Stanford University

Overview

The PhD program in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS) at Stanford University equips scholars with the tools to investigate educational issues through a multifaceted lens. This program emphasizes both disciplinary scholarship and policy-oriented approaches, allowing students to tackle complex educational challenges effectively.

What You'll Study

Program Options:

• HSS Discipline Option: Engage with one of the seven Humanities and Social Sciences in Education disciplines, including anthropology, economics, history, linguistics, organizational studies, philosophy, or sociology.
• IDE Issue Domain Option: Focus on one of the four Issue Domains in Education, such as educational policy, higher education, international comparative education, or education data science.
• Cross-Area Specialization: Blend themes and methodologies from various areas to support an interdisciplinary dissertation agenda.
• Dual Specialization: Pursue two specializations from the available options, allowing for a broader academic foundation aligned with dissertation research.

Throughout the program, students will complete coursework and research training tailored to their chosen focus, culminating in the development and defense of a dissertation based on original research.

Entry Requirements

Prospective students are required to submit an application through Stanford Graduate Admissions, which includes program-specific steps. Key entry requirements often include a strong academic background, relevant research experience, and standardized test scores, such as the GRE. Applicants should ensure they meet all prerequisites and guidelines outlined by the university.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the SHIPS program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in academia, research institutions, policy analysis, and educational leadership. They possess the skills necessary to influence educational policies and practices, contribute to scholarly discourse, and drive innovation in the field of education.