Application and Admissions
The new application deadline for Fall admissions is December 15, 2008 . Applications for Graduate Admission into the Women's Studies program are available from the Office of Graduate Admissions, University of Maryland at College Park, 2117 Lee Building, College Park, MD 20742-5121 U.S.A, telephone: (301) 405-4198, e-mail: gradmit@deans.umd.edu. Information is available online through the Office of Graduate Admissions or by contacting the Department of Women's Studies directly at 2101 Woods Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, telephone: (301) 405-6877, e-mail: womensstudies@umd.edu.
Paper applications are no longer printed. You may access all forms online at http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/gss/admission.htm.
The Office of Graduate Admissions encourarges your to complete an online application; a non-refundable application fee of $60.00 (amount based on 2007-2008 academic year); official academic transcripts from all institutions attended, which includes all undergraduate and graduate work; Maryland In-State Status Form (applicable to Maryland State residents only), Certification of Finances Form (international students only); and copies of the I-20, I-94, and passport visa stamp (international students only).
This year, the Women's Studies Department encourages all to complete the online application, however, if you must complete a paper application, please visit the Graduate School website instructions and mailing address. (www.gradschool.umd.edu) The required supporting documents are needed as well for a complete application packet: a completed application form; official academic transcripts from all institutions attended (official transcripts must be sent to both the Office of Graduate Admissions); Graduate Record Examination general scores (GRE); (3) three letters of recommendation with rating sheets; a writing sample of approximately 10 pages in length, please use a scholarly format with footnotes; resume or CV; and a personal statement of purpose which includes the following information: the applicant's motivations for pursuing a Ph.D. in Women's studies, specific intellectual interests in the field, and the ways in which these interests are supported by the particular strengths of our faculty and course offerings.
All completed applications are reviewed by the Graduate School, the Women's Studies Graduate Committee, and for international applicants, the office of International Education Services. Formal admission is offered by the Graduate School. Applicants admitted to the Graduate School receive a written offer of admission from the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. To accept or decline the offer, applicants must notify the Women's Studies Department and Graduate School by April 15. Unsuccessful applicants are also notified in writing by the Graduate School.
Applicants who do not register for classes in the semester for which they are admitted will have their admissions terminated. Students must maintain a cumulative "B" average or better in graduate course work and must satisfy all additional Women's Studies and Graduate School requirements. In order to remain in good standing, doctoral students must be advanced to candidacy within five years of entrance, after which another four-year period is permitted for completion of the remaining requirements. Students should consult the Graduate Catalog for additional information on Graduate School policies and regulations.
