We admit one (1) cohort each year in the Fall semester. An overview of the application requirements and the process is provided below. Be sure also to check out this additional useful information as you consider our program:

• Application Tips from APAN's Program Director
• Program Information Sessions (Virtual for now; all are welcome!)
• APAN Supplemental Application document (asked of all applicants, must be downloaded and attached with the application)
• Graduate School Policies
• Fees and Financial Aid
• Scholarships from the UMD Alumni Association

Application Requirements

In addition to the application form, admitted students will submit the following:      

1: A statement of purpose that explains their interest in political data analysis and their plan for using the degree professionally
2: Official copies of all transcripts (MS applicants) OR an unofficial transcript AND a detailed, applicant-generated, academic course plan for the senior year (4+1 applicants)
3: A SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION to upload to your graduate application -- you will need to download the form, fill it out, and upload it to your application portal [MS track] or before submitting your Google form application [4+1 track]

*Applicants must have earned a 3.0 GPA in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.

*International applicants must fulfill all requirements relating to international academic credentials, evidence of English proficiency, financial certification, and visa documentation, as required by The Graduate School.

*Undergraduate work focused on statistics or quantitative methods in the social sciences is preferred.

Standalone MS:

*Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an institution outside the U.S.

*MS applicants must answer 1 of 3 essay prompts in their Graduate School application, reflecting on personal experience(s) which highlight:

• Community involvement and/or service
• Engagement in leadership roles, facilitating change, and/or mentoring
• Overcoming social, economic, educational, or physical barriers

Combined 4+1:

*Applicants must be in junior standing at the University of Maryland.

*Applicants must affirm completion of ALL requirements for all undergraduate majors and minors by May before their fifth year. All undergraduate work MUST be completed to apply to The Graduate School in the summer before the final year. Students will be asked to officially affirm this requirement in their application. Please visit https://gvpt.umd.edu/undergraduate/major-requirements for a description of the program requirements for GVPT. Students with minors or multiple majors must confirm the expected completion of each undergraduate requirement separately.

*Students must choose undergraduate courses that satisfy the following three requirements:

1 – GVPT 201 (or equivalent)
2 – GVPT 320 (or equivalent) **Applicants may propose taking this course in their senior year course plan (see Step 1 below)
3 – Two additional quantitative methods courses that focus on data analysis in the social sciences. Courses that would apply include GVPT420, 421, 422, 424, and some sections of 429. Courses from other academic departments may also apply if they have a strong quantitative focus. Questions about the applicability of any course can be discussed with the Director of the APAN program.