IN SEEKING ADMISSION TO THE GDR, the first step is to review this website and determine which course of study best fits your research interests. It might also be useful to consult faculty members, course of study chairs, or even our student representatives.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to our assistant directors, Pescha Penso and Nancy Caro, or Elsie Blankson, the Division's senior secretary.
Emory's Graduate School website specifies the details of the application process.
The application form and additional information can be found by clicking the links on the left hand side of this page.
Applications are due in full on January 3. No applications will be considered after that date.
Admissions are governed by the admissions committee of the GDR in consultation with the courses of study. The principal factors considered by the committee are:
- previous academic records as reflected in transcripts
- recommendations
- scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- the statement of intellectual interest that is part of the application
- a sample of scholarly work
- the recommendation of the course of study
Applicants will be notified of their status
early in the spring semester, if possible.
As part of the admissions process, a select number of candidates will be invited to Emory for on-campus interviews and an intimate introduction to the courses of study. (Travel expenses will be paid by the GDR.) This will allow both candidates and faculty members to assess whether there is a good match between the student and his or her course of study. The courses of study make recommendations concerning admissions and special fellowships after the on-campus interviews. The admissions committee then makes decisions regarding offers for admission, as well as recommendations for special fellowships to the Graduate School.
There is no quota of students accepted in particular courses of study, but the overall number of students admitted is normally between 18 and 25 per year. Applicants should remember that because of the intensive character of Ph.D. instruction at Emory, the admissions committee seeks to balance the number of students entering each course of study.
