Deadlines, instructions, and more for applying to Ecosystem Science and Management graduate programs at Penn State.
We encourage applications from students who have had contact with a faculty member about their research and funding. Prior contact with a faculty member helps to develop a relationship between the student and faculty member and identifies a project and funding for the student. Unsolicited applications often do not lead to student support given that financial support does not exist for graduate school degrees, but rather, is tied to external funding awards a faculty member has.
Application Deadline
- Fall Semester–January 4 (we accept applications on an on-going basis; however, to have the best opportunity to successfully compete for departmental assistantships or university fellowships, applications submitted by January 4th is recommended)
- Spring Semester–August 1 (we accept applications on an on-going basis; however, to have the best opportunity to successfully compete for available assistantships, early applications are recommended)
Apply to The Graduate School
Complete an application form available at the Graduate School Admissions and Program Information Portal. Fee information and additional details are available at the Graduate School's How to Apply page.
All required documents can be uploaded directly to your application -
Submit (through your application) copies of official transcripts/documents (for institutions outside the U.S. documents may include marksheets, record of courses, degree/study certificate, original diploma, etc.) from all post-secondary institutions attended and official English translation if the language of instruction is not English).
Submit (through your application) official TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants (with the exceptions noted in the Requirements for Graduate Admission); and, if admission is offered and accepted, receipt by the Graduate School of official transcripts (or international equivalent as stated above) from all post-secondary institutions attended, together with an official English translation of all official documents if the language of instruction was not English.
A statement of purpose (uploaded to your application) for your proposed graduate study. Please submit a 1- to 2-page written statement (3 pages maximum) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate study. You may want to include the following types of information in your statement:
- reasons for pursuing a Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) graduate degree
- specific area of interest that you plan to pursue
- long-term plans for professional career
- experiences from previous graduate or professional work that have influenced your decision to pursue graduate study
- previous research and/or teaching and outreach
- other information that will help us to better understand your purpose for applying to our graduate program
- your interest in obtaining a graduate assistantship
- names of ESM graduate faculty you are communicating with who may be willing to serve as a potential adviser(s).
Three letters of recommendation (uploaded directly to your application) from professional colleagues and/or teachers who are knowledgeable about your character and qualifications as they relate to your potential to succeed in an advanced graduate degree program.
If admission is offered and accepted, you will need to mail original/official transcripts (or international equivalent as stated above) from all post-secondary institutions attended, together with an official English translation of all official documents if the language of instruction was not English.
The Graduate School confirms eligibility for admission of all graduate degree applicants, while programs select and recommend applicants for offers of admission. Final approval of admission to all graduate degree programs lies with the Graduate School.
