Graduate Program Admission
Back to the Graduate Students Page | Application | Teaching Assistantships | Financial Aid
Graduate Program Admission
Students from any undergraduate major may apply. To be admitted with full status applicants must have:
- G.P.A. - Minimum 3.0 (B or better) out of 4.0 G.P.A.
- G.R.E. - Verbal, quantitative & analytical writing test scores; minimum verbal score 500.
- TOEFL - Applicants whose native language is not English, must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) scores. If the TOEFL score is below 580 (paper-based test), 237 (computer-based test) or 92 (internet-based test), the IELTS score is below 7.0 or the MELAB score is below 82, applicants may be admitted provisionally or as a graduate nondegree student and be required to complete English as a Second Language course(s) before they can take courses in EVST. Applicants who are graduates of English-speaking universities are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB, however, applicants must submit scores for the G.R.E.
Experience in environmental activities and your responses to the application questions are given careful consideration and are used to select advisors for students. Acceptance into the program requires that we identify an appropriate faculty advisor for each candidate.
Application postmark deadline is the February 1st each year for admittance the following fall semester.
To apply to you must first fill in an on-line form at The University of Montana Graduate School webpage.
In addition please send the following materials together in one application packet:
1. The EVST application form. If you cannot print this form contact the EVST office at (406) 243-6273 or evst@mso.umt.edu and we will mail it to you.
2. Resume detailing your experiences from college onward.
3. Two official copies of transcripts from every college, university or trade school you have attended.
4. GRE scores - EVST requires verbal, quantitative and analytical writing scores. Subject test not required. Score reports are now sent to us electronically. Use the following codes at the time of your test: The University of Montana Institution code 4489; EVST Department code 0502. We will accept an official paper copy of your score report if you took the test prior to spring 2003. Applicants to the joint Environmental Studies/Law program may submit a LSAT score in lieu of a GRE score.
5. Three letters of recommendation. We prefer at least one of these be an academic reference. Letters of recommendation must arrive in a sealed envelope with the signature of the person who wrote the letter written across the sealed flap.
6. A stamped, self-addressed postcard to notify you that your application is complete. International applicants should supply an e-mail address instead of a postcard.
7. If you are interested in be considered for a Teaching Assistantship (TA) see the EVST application form and include the requested samples in your application packet.
Please mail your application packet to:
Environmental Studies Program
Graduate Admissions Committee
JRH 106A
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812-4320
Important!
Applications will not be reviewed until all materials are received. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. We prefer receiving applications materials all together in one large envelope. Exceptions are:
- Colleges or universities who have a policy of sending official transcripts only to other colleges or universities.
- Letters of recommendation that are sent directly to EVST by the writer.
Questions?
Contact Karen Hurd, EVST Administrative Assistant
(406) 243-6273
karen.hurd@umontana.edu
The Environmental Studies Program is under The University of Montana Graduate School. The Graduate School serves both prospective and currently enrolled graduate students providing information and support from the search for a graduate program until the completion of a degree. Please visit their website for further information.
Back to Top
Teaching Assistantships
EVST has a limited number of teaching assistantships to award annually to first- and second-year graduate students. For first year students, we currently offer three full year TAs in EVST, and another four full year positions through the English department. For second year students, we currently offer two EVST TAs, which are often divided to fund four students.
Duties of Teaching Assistants
The duties of a teaching assistantship vary greatly. English department TAs teach either a section of English Composition 101 (a 3-credit course) each semester for a year, or 2 sections of English Basic Composition (a 2-credit course). English TAs must enroll in a 2-credit training course that begins shortly before fall semester and continues through that semester. EVST TAs are assigned to assist one EVST faculty member with an EVST course each semester. Typical duties of an EVST TA are leading discussions and grading papers. Because we seek to spread the wealth as widely (albeit sometimes thinly) as possible, students who receive TAs in their first year rarely receive one in their second year.
Full year teaching assistantships (two semesters) receive a full tuition waiver. This does not include approximately $1,250 (the amount varies from year to year) in student fees each semester that cannot be waived. That amount includes approximately $700 for health insurance. Half year teaching assistantships (one semester) adjust accordingly. You must enroll for at least nine (9) credits each semester.
Applying for a TA - First-Year Students
Check the lines on the EVST Application form if you wish to be considered for a TA and include the requested writing sample for and English TA. No samples are required for an EVST TA - your application materials will be used to review your qualifications.
Criteria for First-Year TA Selection
Assistantships are used to help recruit first-year students, especially out-of-state students for whom the tuition waiver accompanying the assistantship is especially valuable. In general, the committee looks for all-round excellence in first-year TAs. To assign a first-year student to teach an English composition class, the faculty looks closely at the student's writing ability as demonstrated in the application through the writing examples, GRE scores, and college transcripts. Those nominated are then presented to the English Department by EVST; they are rarely rejected by the English Department.
Applying for a TA for the second year
Students submit an application to the EVST office in the spring semester, typically April 15th. Applications must include a plan of study for the next academic year with the number of credits planned and expected graduation date; a statement indicating the course you wish to assist (to be announced) and why you are qualified; and names of two references.
In addition to TAs, many of our second-year students are supported by awards and grants. You will hear about these opportunities during your first year.
Back to Top
Financial Aid
EVST is not involved in the process of awarding loans and government-sponsored financial aid. Direct inquiries to the Financial Aid Office of the University. The Graduate School website posts the most current tuition and fee information.
Awards available to Current Students
Back to Top
