We normally expect that applicants will have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Applicants’ transcripts should indicate a capacity to undertake rigorous academic work.  However, we do recognize that students’ academic paths are not always smooth.  Applicants should use their letter of intent to explain ups and downs in their academic record (see section above on ‘Writing a successful letter of intent’).  Please note that we no longer require GRE scores, and we will not look at GRE scores submitted through the application portal.

No.  We are happy to consider applicants from a wide variety of academic backgrounds.  Many of our students have bachelor’s or master’s degrees in environmental studies, environmental science, political science, anthropology, global studies, and other disciplines.  We encourage you to describe in your letter of intent how a geography degree will build upon your previous academic training.

No.  Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., B.Sc.) must apply first to the master’s program.  We offer both M.A. and M.S. degrees.

Yes, we have a limited number of teaching assistantships and research assistantships available for master’s and doctoral students.  The assistantships cover the cost of tuition and health insurance; they also provide a modest stipend during the 9-month academic year (currently, master’s students receive $12,500 per academic year and doctoral students receive $20,000 per academic year).  We also nominate our top applicants for various competitive fellowships that substantially boost the stipend.  

International students should note that the stipend for the 9-month academic year is unlikely to cover the "cost of attendance" set by the university’s International Student and Scholar Support office. To qualify for a student visa, international applicants admitted to the program must demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially. More information for international students.

In general, we consider all applicants—both domestic and international—for assistantships when they apply for Fall admission, unless applicants indicate that they do not require funding.  There is no separate application required for funding.

We will consider applicants for Spring admission, but usually only under exceptional circumstances (for instance, if a student wishes to transfer to geography from another graduate program at USC, or if a local professional wishes to enroll on a part-time basis).  We generally do not guarantee departmental funding for students who enter in the Spring. Spring admission queries should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Kirstin Dow (kdow@mailbox.sc.edu) no later than October 1.

 In evaluating applications, the admissions committee places considerable weight on whether faculty expertise in the department can accommodate the applicant’s scholarly interests and aims.  Before applying, potential applicants should reach out to members of our faculty who could potentially serve as advisors (please note, as well, that the application form requires applicants to identify faculty members with whom they wish to work).  Communication between applicants and faculty members allows us to assess whether there is a good fit between the applicant and the department.  Early Fall (August/September) is a good time to contact potential advisors. Information about faculty members is here.

The Department of Geography no longer requires GRE scores, and we will not consider scores submitted with an application.

You do not need to submit an official transcript with your application.  Unofficial transcripts will suffice.  However, if you are accepted to the program, you will be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School by the end of your first semester of enrollment. Students who do not submit official transcripts will not be able to continue their enrollment after the first semester. 

All international students for whom English is not their native language must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores as part of the application process.  Scores should be no more than 3 years old. The Department of Geography will only consider international applicants who score a minimum of 90 on the TOEFL (and the equivalent on other exams). Please note that this score is higher than what is required by the Graduate School.

There are some exemptions to language testing requirements.  For instance, international applicants who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree at an American university are not required to submit scores.  International students from countries where English is the language of instruction are also exempted from language testing requirements.  A complete list of exempt countries can be found here. (Click on the accordion for English Proficiency Scores to find the list.)

Students who are not exempt from the testing requirement should upload an unofficial copy of their test results with their applications.  Applicants accepted to the program are required to send official test results to the Graduate School by the end of their first semester of enrollment.  Students who fail to submit official scores will not be permitted to continue their matriculation at the University beyond the first semester. You will find instructions for submitting official test courses on the Apply webpage. 

Please note that international students who have been exempted from submitting language-test scores may still be required to do an in-person language assessment when they arrive at USC before they can serve as a teaching assistant or instructor of record.  

You will find more information about language testing here.  Further information for international students can be found here. 

All application fees for the Spring/Fall 2025 admission cycle have been waived.

Please visit our International Student and Scholar Support website.

You will be able to upload most documents through the online admissions portal. Any items that cannot be uploaded (e.g., official transcripts and language test scores) should be sent to the following address:

           The Graduate School
           University of South Carolina
           1705 College St, Close-Hipp Suite 552
           Columbia, SC 29208

We normally send out decision letters for Fall admission by the middle of February.  Funding decisions, however, can take longer.  If you are admitted to the program without funding, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list for funding.

Admitted applicants who have previously attended graduate school but who have not completed a graduate degree may be able to transfer up to 12 hours of course work credit hours toward a Master’s degree and 9 hours toward a doctoral degree. The transfer of credit to a student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s advisor, the Graduate Director, and the Dean of the Graduate School.  Further information on transferring credit can be found under Graduate Academic Regulations in the Graduate Bulletin.