How To Apply

Admissions Overview

Students are admitted to the University of California, Berkeley by the Graduate Division on the recommendation of the Geography Department. To aid the department in making its recommendation, prospective graduate students are asked to submit the following:

Graduate Admissions Online Application

Prospective graduate students can start the Graduate Admissions Online Application in mid-September. In the pertinent section of the application, please list the faculty with whom you have contacted or expect to contact concerning your application, as well as the faculty in the department whose research is of particular interest. The application is due by December 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Unofficial transcripts

Applicants must submit their unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended via the Graduate Admissions Online Application. Official transcripts will be required once admitted by the Graduate Division. In addition to transcripts, please submit your undergraduate GPA for all coursework taken after your first two years.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants are asked to provide a Statement of Purpose that describes their intellectual objectives for their graduate career. Please refer to the Graduate Division Statement of Purpose Guide to learn more about what to include, how to structure, and key tips for writing effective statements for your graduate application.

Personal History Statement

Applicants must submit a Personal History Statement describing how their background and life experiences have influenced their decision to pursue a graduate degree at this time. This may include formative experiences, values, or motivations that have influenced their academic and/or professional path. You may also include any relevant information on the following:

Any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences or opportunities that have shaped your academic journey
Challenges or responsibilities you have navigated in pursuit of your educational goals, and how you responded to or overcame them
Significant barriers or hardships you have faced, and how they have contributed to your growth and shaped your perspective
Leadership experiences, community outreach, service initiatives, or research projects you have participated in or plan to pursue that aim to positively impact others or the broader community
Ways in which your perspectives, experiences, or aspirations have aligned with UC Berkeley’s Principles of Community

Please refer to the Graduate Division Personal Statement Guide to learn what to include, how to structure, and key tips for writing effective statements for your graduate application.

Letters of recommendation

Applicants must submit three (3) letters of academic appraisal, preferably from former instructors. The best letter writers are those who know you well and can provide an evaluation of your ability to perform and succeed at the graduate level. Please request that your letter writers complete and submit your letters of recommendation via the online Graduate Application system.

English language proficiency requirements

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores are required for applicants who received their degrees in countries other than the U.S., U.K., Australia, or English-speaking Canada. Please see the Graduate Division website for more information on English language proficiency requirements.