Interested in Educational research & considering a PhD?
The expanded Access, Wellness, and Relational Determinants of Student Success: Publishing, policy, practice, Leadership and life-long learning for Underrepresented Students (AWARDSS or AWARDSS-PLUS) Program, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, is open to students of all disciplines that lead to a PhD program in an education-related field, such as education, social science, and public health.
This UROC-affiliated program at the University of Arizona can prepare you for doctoral study in education through an exceptional year-long training program.
should You apply (2025 Cohort)?
You must be committed to pursuing a doctoral degree and intend to apply and enroll in a graduate program immediately
You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0+. (overall, major, or graduate degree GPA)
You must meet one of the following criteria regarding academic status:
Be a continuing UA junior or senior, or
Be within 5 years of having received a Bachelor's degree or
Be currently enrolled in a Master's degree program with a graduation date no sooner than December 2025.
Finally, you will also be asked to describe how your background contributes to the diversity of graduate education. While any student meeting the requirements is eligible, Pathways programs strongly encourage applications from individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in Ph.D. programs.. *Underrepresented can refer to any sociodemographic or characteristic that does not fit the common profile of Ph.D. students, i.e. race, culture, age, gender, ability status, socioeconomic status, disadvantage backgrounds or experienced adversity, first-generation college student, parental status, current work status, etc.
If you can answer that question and meet the above criteria - this program is for you!
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How can you benefit?
Fellows will receive specialized training in education research (with a focus on examining individual and societal contributions to student success), conduct research with faculty mentors, develop their writing skills, and receive specific assistance in applying to doctoral programs, all via our specialized funded program.
Fall/Spring graduate writing courses
GRE training and fee waivers
Financial package of up to $9,200 in stipend (inc. room and board support noted below) and additionally up to $2,900 in professional development and travel funds
Summer room and board provided (or off-campus housing equivalencies)
On campus parking, mileage (if applicable)
Summer tuition and fees paid by UROC for the UROC-PREP credit-bearing courses
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"It was not only an opportunity to delve into my research but also a chance to present it confidently, which was incredibly fulfilling. I had a great time being in a room filled with other brilliant minds and sharing insights."
Faith Johnson, 2023
Possible Majors
The AWARDSS program is not restricted to specific majors - only to those interested in educational research (across the lifespan). Here are some examples of degrees that AWARDSS fellows may have obtained or plan to pursue:
Administration of Justice
Anthropology
Bilingual Education
Disability Studies
Economics
Educational Policy
Educational Psychology
Educational Research
Elementary Education
English
Family Studies & Human Development
Government and Public Service
Higher Education
History
Literacy, Learning, & Leadership
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Organizational Leadership
Psychology
Public Health
Social Justice
We are excited to be accepting applications for a 2025 AWARDSS Cohort. Applications are due Nov. 1st, 2024! You can also check the UROC website for any other deadlines for other programs). If you're specifically interested in educational research, please contact our PI, Dr. Michelle Perfect, in the interim. mperfect@arizona.edu
UROC programs for those interested in other areas are also available here: https://grad.arizona.edu/uroc/uroc
Details on how to apply are available here. For any questions about applying please contact us at COE-AWARDSS@.arizona.edu.
Note: The application website (UROC) uses a universal form for all programs, and some of the information contradicts our requirements (i.e. UROC states that you must be a continuing UA junior or senior with a certain graduation date, but the AWARDSS program has broader acceptance standards as described above*). The information you find here at the AWARDSS site is accurate regarding requirements.
