Program Admission

The department’s graduate program committee reads each letter of recommendation carefully, therefore it is important that the applicants select appropriate writers. Students should choose letter writers who will be able to speak to the applicant’s potential success in the M.S. program. The letters of recommendation should assess the applicant’s strengths, problem solving skills, motivation, and likelihood of completing the program.

Successful M.S. applicants ask their academic advisers, professors, or a past employer from an internship or job to write their letters of recommendation. Current School of Human Environmental Sciences faculty may write letters of recommendation as long as they are not serving on the HESC Graduate Studies committee. The relationship between the applicant and letter writer will be noted by the graduate program committee. Applicants should not ask family members or friends. 

In a few days after completing the application for admission, the Graduate School will solicit the names and email addresses of those you choose to write letters of recommendation. Letter writers will then be sent an email from the U of A recognizing they have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for the applicant. They must submit their letters online.

A Statement of Purpose is a 1-2 page statement reviewing your background, your interest in the HESC program, and your future career goals. It should include references to past academic/professional experiences, but should primarily focus on the future. You should include the following:

1. Individual career goals and how this Master’s degree in HESC will facilitate achievement of those goals.
2. The specific research interests you hope to explore as you develop a thesis project.  If you are unclear about your thesis, discuss three topics you are aware of that you would like to explore further through research.
3. The time frame you have for the completion of the Master’s degree, i.e. the number of semesters you expect to devote to the completion of this degree.
4. The three most critical issues facing individuals of all ages and their families, especially as they relate to your specific area of study, across the next ten years.

Remember, it is an example of your writing ability.

Applicants should submit a resume or CV, to include any evidence of leadership, relevant competencies or certifications, professional development, interpersonal skills, and/or experience in the relevant field of study.