How to Apply

All applicants must provide: A 10-20 page writing sample. Applicants for the PhD program should provide an academic writing sample such as a course term paper. Applicants for the MA program may provide an academic writing sample or a portfolio of workplace documents totaling 10-20 pages in length. If you wish to be considered for a graduate teaching position or a graduate research assistantship, please indicate so in your personal statement. Applicants for teaching assistantships should, if possible, arrange for at least one of your letters of recommendation to address your teaching experience or potential teaching ability.

Application Instructions

Panthera, the Graduate School’s online application system, will collect information about your educational background, transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, writing samples, application fee, and an application for a teaching assistantship, if you choose to apply for one.

International applicants also need to follow the application requirement guidelines of UWM’s Center for International Education.

When you request a letter of recommendation, your recommender receives an email with a link to upload their letter directly to UWM.

If you feel you might qualify for an Advanced Opportunity Fellowship and plan to apply for one that would begin in the 2022-2023 academic year, please contact the plan coordinator by November 15.

To begin your application, choose the “Apply Now” button below your degree and program of interest.

UWM Panthera Graduate Admission Application

  • Application Form
  • Reason Statement
    Also called a “Personal Statement,” it should be a substantive outline of your research interests, qualifications, and plans for graduate study.
  • Unofficial Transcripts
    Upload unofficial transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. If accepted, you will be required to submit official transcripts in order to enroll.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Writing Sample(s)
    Follow the instructions in each concentration’s application regarding writing samples. If you are applying for a Teaching Assistantship your program may require an additional writing sample.
  • Application Fee

Additional Information

Visit the admissions page for more information.

If you have additional questions about the admissions process, email the Graduate Studies Program Associate, Suri Pourmodheji or Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Kristie Hamilton