The deadline for applications to the Ph.D. program is December 15th, with a suggested deadline for international applicants for November 15th. Currently, we are not accepting any applications for the M.A. program.

Please note that email is the preferred mode of communication, and that we do not return long-distance telephone queries about application procedures.

1. A Statement of Purpose, in which applicants describe their academic background in Women Studies and their possible area(s) of scholarly focus during their graduate training. This statement should address the applicant's motivation for seeking an interdisciplinary degree in Women Studies and their ultimate career goals.
   

   We actively seek and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. You are encouraged to reflect on how your personal history, family background, and other factors influenced your intellectual development and/or professional goals in your personal statement. Please address any educational, cultural, and economic opportunities and disadvantages that you have experienced, and the ways those experiences have affected the development of your special interests, career plans, and future goals.

   We aim to admit students whose career goals and scholarly interests can be best nurtured by our faculty and academic milieu. Applicants should indicate why they believe our department can provide a strong foundation in their intended area of study (including ways in which the applicant's interests intersect with those of our core faculty) as well as discuss any unique talents or experiences that applicant will bring to enrich our community of scholars.

2. Writing sample. This is intended to help us discern the applicant's capacity to express themselves in written English, to research a topic, and to analyze information. Appropriate samples include seminar or course papers, or a selection from an undergraduate or Master's thesis. The writing sample should include a bibliography. Please do NOT submit take-home essay exams.

3. Three letters of recommendation are required. One (1) letter may be from a non-academic reference who can address the applicant's academic skills. **You will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of your three recommendations as part of the online application process. Your recommenders will then be contacted and asked to fill out the recommendation online. The content of the letter is at your referee's discretion.** If you choose to ask your recommenders to provide a hard copy instead, please note that we do not supply or require a specific form for referees to fill out. The content of the letter is at your referee's discretion. It should be in a signed and sealed envelope and may be sent directly to the department or included in the application package sent by the applicant to the department..**

4. International transcripts with degree statement, including date of graduation and title of academic degree awarded. All coursework with grades issued for each year completed must be submitted for proper evaluation. Transcripts must be in the native language and accompanied by a certified English translation. International transcripts are considered official if they have been certified or attested, signed in ink by the proper school authority and carry the seal of the school. International transcripts should be sent in a sealed envelope if possible. In some circumstances, we will accept exact copies duly certified as such by the Registrar of an accredited institution in the United States previously attended by the applicant. Such copies must be sent directly from the U.S. institution in a sealed envelope. You should ask the Registrar of academic institutions in the U.S. or Canada to mail official transcripts in a sealed envelope directly to:

   University of Washington
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   Box 84808
   Room 301, Loew Hall
   Seattle, Washington 98124-6108

5. GRE scores. Use 4854 as the "institution code" and you do not need a department code.

6. TOEFL scores. Use 4854 as the "institution code" and you do not need a department code.

7. Degree Focus Form. Please look at our faculty pages and read about the faculty's research interests before filling out this form.
8. The following is required to be eligible for admission to the University of Washington Graduate School but are not reviewed during the Department of Women Studies admissions process:
   University of Washington Statement of Financial Ability form. Please include official/original financial documentation. Any sponsor or family member providing financial support MUST ALSO sign this form. Students applying for Teaching or Research Assistantships MUST complete this form. An incomplete form will be returned to you. Information in the "Dependents Section" of this form is necessary for a complete and accurate visa application. Faxed, photocopied, or notarized copies ARE NOT acceptable. The University of Washington Statement of Financial Ability form is available on-line to individuals who have successfully submitted an application to the Graduate School via the Internet.

1. A printed signed copy of the on-line application, OR a signed copy of the downloadable/printable application form.
2. One copy each of your official transcripts from colleges or universities from which you received a baccalaureate degree or higher or at which you completed a significant amount of coursework relevant to Women Studies. Each transcript must be in a sealed envelope from the collegiate institution.
3. Three letters of recommendation, each in a sealed envelope with the preparer's signature over the seal. We highly recommend that letters of recommendation be sent by the applicant with the application packet but letters can be sent separately, if necessary, to the address below.
4. A photocopy of your official GRE and TOEFL scores. A copy of your TSE scores should be sent if you have taken this test. (Note: International applicants cannot be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant unless they have achieved a score of 55 or greater on the TSE.)
5. A typed Statement of (see Admission Requirements above),
6. A writing sample (see Admission Requirements above),
7. A completed Degree Focus Form.
8. Optional: application for teaching assistantship.