment after graduation.

Apply Today

If you’re looking put yourself on the path to success, start your journey today by applying ! Of course, if you have any questions for us, please be sure to reach out. We’re ready to assist you.

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Active funding opportunity

Nsf 24-591: nsf graduate research fellowship program (grfp), program solicitation, document information, document history.

  • Posted: July 12, 2024
  • Replaces: NSF 23-605

Program Solicitation NSF 24-591



Directorate for Biological Sciences

Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Directorate for STEM Education
     Division of Graduate Education

Directorate for Engineering

Directorate for Geosciences

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences

Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

Office of Integrative Activities

Office of International Science and Engineering

Application Deadline(s) (received by 5 p.m. local time of applicant's mailing address):

     October 15, 2024

Chemistry; Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

     October 16, 2024

Life Sciences

     October 17, 2024

Engineering

     October 18, 2024

Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Materials Research; Psychology; Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, STEM Education and Learning

Important Information And Revision Notes

  • This solicitation covers the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 competition.
  • Applicants must use the Research.gov/GRFP site ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) to register in Research.gov and submit their applications through the GRFP Application Module. Only materials submitted through the GRFP Application Module will be accepted.
  • Applications are due on the deadline date at 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant's mailing address.
  • Currently enrolled second-year graduate students are strongly advised to provide official Registrar-issued transcripts that clearly indicate the start date of their graduate degree enrollment as part of their application. If the start date is not clearly stated on the transcript, applicants should upload a Registrar-issued document indicating the start of graduate degree enrollment to avoid delay in processing.
  • NSF will continue to emphasize high priority research in alignment with the priorities laid out in pages 129-130 of the FY2025 budget [ Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2025 (whitehouse.gov) ]
  • Portions of the eligibility criteria have been rewritten for clarity.
  • Reference letters are due October 11 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The reference letter deadline is a few days before the application deadline dates. Reference letter writers must use the Research.gov/GRFP site ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) to register in Research.gov and submit reference letters through the NSF Reference Letter System.
  • Applicants and reference letter writers requiring accessibility accommodation are asked to notify the GRF Operations Center at least four weeks before the deadline to coordinate assistance with NSF in submitting the application or reference letter.

Summary Of Program Requirements

General information.

Program Title:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

Synopsis of Program:

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and under-served communities. NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM. NSF especially encourages applications from undergraduate seniors and Bachelor's degree-holders interested in pursuing research-based graduate study in STEM. First- and second-year graduate students in eligible STEM fields and degree programs are also encouraged to apply.

Broadening Participation In STEM:

NSF recognizes the unique lived experiences of individuals from communities that are underrepresented and/or under-served in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the barriers to inclusion and access to STEM education and careers. NSF highly encourages the leadership, partnership, and contributions in all NSF opportunities of individuals who are members of such communities supported by NSF. This includes leading and designing STEM research and education proposals for funding; serving as peer reviewers, advisory committee members, and/or committee of visitor members; and serving as NSF leadership, program, and/or administrative staff. NSF also highly encourages demographically diverse institutions of higher education (IHEs) to lead, partner, and contribute to NSF opportunities on behalf of their research and education communities. NSF expects that all individuals, including those who are members of groups that are underrepresented and/or under-served in STEM, are treated equitably and inclusively in the Foundation's proposal and award process.

NSF encourages IHEs that enroll, educate, graduate, and employ individuals who are members of groups underrepresented and/or under-served in STEM education programs and careers to lead, partner, and contribute to NSF opportunities, including leading and designing STEM research and education proposals for funding. Such IHEs include, but may not be limited to, community colleges and two-year institutions, mission-based institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), women's colleges, and institutions that primarily serve persons with disabilities, as well as institutions defined by enrollment such as Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

"Broadening participation in STEM" is the comprehensive phrase used by NSF to refer to the Foundation's goal of increasing the representation and diversity of individuals, organizations, and geographic regions that contribute to STEM teaching, research, and innovation. To broaden participation in STEM, it is necessary to address issues of equity, inclusion, and access in STEM education, training, and careers. Whereas all NSF programs might support broadening participation components, some programs primarily focus on supporting broadening participation research and projects. Examples can be found on the NSF Broadening Participation in STEM website.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

Please note that the following information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.

  • Contact: GRF Operations Center, telephone: (866) 673-4737, email: [email protected]
  • 47.041 --- Engineering
  • 47.049 --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • 47.050 --- Geosciences
  • 47.070 --- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
  • 47.074 --- Biological Sciences
  • 47.075 --- Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences
  • 47.076 --- STEM Education
  • 47.079 --- Office of International Science and Engineering
  • 47.083 --- Office of Integrative Activities (OIA)
  • 47.084 --- NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award: Fellowship

Estimated Number of Awards: 2,300

NSF will support up to 2,300 new Graduate Research Fellowships per fiscal year under this program solicitation pending availability of funds.

Anticipated Funding Amount: $159,000

Per award (Fellowship), pending the availability of funds.

Each Fellowship provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period. For each of the three years of support, NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and $16,000 Cost of Education allowance to the graduate degree-granting institution of higher education for each Fellow who uses the support in a fellowship year. The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution of higher education if a Fellow chooses to transfer to another institution after completion of the first Fellowship year. While the Fellowship is offered to the individual, the Fellowship funds are awarded to the institution of higher education at which a Fellow is enrolled and the institution is responsible for disbursement of the stipend to the Fellow.

Eligibility Information

Organization Limit:

Fellowship applications must be submitted by the prospective Fellow. Applicants must use the GRFP application module in Research.gov ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) to submit the application. Confirmation of acceptance in a graduate degree program in STEM or STEM education is required at the time of Fellowship acceptance, no later than the deadline indicated in the fellowship offer letter, of the year the Fellowship is accepted. Prospective Fellows must enroll in a non-profit university, college, or institution of higher education accredited in, and having a campus located in, the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that offers advanced degrees in STEM and STEM education no later than fall of the year the Fellowship is accepted. All Fellows from the date of Fellowship Start through Completion or Termination of the Fellowship must be enrolled in a graduate degree-granting institution of higher education accredited in, and having a campus located in, the United States its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Applicant Eligibility:

See the Detailed Eligibility Requirements in Section IV for full information. Eligibility is based on the applicant's status at the application deadline.

Applicants must self-certify that they are eligible to receive the Fellowship. To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of the following eligibility criteria at the application deadline. All academic credentials must be indicated in Registrar-issued transcripts.

  • Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
  • Intend to enroll or be enrolled full-time in a research-based Master's or doctoral degree program in an eligible Field of Study in STEM or STEM education (See Appendix and Section IV.3 for eligible Fields of Study
  • Never previously accepted a Graduate Research Fellowship
  • Declined any previously offered Graduate Research Fellowship by the acceptance deadline
  • Never previously applied to GRFP while enrolled in a graduate degree program
  • Never earned a doctoral or terminal degree in any field
  • Have completed no more than one academic year (according to institution's academic calendar) while enrolled in a graduate degree program (non-degree coursework must be clearly identified in the transcript and does not count toward this limit)
  • Individuals holding joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees who did not apply while enrolled in the joint program, may apply as second-year graduate applicants if enrolled in an eligible doctoral program the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree
  • not enrolled in a graduate degree program at application deadline
  • two or more consecutive years past graduate degree enrollment or completion at the application deadline
  • Not be a current NSF employee.

