Ph.D. in Social and Cultural Foundations
Applications Are Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our programs! Applications for the current cycle are now closed and will reopen on September 1, 2026, for a Fall 2027 start.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Explore the meaning and impact of education through the liberal arts and humanities
What is education? What should it be? What has it been? Who should have it? How much? What kind? And why?
The Social and Cultural Foundations (SCF) program helps students understand, critique, and construct ideas about educational goods, values, and purposes. We explore key educational concepts like justice, equity, opportunity, diversity, pluralism, tolerance, freedom, ethics, access, and community, and how these ideas have been addressed in schools, universities, and informal educational spaces.
Education sparks passionate debates among parents, teachers, students, administrators, politicians, and people in general. These debates address what to teach, how to teach, school organization and funding, leadership and decision-making, and the very principles guiding education. In our program, students dive into the history and contemporary landscape of these disagreements to grasp the significance of education in society.
SCF doctoral students work closely with their advisors to create a highly tailored program of study while grounding their work primarily in the disciplines of philosophy of education or history of education. We welcome you to browse our program page for more details, including requirements for admission. The SCF doctoral program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex, or other identity.
Curriculum
Overview
At the Ph.D. level, students develop a highly individualized course of study that is based on your skills, knowledge, and interests. Your customized doctoral program will include coursework in other departments across the University of Washington and in other areas of the College of Education. For example, students have developed areas of competency in women’s studies, ethnic studies, law and legal studies, policy studies, political philosophy, cultural studies, cognitive science, environmental studies, religious studies, and multicultural education.
Ph.D. students take a required two-quarter Inquiry Course with other 1st-year doctoral students at the College. They are also expected to move through other milestones of the doctoral program in a timely manner (e.g., the Research & Inquiry paper, advancement to candidacy, qualifying exams, dissertation proposal defense, etc.). In the Social & Cultural Foundations program, Ph.D. students ground their work in the disciplines of history or philosophy:
- History of Education
History of education investigates educational ideas, experiences, policies, or practices of education in a particular historical time and context. Successful Ph.D. applicants for this area will have a strong background in history (i.e., an undergraduate major or minor in history or related discipline and/or a Masters degree in history or related field). They also expect to complete at least one or two graduate courses in the Department of History and/or related fields at the University of Washington.
Examples of history dissertations:
- Learning Place: Education and Planning in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, 1934-1955
- Girls’ Vocational Education at Chemawa Indian School 1900-1930
- The Imagined Schoolhouse: A Mass Cultural History of Education in America
- The Critical Turn in Education: The Rise of An Academic Left From the 1960s to the 1980s
- Education for a New Race: American Schools, Child Labor, and Constructing the Mexican in Wyoming, 1917-1943
- Philosophy of Education
Philosophy describes not only the kinds of questions and topics one pursues, it is also a method for systematically developing and defending normative and conceptual arguments. Successful Ph.D. applicants for this area will have a strong background in philosophy (i.e., an undergraduate major or minor in philosophy or related discipline and/or a Masters degree in philosophy).
Examples philosophy dissertations:
- Conversations That Matter: De-colonizing the Inclusive Discourse of Indigenous Education
- A Philosophical Consideration of School Bullying
- A Philosophical Inquiry into the Promise to Close the Achievement Gap: Rhetoric or Resolution?
Admission requirements and process
Materials
- Application Fee
A $90.00 application fee is required and must be paid by credit card through the online application system.
Fee Waiver: The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee waivers to qualified applicants. Application fee waiver requests must be made at least seven (7) days before your program’s application deadline to allow time for review. Who is eligible? Application fee waivers are available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented applicants who demonstrate financial need or hardship.
- Master’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
A master’s degree is required for admission to the doctoral program. Your degree may be in progress at the time of application, but it must be completed before the program begins.
- Unofficial Transcript(s) (Minimum 3.0 GPA)
You must submit unofficial transcript(s) with your application from every college or university where you earned academic credit. The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 in your most recent 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester credits). GPA is only one part of the application review.
Applications are reviewed holistically, and we encourage you to apply even if your GPA is below 3.0. You do not need to take additional coursework to raise your GPA. Instead, focus on submitting a strong goal statement that explains your interests and how the program aligns with your professional or personal goals, along with strong letters of recommendation. You are also welcome to provide context for a GPA below 3.0.
If you are currently enrolled in a college or university and have not yet graduated, please upload a transcript showing your most recently completed term. A final transcript confirming completion of your degree will be required before the program begins, if admitted.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required.
During the online application process, you will be prompted to add your recommenders. Once added, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters electronically.
For all applicants, we recommend choosing individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, skills, and potential for success in graduate study. Letters may be submitted by professional supervisors, academic faculty, or others who can speak to your qualifications.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current academic and professional resume or CV is required. This document should summarize your education, professional experience, and relevant accomplishments. Include degrees earned, work experience, and any applicable awards, publications, presentations, or other achievements.
Be sure to highlight qualifications and skills that are relevant to the program to which you are applying.
Review your document carefully to ensure it is clear, well-organized, and free of errors.
- Statement of Purpose
Your statement should describe your goals, relevant experiences, future plans, and how your specific program aligns with your interests and needs.
