Application Procedures Fall 2015 for

www.utrgv.edu/grad
Application Procedures
for
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Fall 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER TO STUDENS ................................................................................................................ ...3
CHECKLIST FOR THE EDD C&I APPLICATION …………………………………………………………..4
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS …………………………………….…4
EDD C&I OBJECTIVES ………………………………………………………………………………………5
COHORT CONCEPT ………………………………………………………………………………………….5
GENERAL ADMISSIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………..5
CONDITIONAL ADMISSIONS………………………………………………………………………………...6
READMISSION OF FORMER STUDENTS………………………………………………………………….6
DEGREE PLAN/CURRICULUM………………………………………………………………………………6
TRANSFER CREDITS…………………………………………………………………………………………6
TIME LIMITS…………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
RESIDENCY…………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
ARRANGEMENTS FOR NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS……………………………………………….7
DOCTORAL ASSISTANTSHIPS……………………………………………………………………………..7
REQUEST FOR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS DURING STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS….8
ATTACHMENT #1: REFERENCE FORM…………………………………………………………………...9
ATTACHMENT #2: PERSONAL STATEMENT……………………………………………………………10
ATTACHMENT #3: EDD C&I SPECIALIZATIONS………………………………………………………...11
ATTACHMENT #4: RESUME AND OUTLINE OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES………………...13
ATTACHMENT #5: DEGREE PLAN/CURRICULUM……………………………………………………...14
ATTACHMENT #6: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS……………………………………………………….14
ATTACHMENT #7: E-MAIL FORM TO NOTIFY DIRECTOR OF APPLICATION………………………20
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Dear Prospective Doctoral Student:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is now accepting Applications for Admission into the
Doctor of Education Curriculum and Instruction Program (EDD C&I) with Specializations in: Bilingual
Studies, Early Childhood, Educational Technology, Higher Education Teaching, Science Education,
Mathematics Education, and Literacy.
The Application Procedures* will assist you in applying to the program. You have to apply to
UTRGV online at www.applytexas.org. The completed application must be submitted online prior to
midnight on May 1, 2015 in order to be considered for Cohort #9 starting in the fall semester 2015.
Please be advised that this quality doctoral program demands a high level of commitment from
students and the review process is highly selective.
A Faculty Selection Committee from the College of Education will review complete
applications. All Applicants will be notified of their selection status by June 1, 2015. You will find
additional information of the program at the following internet address: www.utrgv.edu/grad.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director at: (956) 882-5769, or via email: [email protected]
Thank you for your professional interest in our program. This is an exciting time to be
involved in higher education. The continued population growth in Texas increases the need for
educators with advanced degrees in the years ahead. We look forward to working with you to meet
your professional growth and development goals.
Sincerely,
Peter B. Gawenda, Ed.D.
Professor
Director, Doctor of Education Curriculum & Instruction Program
*The Application Procedures will be published before each new Application Deadline.
Peter B. Gawenda, Ed.D.
Director, Doctor in Education Curriculum and Instruction
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
One West University Blvd.
Brownsville, TX 78520, Tel. (956) 882-8929, [email protected]
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158, 1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
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Checklist for the Doctor of Education C&I Application
Admission Requirements
Deadline: May 1, 2015 before midnight
When applying, mark each item with an “X” to indicate that you have completed and/or uploaded each item
listed. Doctoral Applications with uploaded documents must be complete in order to be forwarded for review
by the Faculty Selection Committee. Please follow the directions in this document and upload all requested
documents.
1. ___ Completed the Online Application at www.applytexas.org . The university application fee of $85 ($100
for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online
application). All application fees are non-refundable.
2. ___ Earned Masters Degree (contained in transcript)
3. ___ Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to The University of
Texas Rio Grande Valley, The Graduate College, Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158, 1201 W.
University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539-2999).
(Photocopies will be accepted with evidence of a request for official transcripts to be sent directly to the UTRGV
Office of Graduate Studies. Note: If all degrees have been earned at UTB or UTPA photocopies are not needed.)
4. ___ Statement of professional goals (500 Words) – to be uploaded.
