APPLICATION INFORMATION
INTRODUCTORY NOTES
Application packets for Fall entry are due no later than March 1st.
Please note that we cannot accept application fee waivers.
We do not pre-screen applicants--you MUST fill out an application: ONLINE APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS
- A bachelor’s degree based on a four-year curriculum from an institution accredited by one of the regional associations of the Commission on Institution of Higher Education or equivalent.
- A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the previous degree.
REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- A minimum Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 540 on the written exam or 76 on the internet-based exam. UW will also accept a minimum score of 6.5 on the IETLS exam or certification of level 112 ELS completion in lieu of the TOEFL requirements.
- Applicants from an English speaking country or those who have attended a U.S. institution within one year preceding application to UW may request a waiver through the Office of Admissions.
- If you are accepted to our program, the Office of Admissions will request evidence of adequate financial resources to fill out your I-20 in preparation for your visa.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended are required for consideration to our program; official transcripts will be required by the Office of Admissions if you are recommended to admissions with a Departmental Approval.
- Names and contact information for at least 3 people who will provide letters of recommendation about your preparedness and/or qualifications for the desired graduate degree program
- A statement of intent that includes:
- Why you are seeking this degree
- Your specific research interests
- How your educational, research, work, and/or other experiences have shaped your educational and research interests
- The faculty member(s) you are interested in working with and how your research interests and experiences fit with that mentor
- A brief resume or curriculum vitae
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- GRE scores
- unofficial GRE scores are acceptable for consideration by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Official GRE scores will be required after acceptance by the Office of Admissions
- Our department does not have a GRE minimum, however, it is important to note that our program is highly competitive and that applicants with higher GRE scores are prioritized during consideration.
- We do not grant GRE waivers.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
- unofficial TOEFL/IELTS scores are acceptable for consideration by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Official TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required after acceptance by the Office of Admissions
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
All applicants to the program are considered for a graduate assistantship; there is no separate application procedure, and as such, the deadline is the same as your application to the program, March 1st. You are NOT REQUIRED to reach out to particular faculty members during the application process, but priority consideration is given to applicants who have researched the department's objectives and possess research interests that engage with the faculty.
Graduate Assistantships are special opportunities for qualified, exemplary candidates. Selection for department-funded assistantships is highly competitive; these are highly sought after work positions that make the University's learning experience affordable and superlative. There are three types of GAships available: Teaching, Research, and Administrative. Each comes with financial benefits that offset the costs of attending the University for your educational life. An extended overview of the benefits and duties of Graduate Assistantships can be found on the website for the Office of Graduate Education:

APPLICATION TIMELINE
Applications for Fall are due March 1st; you can edit your application at any time before March 1st. The consideration period begins after the March 1st deadline. Decisions are made around April 1st, and you will be notified soon after. Once you are notified, you will have 2 weeks to respond whether you will accept or deny your offer. We do not pre-screen applications; all applications are evaluated together. It is also important to note that the consideration pool is always very large and that we do not have enough spots to accommodate every applicant; competition for a spot in the program is very high, but we always encourage those who are not selected to refine their application and to apply again.
Info Carousel Slider

The Office of Admissions can help you with questions about your graduate transcripts, official GRE scores, official TOEFL and IELTS scores, and other admissions protocols.

The Office of Global Engagement can help you with questions about all things regarding education abroad, including questions about your I-20, your visa, health and immunization records, social security numbers, and more!

The School of Graduate Education can help you with questions about all things regarding graduate assistantships, symposiums, professional development, grad paperwork, and more!

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid can help you with questions about all things regarding scholarships, grants, loans, and other student financial support.
GRADUATE COURSEWORK + EXPECTATIONS
The majority of accepted students’ coursework will be in their designated discipline and related areas. All master’s degree options require a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. Each student’s appointed committee will assist in formulating a plan of study within these program requirements. The objective of our graduate programs is to prepare students to:
- Be competent in the content studied
- Be competent in oral and written communications
- Be an independent and reflective learner
- Integrate theory, research, and practice

DEPARTMENT STATS
With groundbreaking research, high-impact publications, and a stellar track record of student success, we set the standard for excellence. Whether it's our rising enrollment, award-winning faculty, or innovative projects, the numbers tell a story of dedication, growth, and unmatched achievement. Data never looked this good!