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Application Deadlines
MA & PhD programs:
Applications are evaluated once per year, in January, for admission the following fall. All application materials must be received by December 15 of the year prior to the year in which admission is sought. For example the deadline for Fall 26 admission is December 15, 2025.
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. Our application process is completed using the online application system. Please note that your application will not be complete without submitting an application fee.
Admission decisions are communicated to applicants using the online system 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.
The minimum requirement for admission into the graduate program is a four-year BA or BS from a regionally accredited institution. Students entering into the PhD program with a MA or MS degree may apply for advanced standing. Degrees do not need to be from a geography program; however, students whose previous work is not in geography may be asked to complete specific courses that do not provide graduate credit.
To receive full consideration for admission to the graduate program, prospective students should reach out to their potential faculty advisor before submitting an application in order to discuss advising capacity and research interests.
Visit the Graduate School for application instructions and general information. Prospective international students should visit the Graduate School’s International Student page for more information about graduate studies at the University of Minnesota.
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.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Graduate Program Coordinator, Sara Braun ([email protected]).
Students interested in taking graduate courses as a non-degree student for graduate credit or in transferring graduate credit from another institution should contact our Graduate Program Coordinator.