Ready to become a leader in the environmental field?
We welcome your application to the Environmental Conservation and Environmental Observation and Informatics programs!
- Deadlines
- Admissions timeline
- Qualifications and requirements
- Information for international applicants
Applications are submitted online through the UW-Madison Graduate School’s online application system. Select the summer term, then choose either Environmental Conservation or Environmental Conservation: Environmental Observation and Informatics in the dropdown tab.
For questions regarding applications, please contact us. Be sure to check out our on-demand informational webinars for more details about our programs and tips for a successful application. You may also find the FAQ page helpful.
Deadlines
Admissions Timeline
July
- Application open
December 1
- Priority deadline for all applicants
- Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis
January–February
- Admissions decisions and financial support notification by about mid January
- Graduate School request to submit your official transcript
- Final admission confirmation approximately 3 weeks after Graduate School receives your official transcript
February 1
- Final deadline for international applicants
April 15
- Priority deadline to accept or decline offer
May 1
- Final deadline for domestic applicants
Early June
- Program starts in Madison
Qualifications and Requirements
Required Qualifications
Applicants with diverse life experience, professional and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This program is fitting for those who wish to advance, shift, or grow their career in conservation.
Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with GPAs below 3.0 may be considered for admissions under special circumstances. No additional prerequisite classes are required.
Application Requirements
Complete applications will include all items below. For applicants who have a GPA below 3.0, the GRE is required. For those who have GPAs at 3.0 or above GRE scores are not required for admission. Admissions decisions will be based on the entirety of each applicant’s credentials.
- Resume or CV
- Statement of interest
- Two letters of professional recommendation; one letter from a current or former employer and one letter from a former university advisor are preferred; although the online UW-Madison application gives you the option of adding 3 references, only 2 references are required for our program
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (official transcripts will be requested prior to final acceptance)
- GRE scores (dependent on undergraduate GPA)
For international applicants whose bachelor’s degree is not in English, IELTS or TOEFL scores are required. Please view the UW-Madison Graduate School requirements for complete information.
Required Qualifications
- Applicants with diverse life experience, professional and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This program is fitting for those who wish to advance, shift, or grow their career in conservation.
- Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with GPAs below 3.0 may be considered for admissions under special circumstances.
- Because introductory GIS is not taught in this program, applicants should have introductory GIS skills prior to the start of the program. This experience can be demonstrated through course work, professional experience, a portfolio (in the supplemental application), or a GIS certificate/degree. If an applicant does not have this experience, they should state this in their letter of interest and explain how, if accepted, introductory skills will be developed before the start of the program.
Application Requirements
- Resume or CV
- Statement of interest
- Two letters of recommendation (submitted via the online application)
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (official transcripts will be requested prior to final acceptance)
- Professional portfolio (see below)
- IELTS or TOEFL scores (if applicable, see below)
- GRE scores (if applicable, see below)
Professional Portfolio
As part of the online supplemental application, applicants will submit a portfolio that showcases their quantitative or GIS experience. The portfolio should consist of documents that will help assess each applicant’s proficiency and readiness for the program. Examples of these documents can include:
- Maps developed in a GIS software or through remote sensing image analysis
- Figures from analysis and reports, selected slides from professional presentations
- Copies of certificates, awards, and completed trainings
IELTS or TOEFL Scores
For international applicants whose bachelor’s degree is not in English, IELTS or TOEFL scores are required. Please view the UW-Madison Graduate School requirements for complete information.
GRE scores
Scores are requested only if applicants do not meet one of the following requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credits
- Undergraduate degree with a quantitative component, such as a bachelor of science degree
- Professional quantitative experience
Please contact the program coordinator if you are unsure if you meet these requirements.
Information for International Applicants
The timeline from notice of admission to the program (January) to securing your student visa can take several months and requires your timely action at each step. The following information provides an overview of the process.
1. Environmental Professional Programs
- Apply to the EC or EOI program via the online Graduate School application portal following the guidelines above
- Receive notification of an admissions decision from the program by email from the program coordinator
2. Graduate School
- If recommended for admission, the UW–Madison Graduate School will request your official transcript and certification of degree completion. All details for submitting your official documents will be in this email.
- Receive admission offer from UW–Madison Graduate School (3 weeks after official documents are received)
- Accept the admission offer on the application portal.
3. International Student Services
- Follow the steps to Becoming a Global Badger on the ISS website, starting at step 2.