Admission to the Graduate School

Each applicant for admission to graduate study in a degree program must complete the following procedures before the application for admission will be considered:

1. Present to the Graduate School an official application for admission;
2. Pay the $40 (effective 9-1-14) domestic application fee or $50 international application fee;
3. Provide the Graduate School with an official Bachelor's degree transcript or certified mark sheet and diploma/degree certificate copy. (NOTES: The transcript(s) submitted for admission cannot be returned to the student, nor can copies of such transcripts be made and issued to the student or to other colleges or universities. For domestic students, the bachelor's degree transcript must be awarded by a regionally accredited institution unless exceptions to this policy are recommended by the Graduate Dean. For international applicants from higher education systems that indicate degrees only through diplomas or degree certificates, a certified copy of the diploma/degree certificate and all mark sheets must be provided.);
4. Provide entrance examination scores as required by individual departments;
5. Submit letters of recommendation if required;
6. Provide a personal letter/statement or resume if required by the major department; and
7. International students must provide evidence of their ability to speak English. Such evidence may be in the form of examinations given by recognized examining boards or in such form as the Graduate Dean may approve. (For the specific statement on the language requirement, see Language Requirement for International Students).

When the above materials have been added to the applicant’s file in the Graduate School, the file will then be evaluated by the departmental graduate committee or its delegate. This evaluation is to determine the type of recommended admission to the departmental program or recommended rejection of the application. The department will follow these regulations. Each applicant must:

1. Show a minimum grade point average of 2.50 (C plus) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate credit. (Departments may have a higher minimum grade point requirement average, so an applicant must check departmental admission requirements.);
2. Have adequate preparation in the area of specialization in the area of proposed study; and
3. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

The department will evaluate the material, make a recommendation, and return the file to the Graduate School. All conditions of admittance must be removed before the student becomes eligible for candidacy. The Graduate Dean determines the type of admission and admits the student or determines if the application should be rejected. All application materials become the property of the Graduate School; they may not be copied or returned to the student.