The School of Social Sciences accepts applications for the fall quarter only. We do not make mid-year (winter or spring) admission offers. We encourage prospective students to begin the application process early to ensure ample time to assemble all required materials.

Complete application packets must be received by the department's application deadline in order to be considered for admission and financial support for fall quarter.
 

 Application Deadlines

 

Fall 2025

 

 

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 Before You Apply

The first step in the application process involves choosing an area of study that is closely aligned with the applicant's background and academic interests and goals. When making this decision, you will want to keep in mind the following:

• With the exception of the DASA and PPE Master's degree programs, we accept applications for and make offers only for PhD admission.
• The application process should not be rushed. It takes time to put together a portfolio just as it takes time for faculty to properly evaluate application materials received. We highly encourage applicants to begin the process early.
• Some PhD programs require the GRE in the upcoming admission cycle, while others do not. Please visit UCI Graduate Division GRE Rerquirements for more information.

• All graduate students, except those who have earned an undergraduate or Master’s degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the World Higher Education Database, are required to demonstrate oral English proficiency before they are admitted to a UCI graduate program. 

  PhD students are generally admitted with a funding package that will include Teaching Assistant or Associate Instructor titles, and therefore will need to demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency than what is required for admission. PhD students must have either earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction within five years prior to admission to a graduate program at UCI; or pass the TOEFL exam with at least a 26 on the speak portion of the test, or the IELTS with an 8 on the speaking portion. TOEFL or IELTS test scores are valid for two years after the test date. Please read the full policy on English proficiency for graduate admissions and how to search for your institution in the database on the Graduate Division website. The English proficiency requirement for TAs can be found here.

 

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 Application Process

We will begin accepting applications in October 2024 for Fall 2025 admission.

The following items are required in support of each application for PhD and Master's degree admission:

• Domestic Applicants (US Citizens and Permanent Residents)

• International Applicants
  
  

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 Admissions Decisions

• The UCI School of Social Sciences does not have a rolling admission system.
• Most PhD admissions decisions are offered in February-March. MA offers are made March-June.
• PhD admission offers must be accepted by April 15.
• Applicants can check the status of their applications via Online Application for UCI Graduate Admissions. 
• Questions about applications should be sent to gradapplicant@uci.edu. 

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 Still have questions? Try our FAQ section.