Master’s and PhD Application Requirements

Online Application

Apply using the UWM Panthera Graduate Admission Application.

Application Fee

You must pay the non-refundable application fee. Use a credit card in your UWM Panthera Graduate Admission Application or mail a check or international money order to the International Admissions Office.

Reasons for Graduate Study Statement

Provide a statement that gives your reasons for wanting to study in the graduate program. The statement is used to determine the appropriateness of UWM’s programs to your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing. The following are required criteria for the statement:

1. Explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study.
2. Describe specific interests and your background in the field.
3. List any relevant skills or training you have acquired.
4. List relevant academic awards or honors you have received.

Evidence of English Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. A TOEFL IBT, Academic IELTS, CAE/CPE, or Duolingo score that meets the requirement for admission;
2. A bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) or higher degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction. The following criteria must also be met:
   • You must have attended this institution for at least one year and your degree was earned within two years of your application to UWM.
     OR
   • You must have attended this institution for at least one year and the degree was earned at an institution in the United States, and you have lived and worked continuously in the U.S since earning the degree.

Transcripts and Degree Certificates

Our master’s and PhD application requirements include uploaded copies of transcripts. Applicants should upload copies into their application online.  Admitted students will be required to provide the official version upon arrival to campus.  There is no need to mail anything directly to UWM during the application process.

Provide transcripts for all university/college study. Do not provide transcripts for secondary/high school. If the transcript is not issued in English, include the original version and an English translation. For more information about which academic records to submit, please click here for a table of educational credentials by country.

After admission, transcripts from international students should be brought in-person upon arrival to campus.  Transcripts from all U.S. schools and international schools sending official transcripts to UWM directly should use this address:

Regular Mail Address:
International Admissions Office, Garland Hall #138
UW-Milwaukee Center for International Education
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413

Street Address (for courier services that will not deliver to a P.O. Box):
CIE – Garland Hall 138
115 E. Reindl Way
Room 110
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Program-specific Requirements

Certain programs may have additional master’s and PhD application requirements, like GMAT scores, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, portfolio, resume, department application or writing sample.

Before you apply, you can find out about any additional requirements of your program by visiting the program’s website. If you have any questions about these program-specific requirements, please contact your intended graduate program directly.