Graduate Application Information

Use the link to access our online application system. You should begin by creating an account. Once created, you will be prompted to choose an application, select your term year and program. Please read the directions on your College of Arts and Sciences application carefully. 

Start Your Graduate School Application

Application Deadlines for Graduate Programs

Master's  Applicants:  Currently offering Spring and Fall Admission

Deadline for Spring:  December 1

Deadline for Fall:  May 1

PhD Applicants:  Fall Admission only. 
International Applications accepted up to May 1

Due to the on-going Covid-19 crisis, PhD funding will be limited for Fall 2021-2022 admission.  The Department anticipates being unable to recruit new funded PhD students.  For this reason, please do not complete your application for a funded position, and do not pay the application fee.  We are sorry to bear such disappointing news.  We hope you consider resubmitting your application next year.

Arthur A. Schomburg Graduate Fellowship Program

These fellowships are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are members of underrepresented minorities or who have overcome social, physical or economic disadvantages and who are entering a graduate degree program for the first time.  Departments nominate candidates for these awards based on standard admissions criteria and are granted only for the degree that the student is pursuing at the time of application.  Stipend:  $20,000, plus tuition scholarship.  For more information, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences webpage.

Presidential Fellowships

The UB Presidential Fellowship Program is aimed at enhancing UB's competitiveness in recruiting outstanding PhD students with a top-up amount above the new minimum stipend of $20,000.  Minimum requirements and more information can be found here.

Application Materials

The following must be attached to all applications:

  • Three letters of recommendation (Referees will receive instructions on electronic submission)
  • Transcripts for all previous college-level coursework
  • GRE score report (see below)- Institution Code 2925, Department Code 2203. (GMAT is also accepted)
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
  • TOEFL Score  - Institution Code 2925, Department code 70 (International students only)


International students who are admitted, and choose to accept our admission offer, will need to attach the following for I20 processing:

  • Copy of passport biographical page showing name, date of birth and photo
  • International Applicant Financial Form (download form) Select Standard Graduate form.
  • Bank statement showing appropriate funds as outlined on the financial form.

Application Requirements

GRE requirements:

The GRE is not required for Masters applicants.

For PhD applicants:  There is no mandatory university minimum, but our department uses a guideline of 300 (combined verbal and quantitative) and 313 is required for funding consideration. Funding is only offered to PhD applicants.  GRE information can be found at: http://www.ets.org/gre

TOEFL requirements:

The University minimum is 79 iBT, however, our department generally desires a higher score. The TOEFL score must be dated within two years of the time the application.  We do not admit or conditionally admit students who do not meet these requirements. TOEFL information can be found at: http://www.ets.org/toefl

GPA requirements:

2.9 Undergraduate GPA for admission to MA/MS

3.0 Undergraduate GPA for admission to Ph.D