Overview, Forms, and Deadlines
Deadlines
The application deadline is December 1. Materials submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Students must arrange to take the GRE by October 15 to insure that the program receives scores before our deadline. Applicants should arrange to have their test scores electronically reported to Cultural Studies. Please use subject code 5101 (Interdisciplinary Programs).
To be considered for fellowships, grants, and loans students must complete the FAFSA, and submit fellowship applications by December 1.
Program Overview
Cultural Studies at UC Davis is an interdisciplinary graduate group that draws from scholarship and faculty across many departments and programs. Unlike traditional disciplines, in which students select faculty mentors and course offerings from within a single department, Cultural Studies students are encouraged to build a dissertation committee with graduate group faculty members from a variety of departments; they also have the opportunity to construct a highly individualized and project-oriented course of study. The flexibility and relative decentralization of the Cultural Studies program works best for students who are self-motivated, resourceful, and disciplined.
Admissions
Admission to the Cultural Studies graduate program is competitive; we receive between 100 and 150 applications each year for approximately 10 positions. The admissions committee is composed of 8-10 faculty from a variety of departments and 2 graduate students in the program. We do not use a waiting list. Please read our admissions page carefully for more detailed information.
Degrees Offered
Technically, we offer both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, but at this time we are committed to bringing in students who wish to pursue a doctorate degree. Only under highly specific and unusual circumstances will we accept an M.A. applicant. If you do wish to apply for the M.A., your statement of purpose should reflect your particular interest in pursuing this degree as opposed to a Ph.D.
Admissions Process
One of the most common questions we are asked by prospective applicants is “how do you decide whom to admit?” In the section on Requirements and Tips we offer you guidelines and tips for making a strong application to our program. We cannot admit everyone who applies. But we can give you the fairest opportunity to do your best if you think we are a good fit with your interests and goals. After reading the information on this site, if you have additional questions regarding the application process or materials, please email: culturalstudies@ucdavis.edu.
Admissions Information and Applications
You can apply for graduate admission online. Please use this on-line application to submit all of your application materials. Applications must be completed by December 1.
Application fee. The application fee is $70 for the domestic application and $90 for the international. The fee may be paid by credit card or e-check. The fee must be paid before the application will be considered as complete, and the fee must be paid for each application submitted.