PhD Research Statement of Purpose Template
Research-focused structure for doctoral applications. Replace prompts with your own evidence.

Research Identity
Primary research area: ____________________________
Question or problem you want to investigate:
Why the problem matters:

Prior Research Preparation
Thesis, dissertation or major project:
Methods, tools or datasets used:
Your individual contribution:
What the work taught you about research:

Research Experience Evidence
Publication, poster, conference, lab work, RA role or technical project:
Challenge encountered and how you handled it:
Outcome, limitation or unanswered question:

Proposed Doctoral Direction
Questions you may want to pursue:
Methods or approaches you are prepared to develop:
Expected contribution:

Program & Faculty Fit
Potential faculty alignment:
Lab, center, facility, dataset or training fit:
Why this environment fits the research direction:

Career Direction
Academic, research, industry, policy or other goal:
How doctoral training supports that path:

Final Review
[ ] Faculty and facility claims are current and accurate.
[ ] Prior work describes your specific contribution.
[ ] The statement explains fit rather than merely praising the institution.