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PhD in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)

Graduate students in Gifted and Creative Education (GCE) are recognized across the United States and internationally for their cutting-edge research, instructional innovation, and impactful leadership, advocacy and outreach. Doctoral study in GCE involves tailored experiences to develop educational psychologists with knowledge, skills, and dispositions through grant-funded research lab, center-based research initiatives, partnerships with local school districts, state agencies, policy-focused groups, professional associations focused on giftedness and creativity, or other university units such as the Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development.

The Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in GCE represents an intensive research-oriented doctoral program of study focused on areas within educational psychology such as a giftedness, creativity, neuroscience, cognition, social-emotional development, math talent development, motivation, measuring potential, and achievement. This degree involves experiences that typically lead to professional careers as faculty researchers in higher education institutions or other research, assessment or policy-oriented agencies.

Highlights

  1. Engage in a program with a scholarly emphasis on cutting-edge research, instructional innovation, impactful advocacy and outreach.
  2. Many graduates in GCE are employed in higher education and actively engage in research and publication.

Curriculum

Built on the research and traditions of experts in gifted and creative education, your coursework will develop your expertise in the following areas: gifted education foundations, creativity, diversity/equity, social-emotional development, educational psychology foundations, research methods. You may also receive a Georgia Gifted In-field endorsement as part of this program. You will also take two semesters of an internship where you may design a personalized experience in the areas of instruction, advocacy, administration, or research.

This degree program meets the GaPSC requirements for a certification upgrade for public school teachers.

Our faculty members are active at the state, national and international levels in professional associations comprised of experts in gifted and talented education, creativity, underserved or underrepresented populations of high-ability students, social-emotional learning, and measurement of students’ intellectual, academic and creative potential.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

Admissions

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)

The Ph.D. in Gifted and Creative Education requires the following documents with the graduate school application:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • GRE Scores
  • TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants
  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation.

Your 3 letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably, at least 2 of the 3 letters will be from a faculty member who has instructed the applicant in a previous program of study.

Admission depends on factors including prior academic success, research interests, test scores and availability of an appropriate advisor.

Log Into Existing Application

Deadline To Apply

Applications for this program are due December 1 for admission the following Fall Semester.

This program only accepts for the Fall Semester.

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Faculty and Advisors

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates   Browse Financial Aid

Student Life

Students are welcome to participate in the Graduate Researchers in Educational Psychology student association. But students can find specialized experiences related to their area of emphasis. Eligible students may be elected to the Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi international honor society.

Gifted and creative education students may work with the Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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Useful Links

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