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Admissions

Application deadline

Application completion deadline is December 1 to start the program in the following fall semester. This means all application materials must be received by the Graduate Admissions office by December 1. Applications completed after the deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

Application elements

All application materials must be uploaded to your application.

Statement of research interests and goals

Your personal statement should address these four questions.

  1. What areas of research interest you most? As much as possible for your current level of knowledge, including the intellectual questions that excite you. Discuss how do you imagine going about answering these questions.
  2. Why do you wish to pursue this research in the HSD PhD Program at ASU? What unique features of the HSD program appeal to you in comparison to other programs you have considered?
  3. Who are some of the HSD PhD Program faculty members with whom you hope to work? What makes you interested in being mentored by these faculty members? What is their approaches and areas of research do you resonate with and why? (Please familiar yourself with faculty members by reviewing their website, presentations, and publications.)
  4. What are your goals for obtaining a degree? How do you hope obtaining this PhD will reshape you intellectually and professionally?

Curriculum vitae or résumé

Your CV or resume should include all current publications, fellowships, academic accomplishments, and presentations.

HSD academic record form

Summarize your coursework in the broad area of the human and social dimensions of science and technology on the academic record form.

Writing sample

Submit a 10-25 page sample of academic writing, such as a course paper, an undergraduate thesis, or an excerpt from a master’s thesis.

Letters of recommendation

You will need to three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic experiences, qualifications and potential. Recommenders receive a request to submit a letter after you pay the application fee and submit your application.

GRE Requirement

The GRE is no longer required to complete the HSD application. 

University-wide

All applicants to ASU submit the following materials. Further descriptions of these items can be found on the Graduate College web pages.

Application process

The Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology PhD application process:

  • Initiate an online ASU Graduate Admissions Application through the Graduate College website by creating an account – remember your log in email and password in case you need to return to the application.
  • Page 1:  My Application Status; “Start New Application”
  • Page 2:  Personal Information
  • Page 3:  College and University information with majors and GPAs
  • Page 4:  Residency information
  • Page 5:  Degree Selection; Search by College = College of Global Futures; select “Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology (PhD)” then click the “Choose” button; in the pop up indicate “Tempe Campus” and the term for which you wish to apply
  • Page 6:  Supplemental Application information
  • Identify any faculty, students or staff you have been in contact with about the degree program.
  • Request three Letters of Recommendation from people who can evaluate your potential for success in this program. These letters must be submitted using the online application system.  As you move through the steps in the online application, you will be asked to enter the email addresses for the three people who will be writing your recommendations.  The ASU Graduate College online application system will automatically contact them with information on how to log in to the online system and upload the Letter of Recommendation.
  • Prepare and upload a Personal Statement.  In one to two pages (single-spaced), describe why you wish to enroll in the HSD PhD Program. Please include information on what areas of research interest you most, why you wish to pursue this research in the HSD PhD Program at ASU, the HSD PhD Program faculty members you hope to work with, and your goals for obtaining a degree. Upload the Statement of Research Interests and Goals into the online ASU Graduate Admissions Application
  • Prepare and upload a current Resume.  Be sure to list any publications, honors, awards, or society memberships.
  • Prepare and upload a writing sample. The writing sample must be the sole author. Submit a 10-25 page sample of academic writing, such as a course paper, an undergraduate thesis, or an excerpt from a master’s thesis.
  • Prepare and upload the Academic Record Form (available for download within the online application or on the SFIS website).
  • Answer the questions
  • Submit the online ASU Graduate Admissions Application.
  • Pay the Application Fee ($70 for domestic students, $115 for international students). 
  • Have official transcripts* sent to ASU.  One set of official transcripts from every college and university from which a Bachelors or higher degree was earned should be sent to:

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 8528

ASU transcripts do not need to be sent. If additional transcripts are required, the Graduate College will notify you.

* You must have one set of official transcripts from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher sent to ASU. ASU accepts official transcripts that are original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of your institution’s registrar, academic official or recognized international organization.

Currently, ASU will accept transcripts received from some secured transcript services.   Please see the list of providers for more information.

International Applicants – more information on requirements for international academic credentials.

All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals, and must be translated by a university, government official, or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation.

  • The GRE General Exam is the only standardized test required for this degree application.  Have ETS (Educational Testing Service) provide ASU with official GRE scores.  The ETS Institutional Code for ASU is 4007.  Enter the Department Code as 0000.  Test scores must be received directly from the agency administering the test.  Photocopies and faxes are not acceptable.
  • If appropriate, complete and submit a paper copy of the Financial Guarantee Form.  This form must be completed by anyone who will attend ASU while holding an F-1 or J-1 visa. Send the form to:

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 the ASU Graduate Admissions website https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency for more information.