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be reviewed.

Number of Times an Individual May Apply

  • Undergraduate seniors and Bachelor's degree holders who have never enrolled in a graduate degree program have no restrictions on the number of times they can apply before enrolling in a degree-granting graduate program.
  • Currently enrolled graduate students who have completed no more than one academic year (according to institution's academic calendar) while enrolled in a graduate degree program can apply only once . Non-degree coursework (clearly identified in a transcript) does not count toward the one academic year limit.
  • Individuals applying while enrolled in a joint Bachelor's-Master's degree program are considered graduate students who: i) must have completed three (3) years in the joint program, and; ii) are limited to one application to GRFP; they will not be eligible to apply again as doctoral students. For GRFP, joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees are defined as degrees concurrently pursued and awarded .
  • Individuals holding joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees, currently enrolled as first-year doctoral students, who (i) have not previously applied as graduate students and (ii) enrolled in the doctoral program the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree, may only apply in the first year of the doctoral program.
  • Applications withdrawn by November 15 of the application year do not count toward the one-time graduate application limit. Applications withdrawn after November 15 count toward this one-time limit.
  • Applications not reviewed by NSF do not count toward the one-time graduate application limit.

Limit on Number of Applications per Applicant: 1

An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.

Application Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. application preparation instructions.

  • Letters of Intent: Not applicable
  • Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not applicable
  • Application Instructions: This solicitation contains information that deviates from the standard NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) proposal preparation guidelines. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

B. Budgetary Information

C. due dates, application review information criteria.

Merit Review Criteria:

National Science Board approved Merit Review Criteria (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts) apply. Additional Solicitation-Specific Review Criteria also apply (see Section VI.A below).

Award Administration Information

Award Conditions:

NSF GRFP awards are made to the institution of higher education at which a Fellow is or will be enrolled. The awardee institution is responsible for financial management of the award and disbursement of Fellowship funds to the individual Fellow. The institution will administer the awards, including any amendments, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials . All Fellowships are subject to the provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

Reporting Requirements:

See reporting requirements in full text of solicitation and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials . Fellows are required to submit annual activity reports and to declare fellowship status by the deadline specified in the notification sent by email each year. Additional reporting requirements are presented in Section VII.C of this solicitation.

I. Introduction

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a National Science Foundation-wide program that provides Fellowships to individuals selected early in their graduate careers based on their demonstrated potential for significant research achievements in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. Three years of support over a five-year period are provided for graduate study that leads to a research-based master's or doctoral degree in STEM or STEM education (see eligible Fields of Study in Appendix).

The program goals are: 1) to select, recognize, and financially support early-career individuals with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers, and 2) to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent in STEM.

GRFP is a critical program in NSF's overall strategy to develop the globally-engaged workforce necessary to ensure the Nation's leadership in advancing science and engineering research and innovation. The ranks of NSF Fellows include numerous individuals who have made transformative breakthrough discoveries in science and engineering, become leaders in their chosen careers, and been honored as Nobel laureates.

II. Program Description

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards Fellowships for graduate study leading to research-based master's and doctoral degrees in STEM or in STEM education. GRFP supports individuals proposing a comprehensive plan for graduate education that takes individual interests and competencies into consideration. The plan describes the academic achievements, attributes, and experiences that illustrate the applicant's demonstrated potential for significant research achievements. The applicant must provide a detailed profile of their relevant education, research experience, and plans for graduate education that demonstrates this potential.

Prospective applicants are advised that submission of an application implies their intent to pursue graduate study in a research-based program in STEM or STEM education at an accredited, non-profit institution of higher education having a campus located in the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. All applicants are expected to either have adequate preparation to enroll in a research-based master's or doctoral program, or be enrolled in such a program by fall of the year the Fellowship is accepted. From the date of the Fellowship Start through Completion or Termination of the Fellowship, applicants accepting the award (Fellows) must be enrolled in an accredited graduate degree-granting institution of higher education having a campus located in the United States, its territories or possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In FY2024, NSF will continue to fund outstanding Graduate Research Fellowships in all areas of science and engineering supported by NSF and continue to emphasize high priority research areas in alignment with NSF goals and priorities listed in pages 127-128 of the FY2024 budget ( https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/budget_fy2024.pdf ). Applications are encouraged in all disciplines supported by NSF.

III. Award Information

Fellowship funding will be for a maximum of three years of financial support (in 12-month allocations starting fall of the award year) usable over a five-year fellowship period. The anticipated announcement date for the Fellowship awards is early April each year.

The Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution of higher education if a Fellow chooses to transfer to another institution after completion of the first Fellowship year. While the Fellowship is offered to the individual, the Fellowship funds are awarded to the institution at which a Fellow is enrolled and is considered the official NSF awardee institution. The awardee institution receives up to a $53,000 award per Fellow who uses the support in a fellowship year. The awardee institution is responsible for disbursement of fellowship funds to the Fellow. The Graduate Research Fellowship stipend is $37,000 for a 12-month tenure period, prorated in whole month increments of $3,083. The Cost of Education allowance provides payment in lieu of tuition and mandatory fees to the institution of $16,000 per year of fellowship support.

During receipt of the fellowship support, the institution is required to exempt Fellows from paying tuition and fees normally charged to students of similar academic standing, unless such charges are optional or are refundable (i.e., the institution is responsible for tuition and required fees in excess of the Cost of Education allowance). Acceptance of fellowship funds by the awardee institution indicates acceptance of and adherence to these and other terms and conditions of the NSF GRFP award as indicated in the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

GRFP awards are eligible for supplemental funding as described in Chapter VI of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects as described in Chapter II.F of the PAPPG. Fellows with disabilities may apply for assistance after consulting the instructions in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials.

Career-Life Balance Supplemental Funding Requests (Dear Colleague Letter NSF 21-021 ) can be requested by the awardee institution to provide additional personnel (e.g., technician) to sustain the research of Fellows on approved medical leave due to family leave situations as indicated in Chapter II.F of the PAPPG.

Fellows are eligible to apply for non-academic INTERN supplements; applications must be submitted according to GRFP-specific guidance stated in the INTERN program description.

Honorable Mention

The NSF accords Honorable Mention to meritorious applicants who do not receive Fellowship offers. This is considered a significant national academic achievement.