5. ___ Resume including educational background and work experience – to be uploaded.
6. ___ *Documentation of 5 years of experience in education or related field, of which 3 years must be
classroom teaching experience – to be uploaded.
7. ___ Submission of 3 professional letters of recommendation from individuals with first-hand knowledge of
applicant’s professional qualities and scholarly potential with reference forms (attachment #1 at this
document) – to be uploaded or submitted to UTRGV by the writer of the reference letters and
reference forms.
8. ___ GRE General Test – to be sent to UTRGV by Testing Service.
GRE Score: Must be current, no older than 5 years at time of admission into the program. Please arrange to take
the GRE in a timely manner so that your scores can be included when you submit the application packet. Allow at
least four to six weeks prior to the application deadline. Late GRE Scores will not be accepted. Official scores must
be on file with the UTRGV Testing Office.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who have attended foreign universities:



TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based,
or 79 on internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS.
For TOEFL exempt countries, other exemptions, and other important information refer to Attachment #6,
International Students.
English translation of educational records.
Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA). Students can send a copy of their
transcript directly to the FCSA www.foreigncredentials.org. Please refer to Attachment #6, International
Students, for additional information.
Additional requirements for international applicants - Please refer to Attachment #6, International Students
Submit/upload all documents with the application so that they will be received no
later than 5:00pm on May 1st, 2015.
* This may be substituted by relevant professional experience.
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Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (EDD C&I) prepares educators to assume
select leadership positions in education at multiple levels and in related services and entities in Texas,
the United States and foreign countries. The degree creates individuals who have specific expertise in
the development of curriculum in different disciplines and on different levels of education. Graduates
will be able to compose and lead P-16 programs, relevant post secondary education and training
projects. In addition the program produces a qualified pool of educators and researchers for
institutions of higher education and enables successful candidates to teach in colleges and universities.
COHORT CONCEPT
The new class of doctoral students, the Cohort, is intended to be a cohesive, supportive,
interactive group of individuals engaged in intellectual inquiry with each other, their professors, and
selected educational practitioners. The courses, seminars, field experiences, and other academic
opportunities offered within the program are the vehicles through which this intellectual inquiry takes
place. Each member is required to participate in activities and to contribute as a member of this
community of aspiring scholars. The Cohort proceeds as a group through a sequence of coursework,
and research endeavors. Approval of a change from this policy and/or a leave of absence may be made
only upon written request of the candidate to the advisor and the Program Director. The Program
Director, with faculty advisor input, reserves the right to approve or disapprove the request.
GENERAL ADMISSIONS
To the extent provided by applicable law, no person shall be excluded from participation
in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored
or conducted by The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on the basis of race, color, age, national
origin, gender, religion, disability, or veteran status. Any complaints should be directed to the
Office of Student Affairs or the Corporate Compliance Officer of the University. Admission to the
University does not imply admission to all programs of the University. The University does limit
graduate admissions to those students who have shown a history of academic competency that
suggests the ability to perform doctoral work and indicates that doctoral study will contribute
significantly to the intellectual and professional development of the student.
ADMISSIONS
Standards for admission to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Doctor of Education in
Curriculum and Instruction are based on multiple sources of evidence of an applicant’s qualifications,
commitment to the program, and are comparable to those for doctoral programs in other disciplines
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and for Curriculum and Instruction in other universities. All applicants must hold a baccalaureate and
master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a recognized international equivalent.
All final candidates for admission will be required to participate in the following:
1. An interview with the Faculty Selection Committee.
2. A writing sample (in English). Candidates will need to write a reaction paper on site. A rubric will
be available in advance so applicants will know how the sample(s) will be reviewed.
Admission will be considered for applicants who do not meet the customary GPA/GRE or other
requirements but whose credentials indicate a good probability of success in doctoral study. Final
admission to the Doctoral program will be made by a selection committee comprised of College of
Education and P-16 Integration faculty members. Applicants will be notified of their status by June 1,
2015.
