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. 

GPA requirements:

2.9 Undergraduate GPA for admission to MA/MS

3.0 Undergraduate GPA for admission to Ph.D

NOTE: International students in our M.S. GIS and PH.D. programs are granted a longer OPT timeline through the STEM OPT eligible criteria.

Master's  Applicants:  Currently offering Spring and Fall Admission

Deadline for Spring:  December 1

Deadline for Fall (domestic applicants): June 15

Deadline for Fall (international applicants): May 1

**Please note that the Department currently does not fund Master's students.  Research assistantships for Master's students may be available once you have started the program.

PhD Applicants:  Fall Admission only.  Review of applications for funding consideration begins on December 1st for Fall admission.

Along with your online graduate application, you will need to submit:

• Three letters of recommendation (Referees will receive instructions on electronic submission)
• Transcripts for all previous college-level coursework
• Personal Statement
• CV/Resume

In addition to the above materials, all international applicants must provie the following applicaton materials: 

• English language proficiency test scores
  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 students who do not meet these requirements. TOEFL information can be found at: http://www.ets.org/toefl
  
  We also accept IELTS scores instead of TOEFL. The University requires an overall 6.5 minimum score. In addition, our Department will not admit any student with any band below 6.0.  IELTS information can be found at: http://www.ielts.org/about-ielts/what-is-ielts

International students who are admitted, and choose to accept our admission offer, will need to submit the following for I-20 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.

PhD Excellence Initiative

The University offers competitive funding packages under the PhD Excellence Initiative.  Most funded PhD students are admitted under this highly competitive program.  Students receive a minimum $20,000 per year stipend and full tuition scholarship.  Fellowships are available to all students, domestic and international.  Applicants who are seeking a funded PhD position are strongly encouraged to contact a member of our faculty to identify their willingness to serve as their primary Advisor.  For more information on the PhD Excellence Initiative, visit the Graduate School's information page here.

Arthur A. Schomburg Graduate Fellowship Program

UB’s Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program is intended to support high achieving doctoral students across the university. The program is sponsored by the SUNY office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and offers support for full-time students who can demonstrate that they would contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Schomburg fellowships are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  Schomburg Fellows receive a competitive top-up amount above the regular stipend offered by the PhD Excellence Initiative.

The Department of Geography is strongly committed to increasing diversity in our discipline through PhD training.  Please see our diversity statement here.  Departments nominate candidates for Schomburg Fellowships once they are admitted to the PhD Program.  There is no separate application.  For more information, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences webpage here.

Presidential Fellowships

The UB Presidential Fellowship Program is aimed at enhancing UB's competitiveness in recruiting outstanding PhD students with a competitive top-up amount above the regular stipend offered by the PhD Excellence Initiative.  Departments nominate candidates for Presidential Fellowships once they are admitted to the PhD Program.  There is no separate application.  For more information, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences webpage here.