UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Montessori EdD

How to Apply

Applications received and postmarked on or before December 31st will be considered for the next EdD cohort beginning the summer of the following year. Virtual Interviews will be held with the Admissions team and finalists in mid-December. Final decisions will be made early January. Interested candidates must register and attend an EdD information session. Please contact eric.mcbride@uwrf.edu for more information and a link to a session.

Applicants are encouraged to check the curriculum. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with GPAs lower than 2.75 may be considered in special circumstances. 

All application materials must be submitted as indicated in the chart below.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Admissions Office at graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3500 with questions about the application process. 

Application Material Required

Submission Method Required

START HERE: Online application form and $56 application fee.

Complete the UW System online application to access your applicant portal where you will submit your application materials.

You do not need to complete the campus statement on the UW System application.

Resume

Upload your resume to your application portal.

Letter of Interest

The Letter of Interest can be found in your applicant portal. Complete and submit the form directly in the portal.

  • Be specific. Focus your response to the question at hand.
  • Proofread or have someone you know proofread for errors and clarity.
  • Focus on why you want to be part of the Montessori Ed.D. program and why you want to study at UWRF.

Writing sample, choose A or B

Upload a writing sample to your applicant portal.

A.) In 1,500 words or fewer, share the intersection of your interests with one or more of the following:

  • Special Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • Social Justice 
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Elder care and Dementia

B.)  Attach a research/ scholarly or creative activity piece that demonstrates your writing ability.

If you choose not to use the applicant portal, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3500.

Three letters of recommendation

References can be added in your applicant portal.  Once you submit the names of your references in your applicant portal, they will be emailed directly with a request to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. 

  • We do not require an official ranking form, checklist, or waiver for letters of recommendation.
  • We encourage you to speak with letter writers about why you want a Doctorate in Montessori Studies and your potential research field of interest.
  • We look for evidence of academic skills, and/or writing skills in working with people.
  • We want to read about how you would be a good fit for leadership, research, and this program.

If you choose not to use the letter of references system, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3500.

Official transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate degree granting institution (required)

Please send electronic transcripts. Most universities use either Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse services. Visit your college’s website to see which one they use. 

When ordering a transcript, select the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as the recipient.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores within the last five years are required 

GRE scores can be sent to UW-River Falls electronically.  UW-River Falls school code is 1918. GRE scores must be received by the University by the application deadline.

Deposit

Candidates who accept admission into a cohort will be required to make a non-refundable deposit (applicable towards tuition) of $500 by January 31 of the year of enrollment.