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Admissions

How to Apply

To apply, submit Temple’s online graduate application along with an application fee of $60. 

Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree in a related field. Relevant disciplines include the following.

  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Urban Studies

Though a master's degree is not required, it is highly recommended.

Candidates will be asked to submit the following along with their application. 

Supporting Materials

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from every college and university you have attended.

An applicant is expected to have some academic background in Africology and African American Studies. All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Letters of Reference

Submit three letters of recommendation from faculty and professionals.  The recommendations may be submitted on the Reference Report for Graduate Study or as a traditional letter of recommendation. Letters must be signed and forwarded as a PDF on official letterhead.

Statement of Goals

Your statement should be about 500 to 1,000 words in length. Include your specific interest in Temple’s program, your research and future career goals, and your previous academic and research achievements. The Graduate Admissions Committee is particularly interested in whether students' interests and goals fit with our program offerings and faculty interests.

Standardized Test Scores

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) general test is optional. Scores may be submitted if available.

Résumé

A current professional résumé is required.

Writing Sample

The Graduate Admissions Committee may request a writing sample.

Official electronic transcripts must be sent to . Original transcripts can be mailed to:

Temple University College of Liberal Arts
Graduate Admissions Committee
Dept. of Geography and Urban Studies
308 Gladfelter Hall
1115 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6089

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums.

  • TOEFL iBT: 88
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 60

Questions

If you have questions about the Geography PhD, contact
Jessica Brennan, administrator in the Department of Geography and Urban Studies.
Phone: 215-204-7577
Email

Admission Deadline

  • Fall: Jan. 15