Application Information

The Graduate Division uses an online application system. You are advised to check your individual graduate group for specialized requirements and deadlines. Some programs have deadlines earlier or later than December 15th. Please check their individual websites.

Required application materials:

• Online application form
• Application fee payment ($90) (McNair Scholars may submit a letter from their coordinator that verifies participation in the program for a fee waiver)
• Transcripts uploaded to the application
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• GRE, where required. Check your graduate group for details on program requirements.
• Demonstration of English proficiency, where required
• Writing sample, where required
• The Graduate Division may request additional academic documents, as needed.

You may access your application to update or change information until you submit the application to us. Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to check its status and note the receipt of supporting documentation. It is not necessary for all supporting documents to be received before you submit. You should submit as soon as you are finished and before the deadline! It is important that applicants continue to check on the status of their applications until all supporting materials have been received. In order to expedite the review of your materials, we strongly suggest that you take advantage of the option to scan unofficial copies of your transcript. An official final copy of your transcript will be requested when you have been admitted and should be sent to this office.

Be advised that most admissions decisions for the PhD degree are made in the Spring. Admission decisions are made by individual graduate groups. The official acceptance letter is generated by the Office of the Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences, although students may also receive a separate letter from the chair of the graduate group.

• If you are applying from abroad, certain special instructions apply to you.
• International students must pay the application fee using a credit card. All major credit cards are accepted.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL). Please visit the following site for test locations and dates in your country.
• Upon admission, your name will be forwarded to the University's International Student and Scholar Services. They will provide you with a link to their database once your acceptance has been received. The visa will be issued by their office. Any questions regarding that process should be directed to them.
• A helpful site to visit during your application process is EducationUSA. This website provides information and a list of advising centers in your country that can help you begin your graduate studies in the United States.

If you are applying to one of the thirty one graduate programs within the School of Arts and Sciences, please be aware that the deadline for applying for fellowships is DECEMBER 15, 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time.

NOTE: Most graduate groups do not offer Spring admission for PhD or Masters programs. Please contact the graduate program directly for information on your area of interest.

Those interested in Professional Master degree programs such as FELS School of Government and Organizational Dynamics should visit the following site: Professional and Liberal Education.

Other deadlines for applications are as follows:

• Fall Semester, admission only – July 15 (Masters programs only, if available)
• Spring Semester – December 1

Check with the graduate program before completing an application after December 15th.
Application for all graduate programs in SAS should be in electronic format only.