Do I need a specific undergraduate or graduate degree to apply?
Applications for admission to the department’s master’s degree programs are welcome from persons holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States, or the equivalent from an institution abroad. No specific major is required. Our students come from a wide diversity of majors in the social sciences, design professions, sciences, business, and humanities. Application for admission is usually made for the Fall term, but a limited number of applications are considered for the Spring term.
Applications for admission to the doctoral program are welcome from persons holding a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States, or the equivalent from an institution abroad. No specific major is required. Our students come from a wide diversity of majors in the social sciences, design professions, sciences, business, and humanities.
Are you looking for a specific GPA from your applicants?
The minimum university criterion to be considered for admission to graduate school is an upper division grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for previous undergraduate study.
Do I have to take the GRE?
The GRE requirement is waived at this time for MSP program applicants. PhD program applicants may waive the GRE requirement if they have completed a master’s program accredited by the PAB and have a GPA of at least 3.5 in that master’s program.
Is there a specific score I should aim for?
In the past typical students entering the department’s graduate programs have scored at or above the 64th percentile on the GRE Verbal test (510 old exam, 154 new exam), at or above the 45th percentile on the GRE Quantitative test (590 old exam, 148 new exam), and at or above the 41st percentile on the GRE Analytic Writing Exam (4.0 score on both exams).
What is the magic GPA / GRE formula that will ensure I am admitted?
GPA and GRE scores form only part of your application. The department views your entire application holistically in making a determination of admission. In making admissions decisions, the department also carefully considers other credentials including letters of recommendation from faculty, work experience, and extracurricular and civic activities. Ultimately admission is based on judgment that the applicant is capable of successful graduate work.
When do most students begin their studies with DURP?
Students in our graduate programs usually begin their studies in the fall term in late August.
How long do I have to wait for a decision?
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. For fall admission, all required application materials from U.S. students must be received no later than July 1 of the year in which the student wishes to enroll. Applicants who wish to be considered for department financial aid must submit all required application materials by February 15 of the prior spring. Students who wish to apply for a University Fellowship must submit all required application materials by early January of the prior spring. Application materials for fall admission from international applicants must be received by February 15th.
We admit a few highly qualified applicants on a space-available basis to begin graduate studies in the spring term, which begins in January. To be considered for spring admission, all required application materials from U.S. students should be received no later than November 1 of the preceding year. Materials from international applicants must be received by September 1. Ordinarily, no financial aid is available to students beginning their studies in the spring term.