How to Apply
To apply, submit Temple’s online graduate application along with an application fee of $60.
Candidates will be asked to submit the following along with their application.
Letters of Recommendation
Number required: 3
From whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence.
Required Coursework
No specific coursework is required as applicants are drawn from a variety of disciplines.
Master’s Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline
A master’s degree is not required but is highly recommended.
Bachelor’s Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline
A baccalaureate degree is required. It should have been earned in geography, urban studies, anthropology, criminal justice, economics, political science, psychology or sociology, among other disciplines.
Statement of Goals
In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, share why you are interested in Temple’s geography program, your research and academic goals, future career goals, academic and research achievements, and any other information that you believe will be helpful in evaluating your application. The Graduate Admissions Committee is particularly interested in students’ interests and goals and whether they fit with the interests of specific faculty as well as general program offerings.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE: Optional. Scores may be submitted if available.
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
Résumé
Current academic CV or professional résumé required.
Writing Sample
At its discretion, the Graduate Admissions Committee may request a writing sample. The writing sample is not required.
Advanced Standing
Graduate coursework taken at an accredited institution as part of a master’s degree program prior to matriculation at Temple may be accepted for advanced standing credit. Applicants must supply an official transcript from their prior graduate institution to the Graduate Chair. The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews the request. Only grades of “B” or better can be accepted. If the request is granted, the student receives advanced standing and is awarded a maximum of 18 credits. Normally, these credits should have been earned no more than five years prior to the student’s matriculation at Temple.
Official electronic transcripts must be sent to [click-for-email]. 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: jessica.brennan@temple.edu
Admission Deadline
- Fall: Dec. 1