Students, upon admission to the program, are assigned to advisors from the specialization area that
students are applying for. Upon acceptance the students become members of the Doctor of Education
C&I Cohort #9.
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
An applicant who does not meet the grade point average, GRE score, or other criteria stipulated
for regular admission may be admitted with conditions. Students receiving conditional admission may
have one or more conditions specified by the academic department. The graduate advisor may require
a student to remedy deficiencies in preparation by taking specified additional courses. Students must
maintain a 3.25 GPA or better while on conditional status and, normally, must satisfy conditions within
the first twelve hours of doctoral study.
READMISSION OF FORMER STUDENTS
Former graduate students of UTB or UTPA are required to reapply for graduate admission if
they were not enrolled during the previous academic year. Former students must submit transcripts
from all colleges attended since their last enrollment at UTRGV (UTB or UTPA).
DEGREE PLAN / CURRICULUM
The curriculum is designed to provide a balanced program of twenty-one (21) semester credit hours
of core classes, fifteen (15) semester credit hours in the area of specialization, nine (9) semester credit
hours of electives, twelve (12) semester credit hours in research, and a minimum of nine (9) semester
credit hours in dissertation. For Information on the degree plan and coursework, please refer to
Attachment #5.
TRANSFER CREDITS
With the approval of the Program Director, relevant coursework may be considered on an
individual basis toward completion of the degree. No course with a grade lower than B can be
transferred. Courses must be equivalent in content to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
courses and not older than ten years at time of graduation. They may not be courses counted toward
completion of a master’s degree. The maximum number of transfer hours will be no more than nine (9)
semester credit hours.
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Transfer credit (which is used to fulfill program requirements) must be approved by the
Program Director and the Dean of the Graduate College when the official Program of Study is
approved for the student. The Program Director has the initial responsibility to insure that the
proposed transfer work is relevant and appropriate to the degree sought. The Graduate College
will validate the student’s transcript when necessary.
TIME LIMITS
A student will be governed by the Graduate Catalog in effect at the time of official notification
of admission to doctoral studies or may choose to graduate following the requirements of the most
current catalog. Should a doctoral student fail to enroll for a full calendar year, the catalog
requirements in effect at the time of readmission will apply.
Students must complete all requirements for the Doctor of Education C&I within ten years of
the time they are admitted into the program. Graduate courses more than ten years old at the time of
graduation will not be accepted for credit. Students who have compelling reasons for interruption of
their doctoral program may petition the Director for an extension of the time limit.
RESIDENCY
Each student must satisfy the residency requirement. Doctor of Education C&I students fulfill
the residency requirement when completing a total of twenty-seven semester credit hours with UTRGV
(formerly UTB/UTPA) on the doctoral level. This requirement is in line with guidelines set by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
ARRANGEMENTS SERVING STUDENTS
Assigned faculty members will be available for student advising and consultation at convenient
times of the day and evenings for students. Support services will be provided to students at times that
are convenient and flexible. Furthermore, library services at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
provide students with opportunities to utilize a variety of computerized services, i.e. Internet access to
electronic databases at their convenience. Opportunities exist for e-mail transmission of information
and electronic discussion boards to increase the amount of communication for advising and networking
between faculty and students.
DOCTORAL ASSISTANTSHIPS
Based on funding availability doctoral assistantships for teaching or research will be granted in
the EDD C&I program. Teaching assistants will teach two undergraduate courses in the teacher
education program per semester (50% FTE). They will be mentored and supervised by full-time faculty
members in the School of Education. All of the teaching assistants will have a master's degree and at
least 18 graduate hours in the field in which they are teaching. They will have at least three years of
teaching experience at the appropriate level. These requirements for teaching assistants meet the
minimum standards for credentials and experience delineated by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools. Research assistants will be assigned to faculty assisting in their research or to the Office of
the Program Director.
