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Apply to the PhD Program


Applications to our PhD program open in September of each year and are accepted online via the Laney Graduate School.

The application deadline is December 1st.

The application fee is $75. Laney Graduate School offers fee waivers to students who attend certain programs that prepare them for graduate study and in cases where the fee presents a financial hardship.

While scholars can earn their MS at Emory on the way to the PhD, we do not offer an MS-only program. Applications are only accepted for entry in the Fall semester.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

  • Transcripts
    Unofficial is fine for review purposes.
  • Email addresses for recommenders
    We require 3 and allow up to 4.
  • Faculty of Interest
    Filter the faculty list on our People page by "Accepting Graduate Students." Choose up to five.
  • Statement of Purpose
    Recommended 1-3 pages. Address your reasons for selecting your Faculty of Interest. 
  • Diversity Statement
    Maximum of 500 words.
  • Research Experience and Interests
    You will be asked to list up to five research experiences in addition to any research discussed in your statement of purpose. 
  • Language Test Scores
    TOEFL or IELTS required of applicants who have not studied for at least one year in an English-speaking country. Minimum score requirement for Fall 2023 is TOEFL: 95/IELTS: 7.5.

For help preparing your application, see "More on Applying" at the bottom of this page.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • $37,467 base stipend
    All accepted applicants receive our generous base stipend.
  • 100% Tuition Subsidy and Insurance Waiver
    Offers to admitted applicants include a tuition waiver (currently worth $23,400/semester) and a 100% waiver of the costs of health insurance enrollment.
  • $7,500+ in Professional Development Funding
    All admitted students may apply for internal funds for conferences, training, and research during their time at Emory.
  • Merit Awards – Now and in the Future
    All admitted students are automatically considered for admissions fellowships. Additionally, enrolled students can apply to over $20,000 of supplemental graduate achievement awards each year.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

  • September
    Application opens in mid-September.
  • December 1st
    Final application deadline. Preparation of admissions offers begins; most admitted students should expect to hear from us by mid-January. If you have not heard from us, your application is still being considered.
  • Late February-Early March
    Recruitment Events for Admitted Students (Invitation Only)
  • April 15th
    Final Decision Deadline for Admitted Students.