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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When can I apply?

Applications are accepted anytime, but they are reviewed only once a year during the spring semester. New students begin courses in the fall semester. Only completed applications submitted by the annual deadline will be reviewed and considered during the admission period. The Ph.D. in TLC office will contact prospective students who submit incomplete applications. Those that are not completed by the deadline will be discarded. Completed applications that are submitted after the deadline will be deferred and reviewed for next year’s admission cycle during the spring semester. For a Graduate School application .

2. Is there an option if I was not able to complete or submit my application by the deadline?

Yes, applicants may consider the Graduate School’s Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking admission option. This option allows potential applicants to enroll in a couple of our doctoral classes but does not substitute or guarantee admission to the Ph.D. program or other programs. For more information about the Non-Degree Seeking admission option, contact the Graduate School at 915-747-5491, , or by email at gradschool@utep.edu. Click on the following guide for more information.

3. May I apply if I do not have a degree in Education or a related field?

Yes, however, leveling courses may be necessary. Consultation with faculty for enrollment into leveling courses is encouraged prior to applying for admission. Leveling courses may be completed as a master's or non-degree seeking student prior to being admitted into the doctoral program. Doing well in the Teacher Education leveling courses does not guarantee admission into the program.

4. What are leveling courses?

Leveling courses are courses that applicants without the appropriate background or with insufficient background in the discipline are asked to take. The courses help acquire the necessary background knowledge to succeed in the program.

5. Can transfer students apply?

Yes, transfer students are welcome to apply. Each application will be evaluated on an individual basis for coursework equivalents that may be applied to the Ph.D. in TLC program of studies. However, as per Â鶹¹ÙÍø Graduate School policy, Ph.D. coursework that is more than eight years old is generally considered expired.

6. Are the doctoral classes included in the graduate catalog?

The doctoral program and course descriptions are available on the graduate catalog .

7. Is the General Records Exam required for admission?

No, this exam has recently been removed as a requirement for the admission application.

8. What are the minimum test scores for English Proficiency?

The admissions committee reviews all materials and makes decisions based on all application requirements to include the interview. Nevertheless, test scores are one component of the application that contributes to an admission decision. All application requirements help provide an overall and balanced applicant assessment.

• Minimum TOEFL Paper Based score: 550
• Minimum TOEFL Internet Based score: 79
• Minimum IELTS score: 6.5
• Minimum Duolingo score: 105

9. What information should I include in my personal statement?

The majority of your statement needs to address your career goals, specific research interests, faculty members whose research interests you, and how this specific program will enhance your professional development. Briefly discuss anything else about your history such as previous research experience, skills, and training that might not be apparent in your other application requirements. Click on the following guide for more information.

10. Who should I ask for scholarly recommendations?

It is best to get recommendations from people who are familiar with you and the preparation that is needed to successfully complete a graduate degree in Education. People with an advanced degree and affiliated with higher education or academia (such as a university or a research laboratory) are typically the best sources for these scholarly recommendations, but letters from supervisors also are acceptable. More information about recommendations may be found in the admission process and requirements section.

11. Is there a specific form or format for letters of recommendation?

No, but recommendations must address the applicant's communication, academia, collaborative, study skills, as well as the potential for successfully completing a doctoral program. Please ask the people providing a recommendation to clearly indicate their name and yours. Recommendations may be addressed to the doctoral committee but must be submitted to the Graduate School like all other requirements.

12. How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Culture?

The time varies among individuals primarily due to whether students are studying full-time or part-time and how long it takes students to write their dissertations. However, all students are expected to advance through the program in a timely fashion so that they can complete all requirements and graduate within three or four years. Students are asked to take only courses that count toward their degree and to enroll in the summer for at least three credit hours.

13. How much time can I expect to spend studying as a Ph.D. student?

On average, a doctoral student taking six credit hours (two courses) per semester can expect to spend approximately 30 hours per week on their coursework. This includes three contact hours per class plus 12 hours of study, reading and writing activities per class on a weekly basis.

14. Is the program offered online?

No, the TLC PhD Program is classified as an in-person doctoral studies program. However, the program does offer the several hybrid courses that have in-person and online components.

15. Are evening classes available?

Yes, the program is geared to allow students flexibility during the daytime. Generally, classes meet once a week the evenings between 5:00 – 8:20 PM. Occasionally, the program will also offer a Saturday course during mid-morning or and the afternoon.

16. May I visit your program and talk to faculty and students?

Yes, we encourage you to learn as much as possible about our program before you apply. This includes contacting whose research interests you. Our faculty is ready to talk to prospective students and can make arrangements for you to visit and/or talk with others who can help answer your questions. The United Teacher Education Doctoral Students (UTEDS) also may be contacted at uteds@utep.edu to meet and talk to doctoral students in the program.

17. How much is tuition?

In-State Resident: $1,199.35 per three-credit course; $23,987  for the minimum 60 credit-hour program

Out of State Resident: $2,767.70  per three-credit course; $55,354  for the minimum 60 credit-hour program

This information is based on Spring 2022 tuition fee information and does not include additional major, course, or miscellaneous fees. Every effort was made to provide accurate and up to date information. Tuition rates are subject to change at the University’s discretion.

All students who are employed by the University (all Ph.D. students and many M.A. students) may receive in-state tuition.

For more information about tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, contact the Financial Aid office at 915-747-5204 or financial@utep.edu and visit /student-affairs/financialaid; Student Business Services 915-747-5116 or sbs@utep.edu and visit /vpba/student-business-services; and the Office of Scholarships at 915-747-5478 or scholar@utep.edu and visit .

The Programa de Asistencia Estudiantil (PASE) provides in-state tuition to Mexican citizens that qualify. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs at 915-747-5664 or oip@utep.edu and visit .

18. Does Â鶹¹ÙÍø provide any financial support available to assist doctoral student with the cost of tuition?

Typically, TLC students fund their doctoral degrees by a combination of sources including scholarships, fellowships, research / teaching assistantships, and student loans. The Â鶹¹ÙÍø Graduate School also assists students by providing financial/tuition support to all doctoral students that hold a part-time student position on campus.

To receive this support students, need to (a) enroll full time, (b) work 20 hours/week as a student employee, and (c) engage in research throughout your graduate career.

For information regarding internal funding provided by the Graduate School, please visit: /graduate/funding/internal-funding.html

19. Are assistantships provided to Ph.D. Students?

A limited number of graduate assistantships (up to 20 hours a week) are available to full-time students (taking nine credit hours or three courses in the fall or spring) who have been admitted to the program. The budget for assistantships changes from year to year. Students interested in these positions should send their résumé and a letter of interest to Dr. Song An, PHD, Program Director, at saan@utep.edu.

20. Are teaching positions within the department available for students currently enrolled in this program?

Yes, qualified and experienced students may apply for temporary, part-time positions as Adjunct Faculty for the Teacher Education Department. These flexible positions provide students with the opportunity to teach at the university level, while receiving monetary compensation. Students interested in these positions should send their résumé and a letter of interest to Dr. Song An, PHD, Program Director, at saan@utep.edu.

21. Where can I make an appointment to discuss or ask additional questions relative to the Ph.D. in TLC?

Please feel free to contact Lynette Contreras, TLC Program Coordinator ( 915-747-5201 / lmcontrerasval@utep.edu) or Dr. Song An, PHD, TLC Program Director (915-747-5527 / saan@utep.edu) to further discuss the TLC Program.