REQUEST OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS DURING THE STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS
Federal Law requires that you provide your SSN if you are applying for financial aid. Student
SSNs are maintained and used by the university for financial aid, internal verification and administrative
purposes, and for reports to Federal and State agencies as required by law. The privacy and
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confidentiality of student records is protected by law, and the university will not disclose your SSN
without your consent for any other purposes except as allowed by law. In accordance with Section
559.003(a) of the Texas Government Code, with few exceptions, the individual is entitled on request to
be informed about the information that the institution collects about the individual, under Sections
552.023 to receive and review the information, and under Section 559.004 to have the institution
collect information about the individual that is correct.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
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Attachment #1
Reference Form
This form is important in the evaluation of the applicant for admission and can be used in support of an application for a financial award (graduate
assistantship). Under provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, this applicant (if admitted and enrolled) will have access to
the information provided below unless he/she has waived such access.
Please fill in this form completely by typing or using a medium point black ink pen.
Applicant completes the top section of this form.
Applicant Information:
_____________________________,_________________________,____________________________________ ________________________________
Last Name
First Name
Middle Name
Date of Birth (month, day, year)
_____________________________, Education Doctorate (Ed. D.) in Curriculum and Instruction, ______________________________
UTRGV Student ID
Degree Sought
Specialization
Optional: I hereby waive my right to access to the material recorded below.
______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Signature
Date
Respondent completes the bottom section of this form.
To the Respondent: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe your judgment of this applicant’s qualifications and promise;
the applicant’s intellectual ability; the applicant’s motivation and capacity for research, and for acquiring professional skills; the
applicant’s promise for a career in productive scholarship and effective teaching; the quality of the applicant’s previous work;
and of his or her character or personality. Please also check the boxes below, for comparative assessment. Your written
assessment in your letter of recommendation is very important to the faculty selection committee.
I WOULD COMPARE THE APPLICANT WITH OTHER STUDENTS OF THE SAME LEVEL AS FOLLOWS:
EXCEPTIONAL
ABOVE
AVERAGE
AVERAGE
BELOW
AVERAGE
NO
INFORMATION
Intellectual Ability
Writing Ability
Speaking Ability
Academic
Preparation
Motivation
Maturity
Teaching Ability
I have known this applicant for ________years. During this time the applicant was an: ___undergraduate student
___graduate student ___assistant of mine ___advisee of mine ___departmental assistant ___other (please
specify):__________________________________________________________________________________________
In summary, my recommendation is: ___very strong ___strong ___average ___below average
___recommendation with reservation (please explain). ____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RESPONDENT INFORMATION (Please type or print).
Name:________________________________ Place of Employment:_________________________ Title:______________________
Address:______________________________ City, State, Zip Code__________________________ Phone: ( )_________________
Signature:__________________________________________ Date:________________________ E-mail :___________________________
Please forward the completed form and the letter of reference directly to UTRGV.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158, 1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
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Attachment #2
Personal Statement
Please provide a carefully developed statement of your professional goals, experience and scholarly
accomplishments, why you want to pursue this degree, possible research questions and/or topics of
interest for pursuing research. The statement should be 500 words and must be typed. – Please use
additional pages as needed.
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Attachment #3
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Specializations
Please select one of the following Degree Specializations*:
Bilingual Studies prepares highly qualified bilingual and ESL/EFL educators, supervisors,
administrators, and curriculum developers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide leadership in
the area of bilingual and ESL education. Emphasis is given to understand the value of bilingualism and
biliteracy and the appreciation for other languages and cultures. The program emphasizes research in
bilingualism, biliteracy, curriculum development of ESL and dual language programs, and teaching for
social justice in linguistically and culturally diverse communities.
Educational Technology with a focus on e-Learning will further enhance candidates' career
opportunities in the PK-16 arena by enabling them to design, develop, and teach courses through Web-based
instruction (e-learning). The Educational Technology courses are offered 100% online. This program allows
students to acquire knowledge and skills in the areas of instructional systems design, learning and instructional
theories, and development of Web-based and interactive multimedia learning environments using various
state-of-art technology-based systems.
