When is the application deadline?
December 15th

Can applications be completed online?
Yes. We no longer utilize paper applications. Please apply online at www.rgs.uci.edu/grad

How much is the application fee?
$60 dollars. Credit card (MasterCard and Visa), money orders, or checks are accepted. Make checks payable to "UC Regents."

Are postmarked applications accepted after the filing date?
Only COMPLETE applications are accepted. The Faculty Review begins seven days after the deadline. Materials not processed by the 7th day will not be considered.

What materials are needed for a COMPLETE application?
- Online application and fee: A $60 non-refundable application fee is required.

- Transcripts: Submit two certified official transcripts of ALL previous post-secondary academic work. Transcripts should be sent directly to Visual Studies (The Ph.D. Program in Visual Studies 2000 Humanities Gateway, Irvine CA 92697-2785) from the Registrar of the issuing institution. NO PHOTOCOPIES please.

- Graduate Record Examination Scores: You must request ETS to report your score directly to UCI. GRE Codes: Institution 4859, Department 2301. Average scores for Visual Studies students are in the 600-700 range.

- Letters of Recommendation: Have three letters of recommendation submitted, preferably from professors or instructors in the proposed field of study. Referees should send letters directly to Visual Studies unless online letters were filed. If the applicant submits the letters as part of a packet, letters of recommendation should be in a sealed and signed envelope.

- Statement of Purpose: The student's statement of purpose helps determine whether the applicant's academic objectives can reasonably be satisfied in the Ph.D. program in Visual Studies to which admission is sought. Include it with your online application or submit it separately.

- Writing Sample: If you are entering with a BA, you must submit a well-written undergraduate research paper or two writing samples. You should submit a copy of your Master's Thesis if you are entering with an MA.

ALL MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED INTO VISUAL STUDIES BY DECEMBER 15th.

Can a previous MA be applied to the Program?
The Visual Studies faculty will evaluate the relevance of the Master's degree to the student's proposed course of study and determine whether to recognize the degree as satisfying Program requirements.

What type of financial aid is available?
Financial aid typically comes in the form of fellowships, loans, grants, and TAships. All Visual Studies applicants are automatically considered for financial aid, which are awarded according to merit rather than need. Currently, we attempt to fund most of our enrolled students with the exception of international students. Some alternative sources of support become available to students after the Qualifying exam but in general, funding from the Program comes through block grants or as Teaching Assistantships.

How can I be considered for fellowships?
The Visual Studies Program is responsible for awarding institutional UCI fellowships. Applicants should indicate their interest in fellowships/graduate support on their applications. UCI also actively recruits students from populations underrepresented in our student body via special diversity fellowship programs. Prospective students are also strongly encouraged to apply to external portable fellowship programs, which attract applicants from across the country and are competitive. UCI may provide multi-year financial support for the most promising graduate students.

Is financial aid available to international students?
Unfortunately, the University of California does not extend financial aid to international applicants due to particularities of the University's fee schedule and specific immigration laws of the United States. This places special financial burdens on non-residents. Thus, students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents should in most cases not apply to the Program unless they have sufficient personal means or governmental support to finance the full cost of their tuition, fees, and living expenses while enrolled at UCI.

Is on-campus housing available?
Yes. It is recommended that you apply for housing prior to acceptance into the program owing to the demand for housing. The wait-list period for consideration for housing is currently 18 months. Visit UCI Housing for more information.

How do I schedule a campus tour?
Please contact program assistant Raylene Salcido at rsalcido@uci.edu. Students are encouraged to visit after October 15th.