Admissions

The School of Social Sciences invites applications for the fall quarter only. We do not make mid-year (winter or spring) admission offers. We encourage prospective students to begin the application process early to ensure ample time to assemble all required materials.

Complete application packets must be received by January 15 in order to be fully considered for admission and financial support for fall quarter.

The deadline for DASA applications is March 1.

Early applications are strongly encouraged by the following department-specific dates:

December 15	Anthropology Cognitive Sciences Sociology
January 10	Political Science

Before You Apply

The first step in the application process involves choosing an area of study that is closely aligned with the applicant's background and academic interests and goals. When making this decision, you will want to keep in mind the following:

• With the exception of DASA, we accept applications for and make admissions offers only to Ph.D. programs.
• The application process should not be rushed. It takes time to put together a portfolio just as it takes time for faculty to properly evaluate the application materials. We highly encourage applicants to begin the process early.

Application Process

After determining the degree program that best suits your interests and future goals, you will then begin the formal application process for admission.

• We begin accepting applications in September for fall of the following year.

The following items are required in support of each application for Ph.D. admission:

Domestic (US Citizens and Permanent Residents) Applications

• Online application and statement of purpose (paper-based applications are not accepted)*
• GRE (general test) score report
• 2 sets of transcripts or grade sheets; undergraduate and graduate (if applicable)
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Writing sample (required for Philosophy only)
• Current CV or resume (optional)
• $60 application fee

Permanent residents who do not hold a US college or university degree are also required to submit a current TOEFL score.

International Applications

• Online application and statement of purpose (paper-based applications are not accepted)*
• GRE (general test) score report
• TOEFL score report
• TSE or equivalent language proficiency test requirement**
• 2 sets of transcripts or grade sheets; undergraduate and graduate (if applicable)
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Writing sample (required for Philosophy only)
• Current CV or resume (optional)
• $80 application fee

*The Statement of Purpose and letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically as part of the online application.

**International applicants are required to submit language proficiency verification with the application for admission.

Track Your Application Status
The School of Social Sciences uses an online tracking system that allows students to follow the progress of their application for admission once it's received on campus.

The tracking system is activated automatically by email to the address specified in your application when a paid application is received. The email introduction you will receive to the tracking system will provide further instructions.

Admissions Decisions
Social Sciences does not have a rolling admission system. All first round admissions offers are usually made in mid-February. A smaller number of additional admissions offers may be made in the latter part of February - early March.

Still have questions? Try our FAQ section.