Admissions

Admissions Requirement

Applicants must have a master's degree from an accredited institution. Most documents that accompany the online application can be submitted electronically. Please reference the list below for additional information.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed online application.
  • Choose the "doctoral degree" and "international EdD" dropdown options.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae (may be submitted electronically).
• Copies of certifications or licenses, if applicable (may be submitted electronically).
• Two references.
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (Wilkes is able to accept e-scripts; transcripts evaluated by WES must follow WES process).
• Scholarly or professional project, product, or paper with an abstract attesting to how this submission reflects the applicant's potential for leadership and scholarship at the doctoral level (may be submitted electronically).

English Proficiency Requirements

The Doctoral Department requires that all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they enter the program with sufficient English skills necessary for success in doctoral level research and writing. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is the most common way international applicants demonstrate English proficiency.

English proficiency can also be demonstrated through a conferred bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from an accredited university where English is the medium of instruction. If this applies to you, we will code a waiver of the English proficiency requirement into your application once we receive and review your transcript showing degree conferral and medium of instruction as English. A list of exempt countries for proficiency requirements is below on page 2.

The current minimum requirement for admission consideration is either a TOEFL score of 85 (iBT) or IELTS score of 7.0. TOEFL scores of 20 or greater in Writing, Speaking, and Reading subsections are required. 

The guidelines for Internet-Based Test (iBT) section scores for admission are the following:

• Writing 22
• Speaking 22
• Listening 18
• Reading 23
• Total 85

The minimum paper-delivered section requirements are the following:

• Reading 23
• Listening 18
• Writing 22

The Doctoral Department also accepts valid International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores (Academic Module).

An overall band score of 6.5 is required for admission with the following section guidelines:

• Reading 7.0
• Listening 6.0
• Speaking 6.0
• Writing 7.0