All applications to the Ph.D. program are reviewed holistically to ensure that the program is a good fit for an applicant's academic and professional interests and abilities. Because the Ph.D. program is a research-intensive degree, the admissions process emphasizes an applicant's research interests and their alignment with the McBee IHE curriculum and/or the expertise of Institute faculty. The most competitive applicants typically have significant exposure to research in a master's program and/or through professional experience on a campus or higher education agency. Although the Ph.D. program is primarily designed for full-time students, we also admit students interested in part-time enrollment. Criteria and standards for admission are the same for full-time and part-time students.

Students admitted to the Institute's doctoral programs typically have already earned a master's degree. Exceptions are approved in certain circumstances.

Application packet will include:

Completed Graduate School Online Application
The McBee Institute of Higher Education is pleased to offer application fee waivers for those applying for admission in the Fall 2022 term to the PhD or MEd programs in Higher Education. These need-based waivers are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be considered for the waiver, please email a brief statement of need along with a current CV and your contact information to Megan Waters Holloway at watersme@uga.edu. Please include your domestic or international application status in the statement of need. You will be notified on the status of the waiver within 1 week of submission.
Please note that these waivers must be processed in advance of your application to the UGA Graduate School. Please do not apply until you have received instructions on how to do so. Applicants who apply before the waiver is processed cannot be reimbursed.
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Current Graduate Record Examination scores (the most competitive applicants are above 50th percentile in each section)
The applicant's statement of interest (maximum of 500 words)
Three letters of recommendation
Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions are acceptable as part of the application review process. However, official transcripts will be required if admitted to the program.

Minimum TOEFL score requirement: overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing
Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall band-width of 6.5, with no single band (score) below 6.0