IV. Eligibility Information

Additional Eligibility Info:

Eligibility is based on the applicant's status at the application deadline. Detailed Eligibility Requirements: Described in detail below are the eligibility requirements for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program: (1) citizenship, (2) degree requirements, and (3) field of study, degree programs, and proposed research. Applicants are strongly advised to read the entire program solicitation carefully to ensure that they understand all the eligibility requirements. Applicants must self-certify that they meet all eligibility criteria. 1. Citizenship Applicants must be United States citizens, nationals, or permanent residents by the application deadline. The term "national" designates a native resident of a commonwealth or territory of the United States. It does not refer to a citizen of another country who has applied for United States citizenship and who has not received U.S. citizenship by the application deadline, nor does it refer to an individual present in the U.S. on any type of visa. 2. Degree Requirements Eligible applicants: 1) current undergraduates or Bachelor's degree holders never enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program, who will be prepared to attend graduate school in fall of the award year; 2) current graduate students with no more than one academic year completed according to institution's academic calendar of any degree-granting graduate program; or 3) currently unenrolled individuals who wish to return to graduate study and are at least two consecutive years past their most recent enrollment in any graduate degree-granting program, regardless of whether the degree was completed or awarded. Below are detailed guidelines to determine eligibility: a) Currently enrolled undergraduate students and Bachelor's degree-holders with no prior enrollment in a graduate degree-granting program (including joint Bachelor's-Master's programs): Undergraduate students on track to receive a Bachelor's degree by the fall of the year following the application (e.g., senior or final year of Bachelor's degree) and Bachelor's degree holders never enrolled in a graduate degree program can apply an unlimited number of times prior to enrolling in a graduate degree program. They must be prepared to enroll in a full-time graduate degree program by fall of the year they are offered a Graduate Research Fellowship. b) Currently enrolled joint Bachelor's-Master's degree students (joint Bachelor's-Master's defined as program in which both degrees are concurrently pursued and awarded as indicated on the transcript): Individuals applying while enrolled in a joint Bachelor's-Master's degree program are considered graduate students who: 1) must have completed three years in the joint program, and; ii) are limited to one application to GRFP; they will not be eligible to apply again as doctoral students. Joint Bachelor's-Master's degree-holders, currently enrolled as first-year doctoral students who have not previously applied as graduate students and enrolled in the doctoral program in the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree, may only apply in the first year of the doctoral program. Individuals holding joint Bachelor's-Master's degrees who did not progress to a doctoral program the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic award year of the joint degree, must apply as returning graduate students (see above). c) Currently enrolled graduate students: Applicants must not have completed more than one academic year of graduate study as indicated in the academic transcript issued by the Registrar of the universities attended, as of the application deadline. Graduate status is determined to begin on the date indicated on the Registrar-issued transcript and ALL activities after that date will be considered graduate activities. Summer research activities that are part of the graduate degree program (e.g. research credits) will be counted as graduate activities. Participation in non-degree summer activities PRIOR TO graduate degree enrollment as indicated in the Registrar-issued transcript before the start of the fall graduate program is not included in this total. Second-year graduate students are strongly advised to include official Registrar-issued transcripts. If the transcript does not clearly state the start date of graduate degree enrollment, they should also submit a Registrar-issued document confirming the start of graduate degree enrollment. Graduate coursework taken without being enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program is not counted in this limit. d) Currently unenrolled individuals who wish to re-enter graduate study: Applicants who earned a previous Master's or professional degree, or have completed more than one academic year in any graduate degree program (regardless of whether the degree was completed or awarded) are eligible only if they are currently unenrolled and at least two consecutive years past the most recent graduate degree enrollment at the application deadline . Applicants must not have engaged in any graduate coursework during the interruption. Applicants should address the reasons for the interruption in graduate study in the Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement. 3. Field of Study, Degree Programs, and Proposed Research Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based Master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education, in eligible Fields of Study listed below: Chemistry Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering Engineering Geosciences Life Sciences Materials Research Mathematical Sciences Physics & Astronomy Psychology Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences STEM Education and Learning Research A complete list of eligible Major Fields of Study and their subfields are listed in the Appendix. If awarded, Fellows must enroll in a graduate degree program consistent with the Major Field of Study proposed in their application. A fellowship will not be awarded in a different Major Field of Study from that indicated in the application. Only research-based Master's and doctoral degrees in STEM or STEM education are eligible for GRFP support. Professional degree programs and graduate programs that are primarily course-based with no thesis are ineligible for GRFP support. Within eligible fields of study, there are ineligible areas of study and ineligible areas of proposed research. See below for ineligible areas of study and proposed research. Applications determined to be ineligible will not be reviewed. a) Ineligible degree programs Individuals are not eligible to apply if they will be enrolled in a practice-oriented professional degree program such as medical, dental, law, and public health degrees at any time during the fellowship. Ineligible degree programs include, but are not limited to, MBA, MPH, MSW, JD, MD, PharmD, DVM and DDS. Joint or combined professional degree-science programs (e.g., MD/PhD or JD/PhD) and dual professional degree-science programs are also not eligible. Individuals enrolled in a graduate degree program while on a leave of absence from a professional degree program or professional degree-graduate degree joint program are not eligible. b) Ineligible areas of study Individuals are not eligible to apply if they will be enrolled in graduate study focused on clinical practice, counseling, social work, patient-oriented research, epidemiological and medical behavioral studies, outcomes research (interventions, treatment, or therapies), and health services research. Ineligible study includes pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and behavioral interventions for physical or mental disease or disorder, prophylaxis, diagnosis, therapy, or treatment. Research to provide evidence leading to a scientific basis for consideration of a change in health policy or standard of care is not eligible. Graduate study focused on community, public, or global health, or other population-based research including medical intervention trials is also not eligible. c) Ineligible proposed research and limited exceptions to ineligible research: (i) Biological or psychological research for which the goals are directly human disease- or health- related, including the etiology, diagnosis of, and treatment and/or interventions for, physical or mental disease or disorder is not eligible for support, with limited exceptions for applicants in engineering, mathematical, physical, and computer or information sciences with health-related research topics (described below). Research activities using animal models of disease for developing or testing of drugs, procedures, or interventions for treatment of physical or mental disease or disorder are also not eligible. (ii) For applicants applying to degree programs in engineering, mathematical, physical, computer or information sciences disciplines, research with disease- or health-related goals (e.g., etiology-, diagnosis-, or treatment-related) that advance fundamental knowledge in engineering, mathematical, physical, computer or information sciences, is eligible for support. (iii) Certain areas of bioengineering research directed at medical use are eligible. These include research projects in bioengineering to aid persons with disabilities, or to diagnose or treat human disease or disorder, provided they apply engineering principles to problems in medicine while primarily advancing engineering knowledge. Applicants planning to study and conduct research in these areas of bioengineering should select biomedical engineering as the field of study. (iv) Certain areas of materials research directed at development of materials for use in biological or biomedical systems are eligible, provided they are focused on furthering fundamental materials research. (v) Research focused on basic questions in plant pathology is eligible, however, applied studies focused on maximizing production in agricultural plants or impacts on food safety are not eligible. (vi) Research with implications that inform policy is eligible. Research with the expressed intent to influence, advocate for or effect specific policy outcomes is not eligible. Applicants are advised to consult a faculty member, academic advisor, mentor, or other advisor for guidance on preparation of their research plans, and selection of Major Fields of Study and subfields.

V. Application Preparation And Submission Instructions

Fellowship applications must be submitted online using the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Application Module at https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do according to the deadline corresponding with the Field of Study selected in the application .

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. local time as determined by the applicant's mailing address provided in the application. Applications received after the Field of Study deadline will not be reviewed . Applications submitted to a Field of Study deadline not in alignment with the proposed research plan will not be reviewed.

