A Bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the Master’s program.
A Master’s degree is generally required for admission to the Doctoral program, although direct admission of exceptional students with a Bachelor’s degree may be possible. If previous education was not in geography, students may be required to complete courses to eliminate deficiencies before admissions.
For both programs, students are admitted for a Fall semester start only. We do not offer admission to start in the Spring semester.
Although applications are reviewed and evaluated by the geography department, the admissions process is handled by the Graduate School. You should consult the Graduate School’s Admissions website for more information about the application process and contact them with application questions or problems.
This information is only for applicants to one of the master’s programs or the doctoral program. For information on how to apply to the GIS graduate certificate program, see the GIS graduate certificate page. The certificate program does accept applications for a Spring start.
Graduate Application Procedure
The following steps are recommended for applicants.
- Check the Graduate School’s admission page.
- Check the requirements and credentials for the geography programs.
- MA or MS in geography
- GIS Certificate
- PhD in geography
- Prepare materials and arrange with referees.
- Apply online. Applicants are highly encouraged to register for and attend the Graduate School Open House prior to applications. Check the schedule at the Graduate School.
Materials needed for Application
- Reasons for Graduate Study: All applicants must provide a statement outlining their research interests and academic background, their goals for pursuing a graduate degree in geography, and other relevant professional and research experience. This statement should also address how the applicant’s academic background and training has prepared them for graduate research in geography. The reasons statement should not exceed two-single sided pages. It 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. Your Reasons statement is an essential part of your application.
- Letters of Recommendation: You must provide email addresses of three individuals to the online application system who will be contacted for letters of recommendation.
- Writing Sample: The writing sample can be a paper written for a class, a thesis chapter, or part of longer piece of writing. It should not exceed 20 pages. Questions about the writing sample should be directed to the Graduate Program Chair.
You can check the status of your application through the UWM Graduate School at (414) 229-6569 or gradschool@uwm.edu.
Questions regarding the geography program can be directed to our graduate program associate, Niko Papakis, at 414-229-4866 or via email at npapakis@uwm.edu.
Recommended Filing Dates
| Date | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| December 1 | December 1st is the due date for all students seeking any forms of financial support from the UWM Graduate School and the Geography Department (e.g., Graduate School Fellowships, and Geography Department Teaching/Research Assistantships). |
| April 30 | Fall Semester Admission WITHOUT funding consideration |
Application Review
Both the Graduate School and the geography department will review your application for admission. The Graduate School examines whether your application meets the minimum qualifications. The Geography Department will review your application and make a recommendation on your admission to the Graduate School.
Decision
The Graduate School will make the final decision on your application, based on the geography department’s recommendation and Graduate School admission standards. The Graduate School will notify you of an official decision. Any statements about admission (expressed or implied) received from any other source are unofficial and not binding.
Grade Point Average for Admissions Purposes
The Graduate School calculates a grade point average on all work up to the awarding of your bachelor’s degree. As this calculation includes letter grades earned for attempts in repeated coursework and may include work that your degree-granting institution did not accept in transfer, the admissions GPA may be different from the GPA on your transcripts.
Processing Times
On average, it takes ten weeks for the complete process (from submission of the application to decision). Processing times for individual applications vary widely, however, depending on how promptly a file becomes complete and the time required by the program for its review.
Campus Tour
At any time either before or after the application process, prospective students can participate in a campus tour offered by the Graduate School.
Deferred Admission
Admission is applicable only for the semester and program indicated in the Graduate School admission letter. If you were admitted but unable to enroll in the semester of admission, you may request, in writing or by e-mail, that the application be reconsidered for a term within a year following your initial admission decision.