TOEFL All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an advanced degree at an institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service and offered in nearly every country abroad. This exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. The minimum acceptable scores are: 550 for the written exam; 213 for the computer-based exam, and 80 for the internet-based exam (iBT). IELTS Beginning with the Fall 2011 application cycle, UCR will accept scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System IELTS) which is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. The minimum acceptable scores are: overall band score of 7 with no individual section score less than 6. GRE GRE is required.

PS Statement of Purpose.  Recommended maximum of 1,000 words.  Focus on your proposed research/dissertation plan, intended areas of specialization, and scholarly experience.  Articulate your knowledge of ethnic studies, and how your intellectual contributions can help shape or advance the field.  Offer a vision of how your proposed research/dissertation plan fits within the department faculty’s areas of expertise and the graduate program’s three areas of specialization.  If you have not completed a significant amount of coursework in Ethnic Studies or related fields, or if you have been working in professional fields like law or social work, please address your desire to pursue Ethnic Studies research, and explain your readiness for interdisciplinary training.  Clearly and concisely describe your intellectual development, preparation, achievements, and goals.  If necessary, explain any inconsistent or anomalous aspect of your academic record. GPA The minimum GPA for admission to the program is a 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study and/or a 3.0 in graduate study. Fee The nonrefundable $100.00 application fee must be paid by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) prior to submission of your application . RL Letters of recommendation.  Minimum of three letters.  Recommenders should be familiar with your track record of achieving academic excellence, and/or your potential for graduate school success.  Two of the letters must be from professors in your major subject. The application deadline also applies to letters of recommendation, so please be sure to request your letters of recommendation far in advance of the recommended December 15 deadline. Transcript Applicants are required to submit an official copy of transcripts and degree certificates (in original language accompanied by certified English translations) from each academic institution attended after secondary school. These records should be sent directly from the Registrars Office of the academic institutions you have attended to the academic department to which you are applying. If this service is not available, applicants may also request official copies and send them in the institutions' original sealed and certified institution envelopes.