All reference letters must be submitted online by the reference writers through the NSF Reference Letter System in the Research.gov site ( https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do ) and must be received by the reference letter deadline (see Application Preparation and Submission Instructions/C. Due Dates of this Solicitation), of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). No reference letters will be accepted via email. Reference letter writers cannot be family members of the applicant. Applicants are required to provide the name and contact information for three (3) reference writers from non-family members. Up to five (5) potential reference letter writers can be provided. Two reference letters from non-family members must be received by the reference letter deadline to be reviewed. If fewer than two reference letters (one or none) are received by the reference letter deadline, the application will not be reviewed.

Applicants must submit the following information through the GRFP Application Module: Personal Information; Education, Work and Other Experience; Transcript PDFs; Proposed Field(s) of Study; Proposed Graduate Study and Graduate School Information; the names and email addresses of at least three reference letter writers; Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement PDF; and Graduate Research Plan Statement PDF.

Only the information required in the GRFP Application Module will be reviewed. No additional items or information will be accepted or reviewed. Do not provide links to web pages within the application, except as part of citations in the References Cited section. Images must be included in the page limits. Review of the application and reference letters is based solely on materials received by the application and reference letter deadlines. No application materials will be accepted via email.

Applicants must follow the instructions in the GRFP Application Module for completing each section of the application. The statements must be written using the following guidelines:

  • standard 8.5" x 11" page size
  • 11 point or higher font, except text that is part of an image
  • Times New Roman font for all text, Cambria Math font for equations, Symbol font for non-alphabetic characters (it is recommended that equations and symbols be inserted as an image)
  • Cited references should include the name of the journal (abbreviations accepted).
  • 1" margins on all sides, no text inside 1" margins (no header, footer, name, or page number)
  • No less than single-spacing (approximately 6 lines per inch)
  • Do not use line spacing options such as "exactly 11 point," that are less than single spaced
  • PDF file format only

Compliance with these guidelines will be automatically checked by the GRFP Application Module. Documents that are not compliant will not be accepted by the GRFP Application Module. Applicants are strongly advised to proofread and upload their documents early to ensure they are format-compliant and that non-compliant documents do not delay upload of the complete application for receipt by the deadline. Applications that are not compliant with these format requirements will not be reviewed.

The maximum length of the Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement is three (3) pages (PDF). The maximum length of the Graduate Research Plan Statement is two (2) pages (PDF). These page limits include all references, citations, charts, figures, images, and lists of publications and presentations. Applicants must certify that the two statements (Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement, and Graduate Research Plan Statement) in the application are their own original work. As explained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG): "NSF expects strict adherence to the rules of proper scholarship and attribution. The responsibility for proper scholarship and attribution rests with the authors of a proposal; all parts of the proposal should be prepared with equal care for this concern. Authors other than the PI (or any co-PI) should be named and acknowledged. Serious failure to adhere to such standards can result in findings of research misconduct. NSF policies and rules on research misconduct are discussed in the PAPPG, as well as 45 CFR Part 689."

Both Personal and Research Plan statements must address NSF's review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts (described in detail in Section VI). " Intellectual Merit" and "Broader Impacts" sections must be presented in individual separate sections, under individual separate headings, in each of the Personal and Research Plan statements. These separately headed sections cannot be combined into one section or combined with any other section. Applications that do not have separate headings and sections for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts will not be reviewed.

Applicants must list their undergraduate institution, and all graduate institutions attended with a start date prior to the fall term in which the application is submitted. Transcripts are required for all degree-granting programs listed. Transcripts may be included for all other institutions listed in the Education section. If the applicant started at the current institution in the fall of the application year and the institution does not provide unofficial or official transcripts prior to completion of the first term, the applicant may submit a class schedule/enrollment verification form in place of a transcript. Second-year graduate students are strongly advised to submit an official transcript. If the transcript or enrollment verification form does not include the graduate enrollment start date, a Registrar-issued document that indicates graduate enrollment start date must be submitted.

At least one transcript must be included for the application to be accepted by the GRFP Application Module.

Transcripts must be uploaded through the GRFP Application Module by the Field of Study application deadline. Applicants should redact personally-identifiable information (date of birth, individual Social Security Numbers, personal financial information, home addresses, home telephone numbers and personal email addresses) from the transcripts before uploading. Transcripts must be uploaded as a PDF to be accepted by the GRFP Application Module. Transcripts must not be encrypted; the GRFP Application Module does not accept encrypted or password-protected transcripts.

Applicants who earned master's degrees in joint Bachelor's-Master's degree programs should submit transcripts that clearly document the joint program. If the transcript does not document the joint program and does not show that the Bachelor's and Master's degrees were conferred on the same date, applicants must upload a letter from the registrar of the institution certifying enrollment in a joint program, appended to the transcript for that institution. Failure to provide clear documentation of a joint program may result in an application being returned without review.

Failure to comply fully with the above requirements will result in the application not being reviewed.

Applications that are incomplete due to missing required transcripts and/or reference letters (fewer than two letters received), or that do not have "received" status in the Application Module on the application deadline for the selected Field of Study) will not be reviewed. Applicants are advised to submit applications early to avoid unanticipated delays on the deadline dates.

Reference Letters

Reference writers cannot be family members of the applicant. Applicants are required to provide the name and contact information for three (3) reference writers from non-family members. Up to five (5) potential reference letter writers can be provided. Two reference letters from non-family members must be received by the reference letter deadline for an application to be reviewed. If fewer than two reference letters (one or none) are received by the reference letter deadline, the application will not be reviewed.

No changes to the list of reference writers are allowed after the application is submitted. Applicants are strongly advised to check the accuracy of email addresses provided for reference writers before submitting their application. Applicants are strongly advised to contact potential reference writers and confirm their willingness to register in Research.gov and to submit a reference letter before the deadline for letters, before submitting their names.

All reference letters must be received through the NSF Reference Letter System by 5:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the letter submission deadline date (see the deadline posted in GRFP Application Module and in Application Preparation and Submission Instructions/C. Due Dates of this Solicitation). No exceptions to the reference letter submission deadline will be granted. Each letter is limited to two (2) pages (PDF). The GRFP Application Module allows applicants to request up to five (5) reference letters and to rank those reference letters in order of preference for review. If more than three reference letters are received, the top three letters according to ranked preference will be considered for the application. Reference writers will be notified by an email of the request to submit a letter of reference on behalf of an applicant. Reference writers will not be notified of the ranked preference for review provided by the applicant.

To avoid disqualifying an application, reference writers should upload the letter well in advance of the 5:00 p.m. ET deadline. No letters will be accepted via email. Letter writers will receive a confirmation email after successful upload via the GRFP Application Module.

For technical assistance with letter upload: NSF Help Desk: [email protected] ; 1-800-381-1532

Applicants must enter an email address for each reference writer into the GRFP Application Module. An exact email address is crucial to matching the reference writer and the applicant in the GRFP Application Module. Applicants should ask reference writers well in advance of the reference writer deadline, and it is recommended they provide copies of their application materials to the writers.

