How to Apply

Apply to IU Geography

The emphasis of our graduate program is on training Ph.D. students for careers in research and academia, and therefore incoming students can be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program with a Bachelor’s degree or with a Master’s degree. Terminal M.A. and M.S. degrees are also offered.

We welcome applications from students with a wide array of backgrounds. To apply, you must complete the University Graduate School's online application. You must provide the following information in the online application:

Admission application deadline

Domestic + International Applicants: December 1

Submit online application

Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA)

Minimum of 3.0 on 4.0 scale (a B average).

3 letters of reference

You will be asked for the emails of three recommenders when completing your application. Your recommenders will receive an electronic notification that the request has been made, as well instructions on how to submit their recommendation.

Identification of a prospective advisor

On the admissions application, you will be asked to list the names of faculty you are interested in working with. Because we are a small and competitive department, we strongly suggest that you identify and communicate with a prospective advisor prior to application. When you reach out to prospective advisors, please briefly explain your research interests and why you have selected that particular faculty member. You may also wish to expand in your statement of research interests why you want to work with that individual.

Statement of research interests

Once you have met all of the basic admission standards, the "Statement of Research Interests" is one of the most critical parts of your application on which you will be evaluated for admission and funding. In addition to clearly stating your own research interests and expertise, your statement should reflect why our program is a good fit to your future goals. You are strongly encouraged to identify in your statement faculty members and/or research areas that you would like to work in and with.

TOEFL or IELTS exams: for international students

International students (whose native language is not English):

TOEFL – Minimum of 600 (>249 CBT, >99 IBT). (Minimum of 620 (>260 CBT, >104 IBT) for Financial Aid).

IELTS – Minimum of 6.5 for admission, 7.0 recommended for Financial Aid.

Duolingo- Minimum of 105

Please reach out to the department at geoggsc@iu.edu if you believe you should qualify for an exemption from the English language examination requirement.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE): optional

It is optional to submit GRE scores. It is not required.
For an exam taken before August 1, 2011: a minimum of one score of at least 600 or better on the verbal or quantitative, 4.5 or better on Analytical.
For an exam taken after August 1, 2011: a minimum of 151 on verbal and a minimum of 150 on quantitative, and 4.5 or better on Analytical.

Additional information

Domestic applicants should mail their official transcripts to:

Graduate Admissions
Department of Geography
Student Building 120
Indiana University
701 E. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN, 47405 U.S.A.

International applicants should mail their official transcripts to:

Office of International Services
Indiana University
Ferguson International Center
330 N. Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN, 47405 U.S.A.

Application fee

In order to submit your application, you must pay the application fee with a credit card. The fees are:

Domestic -$70

International - $70

How to Apply

Apply to IU Geography

Admission application deadline

Additional information

Application fee

Department of Geography social media channels

The College of Arts & Sciences