| Graduate Programs |
 |
Department of
Political Science |
| Graduate Programs > Application
Process -
How to Apply |
|
| Graduate Programs |
|
Department of
Political Science |
| Graduate Programs > Application
Process -
How to Apply |
|
APPLICATION PROCESS-HOW TO APPLY
Effective Spring 2008Applications for the MA and the PhD are reviewed once a year. The deadline is February 1. Please furnish the department copies of your GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a statement of purpose (about 1,000 words describing academic background, objectives in pursuing graduate study, career goals, and academic fields of interest).
You must apply directly to the Office of Admissions and Records for entry to the University. You must also ensure that the Admissions Office receives all transcripts for your collegiate work. Please allow 6-8 weeks prior to the deadlines above for Admissions to process your application and refer it to the Department of Political Science. International students whose primary language is not English must submit official TOEFL scores to the Office of Admissions. Other application materials (GRE scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and writing sample) can be sent directly to the department by the admission deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Department of Political Science-Graduate School Admissions
Q . How do I apply to the graduate program in political science?
A . You will need to submit application materials to both the Office of Admissions www.gradweb.ou.edu and the Department of Political Science www.ou.edu/cas/psc/graduate
Q . Where do I send my application materials?
A . Send the completed application along with the applicable fees and transcripts to: University of Oklahoma-Office of Admissions, 1000 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73019
Send your GRE scores, writing sample, statement of purpose and 3 letters of recommendation to:Department of Political Science-Admissions-455 West Lindsey Street, DAHT 205, Norman OK 73019.
Q . How do I know if my application has been received?
A . Step 1 -Once you submit your application, the Office of Admissions assigns a student ID number and reviews your application to ensure that all transcripts are received and the applicable fees are paid. If there are materials missing in the application, the Office of Admissions will send you a letter outlining the missing materials. The Office of Admissions will hold your application until all of the requested materials are received.
Step 2 -The Office of Admissions will then send your materials to the Graduate College for referral to the Department of Political Science. The Graduate College compiles an admission referral, calculates your GPA, and attaches transcripts from all previous institutions.
Step 3 -The Graduate College then refers your application to the Department of Political Science for consideration at the Admissions meeting. This entire process normally takes about 6-8 weeks. The Graduate Studies Committee will only consider complete applications for admission. You will be contacted as soon as files are processed, and any missing materials will be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Office of Admissions receives all the required materials.
Q . Can I receive financial assistance?
A. It is the department’s policy to extend financial support to select students entering the Ph.D program in the form of graduate teaching assistantships. The offers take place following the February admissions meeting. Financial aid is also available by contacting www.financialaid.ou.edu
Q. How and when will I receive an official decision notification about my application?
A. The Graduate Studies Committee reviews each application carefully. If accepted you will be officially notified via mail shortly after the February admissions meeting.
Q . Where can I find institution and department codes for the University of Oklahoma?
A. The GRE codes for the University are: school code 6879 dept code 1902.
Q. Does the department have minimum scores for the GRE and TOEFL?
A . If you are taking the GRE there is no minimum score as it is only one of several criteria used for admission. If you are taking the TOEFL the minimum score preferred is 250.
Q . Is there a standard form for the recommendation letters?
A . No, we do not have a form for recommendation letters. The recommender should use letterhead stationary if possible.
Q. I have been out of school for several years and I have been unable to contact former professors. Is it possible to have a former employer write one?
A. The purpose of the letters of recommendation is to provide the admissions committee with an indication of your ability to succeed in graduate school. Ideally, the letters should come from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and potential for graduate school success.
Q. I will be in Norman, Oklahoma and would like to visit the University and meet with faculty. Can I do this?
A . We ask that if you are interested in visiting the department, that you make an appointment with the Graduate Program Director prior to your visit.
Q . I am in the military and would like to be admitted to the department. Are there any special requirements for military personal?
A . Military personal must follow the same admission requirements as other U.S citizens. However, they may submit letters of recommendation from other military personal.
Q . Does the department offer classes through distance education for military personal?
A . For more information on these classes contact Advanced Programs at www.goou.ou.edu
For further information regarding the Graduate Program contact Mitchell P. Smith Graduate Program Director at mps@ou.edu
Dale Hall Tower
Department of Political Science
205 Dale Hall Tower
455 W. Lindsey Street
Norman, Oklahoma 73019
(405) 325-2061
