Review the list below for materials that will be required as part of the online graduate application. All materials should be submitted via the application – DO NOT email any materials to the department.

Open the Graduate School application form

• REQUIRED

  • Letters of recommendation (electronic ONLY, no paper) – minimum 2; maximum 4
    • Tips on Getting Great Letters of Recommendation, by Dr. Chelsea Wood, UW SAFS
  • Unofficial transcript(s)
  • Faculty Interest
    • Which member(s) of the SAFS faculty are you interested in as a faculty adviser? Browse SAFS Graduate Faculty
  • Research Statement (max. 2 US letter-size pages, single-spaced)
    • Tell us about the research you would hope to pursue if you were admitted to SAFS. Address the following topics in whatever order you wish:
      • What research would you like to conduct during your program at SAFS, if you were to be admitted?  If possible, suggest some specific projects that you would like to pursue.  (These proposals are not binding – they are not considered a commitment to a specific research program.  We just want to get a sense of what research questions you are interested in and how you would address those questions.)
      • How has your past research, field/lab experience, or academic preparation prepared you to succeed at SAFS and in your chosen field?
    • In addition, we recommend you use this opportunity to identify potential faculty advisors and explain why you are interested in working with these individuals specifically.
  • Personal Statement (max. 1 US letter-size page, single-spaced)
    • Tell us your rationale for applying to the SAFS graduate program. Address the following topics in whatever order you wish::
      • What are your long-term career goals?
      • Why do you need a graduate degree to pursue these goals?
      • Why have you chosen to apply to SAFS?
      • What unique academic and/or life skills have you developed that will help you succeed as a SAFS graduate student and make contributions to your field?
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Your CV should include the following:
      • education
      • research experience
      • other relevant professional experience
      • publications
      • presentations
      • awards and grants
      • notable skills (computer/software, specialized instruments, etc.)
    • Template on Google Drive.
    • Example on Google Drive.

• OPTIONAL

  • Extenuating Circumstances Statement (max. 1 US letter-size pags, single-spaced)
    • Use this section to provide additional relevant information that you would like us to consider as part of your application. This information could include extenuating circumstances that explain or contextualize portions of your application (e.g., major illnesses, family responsibilities). Please review all sections of the application to be sure that the information you wish to provide in this section has not already been requested or provided elsewhere.This section is completely optional. Applicants will not be penalized for choosing not to submit an Extenuating Circumstances Statement.

DO NOT submit any additional writing samples or publications – we do not accept them as part of the application process. Applicants are welcome to reach out to potential advisers with questions about writing samples.

Please note the GRE is not required for application to our program. Details regarding application assessment can be found here.

Graduate Application fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants:

1. UW Graduate School:
   Eligibility is determined based on financial need or by participation in the McNair Scholars or PPIA Fellows program. Applicants studying on F or J visas are not eligible for application fee waivers.
   NOTE: This waiver is requested as the last step of application submission – the Grad School recommends submission at least seven days prior to the application deadline.
2. SAFS Graduate Application Fee Payment Request form:
   For prospective students who do not qualify for the UW Graduate School fee waiver, SAFS offers to use School funds to pre-pay the application fee of applicants who participate in approved pathway programs whose work aligns with the SAFS diversity mission. A partial list of eligible pathway programs is provided in the Fee Payment Request form. Please submit this form BEFORE paying the graduate application fee. We are unable to pay fees retroactively for application fees that have already been paid.
   DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUEST: November 8

We begin mailing admission offers in March, and all applicants will receive communication about an admission decision before April 15th. 

Browse answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.