College of Architecture and Planning University of Colorado Denver

Ph.D. Application Checklist

Below are the items you will need to complete in order to successfully apply to CAP. Please note that your application will not be considered until all of your application materials are received.

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1. Application

1. Complete the online application or
2. Print and Mail an application
   1. Download the Graduate Admission Application Part I (pdf)
      1. Submit one original and two photocopies of the original.
      2. Write your full name, including former names under which materials pertinent to this application may be found.
      3. Do not disregard any part of your previous record.
      4. Use this degree code when completing the application:
         • GR-DSPL Design and Planning, Ph. D.
   2. Download Graduate Admission Application Part II (pdf)
      1. Submit one original

2. Application fee

1. The non-refundable application fee is $50, and does not apply to tuition and fees.
2. You are advised to submit a check or money order (not cash) made payable to the University of Colorado.
3. Make sure your name AND birth date are noted on the check or money order so that it can be matched to the proper application.

3. Academic Records

You must provide 2 sets of official/final undergraduate and/or graduate academic records/transcripts, with your degree posted. Official documents must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Send both sets to the Ph.D. program

4. Statement of Purpose

This is a vital component of your application. Explain how you arrived at the decision to pursue a Ph.D. in design and planning, what you plan to do during the course of your studies, and how you hope to use your doctoral education in planning. In particular, discuss the intellectual and policy challenges that you hope to address in your doctoral studies, outline the methodological skills you plan to pursue, and briefly note any tentative dissertation research topics or possibly even your dream dissertation topic. If possible, please describe any overlap of research interests with program faculty. (The typical length is 2–4 pages.)

5. Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) are required. Where reasonable, two of these letters should be from the applicant’s previous professors. Electronic submission of recommendations is preferred. You will be prompted to register recommenders using the online application, enabling recommenders to submit letters of recommendation electronically. Recommenders will complete the recommendation form online and submit the form and a letter electronically to the program of study. Do NOT send paper copies of recommendations if they are submitted electronically.

6. GRE Scores

An official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score Report, sent from the Educational Testing Service, is strongly encouraged, though not essential, for each applicant. Institution code: 4875. For further information visit the GRE website at http://www.ets.org/gre.

 
7. Writing Samples

One or several examples of relevant work by the applicant. Submissions should support the statement of purpose and clearly demonstrate research and writing abilities. These may consist of academic papers (from previous coursework), published articles, and/or a portfolio that are representative of the applicant’s work and potential for doctoral studies.

8. TOEFL Scores

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. The TOEFL is required of all international students except those who have received a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English.) Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English (e.g., U.S., United Kingdom, Australia) are exempt from submitting a TOEFL score. Applicants are urged to take the TOEFL as early as possible and must request the scores be sent to the University of Colorado Denver: Institution code: 4875.

NOTE: Scores that are more than two years old will not be accepted as valid. For further information visit the TOEFL website at http://www.ets.org/toefl/.

Minimum score required
Test (format) by the Ph.D. Program:
TOEFL (paper-based) 575
TOEFL (computer-based) 233
TOEFL (internet-based) 90

Transfer Credits

Transfer of credits requires the approval of the Program Director and will occur in a manner consistent with the applicable rules of the Graduate School of the University of Colorado Denver. Up to 18 transfer credits may be awarded for a master's degree.

Request two official transcripts from each institution you have attended.

9. Financial Aid Form (if requesting support)

• Here is the Request for Financial Aid form

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