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Number required: 3

From whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence.

No specific coursework is required as applicants are drawn from a variety of disciplines.

A master’s degree is not required but is highly recommended.

A baccalaureate degree is required. It should have been earned in geography, urban studies, anthropology, criminal justice, economics, political science, psychology or sociology, among other disciplines.

In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, share why you are interested in 51�Թ���’s geography program, your research and academic goals, future career goals, academic and research achievements, and any other information that you believe will be helpful in evaluating your application. The Graduate Admissions Committee is particularly interested in students’ interests and goals and whether they fit with the interests of specific faculty as well as general program offerings.

GRE: Optional. Scores may be submitted if available.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums.

• TOEFL iBT: 88
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 60

At its discretion, the Graduate Admissions Committee may request a writing sample. The writing sample is not required.

Graduate coursework taken at an accredited institution as part of a master’s degree program prior to matriculation at 51�Թ��� may be accepted for advanced standing credit. Applicants must supply an official transcript from their prior graduate institution to the Graduate Chair. The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews the request. Only grades of “B” or better can be accepted. If the request is granted, the student receives advanced standing and is awarded a maximum of 18 credits. Normally, these credits should have been earned no more than five years prior to the student’s matriculation at 51�Թ���.