Submitting Application

Applications must be submitted through the University of Minnesota online Graduate School Application System. All application materials should be uploaded to this site. Admission decisions are communicated to applicants using this system. If you need additional information please visit the Graduate School's application instructions page.

Application Deadline

Applications are due November 30 for a new academic year to assure maximum consideration for assistantships and fellowships. Most fellowship decisions are made by mid-January. Applications received after November 30 will be considered on a space and funds available basis. The following March 15 is the final application deadline, though we strongly urge applicants to submit their application well before this deadline

Application Review Timeline

Conservation Sciences Admission Committee will begin reviewing applications in early December, identify potential faculty advisors and seek funds. Many of our incoming students are supported by first-year fellowships from the Conservation Sciences Graduate Program, the Office for Diversity in Graduate Education, the Interdisciplinary Center for the study of Global Change, and individual faculty research assistantships. The program will nominate top-ranking applicants for fellowships based on recommendation of the admission committee and faculty advisors.

In February, we invite a limited number of applicants whose interests seem especially suited to our program and who we think are strong fellowship candidates to visit for a recruiting and welcome weekend. At this event, the program will interview these candidates and provide excellent chances to get to know the faculty, students, and aspects of our graduate program. If you are among those selected, you will be notified mid-January. Please note that not all applicants invited will ultimately be admitted, whereas some who do not receive invitations may be admitted.

The second stage of our admission process begins in early March, when we begin formally admitting students. At this point, we are in a position to put together individualized financial offers for the students we admit. Financial packages generally consist of some mix of Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships.

All Doctoral and Master's applicants can expect notification of admission no later than mid-April.