Apply to SUAPP PhD in Urban Affairs Program

We are excited to welcome you to apply to the new doctoral program in urban affairs. Interested individuals should complete the University's standard online Graduate School application.

Visit https://www.memphis.edu/graduateadmissions/future/admproc.php# for a detailed description of the Graduate School application process, including important deadlines.

Your completed Graduate School application will be reviewed by the Urban Affairs admissions committee, which makes all admissions decisions. Detailed information about our application process can be found here.

How To Apply

Fall admission only

The Ph.D. in Urban Affairs program begins accepting applications in October each year. Please submit all application materials by January 31 for early consideration for graduate assistantships and fellowships.

The Ph.D. in Urban Affairs is a 48-credit hour doctoral degree program. As such, this program requires that students enter the program as they near the end of their master’s degree or have a master’s degree in hand before applying.

We fund approximately two to four full-time students entering the program each year. Students must complete all funding applications after applying for admission to the program. If you have further questions about your application, please get in touch with Dr. Davia Downey (dcdowney@memphis.edu).

The first round of application review usually begins on February 1st. First-round decisions are issued to prospective applicants in mid-March; however, all applicants (i.e., those who apply by the April 1st deadline annually) will receive notification by mid-May. 

Ph.D. Admissions Criteria

All applicants must meet all criteria for admission to the graduate school. Our program requires a master’s degree (or near completion). 

International applicants must submit a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL test, have an equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree from an accredited college or university where English is the language of instruction, or be citizens of countries with English-language reciprocity.

For more information on international student requirements and other accepted English proficiency tests, click here.

International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated if their MA degree is from a foreign university. Students can have their credentials evaluated by any credentialing agency listed on the Association of International Credential Evaluation Services website (https://aice-eval.org) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website (www.naces.org). You will not be considered for admission if you do not submit an evaluation of your transcript when you apply. International students may be asked to supply transcript evaluations for BA or BS-equivalent degrees after admission from the Graduate School. 

All applicants to the doctoral program must provide:

1. Provide transcripts of all post-secondary institutions attended converted to a 4.0 grading scale.
2. Provide a statement of purpose (1,000 words or less) that discusses the following:
   
   • The student’s research interests and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs at the University of Memphis.
   • What research questions would they like to explore while a doctoral student at the U of M?
   • How have the students’ academic and professional experiences prepared them to complete a doctoral program?
   • What is your experience in conducting engaged or community-based research?
   • Identify the specialization area the student intends to focus on during their doctoral studies and discuss how they relate to research interests and future career aspirations.
   • Identify the faculty members within SUAPP-affiliated departments the student would like to work with while in the program and why. (See our Affiliates Page for faculty currently taking advisees.) 
3. Provide a current curriculum vitae or resume.
4. Provide one policy-oriented writing sample.
   • Applicants can submit up to three. Examples might include journal articles (published or under review), master’s theses, or other professional writings demonstrating research and analytical capability.
   • Good writing samples include journal articles (published or under review), a master's thesis, policy analysis or evaluation papers, or other professional writings demonstrating research and analytical capability. 
   • NOTE: Students who submit co-authored or multi-authored publications MUST provide a statement of contribution to that published work if the student applicant includes co-authored or published work as a writing sample. 
5. Provide contact information for at least three references who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation. Applicants can provide up to five references if they choose.
6. The admissions committee may request an interview (in person or by phone/virtual) if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you waive the application fee for international applicants due to financial hardship? No. Unfortunately, our program budget does not allow us to waive any costs associated with applying to the program.
2. Do I need to contact the faculty to ask them to supervise my research before applying? No. We find it more useful for students to meet with prospective faculty in their first year of the program before committing to a faculty supervisor. However, you can explore the Affiliate Faculty page to identify faculty you believe would fit your research agenda.
3. I haven't completed my master's degree yet. Can I still apply? Yes! Students in the last semester of their master's degree are encouraged to apply.
4. My master's degree isn't in Anthropology, Criminology, City and Regional Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, or Social Work. Can I still apply to this program? Yes! Any student interested in urban affairs or conducting community-based research is encouraged to apply. However, indicating a strong interest in interdisciplinary urban affairs research is a must for all applicants.
5. I didn't receive funding for the program. How can I pay for tuition? Please see the Funding page for additional funding opportunities.
6. I was admitted, but I want to defer my semester entry date to another semester. Can I do that?  Our program only admits for the Fall semester. If a student needs to defer, they can defer to the following fall. If students do not matriculate in the subsequent fall semester, they must reapply to the program. Please notify the program director about your decision to defer prior to making the request to the Graduate Admissions office.