Application Process

Admission Process

1. Annual application deadlines are close of business on January 31st for entrance in the fall. Complete application online at https://utep.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply

2. Official transcripts may be sent directly to:

UTEP Graduate School
Academic Services Bldg., 223
500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX 79968

3. The following items are required in the online application portal:

• Unofficial transcripts (for review purposes only; official transcripts must be sent from the originating institution to the UTEP Graduate School at the above-mentioned address);
• Three signed letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to assess potential for doctoral work;
• A 500-word personal statement that describes relevant research experiences, potential research interest, future career aspirations, and other important considerations; and
• Other evidence of relevant personal or professional experience, such as a resume or curriculum vitae, which would support your application.

4. As part of the application, the applicant must select an advisor from among participating faculty in the PhD program. Written verification in the form of an email from the faculty member accepting the role as mentor is required, and must be sent to the IHS PhD Program coordinator (ihsphd@utep.edu). A list of faculty with research profiles is available here: www.utep.edu/chs/ihs/people/faculty.html.

5. Applicant packets will be reviewed by members of the program's advisory committee to determine if an offer to interview will be extended. Please note that applicants are not automatically offered this opportunity. For those selected for an interview (either in person, or via telephone or Zoom), the session will be scheduled with the potential advisor, the IHS PhD Program’s director and coordinator, and representatives of the program’s advisory committee.

6. An emailed letter from the IHS PhD Program and the Graduate School will be sent to the applicant notifying him/her of the admission decision, either following the first review, or after interviews for candidates selected to proceed to that stage. Classes begin in the fall semester following admission.

Choosing an Advisor

Beginning graduate students must make one of the most important choices of their careers, choosing an advisor and research topic, at a time when they may be most lacking the knowledge to choose well. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the doctoral program, all applicants are required to select at least one advisor prior to admission to the program. Any IHS doctoral program faculty member who is willing to take you as a student may be selected.

The importance of selecting a good advisor is often underestimated. Consider, however, that graduate students will begin their research careers as apprentices to advisors who ideally will provide timely, constructive feedback regarding attempts to do original work, and who may also provide various resources like space, equipment, supplies, an assistantship, and summer employment. Once degrees are awarded, advisors write letters of recommendation and introduce their former students to potential employers. Given the importance of this individual, spend some time thinking about what kind of person would make a good advisor for you.

Who might be a compatible advisor?
Seek someone with whom research interests are shared; otherwise, a project may be undertaken that is not valued and might never be completed. Seek an advisor who has expertise regarding a mutual area of interest, is enthusiastic about research, has a good publication record, and, of course, seems willing to offer help. If an advisor of choice is someone who has many other professional responsibilities (being an officer in a professional society, the department chair, someone with too many students, or editor of more than one journal), verify that this faculty member will have adequate time to work with a doctoral student. Professional service activities are important, but they can substantially reduce supervision quality. If this appears to be a potential problem, ask the faculty member about it.

Corresponding with a few potential advisors can be very helpful. While making an appointment to visit in person with a faculty member would be ideal, email correspondence or telephone conversations can accomplish the task just as well. Be prepared to describe your background, training, grade point average, research experience, and your interest in the researcher’s work. Ask questions about the professor’s work and other areas to ensure a good match. Several communications might be needed before a decision is agreed upon by both the student and the advisor. 

International Students

International students applying for admission have additional requirements, including standardized tests such as the TOEFL (all students whose native language is not English, and who have not graduated from a college/university in which English was the language of instruction). Additionally, official transcripts from foreign institutions must bear the school's seal or stamp and should be evaluated by a translation service. For a complete list of requirements and additional resources, please visit the UTEP Graduate School's page for International Students.

The UTEP Office of International Programs provides additional assistance with the application requirements and visa information for students coming to UTEP to study.