How to Apply

Applying Online
Online applications are encouraged. Apply online now! For those wishing to apply by mail, you will find contact information below.

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program in Community Research & Action (CRA) is December 31.

Since applications for admission must be made to the Vanderbilt University Graduate School, it is important to clearly identify all of your materials and to mark your application as follows:

• The department should be listed as: EHD (Education and Human Development)
• The major is: Community Research & Action
• Ph.D. The area of specialization is: HOD - Community Research and Action

For purposes of the application to the Graduate School, do not list the Department as "Human and Organizational Development" or "Peabody College."

If your application is not completed by the above deadline, you risk not being considered for admission. Applicants are responsible for making sure all materials are in by the deadline.

Advising
Our admissions process is prior to, and independent of, initial faculty advising assignments. Faculty do not individually select students to admit or advise. Admission to the program is based on your fit and qualifications. Therefore, students admitted will be assigned an initial adviser [we try to match interests]. Starting in January of the first year, students may switch to whatever adviser they choose who is willing to advise them.

Transcripts
The Graduate School asks for two official copies of transcripts, one for their record and one for the department. Submit separate transcripts from each college you have attended, even if the credits are also listed as transfer credits on a later transcript. If a college you attended has changed its name, or if you have changed your name, note the change on your application so that your transcripts can be identified. Include brief descriptions of courses whose titles do not indicate the content or scope of the subjects covered (e.g., independent study courses, seminars).

Standardized Tests
An official copy of your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is required as part of the application process. You may also take the GRE Advanced Test in your undergraduate major, but it is not required. You should allow a minimum of six weeks for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send the scores to Vanderbilt. It is best to take the GRE no later than the December testing date. Please use the Vanderbilt code (1871) when indicating where your scores should be sent.

Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required for all foreign applicants whose native language is not English as well as for those who have not received their education at an English-speaking university. Foreign applicants also must take the GRE.

For either exam, a photocopy of your student report of test scores is acceptable until the official copy arrives from ETS. No student will be admitted, however, unless Vanderbilt is in receipt of official scores.

Interests and Goals Statement
A letter or statement of academic interests and professional goals is required. This is crucial in providing information about your personal background, intellectual interests, career goals, ability to take advantage of unique opportunities offered by the program, academic and research experiences, and relevant work or practical experience. Be as specific as you can regarding your interests and goals. Although the application materials include a form for the "letter of intent," you may send up to three additional pages if necessary. Please do not send lengthy examples of your work, but abstracts or short descriptions are sometimes helpful. The department considers each student's ability to contribute to the ethnic and cultural diversity of the program. Members of minority groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Recommendation Letters
You should submit at least three letters of recommendation from professors, research supervisors, or others who can assess your potential for advanced graduate work. Please ask your recommenders to be as specific as possible about issues directly relevant to advanced graduate study. Although there are forms for the letters of recommendation, references are invited to provide additional pages if necessary. Letters should be sent directly to the Department of Human and Organizational Development. Each letter must have an original signature to be considered valid, unless it is sent by a college placement service.

For further information on application procedures, write, call, or email:
Graduate Secretary
Department of Human and Organizational Development
Vanderbilt University
Box 90, Peabody College
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
(615) 322-8484, FAX (615) 322-1141
sherrie.a.lane@vanderbilt.edu

Application materials for students interested in the Ph.D. degree may be obtained from:
The Graduate School
Vanderbilt University
411 Kirkland Hall
Nashville, Tennessee 37240
(615) 343-2727