If your question is not answered below, please email espmgrad@berkeley.edu.
- How many graduate students are enrolled in the graduate programs in ESPM and how many graduate each year?
- How many applications do you get every year and how many do you accept?
- Do I have to have a faculty sponsor to apply?
- What is the application deadline for Fall admission?
- When will I hear if I am accepted?
- What are the criteria used to evaluate my application?
- What if my major is not relevant to what I intend to pursue in the ESPM PhD. program?
- Is the GRE required?
- What are the GRE and TOEFL codes for ESPM?
- How important are GRE scores and GPA?
- How do I calculate my GPA?
- Do I need to take a GRE Subject Test?
- Do you offer financial support for students?
- What courses are required for admission?
- Where do I submit my supplemental documentation?
- What is the average length of time to complete the Ph.D. degree?
1. How many graduate students are enrolled in the graduate programs in ESPM and how many graduate each year?
We currently have 212 graduate students enrolled in the ESPM graduate program. Since advanced students often travel to complete their field research, there are roughly 185 registered graduate students each semester. In 2010-2011, 21 Ph.D., and five M.S. degrees were awarded by the department. [back to top]
2. How many applications do you get every year and how many do you accept?
We received 346 applications during the 2011-2012 admission cycle. These applications were for the ESPM Ph.D. and M.S., the M.F. (Master of Forestry), and the M.S. in Range Management. We made 41 offers of admission and enrolled 27 new students this year. [back to top]
3. Do I have to have a faculty sponsor to apply?
No, you do not need a faculty sponsor to apply. However, at the time you submit your application, we require that you list at least four faculty with whom you are interested in working with in order of preference. This assures that the listed faculty members have an opportunity to review your application in time to make their preferences known to the Admissions Committee. Faculty sponsorship of entering graduate students is not determined until all applications are reviewed, and final admission offers have been made. [back to top]
4. What is the application deadline for Fall admission?
We accept applications for the Fall Semester only. The application deadline for Fall 2012 is December 1. However, the deadline for GRE and TOEFL scores is December 20. [back to top]
5. When will I hear if I am accepted?
The application review process will begin a week or two after the application deadline of December 1. The admission results will be out in mid March. The deadline to notify the University of your plan to accept or decline the offer of admission is April 15. Denial letters are sent out approximately 2-3 weeks after admission offers have been made. [back to top]
6. What are the criteria used to evaluate my application?
The Admissions Committee uses a combination of all submitted materials to rank your application for admission. The GRE scores and the GPA comprise 60% of the score and the letters of recommendation, your statement of purpose, and other relevant background information comprise 40% of your final rank. [back to top]
7. What if my major is not relevant to what I intend to pursue in the ESPM PhD. program?
We look at the strengths of your academic training, research and work experience. [back to top]
8. Is the GRE required?
Yes. Although the Graduate Division no longer requires the GRE, ESPM requires all applicants to submit current scores. [back to top]
9. What are the GRE and TOEFL codes for ESPM?
- TOEFL code is: 40
- GRE/TOEFL Institution Code for UB Berkeley is: 4833
10. How important are GRE scores and GPA?
The GRE scores and GPA are very important to gain admission to the ESPM graduate program. Average GPA and GRE scores vary slightly each year but are approximately as follows:
- GPA: 3.5 – 3.7
- GRE
- Verbal: 158 – 164
- Quantitative: 151 – 159
- Analytical: 4.8 – 5.4
The GPA is based on all undergraduate course work completed after the second year. We do not accept the GMAT or LSAT scores in place of the GRE scores. [back to top]
11. How do I calculate my GPA?
The GPA you should calculate should include all courses taken *after your first two years* of your undergraduate program. For example, if you attended college for 4 years, you would calculate your GPA for courses you took in your 3rd and 4th year. If you attended for 5 years, then you would include courses from your 3rd, 4th and 5th years. If you have done post-graduate work, your GPA as a Masters student is not used in the calculation. [back to top]
12. Do I need to take a GRE Subject Test?
No, we do not require a GRE Subject Test for admission. [back to top]
13. Do you offer financial support for students?
Yes, we make every effort to support our entering and continuing students from a variety of resources including University Fellowships, Departmental Restricted Fellowships, and Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GSRs). We encourage our students to apply for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions. We also encourage applicants to make every effort to find external funding as well. Some programs will provide funding for entering graduate students, and we encourage you to investigate such programs. We make our financial support offers at the time of admission. [back to top]
14. What courses are required for admission?
No specific coursework is required for admission. Coursework relevant to your interest area is of course useful. [back to top]
15. Where do I submit my supplemental documentation?
You will be able to submit a copy of all supplemental documentation (transcripts, CV, writing samples) during the submission of your application. [back to top]
16. What is the average length of time to complete the Ph.D. degree?
The average length is approximately 5.5 years. [back to top]
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