Admission Requirements

In addition to the criteria listed below, applicants must also meet general graduate admission requirements .

• Evidence of a master’s degree in early childhood or related field. Transcripts must include at least one introductory course in statistics.
• Scores on the Graduate Record Examination Combined Aptitude Test (GRE). All students must submit the general GRE scores even if they have a master’s degree. We do not accept the MATs.  
• For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper), 250 (computer based), or 100 (Internet based), with a minimum score of 23 on the speaking section or an IELTS score of 7.0.
• Short [3-5 page] writing sample: Any substantial piece of academic writing of which the applicant is the sole author  
• Statement of purpose [1500 words maximum] that addresses the following questions:
  • What are your career objectives?
  • How will a PhD in Early Childhood Education and Care advance those objectives?
  • In what ways does the UMass Boston Early Childhood Education and Care program address your particular academic, career, and personal goals?
  • What professional, personal, and academic experiences or strengths have especially equipped you for the challenges of pursuing a doctorate?
  • What research issues are you interested in pursuing at UMass Boston? Which professor(s) would you like to work with in this program?