Apply to the Ph.D. Program

Application Deadlines

Admission to the doctoral program typically occurs in the fall semester.

The application deadline for Fall 2023 was January 20, 2023. This application is currently CLOSED.

The next application cycle will begin taking applications July 1, 2023 for admission to Fall 2024.

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

Create a GradApp account
Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account".
Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and "Information (PHD)" under program of study.
Choose the semester during which you wish to enter the program.
Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive and based on both your abilities and faculty interest and expertise in your proposed area of study. The School of Information may deny entry to an otherwise qualified applicant if there is insufficient faculty intellectual overlap for working with that applicant. Please note a GRE is NOT required.

Our faculty consider the overall package when making candidate evaluations, including:

An undergraduate or graduate academic record that is indicative of significant achievement (typically a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale)
A minimum of three letters of recommendation that clearly speak to your promise as a graduate student and as a doctoral student
A résumé indicating both employment and educational experience to date
A statement of intent outlining why you are applying to this particular program and what you consider the outcome of doctoral study will be
An interview, on campus or by phone, with selected members of the faculty may occur

See also minimum admission requirements from the UA Graduate College. Also refer to our information for international applicants if needed.

Application Checklist

You are required to submit the following materials as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed until all required information is received.

Academic Statement of Purpose

Write a 750-1000 word statement outlining why you are applying to this particular program and what you consider the outcome of doctoral study will be. You need not, at this point, indicate potential dissertation topics, but an indication of the area(s) in which you propose to study would be very helpful to the faculty.

Transcripts

Upload unofficial transcripts from ALL higher educational institutions attended as part of the online application. (Please note that unofficial transcripts are needed from each individual institution even if they are listed on the final transcript where the degree was issued.)

Official e-transcripts can be sent to transcripts@grad.arizona.edu directly from the institution. Official transcripts can be requested after the graduate college has provided requirements in their letter once admittance has occurred.

English Language Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required for any international applicant born in a country where English is not the official language. Please check our English Requirement list to verify your need to submit an English proficiency test. These tests must be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.

Acceptable English Proficiency tests are:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
Pearson PTE Academic - minimum score of 60
Graduate English Language Endorsement from the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL)
CEPT Full Academic test - offered by our Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), minimum Total score of 110.

Those exempt from submitting English proficiency scores are:

Applicants from countries where English is the official language.
Applicants who have completed a bachelor's or graduate degree at a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or an approved institution in an official English speaking country. Degree must not be older than 2 years from the term of enrollment.
Applicants who have completed 2 years of full-time academic study must have 48 upper division, graded undergraduate semester units or 30 graded, graduate semester units.

Upload your unofficial TOEFL scores as part of the online application. You must also submit official scores through ETS using institution code 4832.

Letters of Recommendation

Provide email addresses and contact information for three recommenders in the ‘Letters of Recommendation’ section of the online application.

Resume/CV

Upload a current resumé or curriculum vitae (CV) as part of the online application in the ‘Supplemental Questions’ section.

Additional Forms

You may also need to complete:

A domicile affidavit if you wish to have in-state (Arizona) status. Mail or FAX the form directly to the Residency Classification Office. All students are considered out-of-state residents until domicile affidavits are processed. See Residency Guidelines and also review information about Proposition 300.
A financial guarantee form (international students)
An immunization form to be sent directly to Campus Health. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until they have met the University's immunization requirements. For more information, see the Campus Health Service's immunization requirements.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, contact:

SBS-SI_Admissions@arizona.edu

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