Application FAQs
How do I apply?
The application period for the MURAP summer program typically opens November 15 and closes by January 30th. For program details and application, visit our main page here.
When is the application deadline?
The application period will end on January 30, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
How many recommendations may I submit?
The application will ask for the names and email addresses of two faculty members who have agreed to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Please do not submit more than two names.
May my recommenders mail in their letters of support?
No, applicants will be provided a link in the MURAP application form to send to their recommenders. It is the applicant’s responsibility to send this link to their recommenders and have it completed by the application deadline.
I’ve attended more than one undergraduate institution. Do I need to send a transcript from each one?
Yes. You must send a transcript from each university you have attended.
May I send in an unofficial transcript?
Yes. If you are unable to obtain one, please have your registrar’s office email a copy to murap@unc.edu. If there are special circumstances that prevent you from sending us an unofficial transcript, contact MURAP.
Will I be notified when my application is complete?
No. It is your responsibility to check your application status by emailing the Program Coordinator at murap@unc.edu.
I’m having technical problems with my application; what should I do?
Email the MURAP Program Coordinator at murap@unc.edu. Include your name and a description of the problem.
I am a freshman, may I apply to the program?
Not yet, but we like your enthusiasm! Our program is for rising juniors and seniors, so you may apply next year or the year after that.
I am a senior; may I apply to the program?
Only if you’ll have 12 or more credit hours to complete towards graduation AFTER finishing MURAP.
I am not a member of a racially or ethnically underrepresented group. May I still apply?
Absolutely. The program seeks to increase graduate school access in the broadest sense. Historically, MURAP has always prioritized recruiting students who have a proven commitment to expanding the professoriate in a variety of ways.
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
No. You are eligible to apply to MURAP only if you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent resident, U.S. national, or have protected status.
What majors are eligible for the program?
Our accepted disciplines are:
- Anthropology and Archaeology
- Area/Cultural Studies
- Art History
- Classics
- English/Comparative Literature
- Ethnic Studies (including but not limited to Africana, African American, Diaspora, Latinx, Native American Studies)
- Film, Cinema, and Media Studies
- Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory
- Foreign Languages and Literatures
- Gender/Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Performance Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Theory/Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Religion and Theology
- Sociology
- Theater/Dramatic Arts
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Urban Studies/City and Regional Planning
The MURAP Program does not accept applications from students who wish to pursue professional degrees such as JD, MSFW, MFA, MBA, MPA, MEd or EdD; or from those receiving a bachelor’s degree in pre-professional or applied fields of study, such as business, education, journalism, library and information sciences, law, social work, social welfare, and public health. If you are uncertain about your major meeting the requirements, please contact the MURAP staff.
I have more than one area of interest; should I include them all?
You could discuss them in your essay and explain which one(s) you’d like to explore in your research project.
When should I expect to hear a decision from MURAP?
Decisions are sent out via email by mid-April. We appreciate your patience in waiting to hear from us.
Who are the mentors?
Every year, MURAP selects mentors from a pool of UNC faculty who apply to participate.
May I suggest the name of a possible mentor?
No. The mentors are chosen by MURAP and will be matched with students according to research interests.
Whom do I contact if I have further questions?
For all questions and inquiries, contact the Program Coordinator at murap@unc.edu.