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Graduate Admissions

Funding in the form of assistantships and scholarships is only awarded to students entering the program in the Fall semester, which begins in late August. To receive full consideration for funding, all application materials must be submitted by January 15.

Those who are considering applying to the master's degree program should read the graduate handbook and contact the Graduate Chair, Dr. Tom Smucker.

In addition to the university's minimum admission requirements and the application materials required by the Graduate College:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign institution with a degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
  • Successful candidates are students who have excelled academically. Some programs have a minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) requirement.
  • A one- to two-page statement that describes the student's interest in both the field of geography and the OHIO graduate program
  • A separate resume or curriculum vitae.
  • GRE not required.
  • Three letters of recommendation by individuals who can comment on the student's preparation and potential for graduate studies.
  • All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic). To be considered official, test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to 51ÉçÇø.

Learn about spousal and domestic partner educational opportunities available on the Graduate College forms. Look for the heading "Educational Opportunities Request Forms".

Prospective Applicant FAQs

What is the timeline for Fall semester admissions?

The Graduate College will accept applications for Fall admission between October 15 and January 15th in the academic year before you intend to begin your program. Applications are typically reviewed in February and applicants who have met the January 15 deadline are typically notified of a decision on their application by March 15.

Do you accept applications for Spring semester admission?

Funding in the form of assistantships and scholarships is only awarded to students entering the program in the Fall semester, which begins in late August. The Graduate Committee will review applications for Spring admissions only if the student is not interested in being considered for scholarship or assistantship support. Please contact the Graduate Chair before submitting an application for Spring semester.

Do I need to apply separately for admission to the program and assistantship/scholarship support?

No. All applicants – both domestic and international-- will be considered for admission as well as assistantship/scholarship funding on a merit basis. Besides indicating that they would like to be considered for funding on the application form, applicants do not need to submit additional materials to be considered for assistantships or scholarships.

Does the program accept applicants whose undergraduate degrees are not in Geography?

Yes, students with relevant undergraduate training in related fields may apply. In their personal statement, the applicant should address how their undergraduate studies prepared them to be successful in pursuing graduate-level studies in Geography.

What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement should help the admissions committee to understand your strengths as a prospective graduate student and teaching or research assistant. The statement should:

  • provide an overview of your academic preparation and accomplishments
  • highlight specific academic and research strengths as well as any teaching experience you would bring to our program
  • articulate the specific research interests that you intend to pursue while in our program
  • discuss connections between your research interests and those of our faculty
  • identify your career plans following completion of our program

Please note that you do NOT need to ask the permission of a faculty member to discuss shared research interests in your personal statement. Please note that faculty do not extend offers to supervise prospective students in advance of the admissions process.

From whom should I request a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can speak to your academic accomplishments and strengths. Professional letters of reference are also welcome. Letters from outside academia should emphasize the relevance of the applicant’s professional performance or capabilities to graduates studies in Geography.

Should I contact a faculty member or the Graduate Chair before I apply?

You are welcome to contact a faculty member to share the reasons for your interest in our program and to identify overlap in your respective research interests. You may also contact the Graduate Chair if you have questions about the academic content of our program. Faculty and the Graduate Chair will not undertake a review of application materials in advance of the admission review process.

I have a question related to the payment of application fees or other issues within the application portal?

Please review the information under Application Materials. If you still have questions, please contact the Graduate College for further guidance.

I have a question related to the submission of my transcripts. Who should I contact?

Please review the information under Application Materials. If you still have questions, please contact the Graduate College for further guidance.