Research Focus
- Research into the mechanisms of mathematics learning and teaching—in particular, studying how people transition from perceptual/intuitive/embodied experience to formalised/abstract/symbolic mathematical understanding;
- Design-based research: combining educational theory, cognitive science and practical teaching to create, test, evaluate and optimise teaching materials and learning activities;
- Exploring and building mixed-media teaching tools to support deep understanding of mathematical concepts;
- Embodied interaction—that is, how humans engage in the process of understanding through movement, gesture, perception and bodily experience, and connect this experience with formal mathematical language/structures.
Programme Structure and Funding
This programme is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 5–6 years. There is only 1 place.
This programme is fully funded: students receive full scholarship funding from the university in years 1–2 of the PhD. In years 3–5 or 6, depending on the supervisor’s funding situation, students are required to work as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher) or GSI (Graduate Student Instructor), that is, a TA, in order to obtain scholarship funding.
Entry Requirements
Education, Educational Technology, Mathematics Education, Learning Sciences, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design
- Academic background: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
- Grade requirement: GPA ≥3.0/4.0
- Language requirements: IELTS overall score no lower than 7; or TOEFL overall score no lower than 90; applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an English-taught country may apply for a language exemption
Application Materials
- CV;
- Transcripts;
- TOEFL or IELTS score report within 2 years;
- 2 pieces of academic writing; Statement of Purpose; Personal History statement.
- 3 letters of recommendation (at least 2 academic).
Application Period
Autumn entry. Application period: September to early December of the previous year.
Application Process
From now until early October, applicants submit application materials and we will conduct a preliminary assessment. In early to mid-November, those who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview with potential supervisors. Before December, after passing the private interview, applicants formally submit application materials through the university’s official website (the supervisor will provide professional support). In late January of the following year, shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the college’s PhD admissions committee. In late February of the following year, admission offers are issued.
Autumn: September to early December.
Tuition and Living Costs
Living Costs
Approximately $30,000/year (depending on individual circumstances).
- Tuition: for the 2025–26 academic year, $20,076.75/semester (note: tuition rises slightly each year).
Career Prospects
The UC Berkeley PhD in Education is known for its academic rigour and interdisciplinary perspective, and graduates have a significant advantage in the job market. At present, the education field increasingly values data-driven decision-making, equity and innovation, and there is strong demand for PhD talent in academic research, policy-making, technology application and leadership roles.
According to data such as PayScale, the average starting salary of PhD in Education graduates is approximately $75,000, and with experience and differences across fields, mid- to late-career salaries can reach over $120,000, with top academic or leadership positions paying more. Development paths by field:
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Academic research: entering universities as professors or researchers, conducting research in educational theory, policy or psychology, and advancing the discipline’s frontiers.
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Policy and government agencies: participating in policy analysis and programme evaluation at ministries of education, think tanks or non-profit organisations, directly influencing reform of education systems.
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Educational technology and innovation: leading curriculum design, learning sciences application or educational product development, integrating technology to solve practical problems.
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School management and leadership: serving as district superintendents, principals or academic directors, improving teaching quality and institutional operations from a research perspective.
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International organisations and consulting: serving organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, or providing professional consulting, dedicated to global education programmes and development.
