Admission to the Program

Applicants for admission to the urban systems program possess a broad range of academic backgrounds, including bachelor's and master's degrees in the social sciences (anthropology, sociology, geography, and psychology), architecture and urban planning, education, and social work.

Admissions to the Doctoral Program

The criteria for admission to the Ph.D. program in urban systems include academic achievement, scholarship, professional character, scientific inquisitiveness, accountability, dependability, and interpersonal skills. While a completed master's degree is preferred from applicants, outstanding individuals without such training are also considered.

Advice about Applications

In doctoral education, success is predicated on a good match between student and program. In your application, you should take the opportunity to sell yourself. The personal statement should be typed, proofread, and provide information on:

• who you are and what you have done,
• your motivation for seeking the Ph.D.,
• what you hope to do once you've obtained the degree,
• your area of interest in a general sense,
• your research interest in detail.

Think of your application as a "portfolio." You will need to provide letters of recommendation, a copy of a resume or CV, and any other materials that you think may be important to understand your experience and potential. These might include copies of course papers, grant proposals, publications, program development materials, etc. A personal interview is also encouraged, either by phone or in person.

Application Materials

• Completed application to the Ph.D. program in urban systems. Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or its equivalent (e.g., MCAT, GMAT, DAT, or other acceptable examination). Inquiries regarding the substitution of other examinations should be addressed to the program director.
• International students, and all students whose first language is not English, must provide competitive scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Official transcripts of all prior academic work.
• Three letters of recommendation (faculty preferred).
• Written Statement of Purpose (Include your research interests).
• Interview (optional).

Application Process

Contact the program director of the specific specialization for further information on the admission process before beginning the application process. Completed applications should be sent directly to the director of that specialization.

Global Urban Studies

Rutgers Graduate Admissions

Global urban studies students should apply online at the Rutgers website.

Urban Environment