The MDP Program admits a new cohort of students each Fall semester. The MDP Admissions Committee meets in mid-February to review all applications that are complete by that time, and then continues to receive and review applications on a rolling basis through June 30 for Fall admission. Read more about the UF MDP admission requirements below.
The GRE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply to the MDP program:
- Have a background and interest in conservation and/or development issues. This interest can be demonstrated through undergraduate course work, study abroad, internships, work and/or volunteer experiences.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field from an accredited college or university.
- A 3.0 GPA or higher in all upper-division undergraduate coursework.
- Required minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam for non-exempt international applicants.
APPLICATION STEPS
- Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION:
- On your graduate school online application, search under COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, and indicate that you are applying to the MDP Program by selecting “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE” (Master of Sustainable Development Practice). The application should include a statement of purpose, a CV or Resume, and 3 recommendation letters. You also have the option to upload copies of your transcripts and other documents. Official transcripts must still be sent from all prior academic institutions, if these are US institutions, to the UF Office of Admissions. If your prior academic institution is outside the US, then please upload to the online application system your unofficial transcripts and diplomas, with English translations if the originals are not in English.
- Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose should demonstrate your interest and understanding of sustainable development issues, taking into consideration your own perspective and background and highlighting the set of skills and experience you bring, both academic and practice-based. It should provide a thoughtful articulation of the potential field practicum project/research you aspire to carry out, and include your regional, disciplinary and topical interests. The statement of purpose should reflect the commitment and passion you will bring to the MDP Program and to your future career as a development practitioner.
- CV or Résumé: Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
- 3 letters of recommendation: At least one letter of recommendation must come from an academic source. If recommendors are unable to submit letters online, they may be sent as hard copies to the MDP office or e-mailed as an attachment to anoss@ufl.edu.
- ***After submitting:*** Send an e-mail to Andy Noss (anoss@ufl.edu), Program Coordinator and provide your assigned UFID.
- IF YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTIES in the process of applying for admission or for financial aid, PLEASE NOTIFY Andy Noss (anoss@ufl.edu) immediately and we will do all we can to assist you!
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Applicants are required to submit additional documents to the UF Office of Admissions in addition to the online application.
Please submit the following materials to the Office of Admissions at the address below:
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended (Official English translations are required for international transcripts and certificates).
- Official English Language exam scores (international students from non-exempt countries only). Click here to see countries exempt from TOEFL requirements. The UF school code is 5812.
These materials should be submitted to the following address:
| Mail/Post Office of Admissions University of Florida PO Box 114000 Gainesville, Florida 32611-4000 |
Courier/Overnight Office of Admissions University of Florida 201 Criser Hall Gainesville, Florida 32611-4000 |
International applications should consult the UF International Center International Student Services and the UF Graduate School International Admissions for additional help and resources regarding admissions.
If paying the application fee with cash or check you will need a Fee Payment Cover Memo
Once officially admitted, international applicants are required to document proof of financial support for the first year. The International Student Advisors at the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) will only contact admitted student via email to request this information. Providing electronic copies of the documents, only when requested, is encouraged.
Additional information about the I-20/DS-2019 Process as well as further admissions process resources and visa information can be found at the UFIC website
The following documents can be submitted to the MDP Program at the address or email below:
- Copy of all transcripts (if requested)
- Copy of TOEFL scores (if requested)
- Letters of Recommendation if references are unable to submit letters online
| Email anoss@ufl.edu |
Mail/Post MDP Admissions Center for African Studies University of Florida PO Box 115560 Gainesville, Florida 32611-5560 |
Courier/Overnight MDP Admissions Center for African Studies University of Florida 470 Grinter Hall Gainesville, Florida 32611-5560 |