Dr. Alan Karras

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Alan Karras. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Alan Karras is the Associate Director of the Interdisciplinary Social Science Programs. His research interests include a transnational focus on the relationships between the state and the economy, particularly examining issues such as illicit behavior, smuggling, and corruption during the 18th and 19th centuries. He engages in exploring the complexities of how these illicit activities affect broader socio-economic structures and governance. He leverages a varied interdisciplinary approach to analyze historical contexts and their relevance to contemporary global issues.

Research Interests

Transnational Studies State-Economy Relationships Illicit Behavior Smuggling Corruption 18th Century 19th Century

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.