Prospective Students

As a graduate student at the University of Michigan, you will join a vibrant community of renowned faculty and intellectually adventurous students who learn in an environment of limitless possibilities. There are 108 Ph.D. and 83 master’s programs spanning every area of interest.

Graduate study at the University of Michigan means engaging in research that informs and shapes the world around us. We invite you to explore our graduate degree programs, our resources, our people, and our community. Discover the Michigan Difference!

We encourage you to register if you are interested in becoming a future Rackham student, so that we can learn more about your interests and provide you with a UMID number. This number will allow us to better follow your interests and answer your questions.

Register as a Prospective Student

Programs of Study, Requirements and Deadlines

We have detailed information on all the Master’s and doctoral degree programs at the University of Michigan in our easy-to-use online guide. Here you will find descriptions of every degree program, including interdisciplinary opportunities, dual degree programs, non-Rackham programs of study, and programs at the U-M Dearborn and Flint campuses. These program descriptions include information about application deadlines, graduate course requirements, faculty, and departmental contact information.

Applying for Admission

Admission to graduate degree programs at the University of Michigan is through the Rackham Graduate School. Visit Rackham’s Admissions website for general admissions information and application guidelines. Here you will also find the application requirements and deadlines specific to each program of study as well as an explanation of the general admissions process.

Financing your Michigan Education

It’s important to explore funding opportunities as early as possible. Start with the rich resources available through the Graduate School’s Fellowships office. Here you’ll find a wide range of information, including: tips for funding your education; sources of aid on campus; fellowships, grants, scholarships; student employment; emergency funding.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Michigan has long embraced a deep institutional commitment to diversity as a central part of our mission to ensure the excellence of graduate education. The quality of our academic programs is enhanced by the rich and varied contributions of students and faculty who approach problems from different perspectives. We believe it is the responsibility of those in higher education to prepare culturally competent citizens and leaders for the next generation. As a U-M graduate student, you will live in a community that respects who you are and encourages you to fulfill your promise.

Student Resources

At the University of Michigan we offer a wealth of resources and support services for our very diverse student community. Interested in what we provide for graduate student life outside the classroom, lab and library? Professional development workshops, career counseling, housing, health care, childcare, recreation, student organizations, entertainment—our office of Graduate Student Life is a portal for all the University provides.

Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)

Rackham provides the opportunity for undergraduates from across the country to gain research experience with faculty at the University of Michigan. This is an excellent recruiting opportunity for graduate degree programs, as faculty can preview the talents of these potential applicants. (There are similar programs for U-M students at all member universities of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) and other institutions across the country.) The students are provided with a stipend and housing as well as funds for travel. Weekly seminars address a variety of issues such as financial aid, writing a statement of purpose, being successful in graduate school, and other topics to help prepare students for graduate school. The program culminates in a research symposium at which the students give either an oral or poster presentation. Many students have gone on to publish papers from their summer research and become graduate students here at the University of Michigan. Further details about U-M faculty sponsorship as well as student application are available on the SROP information pages.

Additional Resources for International Students

We welcome all international students to our Michigan community and encourage them to make the most of their graduate experience. The University’s International Center provides many services, including assistance with visas, financial aid, health insurance, employment questions, and student organizations. Take a look at the other resources available such as the English Language Institute, Graduate Student Instructor Testing and Instructional Program, and the handbook developed just for our international graduate students.

Questions? Contact Us

Are you having trouble finding the answers to your questions? Please get in touch with us at gradstudentsuccess@umich.edu. If we don’t have the answer we’ll put you in touch with the person who does.

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