Culturally Sustaining Education (M.Ed. or Ph.D.)
Applications Are Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our programs! Applications for the current cycle are now closed and will reopen on September 1, 2026, for a Fall 2027 start.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
M.Ed.Join. Center. Sustain.
The Culturally Sustaining Education program offers both a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Our program seeks to join, center, and sustain the strengths, wisdom, histories, and futures of Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and all global majority young people, families, Elders, communities, and educators—across intersections of gender, disability, language, land, migration, class, and more. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences who are passionate about equity and community-centered education.
Students are prepared to serve as educators, collaborators, and advocates within schools, community organizations, colleges and universities, and other learning spaces. Through this work, they design, enact, and engage in initiatives that promote educational justice in all its forms.
The program is further designed to prepare scholars whose commitments span across disciplines (content/subject areas and academic disciplines), ages (grades/lifespan), and educational spaces (in school/beyond school) to approach teaching, learning, research, and leadership through a racial and intersectional justice and equity lens. We understand the ongoing projects of decolonization, liberation, and abolition as led by communities are central to our work in education. We are committed to learning alongside various culturally sustaining settings and we work to enact them in our own courses, research, and beyond. We understand our program as always in the process of becoming, seeking to grow alongside our students and communities.
Curriculum
Overview
Students work closely with their advisor to create a personalized and comprehensive program of study.
- M.Ed. program
M.Ed. students create a tailored course of study plan that includes:
- Foundations of Education (9 credits)
- Culturally Sustaining Education or related fields (18 credits)
- Ethnic Diversity credits outside the College of Education (12 credits)
- Culminating experience (9 credits)
All course choices are to be negotiated with your adviser, who has the discretion to recommend or require certain courses depending on your background.
In order to earn their degree, students must adhere to the Graduate School's degree requirements, which include completing at least 18 credits at or above the 500 level and earning at least 18 graded credits.
- Doctoral program
Ph.D. students work closely with their advisers to create highly tailored programs of study that include intermediate and advanced coursework in culturally sustaining education, educational justice, and related fields, as well as outside coursework to gain broader perspective and deeper insight into specialized topics.
During the first year, Ph.D. students collaborate closely with their advisors to create a personalized and comprehensive program of study which includes:
- Identifying a research topic
- Securing ways and means for taking part in the selected project
- Selecting first-year courses
- Preparing documentation for advancement to prospective candidacy
Admission requirements and process
Materials
- Application Fee
A $90.00 application fee is required and must be paid by credit card through the online application system.
Fee Waiver: The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee waivers to qualified applicants. Application fee waiver requests must be made at least seven (7) days before your program’s application deadline to allow time for review.
- Degree from an Accredited Institution
- A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program.
- A master’s degree is required for admission to the doctoral program.
- Your degree may be in progress at the time of application, but it must be completed before the program begins.
- Unofficial Transcript(s) (Minimum 3.0 GPA)
You must submit unofficial transcript(s) with your application from every college or university where you earned academic credit. The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 in your most recent 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester credits). GPA is only one part of the application review.
Applications are reviewed holistically, and we encourage you to apply even if your GPA is below 3.0. You do not need to take additional coursework to raise your GPA. Instead, focus on submitting a strong goal statement that explains your interests and how the program aligns with your professional or personal goals, along with strong letters of recommendation. You are also welcome to provide context for a GPA below 3.0.
If you are currently enrolled in a college or university and have not yet graduated, please upload a transcript showing your most recently completed term. A final transcript confirming completion of your degree will be required before the program begins, if admitted.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Doctoral applicants: Three letters of recommendation are required.
- Master’s applicants: Two letters of recommendation are required.
During the online application process, you will be prompted to add your recommenders. Once added, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters electronically.
For all applicants, we recommend choosing individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, skills, and potential for success in graduate study. Letters may be submitted by professional supervisors, academic faculty, or others who can speak to your qualifications.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current academic and professional resume or CV is required. This document should summarize your education, professional experience, and relevant accomplishments. Include degrees earned, work experience, and any applicable awards, publications, presentations, or other achievements.
Be sure to highlight qualifications and skills that are relevant to the program to which you are applying.
Review your document carefully to ensure it is clear, well-organized, and free of errors.
- Statement of Purpose
Your statement should describe your goals, relevant experiences, future plans, and how your specific program aligns with your interests and needs.
In your statement, address the following:
Why you are applying to this specific program
Your academic and professional goals
Areas of interest or topics you wish to explore within the field
How your interest in the field developed and how you have engaged with it
Experiences that have prepared you for graduate study
Skills or strengths that will support your success (e.g., technical skills, research experience, or other relevant abilities)
Examples of initiative, problem-solving, collaboration, and commitment to your goals
Format: Master’s statements are typically 1–2 pages, and doctoral statements are typically 3–5 pages. Statements must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and use a 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri). Citations are not required unless you reference specific evidence in your writing.
