Application Information & Materials

Undergraduate Application Information:

Undergraduate application information may be obtained from Michigan State University’s Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

Graduate Application Information:

Application materials for either the Master’s or PhD program in Geography may be requested from the Graduate Secretary. They may also be downloaded from this website. If you wish to view and/or print these materials, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader (freeware) or Adobe Acrobat Exchange (cost) installed on your computer.

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Instructions for the MSU Geography Graduate Application:

For full consideration for Fall admission and funding, please have all material to us by

February 1

Admission and funding are also considered for Spring and Summer semesters, although funding is less likely for person not starting in Fall.

There are two parts to your graduate application.

Part I: Application to MSU

The official University application form: A completed “Application for Admission to Graduate Study”. On-line application is required. You may download the application, fill it in and then mail it to the department of Geography, OR submit your application on-line. The application fee is $50.00. Access the form at: http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm

Part II: Application to Geography

send these materials directly to the Department of Geography as part of your application packet NOTE: GRE & TOEFL scores – send copies with application packet and have ETS send original scores to Department of Geography. We are Institution 1465/Depart. 2203 (GRE) -- 70 (TOEFL)

Statement of Purpose: A neatly typed, well organized and concisely written (maximum 500 words) statement of purpose. This statement is intended to reflect the applicant’s background, future interests, and career goals in Geography. It is an important part of the application packet, as it provides an indication of the applicant’s academic focus and writing ability.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (we are institution 1465 and dept 2203). Only under very unusual circumstances may a waiver of the GRE score requirement be granted. Requests should be made in writing to the Graduate Supervisor, Dept of Geography, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1115

Transcripts: Two copies of an official transcript of all academic work, in a signed and sealed envelope submitted with your application packet to the Department of Geography. Photocopies and student copies are NOT acceptable.

TOEFL Scores: This part is required for international students only: Current TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores for all international students whose native language is not English. To be acceptable, the TOEFL test must have been taken within the last 2 years. Submission of TOEFL scores is a University requirement. The Geography Department generally does not admit students whose TOEFL scores are less than 600, and funding is unlikely for persons with scores below 630. If you have a degree from an English-speaking country and your work was primarily in English, you may request a TOEFL waiver.

Background Information Form: A completed “Background Information Form” is required of all applicants.

Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation, each of which must include the Department of Geography’s Personal Reference Form. These letters MUST be submitted within sealed envelopes, with the referee’s signature across the seal.

Master’s Degree Information Form: For Ph.D. Applicants Only. A “Master’s Degree Information Form” completed by the student’s Master’s Department Chairperson (or Head).