Admission Requirements

All applicants must match with an individual faculty mentor.
It is highly recommended that PhD applicants contact the faculty member with whom they wish to conduct their research prior to submitting the application; faculty members are more likely to accept students to conduct research under their supervision if the applicant's research interests match their own.
Applicants to the doctoral program are strongly encouraged to visit the campus for a personal interview with a possible faculty mentor.

Application Procedures: The following items should be submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office through the Apply Yourself WebCenter:

Personal Statement:

PhD students: Your personal statement should address two primary issues. First, please summarize your prior educational and work experience as they pertain to this degree program. Secondly, please discuss your motivation for pursuing this degree and what you’ll bring to our program.

Research Statement:

PhD students will submit a research statement. Please address the following in 500 or fewer words. First, identify the research theme and faculty member you would like to study under. Secondly, tell us about your research experience. Lastly, please touch on the types of research questions you would like to address if admitted.

Letters of Recommendation:

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references who are able to speak to your academic competencies and ability to thrive in graduate school.

Transcripts:

Transcripts from all universities are required. For the graduate school application, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If a student is accepted into the graduate program, they will then be notified to send official transcripts directly to the University’s Office of Admissions (http://admissions.utah.edu/apply/graduate).

Minimum Requirements

GPA: The University of Utah Graduate School requires that all applicants for graduate degrees have a minimum 3.0 GPA (of maximum 4.0) to be considered for admission. Applications of students with a GPA below 3.0 will not be evaluated. Meeting this minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the graduate program
GRE Scores: The GRE requirement has been suspended. You do not need to submit your scores during the application process.
TOEFL or IELTS Language Test for International Students: International applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. The University of Utah requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT (550 pBT), or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, for an application to be evaluated. International students that have received a Bachelors or Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada (except Quebec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand are not required to take the TOEFL exam. More information regarding language proficiency requirements is available at the University’s Office of International Admissions (http://admissions.utah.edu/apply/international/graduate.php).

Other Application Considerations

Transfer Credits: A maximum of 6 credit hours may be transferred from another institution, subject to approval of student’s Supervisory Committee.
Interview: PhD students being strongly considered for acceptance will be asked to participate in an interview (in person or virtual) with faculty. This will likely occur in February or March.
Back-up Mentor: Upon acceptance PhD students will be assigned a primary mentor and a back-up mentor. We do this for two reasons. First, so that you have a broader direct support system. Second, in case your mentor is no longer able to guide you through the program we want you to have another faculty member who can step right in and assist in your progression.
Application for Funding: Please discuss the possibility to apply for funding with the faculty mentor supporting your application.

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Program Information

Program Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Total Credits