Before You Apply

We’re happy to schedule a visit or interview with you before you apply.

This program follows a mentoring model. In order to complete your application, you’ll need to identify and contact at least one desired mentor or advisor who is working in your desired specialty area. Start that contact now!

Applications are due January 15.

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! Start early and give yourself plenty of time to collect all your materials.

• Master or Bachelor’s degree in related field of study
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate work (3.25 preferred)—a cumulative GPA for all graduate-level work of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) if applicable
• GRE General Test scores dated within five years of your application with a minimum of 152 on the verbal and 151 on the quantitative sections

International Students: If English isn’t your native language, you might need to take a minimum English proficiency test. Check out the International Requirements to see if this applies to you.

When you apply, you’ll need to submit your transcripts, current CV, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a form from your faculty advisor. Get started on those things now! Refer to the Applying page for all the specifics.

The application process is paperless. Please don’t mail any materials unless told to do so. Documents that you will upload must be in PDF format, no larger than 5 MB in size. “Portfolio” PDFs and secured PDFs which require a password are not compatible with our system.

International Students: You might have a few extra things you need to provide. Read through the International Requirements page to make sure you have everything you need.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants. Scores should be sent directly from Education Testing Service to UIC. If you have taken the GRE within the past five years, you must request that scores be sent from ETS to UIC. Our ETS Institutional Code is 1851.

International Students: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be submitted to UIC directly from ETS. Paper score reports will not be accepted.

Although financial assistance in the form of graduate student assistantships is not guaranteed, we make every effort to identify faculty research grants and projects within the program that may provide student financial support. We also facilitate funding opportunities through tuition waivers, as well as two research assistant positions.

We pride ourselves on having well-rounded students. In addition to research and coursework, we encourage our students publish the results of their studies. We sometimes assist in offsetting the publication fees required by some journals.

The UIC Graduate Student Council offers travel funds for students enrolled at the university. The Graduate College provides information on financial resources and funding opportunities.