Applicant-nominated reference writers must first register in Research.gov then upload their letters through the NSF Reference Letter System. Reference letter requirements include:

  • Institutional or professional letterhead, if available
  • SIGNED by the reference writer, including the name, professional title, department, and institution
  • Two (2) page limit (PDF file format)
  • Standard 8.5" x 11" page size
  • 11-point or higher Times New Roman font and 1" margins on all sides
  • Single spaced using normal (100%) single-line spacing

The reference letter should address the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts (described in detail below). It should include details explaining the nature of the relationship to the applicant (including research advisor role), comments on the applicant's potential for contributing to a globally-engaged United States science and engineering workforce, statements about the applicant's academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's proposed research, and any other information to aid review panels in evaluating the application according to the NSF Merit Review Criteria.

Application Completion Status

Applicants should use the "Application Completion Status" feature in the GRFP Application Module to ensure all application materials, including reference letters, have been received by NSF before the deadlines. For technical support, call the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail [email protected] .

Interdisciplinary Applications

NSF welcomes applications for interdisciplinary programs of study and research; however, data on interdisciplinary study is collected for informational purposes only. Interdisciplinary research is defined as "a mode of research by teams or individuals that integrates information, data, techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories from two or more disciplines or bodies of specialized knowledge to advance fundamental understanding or to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline or area of research practice" (Committee on Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research, Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2004. Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research . National Academies. Washington: National Academy Press, p. 2).

Applications must be received by the deadline for the first Major Field of Study designated in the application. Applications will be reviewed by experts in the first Major Field of Study listed. If awarded, Fellows will be required to enroll in a degree program consistent with the Major Field of Study in which the application was funded.

Withdrawal of a GRFP application

To withdraw a submitted application, the applicant must withdraw their application using the Withdrawal option in the GRFP Application Module.

Applications withdrawn by November 15 of the application year do not count toward the one-time graduate application limit. Applications withdrawn after November 15 count toward this limit.

Cost Sharing:

Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.

Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:

No indirect costs are allowed.

Other Budgetary Limitations:

NSF awards $53,000 each year to the GRFP institution to cover the Fellow stipend and Cost of Education allowance for each NSF Graduate Research Fellow "on tenure" at the institution.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Fellowship stipend is $37,000 for a 12-month tenure period, prorated in monthly increments of $3,083. The institutional Cost of Education allowance is $16,000 per tenure year per Fellow.

D. Application Submission Requirements

Applicants are required to prepare and submit all applications for this program solicitation through the GRFP Application Module. Detailed instructions for application preparation and submission are available at: https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do . For user support, call the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail [email protected] . The NSF Help Desk answers general technical questions related to the use of the system. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this solicitation.

VI. Application Review Information

A. merit review principles and criteria.

Applications are reviewed by disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists and engineers and other professional graduate education experts. Reviewers are selected by Program Officers charged with oversight of the review process. Care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the applicants. Applications are reviewed in broad areas of related disciplines based on the selection of a Field of Study (see Fields of Study in Appendix). Selection of a Major Field of Study determines the application deadline, the broad disciplinary expertise of the reviewers, and the discipline of the graduate degree program if awarded a Fellowship. Applicants are advised to select the Major Field of Study in the GRFP Application Module (see Fields of Study in Appendix) that is most closely aligned with the proposed graduate program of study and research plan. Applicants who select "Other" must provide additional information describing their studies.

Each application will be reviewed independently in accordance with the NSF Merit Review Criteria using all available information in the completed application. In considering applications, reviewers are instructed to address the two Merit Review Criteria as approved by the National Science Board - Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts ( NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide ). Applicants must include separate statements on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in their written statements in order to provide reviewers with the information necessary to evaluate the application with respect to both Criteria as detailed below. Applicants should include headings for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in their statements.

The following description of the Merit Review Criteria is provided in Chapter III of the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) :

All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities. The two merit review criteria are listed below. Both criteria are to be given full consideration during the review and decision-making processes; each criterion is necessary but neither, by itself, is sufficient. Therefore, proposers must fully address both criteria. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i) contains additional information for use by proposers in development of the Project Description section of the proposal.) Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the criteria, including PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), prior to the review of a proposal. When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider what the proposers want to do, why they want to do it, how they plan to do it, how they will know if they succeed, and what benefits could accrue if the project is successful. These issues apply both to the technical aspects of the proposal and the way in which the project may make broader contributions. To that end, reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria: Intellectual Merit : The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge; and Broader Impacts : The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes. The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria: 1. What is the potential for the proposed activity to: a. Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and b. Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)? 2. To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts? 3. Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to assess success? 4. How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities? 5. Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?

Additionally, Chapter II of the PAPPG states:

Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. NSF values the advancement of scientific knowledge and activities that contribute to achievement of societally relevant outcomes. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to: full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); improved STEM education and educator development at any level; increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology; improved well-being of individuals in society; development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce; increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others; improved national security; increased economic competitiveness of the US; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education.

Additional Solicitation Specific Review Criteria

Applicants are reviewed on their demonstrated potential to advance knowledge and to make significant research achievements and contributions to their fields throughout their careers. Reviewers are asked to assess applications using a holistic, comprehensive approach, giving balanced consideration to all components of the application, including the educational and research record, leadership, outreach, service activities, and future plans, as well as individual competencies, experiences, and other attributes. The aim is to recruit and retain a diverse cohort of early-career individuals with high potential for future achievements, contributions, and broader impacts in STEM and STEM education.

B. Application Review and Selection Process

Applications submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed online by Panel Review.

The application evaluation involves the review and rating of applications by disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists and engineers, and other professional graduate education experts.

The primary responsibility of each reviewer is to evaluate eligible GRFP applications by applying the Merit Review Criteria described in Section VI.A, and to recommend applicants for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. Reviewers are instructed to review the applications holistically, applying the Merit Review Criteria and noting GRFP's emphasis on demonstrated potential for significant research achievements in STEM or in STEM education. From these recommendations, NSF selects applicants for Fellowships or Honorable Mention, in line with NSF's mission and the goals of GRFP. After Fellowship offers are made, applicants are able to view verbatim reviewer comments, excluding the names of the reviewers, for a limited period of time through the NSF GRFP Module.

VII. Award Administration Information

A. notification of the award.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program applicants will be notified of the outcomes of their applications by early April of the competition year. The NSF publishes lists of Fellowship and Honorable Mention recipients on the GRFP Module at https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do in early April.

B. Award Conditions

NSF GRFP awards are made to the institution of higher education at which a Fellow is or will be enrolled. The awardee institution is responsible for financial management of the award and disbursement of Fellowship funds to the Fellow. The NSF GRFP award consists of the award notification letter that includes the applicable terms and conditions and Fellowship management instructions. All Fellowships are made subject to the provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

NSF GRFP awards provide funds for NSF Fellows who have "on tenure" status. The institution will administer the awards, including any amendments, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and provisions (and any subsequent amendments) contained in the document NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials .

The applicant must accept or decline the Fellowship by the deadline indicated in the award notification letter by logging into the GRFP Module at https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do with the applicant User ID and password. Failure to comply with the deadline and acceptance of Fellowship Terms and Conditions by the deadline will result in revocation of the Fellowship offer and render applicants ineligible to re-apply.

