Graduate Admissions
The Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies welcomes applicants to our graduate programs.
Application Process and Guidelines
Prospective students apply for the Ph.D. in Geography and the Master of Arts in Geography via the Graduate School’s online application.
Personal statements are recommended to be 2-3 pages or about 750-1,000 words. Three letters of recommendation are also required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required to apply for admission.
If English is not your primary language, you may be required to submit evidence of your proficiency in English. Please see the Graduate School’s information on English Proficiency for Admission.
Interested in the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems? Find admissions information here.
Financial Aid
Funding for our graduate students is a top priority. We strive to provide students with up to four years of funding as part of their Ph.D. degree work. There are several primary sources of financial aid for graduate students, including:
- Department teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs).
- Research assistantships in other departments.
- University fellowships.
Application Deadlines
Dec. 15
For consideration for University fellowships.
Jan. 31
For consideration for Department graduate assistantships.
Students seeking admission without financial assistance can request the application be reviewed outside the normal cycle.
Before You Apply
Learn About the Department
We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the courses we offer and our faculty research specialties.
Meet Our Current Graduate Students
In addition to browsing our graduate student directory, you can also explore recent MA theses and Ph.D. dissertations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is funding available for graduate studies in GSCU at UConn?
Yes. Funding can take the form of either research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or a combination of both.
Our competitive funding package includes a stipend, tuition remission, and fringe benefits. Learn more about graduate stipends.
For how many years are graduate studies funded?
The department has a strong record of funding students for four years of graduate studies, contingent on the satisfactory performance of students.
Can I apply to the Ph.D. program in GSCU at UConn without already holding an MA/MS?
Yes. The timeline of the Ph.D. program differs for students entering with or without an MA/MS.
What English language certification is required?
Students whose primary language is not English must show evidence of proficiency in the English Language by submitting either TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo. Learn more on the Graduate School’s website.
Are MA students funded?
The department prioritizes the admittance and funding of Ph.D. students. Funding for MA students will be considered, but it is not common.
Should I contact prospective advisor(s) in GSCU in advance of preparing and submitting my application?
Yes. It is strongly recommended that you contact the prospective advisor(s) before submitting your application.
What if I have not heard back from my prospective advisor(s)?
Please resend your email message up to three times. If you are still having trouble receiving a response, please contact the graduate coordinator.
What is it like to live in Storrs?
Refer to UConn Campus Life for an overview of living in Storrs. You are welcome to attend our virtual Open House scheduled in late fall in order to hear from our current graduate students.
Is there a summer funding opportunity?
The department receives funding through the Graduate School, which we offer to students as partial support for summer research.
Questions? Contact Us!
For questions about applying to our programs, please contact:
Nathaniel Trumbull
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
nathaniel.trumbull@uconn.edu