Higher Education Teaching is designed for scholar-practitioners. Graduates will possess the skills,
knowledge, and attitudes necessary for investigating, understanding, and shaping dynamic relations among
students, institutions of higher education, and society. Graduates pursue careers in public education (such as
dual enrollment teaching), in community colleges, in four-year colleges, in universities, in corporate-sponsored
education, and in research centers. Students coming to this program have diverse backgrounds. Graduates can
anticipate positions as faculty, instructional designers, evaluators, trainers, and managers of instructional
systems in public schools, business, government, higher education, military, and other settings. The curriculum
includes the development of sophisticated management skills and intelligent, informed leadership.
Early Childhood is designed to create highly skilled professionals who meet the educational needs of
researchers and teacher educators in an intercultural world. The students will improve their investigative and
instructional skills in early childhood education settings striving for cutting edge research that is responsive to
diverse community and regional needs. Courses, field experiences, and research studies are complemented
with progressively more involved curricula encompassing young children in group settings within public and
private settings. Such training is the best possible preparation for careers in higher education, in schools as
educational leaders and in child-related agencies such as mental health agencies, hospitals, and related fields.
Literacy prepares highly qualified educators with the knowledge and skills to provide leadership,
research, and instruction in reading and 21st century literacies. The purpose is to augment candidates’
professional knowledge and skills in literacy-related theories, models, research, historical trends, transnational
and border issues, policy, leadership, community and family literacy, digital literacies, and critical literacies.
Science Education provides master teachers with a strong foundation in curriculum leadership and
scholarship to strengthen science education reform and innovation in K-12 settings. Graduates from this degree
will be able to investigate, develop, and implement rigorous and relevant science programs that meet the
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changing landscape of curriculum reform. Furthermore, the specialization emphasizes studies that explore
access for a diverse student population that must be ready to enter a scientifically and technologically literate
world.
Mathematics Education is designed so that graduates receive a foundation in research and best
teaching practices in mathematics education through a research-based degree program that emphasizes
mathematics learning with understanding and how to advance mathematics performance for all students. The
program includes mathematics education theory, involvement with research, and writing and presenting.
Graduates would be able to obtain faculty positions in mathematics education at colleges and universities, or
leadership positions in school districts as curriculum specialists.
Over-all objective of the Specializations of the Doctor in Education Curriculum Instruction is to
prepare, train and educate students to become exceptional leaders in administrative and academic positions of
public and private school systems, colleges and universities, and become scholars who will achieve greater
understanding of higher education. At the same time they can pass on knowledge of the past, have the ability
to inquire and prepare students to work with a technology friendly and change oriented higher education
environment in the future.

The requirement of Teaching and/or Experience in Education can be substituted by relevant professional
experience.
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Attachment #4
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Program Applicants
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Resume and Outline of Professional Experiences
For applicants of this professional degree program, at the doctoral level, it is desirable to have a more
complete outline of professional experiences than is normally provided with application forms.
Please complete this form, using extra pages if needed, and attach it to your vita/resume. This needs
to be uploaded for review with your formal application to:
Last Name
First Name
Middle Initial
Professional Positions: Please provide a complete record of your professional positions held, covering
each year since your graduation from college/university. Start with your current position and work
back in time.
Years (From-To)
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Attachment #5
DEGREE PLAN / CURRICULUM
A minimum of fifty-seven (57) semester hours of post-master’s degree coursework, plus nine
(9) semester hours of dissertation are required for the Doctor of Education (Ed. D. Degree) in
Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Courses at the 6000, 7000
and 8000 level may be applied toward the degree with approval of the faculty advisor and the
Program Coordinator. The majority of the coursework will be at the 8000 level. The degree plan will
be developed jointly by the student and faculty advisor, with approval of the Specialization
Coordinator, Ed.D. Coordinator, Dean of the College of Education, and the Dean of Graduate Studies.
The Program of Study (POS) will be structured as follows:
Research
– 12 SCH
Core Courses (C&I) – 21 SCH
Specialization
– 15 SCH
Electives
– 9 SCH
Dissertation
– 9 SCH
PROGRAM
The components of the doctoral program are as follows:
1. Leveling Courses
Prior to entering the proposed doctoral program, all students must have completed a master's
program in education or a related field and three graduate semester credit hours in introductory
educational research that may be part of the master's program. Other courses to provide needed
background may be required upon review and design of the program of study with an advisor.
