How To Apply

Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process. You should include transcripts from all previous post-secondary work (bachelor's and master's studies) with your application.

Official verification of prior degrees is required should you be admitted and choose to enroll at Peabody College. All entering graduate and professional students must submit final, official transcripts (and any necessary supporting documentation) in order to register for classes for their first semester at Vanderbilt. A final, official transcript should list the degree(s) awarded and the month and year of conferment.

Official transcripts can be sent to cdm@vanderbilt.edu or CDM/PMB 407833, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7833.

International Applicants should review the Additional Information section for specific transcript translation requirements and information. 

Three letters of recommendation are required for all Ph.D. applicants.

Recent graduates should have at least two letters of recommendation from college or university faculty with whom they have studied.

You may submit your application before all letters of recommendation are received by Vanderbilt. Recommenders will still be able to submit letters after you officially submit your application. Be sure to double check your recommender's email address when listing them on the application. Letters of recommendation submitted by the student (even if written by the recommender) will not be accepted.

We encourage you to write a personal statement that outlines your interest in Peabody and your program, what you hope to bring to your cohort, and how you plan to use your Peabody education. Please note that some programs ask for specific questions to be answered in the personal statement, which you should prioritize. Personal statements at the Ph.D. level are typically 2-3 pages double-spaced in length.

For All Ph.D. Applicants:

Official GRE scores are required as part of the Ph.D. application and must have been taken within the last 5 years for scores to be considered. Our GRE institutional code is 1871, and there is no department code.

You may register for the GRE test directly at the ETS website.

International Applicants should review the Additional Information section for additional testing requirements and information. 

Upload any supplemental materials in the "additional materials" section of your application. You will not be able to upload materials until after you submit the application.

In addition to your application, all applicants to the Special Education Ph.D. program must submit examples of scholarly writing whether it is abstract from thesis, journals or research papers.

We are pleased that you are considering continuing your education at Peabody. This section serves to provide you with additional information and requirements for international applicants. For all admissions-related questions, you should email us at peabody.admissions@vanderbilt.edu.

Transcripts

The transcripts you submit must have an English translation.

International students with degrees from non-U.S. institutions are required to have their transcripts evaluated by an approved credentials evaluation agency and to have an official report sent by the agency to the Vanderbilt University Registrar's Office before enrollment.

Approved evaluating agencies include:

• International Education Evaluation (IEE) - Note: students who use the Vanderbilt University Institution Portal will receive their evaluation at a discounted rate in three days with standard processing
• World Education Services (WES)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

English Proficiency Testing

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required of all international applicants unless you have received a college degree and completed coursework from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

Students who complete coursework on campuses of U.S.-based institutions not in one of the above listed locations still need to submit English language scores.

An official score report sent directly from the testing agency is required. Our TOEFL institutional code is 1871, and there is no department code. The minimum recommended TOEFL score is 100.

There is no institutional code for the IELTS. A minimum recommended score is 7.0 for the composite score with no individual band score below 6.5.

Duolingo scores are also accepted. Test results must include subscores. If you took the test prior to July 15, 2019 when subscores were added, you should retake the test to comply with the subscore requirement. A minimum recommended score is 120.