Terms and Conditions

Awardees must formally accept and agree to the terms and conditions of the Fellowship award. Acceptance of the Fellowship constitutes a commitment to pursue a graduate degree in an eligible science or engineering field. Acceptance of a Fellowship award is an explicit acceptance of this commitment and assurance that the Fellow will be duly enrolled in a graduate degree program consistent with the field of study indicated in their application by the beginning of the following academic year. Major changes in scope later in the graduate career require NSF approval. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Administrative Guide for Fellows and Coordinating Officials includes the terms and conditions that apply to the Fellowship and subsequent institutional award, in addition to the eligibility requirements (U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, degree requirements, and field of study) and Certifications in the application. Each institution, in accepting the funds, also certifies that the Fellows are eligible to receive the Fellowship under these terms and conditions. Fellows are expected to make satisfactory academic progress towards completion of their graduate degrees, as defined and certified by the Fellow's GRFP institution. In cases where Fellows have misrepresented their eligibility, or have failed to comply with the Fellowship Terms and Conditions, the Fellowship will be revoked, and the case may be referred to the Office of the Inspector General for investigation. This action may result in requiring the Fellow to repay Fellowship funds to the National Science Foundation.

An individual may not accept the Graduate Research Fellowship if the individual accepts or is supported by another federal graduate fellowship.

Responsible Conduct of Research

It is the responsibility of the Fellow, in conjunction with the GRFP institution, to ensure that all academic and research activities carried out in or outside the US comply with the laws or regulations of the US and/or of the foreign country in which the academic and/or research activities are conducted. These include appropriate human subject, animal welfare, copyright and intellectual property protection, and other regulations or laws, as appropriate. All academic and research activities should be coordinated with the appropriate US and foreign government authorities, and necessary licenses, permits, or approvals must be obtained prior to undertaking the proposed activities.

In response to the America COMPETES Act, all Fellows supported by NSF to conduct research are required to receive appropriate training and oversight in the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research.

Research Involving Human Subjects

Projects involving research with human subjects must ensure that subjects are protected from research risks in conformance with the relevant Federal policy known as the Common Rule ( Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects , 45 CFR 690 ). All projects involving human subjects must either (1) have approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) before issuance of an NSF award; or, (2) must affirm that the IRB has declared the research exempt from IRB review, in accordance with the applicable subsection, as established in 45 CFR § 690.104(d) of the Common Rule. Fellows are required to comply with this policy and adhere to the organization's protocol for managing research involving human subjects.

Research Involving Vertebrate Animals

Any project proposing use of vertebrate animals for research or education shall comply with the Animal Welfare Act [7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.] and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary of Agriculture [9 CFR 1.1-4.11] pertaining to the humane care, handling, and treatment of vertebrate animals held or used for research, teaching or other activities supported by Federal awards. In accordance with these requirements, proposed projects involving use of any vertebrate animal for research or education must be approved by the submitting organization's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before an award can be made. For this approval to be accepted by NSF, the organization must have a current Public Health Service (PHS) Approved Assurance.

Projects involving the care or use of vertebrate animals at an international organization or international field site also require approval of research protocols by the US grantee's IACUC. If the project is to be funded through an award to an international organization or through an individual fellowship award that will support activities at an international organization, NSF will require a statement from the international organization explicitly listing the proposer's name and referencing the title of the award to confirm that the activities will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws in the international country and that the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals (see: https://cioms.ch/ ) will be followed.

Legal Rights to Intellectual Property

The National Science Foundation claims no rights to any inventions or writings that might result from its fellowship or traineeship grants. However, fellows and trainees should be aware that the NSF, another Federal agency, or some private party may acquire such rights through other support for particular research. Also, fellows and trainees should note their obligation to include an Acknowledgment and Disclaimer in any publication.

C. Reporting Requirements

Acknowledgment of Support and Disclaimer

All publications, presentations, and creative works based on activities conducted during the Fellowship must acknowledge NSF GRFP Support and provide a disclaimer by including the following statement in the Acknowledgements or other appropriate section:

"This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. (NSF grant number). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation."

Annual Activities Report and Annual Fellowship Status Declaration

Fellows are required to submit an Annual Activities Report and to complete Fellowship Status Declaration by the deadline date each year (deadline notification sent by email), using NSF's GRFP Module. The GRFP Module permits online submission and updating of activity reports, including information on research accomplishments and activities related to broader impacts, presentations, publications, teaching and research assistantships, awards and recognitions, and other scholarly and service accomplishments. These reports must be reviewed and satisfactory progress verified by the faculty advisor or designated graduate program administrator prior to submission to NSF.

Fellows must declare their intent to utilize the Fellowship for the following year using the NSF GRFP Module. Failure to declare Fellowship status by the established deadline violates the terms and conditions for NSF Fellowship awards, and results in termination of the Fellowship.

Program Evaluation

The Division of Graduate Education (DGE) conducts evaluations to provide evidence on the impact of the GRFP on individuals' educational decisions, career preparations, aspirations and progress, as well as professional productivity; and provide an understanding of the program policies in achieving the program goals. Additionally, it is highly desirable to have a structured means of tracking Fellows beyond graduation to gauge the extent to which they choose a career path consistent with the intent of the program and to assess the impact the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship has had on their graduate education experience. Accordingly, Fellows and Honorable Mention recipients may be contacted for updates on various aspects of their employment history, professional activities and accomplishments, participation in international research collaborations, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program. Fellows and their institutions agree to cooperate in program-level evaluations conducted by the NSF and/or contracted evaluators.

GRFP institutions are required to submit the GRFP Completion Report annually. The Completion Report allows GRFP institutions to certify the current status of all GRFP Fellows at the institution. The current status will identify a Fellow as: In Progress, Graduated, Transferred, or Withdrawn. For Fellows who have graduated, the graduation date is a required reporting element.

VIII. Agency Contacts

Please note that the program contact information is current at the time of publishing. See program website ( https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201 ) for any updates to the points of contact.

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

For questions related to the use of GRFP Application Module, contact:

The Graduate Research Fellowship Operations Center is responsible for processing applications and responding to requests for information. General inquiries regarding the Graduate Research Fellowship Program should be made to:

Graduate Research Fellowship Operations Center, telephone: 866-NSF-GRFP, 866-673-4737 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada) or 202-331-3542 (international). email: [email protected] .

IX. Other Information

The NSF website provides the most comprehensive source of information on NSF Directorates (including contact information), programs and funding opportunities. Use of this website by potential proposers is strongly encouraged. In addition, "NSF Update" is an information-delivery system designed to keep potential proposers and other interested parties apprised of new NSF funding opportunities and publications, important changes in proposal and award policies and procedures, and upcoming NSF Grants Conferences . Subscribers are informed through e-mail or the user's Web browser each time new publications are issued that match their identified interests. "NSF Update" also is available on NSF's website .

Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may be accessed via this mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov .

Students are encouraged to gain professional experience in other countries through their university graduate programs, and to participate in international research opportunities offered by NSF at: Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) | NSF - National Science Foundation . Other funding opportunities for students are available at https://www.nsfgrfp.org/ .

About The National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC 1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is "to promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare by supporting research and education in all fields of science and engineering."

