Frequently Asked Questions

A: Applications are accepted beginning in September. The last day that we will accept an application is December 15. The Admissions Committee reviews applications in January with the goal of having decisions made by the first week of February. Everyone is notified via e-mail.

A: The Department usually received between 320-375 applications for the graduate program each year. We generally admit between 5-10% of those who apply.

A: No. The Department accepts students to start in the fall term only.

A: No. The Department only admits students for doctoral study. Students who are admitted to the doctoral program may receive a master's degree from us as part of their doctoral study.

A: Yes! All applicants who are admitted to the graduate program will receive a 5-year funding package. This package will include a mix of fellowship and teaching. The minimum package will include a fellowship in year one and graduate student assistantships (teaching assistant, research assistant, etc.) in the following years. This should be regarded as the minimum package; many of our students are successful in securing fellowships in the later years of the program.

Both fellowships and graduate student assistantships include a stipend (or salary), a full tuition waiver, and health insurance.

First and foremost, our department places a strong emphasis on overall ‘fit’ with our program.  We are interested in how an applicant’s specific area of research would connect with the department as a whole.  In addition, we look at the overall strength of an application. We consider all aspects of a prospective student’s application and do not give priority to one criterion over another. Our program employs a holistic approach to application review so an applicant’s essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts and application are all important to the admissions committee.

Absolutely! Our department has a historic commitment to all types of diversity, including diversity of institutions. We encourage any applicant that feels as though his or her complete application is competitive to consider applying to our program.

Yes. Our department reviews all aspects of an applicant’s file and no piece of the application is weighed more heavily than another. We view an applicant’s transcript more as an intellectual biography rather than a measurement for the likelihood of success in our program.