Admissions

Applying to PhD in innovation in global development

• Admission for fall semester
• What are the basic requirements?
  • A summary of the basic requirements can be found below, and additional details and instructions are available online,
  • The application includes: educational history, resume/CV, and statement of intent (see the section for details)
• Supplementary requirements: transcripts and three letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants
• Faculty mentors: applicants should be prepared to list 3-5 faculty members with whom they would like to work while in the program – it is recommended that applicants contact those faculty members before they submit an application to ensure that their areas of interest are supported in the program.

When is the application deadline?

• January 15 for the following fall term
• All materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by the deadline. We recommend applicants submit the online application a month beforehand, allowing their references a month to submit online recommendation letters by the January 15 deadline. No late or incomplete applications will be considered under any circumstances.

What needs to be submitted?

• Application: Apply online at https://admission.asu.edu/graduate/apply.
  • $70 Application Fee for domestic applicants or $115 for international applicants
  • Applications will not be reviewed until the fee has been submitted and all application materials have been received.

Statement of Intent

In one to two single-spaced pages, indicate what your goals are in obtaining a graduate degree and why the IGD program at ASU is suited to your pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Additionally, applicants are expected to highlight experience and skill set, personal experience in global development and fitness in the IGD PhD program. Finally, applicants should explain how their backgrounds will contribute to their success in the program and how completion of the degree will support their long-term career aspirations.

Please note: This statement weighs heavily in our ranking of applicants; prepare it carefully.

Statement of Research Interest

In no more than 1,000 words elaborate on your research interests. Why this is important and what type of projects or studies you believe support this type of research. Essay should address why this question or problem should be investigated, why it is interesting and/or important and what makes this research distinctive or unique.

Please note: This statement weighs heavily in our ranking of applicants; prepare it carefully.

Transcripts

• You must have one set of transcripts sent to ASU from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. ASU accepts unofficial transcripts as part of the online application, but not transcripts that are emailed or sent in after the application is submitted. If admitted to ASU, you will be required to send official transcripts to the university. If you have attended ASU, your ASU transcript will import automatically to your completed application.
• ASU will accept transcripts received from some secured transcript services. See the approved list.
• If sending by U.S. Mail, use this address:
  Admission Services Applicant Processing
  Arizona State University
  PO Box 871004
  Tempe, AZ 85287-1004
• If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:
  Arizona State University
  Admission Services Applicant Processing
  1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226
  Tempe, AZ 85281

Proof of English proficiency

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.  Please visit ASU Graduate Admissions for more information.

Recommendations

• A minimum of three recommendations is required. Applicants will enter the names and email addresses of recommenders in the online application. After the application is submitted, ASU will invite recommenders to complete an online form, which includes short answer and ranking questions and upload their letter of recommendation. Notify your recommenders ahead of time and make sure they know of the deadline date. References should be from educators (preferred) or professionals familiar with the applicant’s experience and capacity for graduate work. If possible, at least one recommendation should be from a faculty member.
• References cannot submit letters until the online application is complete. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to give their references ample time to submit recommendations.

Finding a Faculty Advisor

• While you are not responsible for finding a faculty advisor, you may express your preference on your application form. Applicants are assessed on their academic credentials and on the relevance of their proposed research to the work of one or more IGD PhD affiliated faculty from SFIS and beyond.

Résumé or CV

Applicants must attach their résumé or curriculum vita to their application.

Additional information and questions

• For additional information, please email [email protected].

Note:

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to view faculty bios online here and, if possible, consult faculty in the School for the Future of Society before applying to make sure their areas of interest are supported in the program.