Admissions committees review your statement alongside other application materials to assess how well your goals align with the program.
- Writing Sample (Doctoral Applicants Only)
Doctoral applicants must submit one sample of scholarly writing. This sample should represent your strongest graduate-level writing and analytical skills.
Common examples include a research paper, article, thesis, literature review, or similar academic work from a previous program. If you do not have an existing sample, you may submit a newly developed piece such as a research paper, literature review, book review, or report.
We recommend submitting a sample of 10–12 pages. If your document exceeds this length, the review committee may only read a portion of it. You are welcome to submit an excerpt that fits within the suggested page range. Only one sample will be reviewed by the admissions committee.
The writing sample must be written solely by you. If the writing sample has multiple authors, clearly indicate which sections you contributed to.
Format: While there is no strict format requirement, we recommend double-spaced text, 1-inch margins, and a 12-point font.
- Personal History Statement (Optional)
While optional, submitting a personal history statement can strengthen your application by providing additional context about your background and experiences.
This statement should describe your intellectual growth and development, including influences both within and beyond your academic experiences. You may address:
Your personal history, family background, or other influences on your development
How your life experiences have shaped your interests, career plans, and future goals
Statements should be no more than two pages. We recommend using double-spaced text and a clear, legible 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri).
Submitting
Program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex or other identity.
- Gather all required documents
- Visit the Graduate School website
- Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
- Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
- Pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee
- You may request a fee waiver during the application process
- Submit your application
Below, please find instructions for listing the Culturally Sustaining Education program as your area of interest on your application:
- Go to the 'Program Selection' page/tab in the application.
- From the 'Select your application type' drop-down menu, select 'Graduate.'
- From the 'Select your program' drop-down menu, select either 'Education - Seattle (MEd - Curriculum & Instruction)' or 'Education - Seattle (PhD- Curriculum & Instruction)' depending on the degree you are seeking (i.e., M.Ed. or Ph.D.).
- Save and continue.
- Select Autumn 2027 from the drop-down menu, check the required box, and save and continue.
- Click on 'Add Interest Area' and select 'Culturally Sustaining Education' from the drop-down menu.
- Save your selection.
Next Steps
International
We value and welcome applications from all people, including international students! If you are applying from outside the United States, there are additional requirements and application materials.
- Prior degree requirements
- At minimum, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (a four-year degree from an institution of recognized standing)
- Evaluation of your degree will be based on:
- The national system of education in the foreign country
- The type of institution
- The field of study and level of studies completed
- Transcripts
- If a transcript is in English, you can upload the transcript in the online application.
- If the degree is on a separate certificate, you will need to upload this as well. An evaluation from a 3rd party is not needed for this.
- All transcripts and degree conferral documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translation and must be in the same format as the original(s).
- English language proficiency
Per UW Graduate School policy, you must submit a demonstration of English language proficiency if your native language is not English and you did not earn a degree in one of the following countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Canada
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Trinidad and Tobago
The following tests are accepted if the test was taken fewer than two years ago:
- TOEFL
- Minimum score: 80
- Recommended score: 92+
- The UW's 4-digit code is 4854
- IELTS
- You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address:
- University of Washington All Campuses, Organisation ID 365, Undergrad & Graduate Admis, Box 355850, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States of America
- Minimum score: 6.5
- Recommended score: 7.0+
- School information for submission:
University of Washington, All Campuses
Undergraduate & Graduate Admission
Box 355850
Seattle, WA 98195
- You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address:
- Duolingo
- Minimum score: 110
- Recommended score: 125+
- Follow the instructions on the Duolingo website to submit your scores
- Financial ability
If you apply and are offered admission to UW, you will need to submit a statement of financial ability.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $20,736 per year.
- Out-of-state students: $37,464 per year
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.
View the UW tuition dashboard →
Visit the Office of Planning & Budgeting →
Funding & Scholarships
Federal financial aid is available for students. Visit the UW Financial Aid website for information and resources. The College of Education also provides scholarship and other funding opportunities.
History of the program
Founded as the Multicultural Education Program under the visionary leadership of Dr. James A. Banks and Dr. Geneva Gay, our program has been an internationally recognized graduate program for several decades. It has been the intellectual home for countless graduates who have become leaders driving justice and equity in education. We are honored to carry forward the remarkable legacy of this graduate program.
Affiliated research center
The Banks Center for Educational Justice at the University of Washington is a central location for partnerships, program development, and collaborative research with educational settings that seek to center and sustain Native, Black, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander young people and communities across multiple intersections with gender, disability, language, land, migration, class, and more.
