Cognitive Studies in Literacy (EdD)

• Completed online application
• $35 application fee
• Official transcripts from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs
• Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors

Additional requirements for dissertation completion students:

• Resume or CV
• For your two letters of recommendation:
  • At least one letter must be from a faculty member in the student's former program, preferably from the dissertation chair or academic advisor. Letter must indicate that the student was in good academic standing when they left the program.
  • Letters must address the student's writing ability, academic ability, and work ethic
• For your official transcripts:
  • Include transcripts with master's degree conferral
• Students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their former doctoral programs
• Academic writing sample, such as a current draft of the student's dissertation or a paper
  • Writing sample must be at least 10 pages long
• Personal statement indicating the following:
  • The student's research interests
  • The current status of the student's dissertation
  • Widener faculty the student is interested in working with as Dissertation Chair

The cognitive studies in literacy (EdD) and instructional coaching endorsement certification accept applications on a rolling basis.

Dissertation completion applications are due by June 15 to start in the upcoming fall semester.

Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

How to Apply as a Graduate International Student

• Complete your online application
• Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
• Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
• If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States

Learn more about applying as an international student

Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:

• Must demonstrate financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student