Changing Specializations

Program Area

When admitted to the doctoral program in the GSE, students identified and were accepted into a specific program Area (DAPS, SHIPS, or CTE). However, after sampling a variety of courses at Stanford, the student may wish to change their program Area, in which case Area Committee approval is required. The receiving committee (e.g., SHIPS) and the committee into which the student was originally accepted (e.g., CTE) must approve the transfer. The fulfillment of the new Area requirements may delay degree completion. Forms and instructions are on the GSE Website.

Program Area Specialization

Students are also admitted into a specialization, emphasis, field of study (as referred to in AXESS), or sub-plan of their Area (e.g., Educational Policy in SHIPS or Science Education in CTE). Intellectual specialty will become apparent as students interact with faculty and peers during the first years in the program. Students may specialize in any topic for which they have adequate preparation and for which there is appropriate faculty advisement, but they must petition to change specialty when desired. Students may also change advisors.

Changes of Area, specialty, or advisor must be made via the appropriate petition with the Doctoral Programs Officer. Signatures of involved parties are required. All forms and instructions are on the GSE website.