Developmental & Learning Sciences Specialization
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. program in DLS prepares students for high-level professional and research positions. Students develop a broad understanding of cognitive, educational, and developmental psychology; develop expertise in specific topics important to educatin; and learn the high-level skills required for successful careers in their chosen areas. Doctoral students are prepared to conduct original research and to teach a variety of courses in psychology and education. Graduates have worked in public and private post-secondary education; have directed, taught, and conducted research in private sector training programs; and have worked conducting advanced research and managing programs in both state and federal government.
Doctoral students file a customized program of studies that must (a) meet program requirements and (b) be approved by the student’s own doctoral supervisory committee. Students and their advisors create doctoral supervisory committees have broad latitude to approve individualized programs of study that meet student needs. Doctoral students work with their advisers and committees to prepare a program of studies that meets university and department requirements and further progress toward their own specific educational and career goals.
Program Director
Dr. Mary Zeleny
220 TEAC
mgzeleny@unl.edu
The Roger and Mary Bruning Scholarship
New DLS graduate students are eligible for the Roger and Mary Bruning Scholarship each year. Recipients receive a $5,000 award applied towards tuition and fees. All new applicants are automatically considered for the Bruning Scholarship.
Roger Bruning was a long-time DLS faculty member who recently retired and he and his wife Mary have given generously to our program in order to provide this award.
Application to this program
In general, admission to the Ph.D. program requires a master's degree in educational psychology or a closely related field with a relevant thesis and evidence of ability to complete a Ph.D. There are no specific GPA or other score requirements, but factors considered of applicants include: grades, letters of recommendation, research experience, match of goals to the program, as well as research interests, including the availability of a suitable advisor. Students not meeting the requirements for direct admission to the Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply to the master's program (Ph.D. track, including thesis) and then apply to the Ph.D. program after completing the master's degree. Nearly all DLS master's coursework can be applied to the subsequent Ph.D. program.
Application Guidance: Include your CV/resume, all relevant previous transcripts, three (3) strong letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an optional writing sample (e.g., thesis or research paper) in your application. Candidates who do not include all required documents may not be considered for admission. Your personal statement should concentrate on yourrelevant experiences and your future academic and professional goals. Tell us why you want this degree from this program, and why you are a good fit for the program. Indicate which professors you think are best suited to advise you and explain why. Choose reference letter writers that are familiar with your academic success and potential.