Background Preparation & Focus
The typical applicant to our program has:
A strong academic record. The minimum upper-division undergraduate GPA for admission is 3.5 or higher. In evaluating grade point average, particular emphasis is placed on the applicant’s last two years of undergraduate study and on their work in the area in which they intend to specialize.
A writing sample of high caliber.
Excellent letters of recommendation from academic sources that can comment in detail on scholarly attributes.
A concise, mature, and directed statement of purpose that fits within the interdisciplinary Global Studies program requirements and capabilities.
How to Apply
- Start your online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowship.
- Letters of recommendation. From within the online application, request three letters of recommendation from three recommenders who are familiar with your work, preferably in an academic setting. On the application you will type the names, titles, and email addresses of your recommenders. When you click the "Send to Recommender" button, Berkeley will send each of them an email request for your letter to be uploaded directly to your application. Letter writers should upload their letter no later than one week beyond the application deadline. It is a good idea to personally contact your recommenders as well to let them know that they will be receiving a letter request from Berkeley Graduate Admissions (gradadm@berkeley.edu).
- A scholarly writing sample. Examples include an essay or book review. Writing samples must be 10-15 pages in length and in English. Upload the writing sample as part of the online application. Do not mail or email writing samples to the department.
- Transcripts in PDF format. Please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts for each educational institution attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. Official transcripts will be required only if admitted. International applicants should review the additional requirements for international transcripts.
- International Students: English language exam scores. International applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. See Evidence of Language Proficiency requirements for more information on required exams.
Applicants are also required to read and meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate Division. Applicants will be notified of our decision in late-February. Decisions will be sent via email to the address that you list on your application.
Check Your File Status
You may log in to your application before or after you submit in order to check the status of your file. The status page will tell you:
- Have you submitted your application fee payment?
- Have you requested recommendations and have the letters arrived?
- Have your official TOEFL scores arrived? Note that the scores may have arrived from ETS but have not yet been matched to your file.
- After admission decisions are made (usually in early to mid-February), the decision will be posted on the status page and you will receive an email notification alerting you that a decision is available.