The following dates and deadlines are the annual timeline for applying to the Environmental Conservation and Environmental Observation and Informatics programs.
July
Online application opens
Kick off the summer with a two-week intensive seminar that includes:
December 1
Priority deadline
February 1
Secondary deadline for international applicants
April 1
Secondary deadline for domestic applicants
Late May or first week of June
Program start
Thinking of applying to the Environmental Observation and Informatics Program and have an interest in sustainable agriculture and remote sensing? Check out this opportunity to work on a project measuring pasture production with satellite data.
Applications are submitted online through the UW-Madison Graduate School. When applying, select the summer term for the calendar year you are applying for (e.g., summer 2020), then choose either Environmental Conservation or Environmental Observation and Informatics in the dropdown tab.
Prospective students who apply by December 1 will be informed of their admissions status by mid to late January. Applications received after the December 1 priority deadline will be reviewed at the end of each month. If you are inquiring after the secondary deadlines, please contact the program coordinator to see about available spots in the cohort. International applicants should contact the program coordinator as soon as possible to ensure all paperwork and documents are included.
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.
Our programs are committed to building and supporting diverse cohorts and strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, historically underrepresented communities and first-generation college students.
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 Applications
The timeline from notice of admission to the program to securing your student visa can take several months. Plan ahead and stay organized to make the process of securing your student visa easier. The following steps provide an overview of the process. Please communicate with the program coordinator if you have any questions or issues during this process.
- Apply to the program following the guidelines above (application window is July 1 through December 1 for priority admission)
- Receive decision from the program about your admission status (mid-January)
- If admitted, the UW-Madison Graduate School will become the primary point of contact for the rest of the admission process. You must check your application status and email for important messages.