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the US. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research.

NSF receives approximately 55,000 proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition, the Foundation receives several thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels and Arctic and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative research between universities and industry, US participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects. See the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide Chapter II.F.7 for instructions regarding preparation of these types of proposals.

The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.

The National Science Foundation Information Center may be reached at (703) 292-5111.

The National Science Foundation promotes and advances scientific progress in the United States by competitively awarding grants and cooperative agreements for research and education in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

To get the latest information about program deadlines, to download copies of NSF publications, and to access abstracts of awards, visit the NSF Website at .

2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314

(NSF Information Center)

(703) 292-5111

(703) 292-5090

 

Send an e-mail to:

or telephone:

(703) 292-8134

(703) 292-5111

Privacy Act And Public Burden Statements

The information requested on the application materials is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of qualified applicants and may be disclosed to qualified reviewers as part of the review process; to the institution the nominee, applicant or fellow is attending or is planning to attend or is employed by for the purpose of facilitating review or award decisions, or administering fellowships or awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and other individuals who perform a service to or work under a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, advisory committee, committee of visitors, or other arrangement with the Federal government as necessary to complete assigned work; to other government agencies needing data regarding applicants or nominees as part of the review process, or in order to coordinate programs; and to another Federal agency, court or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a party. Information from this system may be merged with other computer files to carry out statistical studies the results of which do not identify individuals. Notice of the agency's decision may be given to nominators, and disclosure may be made of awardees' names, home institutions, and fields of study for public information purposes. For fellows or awardees receiving stipends directly from the government, information is transmitted to the Department of the Treasury to make payments. See System of Record Notices , NSF-12, "Fellowships and Other Awards," 63 Federal Register 265 (January 5, 1998). Submission of the information is voluntary; however, failure to provide full and complete information may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0023. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 12 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

Suzanne H. Plimpton Reports Clearance Officer Policy Office, Division of Institution and Award Support Office of Budget, Finance, and Award Management National Science Foundation Alexandria, VA 22314

X. Appendix

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

Major Fields of Study

Note: Applications are reviewed based on the selection of a Major Field of Study. As an example, CHEMISTRY is a Major Field of Study, and Chemical Catalysis is a subfield under CHEMISTRY. A Fellowship can be accepted only in the Major Field of Study indicated in the application. Thus, an application that indicates CHEMISTRY as the Major Field of Study can be accepted in any subfield in CHEMISTRY, but cannot be accepted in CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, and ENGINEERING is a different Major Field of Study.

Selection of a Major Field of Study determines the application deadline, the broad disciplinary expertise of the reviewers who will review the application, and the discipline of the graduate program if the Fellowship is accepted. The subfield category designates specific expertise of the reviewers. Applicants can select "Other" if their specific subfield is not represented in the list of subfields under the Major Field of Study. The "Other" subfield category should be selected only if the proposed subfield is not covered by one of the listed subfields, and should not be used to designate a subfield that is more specific than the subfields listed.

Artificial Intelligence Chemical Catalysis Chemical Measurement and Imaging Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanism Chemical Synthesis Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods Chemistry of Life Processes Computationally Intensive Research Environmental Chemical Systems Macromolecular (including Polymer Chemistry), Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry Other (specify) Quantum Information Science Sustainable Chemistry

COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES & ENGINEERING

Accessibility Algorithms and Theoretical Foundations Artificial Intelligence Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Graphics, and Visualization Bioinformatics and Bio-inspired Computing Communication and Information Theory Computationally Intensive Research Computer Architecture Computer Security and Privacy Computer Systems Computer Vision Cyber-Physical Systems and Embedded Systems Cybersecurity Data Science, Data Mining, Information Retrieval and Databases Electronic Design Automation and Design of Micro and Nano Computing Systems Fairness, Explainability, Accountability and Transparency in Analytics Formal Methods, Verification, and Programming Languages Human Computer Interaction Information Sciences Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Other (specify) Parallel, Distributed, and Cloud Computing Quantum Information Science Robotics Scientific Computing Social Computing Software Engineering Wired and Wireless Networking

ENGINEERING

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Agricultural Engineering Artificial Intelligence Bioengineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computationally Intensive Research Computer Engineering (including Networking) Cybersecurity Data Science Electrical and Electronic Engineering Energy and Power Engineering Environmental and/or Ecological Engineering Industrial Engineering & Operations Research Machine Learning Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Engineering (including Polymers, Ceramics, Semiconductors) Mechanical Engineering Microwave Electromagnetics Engineering Nuclear Engineering Ocean Maritime Engineering Optical Engineering Other (specify) Quantum Engineering Quantum Information Engineering Quantum Information Science Robotics, Control, Automation Systems Engineering Wireless Engineering

GEOSCIENCES

Aeronomy Artificial Intelligence Arctic-Antarctic Atmospheric Chemistry Biogeochemistry Biological Oceanography Chemical Oceanography Climate and Large-Scale Atmospheric Dynamics Coastal Marine Science Coastal Studies Computationally Intensive Research Earth System Science Environmental Science Geobiology Geochemistry Geochronology Geodynamics Geoinformatics Geology Geomorphology Geophysics Glaciology Heliospheric Physics Hydrology Magnetospheric Physics Marine Biology Marine Ecology Marine Geology and Geophysics Ocean Technology (ROVs, AUVs, sensors) Other (specify) Paleoclimate Paleontology and Paleobiology Petrology Physical and Dynamic Meteorology Physical Oceanography Quantum Information Science Remote Sensing Sea Ice Sedimentary Geology Solar Physics Tectonics Volcanology

LIFE SCIENCES

Artificial Intelligence Biochemistry Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Biophysics Cell Biology Computationally Intensive Research Developmental Biology Ecology Environmental Biology Evolutionary Biology Genetics Genomics Microbial Biology Neurosciences Organismal Biology Other (specify) Physiology Proteomics Quantum Information Science Structural Biology Systematics and Biodiversity Systems and Molecular Biology

MATERIALS RESEARCH

Artificial Intelligence Biomaterials Ceramics Chemistry of Materials Computationally Intensive Research Electronic Materials Materials Theory Metallic Materials Other (specify) Photonic Materials Physics of Materials Polymers Quantum Information Science

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Algebra, Number Theory, and Combinatorics Analysis Applied Mathematics Artificial Intelligence Biostatistics Computational and Data-enabled Science Computational Mathematics Computational Statistics Computationally Intensive Research Geometric Analysis Logic or Foundations of Mathematics Mathematical Biology Other (specify) Probability Quantum Information Science Statistics Topology

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Artificial Intelligence Astronomy and Astrophysics Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Computationally Intensive Research Condensed Matter Physics Nuclear Physics Other (specify) Particle Physics Physics of Living Systems Plasma Physics Quantum Information Science Solid State Physics Theoretical Physics

Artificial Intelligence Cognitive Neuroscience Cognitive Psychology Comparative Psychology Computational Psychology Computationally Intensive Research Developmental Psychology Industrial/Organizational Psychology Neuropsychology Other (specify) Perception and Psychophysics Personality and Individual Differences Physiological Psychology Psycholinguistics Quantitative Psychology Quantum Information Science Social/Affective Neuroscience Social Psychology

Anthropology, other (specify) Archaeology Artificial Intelligence Biological Anthropology Communications Computationally Intensive Research Cultural Anthropology

Cybersecurity Decision Making and Risk Analysis Economics Geography History and Philosophy of Science International Relations Law and Social Science Linguistic Anthropology Linguistics Medical Anthropology Other (specify) Political Science Public Policy Quantum Information Science Science Policy Sociology Urban and Regional Planning

STEM EDUCATION AND LEARNING RESEARCH

Artificial Intelligence Computationally Intensive Research Engineering Education Mathematics Education Other (specify) Quantum Information Science Science Education Technology Education

National Science Foundation

Purdue University

Gain Valuable Research and Leadership Skills  

Purdue University’s online Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree  bridges the gap between academic research and industry practice. Unlike a traditional Ph.D., which generally focuses on theoretical research, the D.Eng. program emphasizes applied research, hands-on projects, and collaboration with industry partners.  The  interdisciplinary program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.

