To apply to our graduate program, you will need:

• Official transcripts: Contact your school’s registrar’s office to request official transcripts, then choose a preferred electronic delivery method, like Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse, to send them directly to Penn State.
• Three letters of recommendation: Provide your recommender’s contact information within your online application, and they will receive a link to submit the recommendation electronically. We do not accept recommendation letters submitted through Interfolio or other platforms.
• Résumé/curriculum vitae (CV): Upload a one-page or two-page document summary of your work experience and background.
• Personal statement: Share a statement on why you want to pursue graduate education. While there is no word limit, typical personal statements are less than two single-spaced pages. It is key to share research interests, highlight research experience, and demonstrate why Penn State is a good fit for you.
• Writing sample: Include a term paper or thesis, which are examples of written work. Due to the nature of these assignments, writing samples vary in length.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores*: Submit official GRE scores, which are required from all applicants. 
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores* – for international applicants only: Submit official TOEFL/IELTS scores, which are required from international applicants only, as the language of instruction at Penn State is English. If an applicant has a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a United States institution or other country on this exemption list, they do not have to submit the language scores.

*Scores should be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School. Use institution code 2660 for submission. Please note that official scores take 5 business days to be sent to Penn State and additional time beyond that to be added to your application. 

While there is no word limit, typical personal statements are less than two single-spaced pages. It is key to share research interests, highlight research experience, and demonstrate why Penn State is a good fit for you.

A term paper or thesis are examples of written work. Due to the nature of these assignments, writing samples vary in length.

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required from all applicants. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required from international applicants only, as the language of instruction at Penn State is English.

Scores should be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School. Please use institution code 2660 for submission. 

No, GRE scores are required of all applicants.

Yes, if an applicant has a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a United States institution or other country on this exemption list, they do not have to submit the language scores.

A faculty supervisor (also referred to as a mentor or research adviser) does not have to be contacted prior to applying. They are assigned during a student’s first year in the program, based on the student’s research interests and the faculty member’s availability.

No, we do not accept recommendation letters submitted through Interfolio or other platforms. Instead, our graduate application portal accepts recommendation letters directly in the Reference Submission Portal. You provide your recommender’s contact information within your online application, and they will receive a link to submit the recommendation electronically.

If you have read the Fox Graduate School requirements and are ready to apply, you may proceed to the application. For the fall 2025 admissions cycle, the application portal opened on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

No, the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School does not waive application fees. A nonrefundable application fee is required for degree admission and postbaccalaureate credit certification programs. Your application will not be processed in the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services without receipt of the application fee.

The application deadline for fall 2025 will be Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

While we aim to make our first formal offers by early February, the process sometimes takes substantially longer. Therefore, in advance, we cannot guarantee a date by which all application status notifications will be made.

By April 15.