How to Apply

Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability

We operate under a rolling admissions model. Therefore, please note the upcoming application deadlines below are suggested for optimal processing and enrollment time. Start dates for each program may vary based on course offerings and other factors. Please check with admissions for the next enrollment period for your intended program. Applicants who are applying to participate in residency should apply for the Summer semester or Winter semester.

 

Application deadlines

Semester Application Deadline Enrollment Deposit Deadline Semester Start Date
Spring 2026  January 6 January 12 January 26

Note: Our low residency programs do not require standardized testing, such as the GRE or GMAT, for acceptance. You may submit unofficial test scores as supplemental material, but are not required to.

 

Admissions Requirements

Acceptance to the program will be based on an evaluation of the applicant's work experience, essay, recommendation forms, and transcripts. To be considered for admission, an applicant must complete the following through our graduate admissions portal:

  • An online application through our graduate admissions portal.
  • An official sealed transcript of conferred undergraduate degree. A graduate transcript may be submitted if you would like transfer credits to be considered. A 3.0 GPA is recommended for admittance. If you have less than a 3.0 GPA, you may write a supplemental statement and/or meet with the program director to discuss your situation. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduateadmissions@goucher.edu. Paper transcripts can be mailed from the institution to:

    Graduate Admissions
    Goucher College
    1021 Dulaney Valley Road
    Baltimore, MD 21204

  • A minimum of one letter of recommendation completed by someone who knows you well enough to give an informed opinion of your intellectual ability, capacity for sustained self-directed study, personal qualifications, and professional potential. The recommendation process is completed online through the graduate admission portal.
  • A current resume that outlines your experience, education, skills, and accomplishments.
  • An essay answering program-specific questions. Please review Essay Requirements section.
  • International students must also follow the international student admissions processes.

Dual-degree applicants should complete the admissions requirements for both programs, such as supplying a writing sample and addressing the essay questions for both programs in one essay. For more information, see the Dual Degree - How to Apply page.

 

Additional information

Questions? Contact graduateadmissions@goucher.edu for program or application queries.

Applicants will know their admissions status within 3-4 business days of submitting a full application. New students will receive their login information to their student accounts along with new-student onboarding information to ensure a successful enrollment.

Accepted students are required to submit a nonrefundable $250 enrollment deposit. The deposit will be credited toward tuition charges for the upcoming semester. For more information, see the Tuition and Fees page.

 

Essay Requirements

Write an essay of not less than 1,000 words, discussing all three topics below. This essay is extremely important as it demonstrates your ability to clearly and concisely commit your ideas in writing. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself.

  1. Describe your interest in cultural sustainability, and why this concept matters to you?
  2. Please give a brief autobiography highlighting the experiences that have been important in shaping your goals.
  3. Explain why you have selected a low-residency rather than a traditional, on-campus graduate program or a fully online program?

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