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Application Deadlines
MA & PhD programs:
Applications for admission are accepted mid September to December 15 of the year preceding admission. For example the deadline for Fall 24 admission is December 15, 2023.
Any materials received after the deadlines may not be in your file in time for departmental review.
Thank you for your interest in our graduate program. The deadline for application to enter our the Geography Graduate Program in Fall 24 has passed. The portal used to apply for entrance in Fall 25 will open mid September 2024.
All application materials are submitted electronically through the University of Minnesota's Graduate School Admissions process. Admission decisions are communicated to applicants using this system.
In the interest of adequately supporting students, offers are generally made to students for whom the department has a potential advisor with similar research interests. We strongly encourage reaching out to a faculty member before you apply.
Visit the Graduate School for application instructions and general information.
If you cannot complete your application through the online application, or if you have any questions, please contact our Graduate Program Coordinator, Sara Braun ([email protected]).
Applications are evaluated once per year, in January, for admission the following fall (we do not admit for the spring semester). All application materials must be received by December 15 of the year prior to the year in which admission is sought (e.g., applications for admission in fall 2021 must be received by December 15, 2020).
Students wishing to begin graduate study other than at the beginning of fall semester may take graduate courses as an adult special student through Continuing Education and Extension (CEE) or during summer session. Students may transfer up to forty percent of the degree coursework from such studies.
A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department’s admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials. You can expect a decision by late February or early March.
TOEFL English Language Proficiency
All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not previously completed a degree in English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Preference in admission will be given to students who score at least 100 on the internet-based test with a writing score of 24 or better and a reading score of 22 or better.
As official test scores can take longer to report, you have the option to upload score report documents and/or self-report test scores, registration numbers, and test dates in the “Test Information-Self Reported” section of the online application.