How to Apply

January 15th is the application deadline for the following fall semester.

Niwot Ridge in summer bloom

Checklist

Register as a prospective graduate student.

Fall Admission only (see deadlines below). There are no exceptions to this rule.

GRE general test required (scores must be RECEIVED by the application deadline). All applicants must take the GRE, even if they already have graduate degrees. The only exceptions are for dual MBA/MS and JD/MS applicants.

3 recommendation letters required -- submit online (preferred) or directly to the department.

2 official transcripts from each institution attended (including work that appears as transfer credit on a later transcript).

Application decisions are made and applicants notified in early- to mid-March.

Eligibility Guidelines

Environmental Studies Admissions Requirements

Requirements for admission to the MS and PhD programs in the Environmental Studies Program include an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and completion of the general GRE test. International students must take the TOEFL test. The GRE test is required with a recommended minimum score of 50% or above.

The above scores are meant to be illustrative and are not to be understood as minimum qualifications since there is considerable variation in scores. Letters of recommendation and student statements of interest are important considerations in the admission process.

Graduate School Minimum Admissions Standards

Individual graduate departments including the Environmental Studies Program have additional or more restrictive standards by which they evaluate graduate applicants. (See above.) However, the Graduate School at CU-Boulder has established minimum standards for graduate admission. Applicants must:

  1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or have done work equivalent to that required for such a degree.
  2. Show promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research, as judged by the student’s scholastic record.
  3. Have adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen field.
  4. Have at least a 2.75 (2.00=C) undergraduate grade point average. Note: Applicants who cannot meet this undergraduate standard may still secure regular admission if they have completed 12 semester hours of relevant graduate course work with at least a 3.25 average.

Application Process

The application process has changed for Fall 2010 Applicants.

Please review the ENVS Cover Sheet and Supplemental Form PDF or Word documents before beginning your application. All paper materials, including transcripts, should be gathered together and sent to ENVS in one package.

Graduate School Application Information

You are encouraged to use the online Graduate School application. Follow the link below for instructions about the online application form and online recommendation letter submittal site. Graduate School Prospective Student Application Process

Please indicate on Part I of the application form:
The Major Code: GR-ENVS
Degree: PhD or MS
Special Field: Your area of interest within ENVS. Please see descriptions of secondary cores (Curriculum)
University of Colorado at Boulder code: R4841
Environmental Studies Program code: 0502

Environmental Studies Checklist and Supplemental Form

Your application is not considered complete until this form is received. Please read the directions on the ENVS Coversheet and Supplemental Form and submit both pages along with your transcripts and other paper materials. Please send only one package.

Deadlines

Standard Application deadline: January 15
January 15th is the deadline for applications for admission and all supporting material for the following fall semester. The application and all supporting materials must be submitted online or postmarked by this date. There are no exceptions to this rule.

International application deadline: December 1

International Students SHOULD NOT mail their materials to the Environmental Studies office. Check the CU Prospective International Student website for more information.

For the financial assistance application deadline, contact the Financial Aid Office

Questions

Check out the FAQ first. If you can't find an answer there, please (Contact Us). Email is preferred over phone calls. If you would like to speak with someone in person, please make an appointment in advance. The ENVS office is very small, and planned activities have priority.