2. Research Courses, 12 SCH
Required: 9 SCH
EDFR 8300 Research Methods and Design
EDFR 8301 Qualitative Research
EDFR 8302 Quantitative Research
Research Elective: 3 SCH
EDFR 8303 Advanced Qualitative Research
EDFR 8304 Advanced Quantitative Research
EDFR 8305 Program Evaluation
EDFR 8306 Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research
EDFR 8307 Selected Topics in Research
3. Curriculum Core, 21 SCH
EDCI 8320 Advanced Curriculum Instructional Design and Development
EDCI 8321 Adult Learning Strategies
EDFR 8322 Advanced Historical and Sociological Inquiry in Education
EDCI 8323 Advanced Models of Teaching
EDCI 8324 Literacy Across the Curriculum
EDCI 8325 Mentoring, Induction and Professional Development
EPSY 8318 Application of Human Development and Cognition
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4. Specialization required: 15 SCH
5. Electives, 9 SCH - To be determined with advisor
6. Dissertation, 9 SCH
EDCI 8380
Dissertation I
EDCI 8390
Dissertation II
EDCI 8391
Dissertation III
EDCI 8191
Dissertation IV *Students will continuously enroll in this course until they complete their Dissertation
Note: Programs of Study (POS) will be available at Specializations - Programs of Study.
Course descriptions will be available at Graduate Studies – Doctoral Flyer
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Attachment #6
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students from other countries are valued members of our university community. They bring
knowledge and experience from other cultures that greatly enrich graduate studies at UTRGV. In
many cases, moving to another country to attend graduate school is very expensive and requires
great personal and family commitment. It is important that international students enter doctoral
studies at UTRGV with a clear understanding of their obligations and responsibilities and of the
university’s commitment to them.
International Students must comply with the application process listed on pages 2 and 3. In
addition there are the following requirements:
1. TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based,
213 on computer based, or 79 on internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS.
Additional information:
Students whose native language is not English must complete and have submitted the scores
of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
TOEFL exempt countries
American Samoa
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada (except Quebec)
Dominica
Grenada
Grand Cayman
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Liberia
New Zealand
Sierra Leone
Trinidad/Tobago
United Kingdom
U.S.Pacific Trust
United States (other than Puerto Rico)
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Other Exemptions:
Students who have recently and successfully completed at least 30 hours of university level
academic studies in one of the countries listed.
Lifetime residents of Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), New Zealand, United Kingdom,
or the United States (other than Puerto Rico).
Students who have completed the Advanced Level of the Intensive Program from the English
Language Institute (ELI) at UTRGV may submit the completion certificate with the application.
Important Information
Only test scores that are received directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS) or from the
UTRGV Testing Center are acceptable for admission purposes. Since it normally takes 8-10
weeks for test results to arrive at UTRGV from the ETS, you should plan to take the tests well
in advance of the appropriate application deadline to insure that scores will arrive on time.
UTRGV will not accept residual TOEFL scores from exams taken at another institution.
If the test date was more than two years ago, the applicant must retake the examination and
request that an official report from ETS be sent to UTRGV.
The test bulletin of information and registration forms are usually available at American
embassies and consulates, offices of the United States Information Agency, or online
at www.ets.org.
The institution code to forward your scores to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is 6570.
University Testing Services
The University Testing Services provides a variety of Testing services for new students, currently
enrolled students and the community
University Testing Services
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Students whose native language is not English will be expected to provide test scores for either
TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer
based, or 79 on internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. For additional information, visit ILTS.
2. English translation of educational records.
3. Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA).
International students can send a copy of their transcript(s) directly to Foreign Credentials
Service of America (FCSA) www.foreigncredentials.org along with the application. A detailed
evaluation of coursework is required in order to process your application for admission
consideration.
The student must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Graduate College and a copy
will be placed in the student’s file.
Students may send copies of their transcript(s) directly
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to FCSA. The student must bring the original transcript to the Graduate College and a copy
will be made to be placed in the student’s file.
