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Admission Requirements

for Geography graduate students

To receive full consideration, including consideration for funding opportunities, all applications for fall admission must be submitted by January 15.

Students with degrees in other non-geography disciplines are encouraged to apply, although they may be asked to make up deficiencies in geography during the first year in the program.

For more information, visit the WVU Graduate Catalog.

MA in Geography

  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • Two-page personal statement defining your interest in geography and career goals
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your undergraduate training
  • GRE scores are not required

PhD in Geography

  • MA or MS degree
  • Cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.3
  • Two-page research statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores are not required

M.A. and Ph.D. applicants are all required to name potential advisor(s) in their statement. All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors prior to submitting their application. Prospective students who establish these connections typically have much stronger applications. 

SPEAK & TOEFL

All prospective students whose native language is not English are required to take and submit TOEFL scores with their applications.  Teaching assistants or associates, whose native language is not English, are also required to take and pass the  SPEAK Test before they can assume teaching positions.  Please see WVU information on applying as an international student at: 

Find the WVU International Graduate Applicant on the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page.