PhD Educational Foundations and Research at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Make a direct and lasting impact through multi-disciplinary study and using applied education research methods to confront critical educational issues in our communities in support of justice, equity and reform efforts. Learn multi-disciplinary and contextualizing frameworks in support of justice, reform, and equity work in educational settings by using applied research methods. Drawing from the social-sciences, humanistic traditions, and critical frameworks, a Ph.D.

Department: Department of Education, Health & Behavior Studies | Duration: 4-5 years (90 (30 from master's) credit hours) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies for the Ph.D., as well as the following: Multi-Disciplinary and Contextualizing Frameworks (12 credits minimum)

Career pathways

The demand for education professionals with advanced degrees is growing nationwide across a variety of industries. A Ph.D. in Educational Foundations and Research prepares you make your mark as a university professor, research analyst, educator, leader, policymaker, program evaluator or consultant in settings such as: Higher education, P-12 schools, Federal and state agencies, Nongovernmental organizations, Curricular and program evaluation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Essay statement (no more than 800 words) including a statement of goals (no more than 300 words) Craft an essay that demonstrates your ability to critically examine complex issues in education and society. Your response should reflect your interest in the role of research in shaping practice and understanding: Statement of Professional Goals Describe your professional goals and aspirations. Explain how developing advanced research skills and engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives—such as sociology, anthropology, history, psychology, and related fields.” —will support your efforts to address systemic challenges in education and contribute meaningfully to the field. Analytical Essay Identify a significant challenge in a school, educational organization, or your professional context. Analyze the social, cultural, or structural dimensions of the issue. Discuss how interdisciplinary research—drawing from psychology, history, sociology, anthropology, or related fields—could deepen understanding and inform more equitable and effective responses.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Education'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17,070. Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Education'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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