Applicants apply to an academic program using the online system and the instructions provided by the home academic unit and the Graduate College. Programs may set additional application requirements, and deadlines will vary by unit. Applicants should consult with the desired program offices for details. Programs will review the application first and may either deny admission or recommend admission to the Graduate College. The Graduate College will then review and grant official admission to the university if the applicant meets the Graduate College minimum requirements. Applicants may not apply to a program in which they already hold a similar degree (see Chapter 4.1 Graduate Degree Requirements for details.) The Graduate College requires all applicants to submit these materials with the online application:
- Online Graduate Application,
- Academic credentials from all post-secondary institutions attended,
- Application fee. The non-refundable application fee amount is determined by citizenship status. Payment may be made online via credit card. An application cannot be processed until the application fee has been submitted or an application fee waiver has been approved. A change in desired term of entry may require a second application and application fee to be assessed.
Most graduate programs will also require additional materials to be submitted with the graduate application, such as an academic and/or personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation. These requirements will vary by program and applicants should consult the requirements listed on their proposed program of study websites.
Graduate Admissions Deadline Policy
The Graduate College application and admissions deadline is the tenth day of classes for each admission term. Graduate departments may apply earlier deadlines for each term for those applying to their degree programs. However, applications received by the Graduate College after the tenth day of classes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis considering both the applicant’s credentials and the departmental justification for the late admission.
Admissions Deferral Policy
An applicant for graduate admission who wishes to change the desired term of entry either before or after receiving a notice of admission must contact the admitting department to request the change. If the applicant is requesting to defer the entry term for more than one year, a second application fee will be required by the Graduate College.