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How to Apply

Ph.D.

Section Contents

Ph.D. applicants apply to and are enrolled in the Vanderbilt Graduate School. This page provides much of the information needed for Ph.D. applicants, but please see the Graduate School website for more details. 

Ph.D. Programs Application Deadline

Final Application Deadline: December 1

Applications submitted after December 1 will not be reviewed. You must submit all required materials by December 1 for your application to be considered complete. 

Application Fee

  • Ph.D. application fee: $95, due at the time you submit your application. The fee applies to each Ph.D. program application.
  • Fee waiver information is available through the Vanderbilt Graduate School; eligible applicants should review waiver options before they apply.

Learn more about our Ph.D. programs or start your application today. 

What You Need to Apply

  1. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (unofficial for review; official if admitted).
  2. Statement of purpose outlining your research interests, fit with Peabody, and long-term goals.
  3. Letters of recommendation speaking to your research and academic potential and readiness for doctoral study.
  4. GRE scores (required for Peabody Ph.D. programs; submit to code 1871).
  5. Curriculum vitae or résumé (including research, publications and relevant experience).
  6. Writing sample or additional materials, if requested by your specific program.
  7. Check your program’s page for any additional materials or specific prompts.

Application Materials for Ph.D. Applicants

  • Transcript(s)
    • 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. Your application will not be considered complete without a transcript from bachelor's level work.
    • All entering graduate 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. 

  • Letters of Recommendation
    • 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.
    • Letters of recommendation emailed or mailed by the recommender will not be accepted. Letters of recommendation are only accepted through the specific link emailed to the recommender through the application. 
  • Statement of Purpose
    • 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 may range in length, but a good general guideline is three pages double-spaced for Ph.D. applicants.
  • GRE Scores
    • 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. 

  • Supplemental Materials
    • 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.
  • Special Education Ph.D. Applicants only
    • 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.

International Applicants

International applicants have additional requirements for their application. You can find those requirements on our How to Apply - International page.

View International Requirements

Funding

Funding details, including assistantships and scholarship information, are provided in the offer letter and may vary by program. Learn more about funding on our Tuition and Fees page.

  • Full funding

    Admitted Ph.D. students at Peabody receive full tuition funding for up to five years of study.

  • Stipend included

    Students receive a competitive monthly stipend and health insurance.

Faculty Matching

Ph.D. study at Peabody follows a master–apprentice model, where you work closely with one or more faculty mentors on research. As you prepare your application, identify faculty whose research aligns with your interests and mention potential advisors in your statement of purpose. 

Reviewing program pages and faculty profiles can help you clarify fit and strengthen your application. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the GRE required to apply?

    The GRE is required for Ph.D. applicants to Peabody College.

  • Do I need to secure faculty support to apply to a Ph.D. program at Peabody College?

    No, you do not need to secure faculty support to apply to a Ph.D. program at Peabody College. While you are welcome to reach out to Peabody faculty, you are not required to have confirmed faculty support at the time of your application. Peabody works with its admitted Ph.D. students to help pair them with a faculty advisor based on mutual interests after the admission process. 

  • Are Ph.D. applications accepted after the December 1 deadline?

    Ph.D. applications are not accepted after the December 1 deadline. 

  • Is funding guaranteed if I’m admitted?

    Yes. Admitted Ph.D. students receive full tuition funding, a competitive stipend and health insurance, typically for up to five years.

    All admitted Ph.D. students are automatically considered and awarded funding as part of their offer.

  • When will my application be reviewed?

    Ph.D. applications are reviewed after the December 1 deadline; there is no rolling review.

  • Can I apply to more than one Ph.D. program?

    Yes, but each application requires its own materials and fee.

  • Is a campus visit required?

    Not required, but you’re encouraged to attend virtual or on-campus events to learn more about Peabody.

Meet the Peabody Admissions Team

  • Rick Holaway

    Rick Holaway

    Sr. Director of Strategic Enrollment Management

  • Samantha Rogers-Burnett

    Samantha Rogers-Burnett

    Director of Financial Aid

615.322.8410
peabody.admissions@vanderbilt.edu