Graduate Admissions

Graduate courses in folklore and public culture cover an extensive range of interdisciplinary topics: cultural heritage, ethnicity, subcultures, popular culture, performance, gender, film, religion, community arts administration, local culture, and issues of diversity and globalization. Follow the steps below to apply to the program.


How to Apply

Please submit all applications through the Division of Graduate Studies online application. The link for this application is at the bottom of this page, and the application for the master’s degree through the Folklore and Public Culture Program will become available September 15.

Application deadline: Applications are processed for fall term (September) admission only and must be received by January 15.

Admission Requirements

Everything must be submitted through the Division of Graduate Studies online application.

  • A completed online graduate application.
  • Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Unofficial transcripts will be uploaded as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts should show all coursework taken to date and, if applicable, the title of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred.
  • Applicants who accept their offer of admission and matriculate must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities from which they received a bachelor’s degree or higher to the UO Registrar’s Office.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English should visit the Division of Graduate Studies website for English language proficiency requirements.
  • Three formal letters of recommendation from three recommenders, submitted directly by the recommenders.
  • A statement of purpose NOT to exceed five double-spaced, printed pages.
  • A current résumé or CV.
  • A writing sample that demonstrates applicant’s academic abilities is required (20 pages maximum).

Online Graduate Application

  • The application requires a $70 nonrefundable fee ($90 for international students), which can be paid by credit card or e-check with your online application.
  • If you have any questions or problems concerning this process, please contact the Folklore and Public Culture Program at folkloregrad@uoregon.edu.

Transcripts and GPA

Admission to the Folklore and Public Culture Program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.30 (B+). Prior to matriculation, with the exception of UO graduates, send official transcripts directly to:

Office of the Registrar  
5257University of Oregon  
Eugene, OR 97403

Letters of Recommendation

  • At least three formal letters of recommendation are required, ideally from instructors who can speak to your academic abilities.
  • For an applicant who has been out of school for several years, letters from employers or others able to evaluate your abilities are appropriate.
  • Provide name and contact information for recommenders on the Division of Graduate Studies online application. Your recommenders will then be contacted and instructed on how to submit their letters online.

Statement of Purpose

  • Given the interdisciplinary nature of the Folklore and Public Culture Program’s master’s program, provide a statement addressing your academic objectives.
  • Explain how the academic resources associated with the UO Folklore and Public Culture Program would enable you to meet your goals.
  • Make sure to specify which track (general or public sector) you would like to follow.
  • The statement is not to exceed five double-spaced, printed pages.

Admission Acceptance

The Folklore and Public Culture Program’s admissions committee will consider each application in accordance with the factors listed above. Each applicant will be notified in writing of their acceptance or denial into the program. The director of the Folklore and Public Culture Program shall also notify the vice provost of the Division of Graduate Studies of the status of each applicant. The director of folklore and public culture shall have the final determination on the admissibility of an applicant into the program.

Concurrent Degree Program

The term “concurrent graduate degrees” is used when a graduate student is pursuing two degrees simultaneously, for example, a student pursuing a master’s degree in folklore and public culture and nonprofit management (PPPM), or a student pursuing a master’s degree in folklore and public culture and a doctorate in anthropology. A student who wishes to pursue concurrent graduate degrees must gain admittance to both degree programs. For more information view this page and contact the folklore and public culture director of graduate studies.


Apply to our Graduate Program

Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon.

Apply Now