In your statement, address the following:
Why you are applying to this specific program
Your academic and professional goals
Areas of interest or topics you wish to explore within the field
How your interest in the field developed and how you have engaged with it
Experiences that have prepared you for graduate study
Skills or strengths that will support your success (e.g., technical skills, research experience, or other relevant abilities)
Examples of initiative, problem-solving, collaboration, and commitment to your goals
Format: Doctoral statements are typically 3–5 pages. Statements must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and use a 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri). Citations are not required unless you reference specific evidence in your writing.
Admissions committees review your statement alongside other application materials to assess how well your goals align with the program.
- Writing Sample
Doctoral applicants must submit one sample of scholarly writing. This sample should represent your strongest graduate-level writing and analytical skills.
Common examples include a research paper, article, thesis, literature review, or similar academic work from a previous program. If you do not have an existing sample, you may submit a newly developed piece such as a research paper, literature review, book review, or report.
We recommend submitting a sample of 10–12 pages. If your document exceeds this length, the review committee may only read a portion of it. You are welcome to submit an excerpt that fits within the suggested page range. Only one sample will be reviewed by the admissions committee.
The writing sample must be written solely by you. If the writing sample has multiple authors, clearly indicate which sections you contributed to.
Format: While there is no strict format requirement, we recommend double-spaced text, 1-inch margins, and a 12-point font.
- Personal History Statement (Optional)
While optional, submitting a personal history statement can strengthen your application by providing additional context about your background and experiences.
This statement should describe your intellectual growth and development, including influences both within and beyond your academic experiences. You may address:
Your personal history, family background, or other influences on your development
How your life experiences have shaped your interests, career plans, and future goals
Statements should be no more than two pages. We recommend using double-spaced text and a clear, legible 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri).
Submitting
Program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex or other identity.
- Gather all required documents
- Visit the Graduate School website
- Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
- Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
- Pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee
- You may request a fee waiver during the application process
- Submit your application
When completing your application, you will select the following options for the Program Selection:
- Select your application type
- Select 'Graduate'
- Narrow Your Search
- Select 'By Degree'
- Select 'Doctoral'
- Select your Program:
- Education - Seattle (PhD - Educational Leadership & Policy Studies - Social & Cultural Foundations)
Next Steps
International
We value and welcome applications from all people, including international students! If you are applying from outside the United States, there are additional requirements and application materials.
- Prior degree requirements
- At minimum, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (a four-year degree from an institution of recognized standing)
- Evaluation of your degree will be based on:
- The national system of education in the foreign country
- The type of institution
- The field of study and level of studies completed
- Transcripts
- If a transcript is in English, you can upload the transcript in the online application.
- If the degree is on a separate certificate, you will need to upload this as well. An evaluation from a 3rd party is not needed for this.
- All transcripts and degree conferral documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translation and must be in the same format as the original(s).
- English language proficiency
Per UW Graduate School policy, you must submit a demonstration of English language proficiency if your native language is not English and you did not earn a degree in one of the following countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Canada
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Trinidad and Tobago
The following tests are accepted if the test was taken fewer than two years ago:
- TOEFL
- Minimum score: 80
- Recommended score: 92+
- The UW's 4-digit code is 4854
- IELTS
- You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address:
- University of Washington All Campuses, Organisation ID 365, Undergrad & Graduate Admis, Box 355850, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States of America
- Minimum score: 6.5
- Recommended score: 7.0+
- School information for submission:
University of Washington, All Campuses
Undergraduate & Graduate Admission
Box 355850
Seattle, WA 98195
- You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address:
- Duolingo
- Minimum score: 110
- Recommended score: 125+
- Follow the instructions on the Duolingo website to submit your scores
- Financial ability
If you apply and are offered admission to UW, you will need to submit a statement of financial ability.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $20,736 per year.
- Out-of-state students: $37,464 per year
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.
View the UW tuition dashboard →
Visit the Office of Planning & Budgeting →
Funding & Scholarships
Federal financial aid is available for students. Visit the UW Financial Aid website for information and resources. The College of Education also provides scholarship and other funding opportunities.
Kenneth A. Sirotnik Endowed Fellowship for Leadership & Social Justice in Education
This fund provides financial assistance to graduate students who use the disciplines of history and philosophy to address issues of equity and social justice in education. Selection shall be based on academic merit, financial need, and the student’s potential for contributions to knowledge and understanding of equity and social justice in education and the moral and ethical dimensions of educational leadership. Preference will be given to students studying the history and/or philosophy of education within the Social & Cultural Foundations doctoral program, as well as to students specializing in Social & Cultural Foundations within the EDFLP MEd program.
This endowment was established in loving memory of Kenneth A. Sirotnik, a respected member of the College of Education faculty and chair of the Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Policy area. Professor Sirotnik devoted his career in research, writing, and teaching to critical inquiry into issues of student assessment, school reform, organizational change, and professional preparation. He was a passionate advocate for the powerless and he was persistent in his pursuit of models of moral and ethical leadership in education. This fund is intended to carry on his legacy and was established through generous gifts from lead donor Dr. Kathy L. Kimball, family, and friends.