Official Transcripts must be submitted before the following deadlines:
Deadlines to submit original transcripts:
Admitted for Fall
October 15th
Admitted for Spring
March 1st
Admitted for Summer 1
July 8th
Admitted for Summer 2
August 25th
Deadlines to submit original transcripts (with degree conferred):
Students graduating in Fall
March 1st
Students graduating in Spring
July 8th
Students graduating in Summer 1
August 24th
Students graduating in Summer 2
October 15th
Students not complying with this requirement will not be able to register for future semesters.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or if we can help you with your application.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
956/665-3661
[email protected]
4. Financial Documentation:
In accordance with immigration regulations, all international students are required to submit
documentation showing sufficient funds (minimum of $25,000) subject to change to cover all
expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study.
Documentation must be in the form of letters from the bank or of statements showing
specific dollar amounts available. These documents are not valid unless dated within three
months of the date of acceptance.
If funds that are from a source other than the applicant or their immediate family, the
sponsor must submit a letter of support, state the amount of funding pledged, and attach
copies of recent bank statements.
These documents are not valid unless dated within three months of the date of acceptance.
If you have been offered a scholarship you will need to provide documentation and dollar
amount of the scholarship to our office.
If you have been offered an assistantship by the university you will need to provide
documentation and dollar amount of the assistantship to our office.
Mexican nationals may also apply for the Mexican Non-Resident Tuition Waiver and
provide all financial documentation that it requires (for more information contact the Office
of International Admissions and Services). Affidavit of Support for immigration form I-20
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5. Current Immigration documents
All international students must submit a current copy of your valid passport so that we may
ensure that the spelling of your name is consistent on all immigration and university
documents.
Once approved for admission the OIAS will issue an I-20 which you will need to take to the
nearest U.S. Consulate and apply for a student visa (detailed instructions will be included
with the I-20).
For students who plan to attend on a visa status other than F-1 or F-3 student status, proof
of that status is required. Include copies of all immigration documents.
If you have applied for U.S. Residency but have not yet received it you must attach copies of
immigration documents.
If you are in the U.S. but currently have no legal status (undocumented) please note so on
the application. Please contact us as you may qualify for in-state tuition based on Texas
Senate Bill 1528.
Information and documents needed to obtain a student visa will be sent to you once you
have been accepted to UTRGV.
6. Additional Comments:
A waiver of the TOEFL requirement may be granted at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate
Studies if the applicant is from a country in which English is the primary language, or is a U.S.
Citizen or permanent resident, or holds an undergraduate, masters, or doctoral degree from a
U.S. college or university. All International students for whom English is not the mother tongue
must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Students (except those from Mexico) who enter the country under the provisions of an I-20 must
qualify for unconditional admission status to the University. Individuals who are required to
obtain the legal status of international student must request the form I-20 A-B from the
Admissions Office (only after being admitted unconditionally).
To obtain the I-20 form, you must submit the following:
a. a tentative Program of Study from the academic department
b. an affidavit of financial support
c. proof of economic solvency (i.e. bank statement or bank letter)
Obtain F-1 visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate with an I-20 form and valid passport.
Present immigration documents prior to registration to :
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999, [email protected]
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Attachment # 7
When submitting your Application, please e-mail, mail or fax this completed
form to:
Office of Director, Doctor in Education C&I Program
College of Education
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Fax: (956) 882-8929 • [email protected] • Tel: (956)882-5769
Application to the Doctor in Education C&I Program
(Information Form for College of Education)
Please Print!
The completed 2015 Application for the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction has
been sent/completed on: ________________________
Date
Name: ___________________________________________ I.D. #____________________________
Specialization:
_________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________________
Street or Box #
City
State
Zip Code
Telephone Numbers: Home (____) ________ Work (____) _________ Cell (_____) ______________
E-Mail Address: ________________________________________________
Remarks: _________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature:
__________________________________________ Date: ______________
CoE/TLI Office Use Only
Received on Date: ______________________
4-22-2015
by: ___________________________
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