Thank you for your interest in our graduate degree programs! Below, you’ll find information and links to additional resources that will assist you in completing your application. Applications are completed and submitted entirely online through the UGA Graduate School. You will need to submit the following items for your application to receive full consideration: UGA Graduate School application and application fee. In the Graduate School application, you will be asked to provide: Transcripts from each institution of higher education attended. Please see the Graduate School's instructions for submitting transcripts. Three letters of recommendation: List the names and e-mail addresses of three references within the Graduate School application. References will receive a link to access a secure page where they can submit recommendations electronically. Curriculum Vitae: A summary of educational background and relevant experience. Statement of Purpose: Submit a 500–1000-word statement that addresses your academic interests and goals, your perceived fit with the program and faculty of interest and describes the experiences that have prepared you for graduate study. Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with potential advisors before submitting an application and state which faculty member they would like as their major professor in their statement of purpose. Optional items: Examples include writing samples, paper presentations, publications, or other evidence of scholarly or professional work. GRE scores (general test): GRE scores are not currently required with an application to the MS, MA, or PhD program in Geography, however, GIScience applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a general GRE test score. For more information, visit the Graduate School admissions site Resources for Prospective Students. Check Geography's Funding Opportunities site for information. WE ONLY ADMIT NEW STUDENTS FOR FALL SEMESTER, EXCEPT IN RARE CIRCUMSTANCES APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT. APPLICATIONS FOR FALL ADMISSION ARE DUE DECEMBER 1st EACH YEAR. International Applicants International applicants are usually required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. The requirement of scores of 20 on the speaking and writing components of the TOEFL and 6.5 for IELTS exams are the minimum necessary for admission. Higher scores on the speaking component of the TOEFL & IELTS are required for international students to receive financial support that will involve the instruction of undergraduate students (Teaching Assistantships). This is a minimum score of 26 for TOEFL and 8 for IELTS on the speaking component of the exams. To learn more about the language requirements at UGA and for detailed scoring requirements for each test, please see the Graduate School's page English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Students. For University of Georgia's Teaching Assistantship (TA) language requirements visit: Center for Teaching and Learning TA Policy UGA Graduate Teaching Assistants Policy. The Graduate School's Supplemental Information for International Applicants site has more details on submission of required materials. Contact the Geography Graduate Studies Office for program and admissions questions at: geographygradprogram@uga.edu
