Application Information
Application Deadlines
Program |
Fall |
Spring |
|---|---|---|
| MSSDS | April 15 | November 1 |
| Geography MS | December 12 | Admitted Fall only |
| Geography PhD | December 12 | October 1 |
Notes
- Separate applications must be submitted in order to apply to more than one degree program
- Application fees are subject to change and ARE NOT WAIVED
- We will evaluate your file only after we receive all required fees and documents, including transcripts
- International Students only: Proof of financial responsibility is NOT needed to evaluate an applicant's file, nor is it needed to accept a student. AFTER being admitted, this information IS NEEDED prior to issuing the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility so students may obtain a student visa. (Students awarded funding by ESS will not need to submit an additional Financial Statement.)
- The Geography PhD program requires an academic Master's degree prior to admission.
- MSGIS students are not eligible for departmental ESS financial aid.
- TIP: Submit your online application and pay the fee 30 days prior to the department deadline to allow time for references to write and submit their recommendations.
Admission Standards:
The minimum academic requirements for Graduate admission are:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college/university,
- At least a 3.00 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA,
- Meeting the the School's (ESS) admission standards, and receiving a recommendation for admission to the program.
Required Supporting Documents
Unofficial Transcripts
Please upload your student copy of your unofficial transcripts to the online application for the admissions evaluation. Transcripts must reflect grades. If admitted, arrange to have official transcripts and degree certificates sent directly to the address below. The University of Utah accepts electronic transcripts as official from the following agencies only: Docufide by Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, AVOW and Scrip-Safe. Please send electronic transcripts to admisstranscripts@sa.utah.edu.
Admissions Office – Graduate Division
The University of Utah
201 S. 1460 E. Room 250 S SSB
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
GRE
Graduate Record Examination - Not required. You may self report these scores if you wish to share them with the department.
LANGUAGE SCORES
(International Applicants Only)
Test of English as a Foreign Language - Arrange for ETS to send your most recent scores to the University of Utah, school code 4853 / department code 70. The TOEFL score expires after two years. Visit this link for more information about foreign language test requirements.
NOTE: Scores must be a minimum of 80 (iBT) or 550 (pBT) for the TOEFL or a score of 105 for DUOLINGO
Statement of Purpose
The Geography Department requires a Statement of Purpose from each applicant. Please write a statement which includes concise and clear statements on the following topics:
- Describe your professional goals following graduation, and why you feel that a Master's or Ph.D. will help you attain those goals;
- Describe your specific area(s) of research interest, along with how these interests align with Department and faculty specialties;
- Describe how you think the Department of Geography and the University of Utah can fit your needs for a Master's or Ph.D. program.
Writing Sample
Ph.D. applicants only: Upload an abstract of your Master's thesis (if completed) or a description of your thesis research in progress. Master's applicants: A writing sample is optional.
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations for Department of Geography applications will ONLY be accepted electronically via the application system. Paper recommendations will not be accepted. Three (3) recommendations from persons who are familiar with your academic abilities are required for each applicant. We encourage you to "waive the right" to see your letters since most evaluators consider confidential letters more valuable.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Most recent CV or resume
Application Instructions
Start application
application instructions
BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY
For the academic MS and PhD programs, the application review process will not begin until after the submission deadline. It may take several weeks to complete the process before applicants will be contacted. In most cases, applicants are notified around the end of February.
For the professional MSSDS, the applications are open until October 1st (Spring admission) and April 15th (Fall admission). You should receive notification by November 1st (Spring admission) and May 1st (Fall admission).
TRACKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS
If you are admitted, you will receive an official Letter of Acceptance from the Office of Admissions in the mail. If you have not received your acceptance letter, then check your progress on the admissions website. If you received your Letter of Acceptance in the mail, then you may still need to send us final documentation. Check your status now.
Additional Information
Links
U of U Graduate School Admissions
International Student Graduate Information
Geography MS Program Information
Geography PhD Program Information
International Student Services
International Student & Scholars Services
200 S Central Campus Dr, Rm 159
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-8876
https://isss.utah.edu/
Loans & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
201 S. 1460 E., Rm. 105
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9055
801-581-6211
https://financialaid.utah.edu/
Housing Options
Thank You
Thank you for your interest in the graduate program at the University of Utah Department of Geography. If you have additional questions about the application process, contact Serena Madsen.