The 90-credit-hour program—60-credit-hours for those with a relevant a master’s degree—features research methodology coursework, advanced mathematics and statistics, a choice of hundreds of engineering and other courses, and a culminating research project.   The program enables learners to tailor the degree and research project to their professional area of focus. In the process, students can gain significant knowledge, experience, and capability in a particular   technology or technical domain directly related to their career goals.   The full curriculum can be found  here.   

Engineering Doctorate Holders Are Highly Valued 

Earning Purdue’s D.Eng. will open doors to higher salaries, leadership positions, and consulting opportunities. Professionals with a doctoral-level degree in engineering earned approximately $25,000 more per year in 2023 compared with individuals who have attained a master’s degree, and the average salary for engineers with a doctoral degree is $125,300 per year.  

Learning Outcomes

  • Envision, plan, and conduct applied research and development activities.
  • Identify, comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize research and professional practice in one or more engineering disciplines.
  • Employ quantitative, qualitative, analytic, and statistical techniques in solving engineering problems.
  • Communicate effectively and employ constructive professional and interpersonal skills.
  • Apply advanced leadership practices to organizational challenges. Identify and execute ethical and responsible research and professional practices.

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Why Choose Purdue’s D. Eng. Program?

  • Ranked among the top:  Purdue's graduate engineering programs are consistently ranked in the top 3 nationally by U.S. News & Report, which also ranks Purdue as a top 10 most innovative school.
  • Industry Relevance:   Our curriculum is designed in consultation with industry experts, ensuring that you acquire skills directly applicable to today’s engineering challenges.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach:   Explore diverse fields within engineering. Our program encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.
  • Faculty Expertise:   Learn from world-class faculty who are not only accomplished researchers but also industry practitioners who bring real-world insights to the classroom.
  • Research Opportunities:   Engage in innovative research projects, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to technological advancements.
  • Professional Development:   Enhance your leadership, communication, and project management skills. Our program prepares you for leadership roles in academia, industry, or government.

Admissions Requirements

Below includes a few admissions requirements, please find all requirements here .

Criteria for Admissions

  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0   in graduate and/or undergraduate degree program(s)
  • Math Background: One semester each of Calculus I, Calculus II and either Linear Algebra or Differential Equations  
  • Engineering Background: undergraduate degree and/or master’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology.   
  • Minimum two years’ professional experience in a relevant engineering field.  

Full admissions criteria here

Application Requirements

Below includes a few admissions requirements, please find all requirements and how to apply here .

  • Transcripts from all universities attended  
  • 3 recommenders with at least one recommender familiar with candidate’s academic performance.  
  • Academic Statement of Purpose  
  • Personal History Statement  
  • A professional resume  
  • Proof of English Proficiency , if applicable.  

Application Deadlines

For Fall Start:

For Spring Start:

For Summer Start

Resident of Indiana

  • $1,139 per credit

Nonresident of Indiana

  • $1,459 per credit

Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

  • US federal financial aid
  • Military, veterans, and military-connected students

*The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The  Office of the Bursar  website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our  tuition calculator  to estimate tuition costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree would i earn with the online program.

You would earn a Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.).  

How can I have transfer credit reviewed and applied towards my program?

The program requires 90 credits (minimum of 60 credits if you hold a master’s degree). You may complete the program as a full-time or part-time student. A full-time student takes at least 8 credit hours every term and may be able to complete this program within 3-4 years (90 credit program) or 2-3 years (60 credit program ). A part-time student takes less than 8 credit hours every term (on average 3-6). As a part-time student, the expected time to complete the degree is - 10 years—the upper range likely for 90-credit-hour program students and the lower range likely for 60-credit-hour program students.  

Is there a minimum course registration required each semester?

You need to register for at least one credit to be considered an active student. If you do not enroll for more than two consecutive semesters, you will lose your student status and must reapply.  

Are all courses available every term?

No, all courses are not available every term. You can see our course availability on the Courses List page.

How long does it take to finish the program?

The program requires 90 credits (60 credits if you hold a master’s degree and a full 30 credits are approved for transfer) . You may complete the program as a full -time or part -time student. A full-time student takes at least 8 credit hours every term and may be able to complete this program within 3-4 years (90 credit program) or 2-3 years (60 credit program ) . A part-time  student takes less than 8 credit hours every term (on average 3-6). As a part-time student, you may complete the program within 5 -10 years —the upper range likely for 90-credit-hour program students and the lower range likely for 60-credit-hour program students.  

Can I take time off during my program?

You may take a maximum of two consecutive semesters off. If you take more than two semesters, you will need to reapply to the program.  

Are letters of recommendation from employers acceptable?

We suggest that you try to get at least one academic reference. If that is not possible, recommendations from employers will be accepted.  

How are the online courses structured?

The courses will be offered asynchronously. We upload recordings of live lectures for you to view on your time. You will follow along weekly to complete your assignments, projects, and/or exams. Exams may require a proctor (virtual or in-person depending on the instructor’s preference).  

Are scholarships or funding offered for students?

Scholarships and funding are not available through Purdue as this program is a course-based, self-funded master's program. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for federal financial aid. The Purdue Division of Financial Aid can answer your questions. Veterans can visit the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Miltary Success Center to learn more about wrap-around support services for Purdue students who are veterans, members of the military, or benefit-using family members.  

Is there prerequisite coursework required for this program?

Please visit the admission criteria page for information.

Are there career services or resources after graduation?

Yes, students will have access through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities .

What kind of academic and professional development support does Purdue University offer for online students?

Students enrolled in the online Doctor of Engineering program, which is supported by Purdue University Online, receive robust support from a dedicated team of student engagement professionals. All students have an assigned academic advisor, who is available for one-on-one support and to help s students with academic-related questions or issues. Academic advisors also offer workshops on topics relevant to academic planning and preparation, including plan of study workshops and specialty information sessions for students enrolled in specific programs.    

Additionally, students have an assigned student success coach, whose role is to support students who may be struggling in the online learning environment. Students can access their assigned success coach from the point where they accept their enrollment offer through graduation. Success coaches also work to build community among online students, offering networking events, resources, and opportunities for professional development.  

IMAGES

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VIDEO

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