May 31, 2026  
2026-2027 University Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 University Academic Catalog

Graduate Admissions



Admissions Overview

Graduate admission to Radford University is selective and based on a comprehensive review of each applicant’s complete application portfolio. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the term in which they wish to enroll.

Because the number of applicants who meet minimum eligibility requirements often exceeds the number of available seats, admission decisions are made through a holistic evaluation of academic preparation and the full range of materials submitted as part of the application. This review may include prior academic performance, evidence of readiness for graduate-level study, relevant professional or experiential background, personal statements, recommendations, and other indicators of potential for success in the field of study.

Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. In many cases, the number of applicants who meet or exceed the stated criteria surpasses the number of available spaces. As a result, admission is competitive, and programs select candidates whose overall qualifications most strongly demonstrate the potential for academic achievement and contribution to the program. Departments may waitlist or deny admission to otherwise qualified applicants based on the strength of the applicant pool for a given term. Final admission decisions are based on a comprehensive review of all applicants within the program’s available capacity.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Radford University is committed to providing an environment that affirms the dignity and worth of every member of its community and is free from harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by law. Consistent with federal Title IX regulations and other applicable federal and state laws, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment in its educational programs and activities, including admission and employment.

Categories of Graduate Study

  1. Degree Program: A program of study designed to culminate in the award of a master’s degree, Educational Specialist degree, or doctoral degree.
  2. Certificate: A program of study designed to culminate in the award of a post-baccalaureate, graduate, or post-graduate certificate. A certificate may be pursued as a stand-alone program or in conjunction with a primary degree program.
  3. Initial Teaching Licensure: A program of study designed to prepare a student for eligibility to obtain initial teaching licensure.
  4. Non-degree Seeking: Enrollment in one or more graduate courses without the intent to complete a degree program, certificate program, or initial teaching licensure program.

Application Procedures

Application Fee

Radford University’s online graduate application requires a non-refundable $50 application fee for all degree and certificate applicants.

Applicants applying through a Centralized Application Service (CAS) are not charged the $50 Radford University application fee and should refer to the respective CAS portal for applicable application fees, which vary by system.


Application Fee Waivers

Applicants may be eligible for a once-per-calendar-year application fee waiver if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • U.S. military veterans or active-duty service members
  • Virginia K-12 educators (must be full-time regular employees)
  • Radford University alumni
  • Current Radford University students
  • Current Radford University full-time employees
  • First-generation college students*
  • Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students*

*Applicants requesting a waiver based on first-generation or Pell eligibility should contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 540-831-5431 or gradadmit@radford.edu to confirm eligibility and receive a waiver code. Documentation verifying eligibility may be required.

Application fees for CAS programs are established by the respective CAS system. Radford University application fee waivers do not apply to CAS applications.

Centralized Application Services (CAS)

Certain graduate programs require applicants to submit materials through a Centralized Application Service (CAS).

Programs using CAS include:

  • Athletic Training (MSAT) – ATCAS
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders (MA, MS) – CSDCAS
  • Occupational Therapy (MOT) – OTCAS
  • Physician Assistant (MS) – CASPA
  • Physical Therapy (DPT) – PTCAS

Applicants using a CAS system are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the program deadline. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that CAS applications are verified and transmitted to Radford University by the stated deadline.

CAS verification may take up to four weeks. Verified applications must be transmitted electronically to Radford University by the stated deadline to be considered for admission. Applications not verified and received by Radford University by the deadline will not be reviewed.

A prospective graduate student desiring to enter Radford University should apply using the online application available at https://www.radford.edu/admissions/graduate/index.html by selecting the Apply Now option.  Applicants will receive a series of electronic notifications throughout the application process and will have the opportunity to follow the progression of the application online through the Graduate Admissions Application portal. Only applications that are complete with all required program specific supplemental material received, will be reviewed for an admission recommendation by the specified department.  A complete application for degree seeking applicants includes:

  1. An official application completed online and submitted with a nonrefundable application fee of $50;
  2. Unofficial transcripts from U.S. institutions are required at the time of application. If offered admission, official transcripts must be submitted prior to enrollment. Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions where a degree was earned or where post-degree coursework was completed. If a degree is still in progress, a final official transcript verifying conferral must be received within 30 days of the start of the first term. Admission will be rescinded if degree conferral is not verified. If the undergraduate transcript is incomplete, transcripts from all previously attended institutions must also be submitted.
  3. Official test scores (such as GRE, GMAT or others) if required by the program;
  4. Letters of recommendation, or list of references, as required by the program
  5. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  6. Writing requirement(s) if required by the program.
  7. Additional program specific documents if required by the program.
  8. International applicants require additional materials. This information is defined below.

A complete list of application requirements for non-degree applicants can be found below. Applicants should check program information for additional specific admission requirements.

Applications and all supporting materials should be received no later than the stated program deadline. For programs with rolling admission, applications and supporting materials should be submitted as early as possible prior to the start of the intended semester to ensure fullest consideration. Please note that some high-demand programs may reach enrollment capacity prior to the final deadline. In such cases, applications received after capacity is reached may not be reviewed. Refer to Application Requirements for specific details.

For applicants who are graduates of Radford University, only transcripts for coursework taken at other institutions after graduation need to be submitted. Radford University transcripts and transcripts for institutions from which transfer credit was accepted by Radford University may be obtained by the Graduate Admissions Office. If an applicant’s undergraduate transcripts do not include the applicant’s entire undergraduate record, copies of all transcripts also must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office. Applicants, excluding Radford University and Jefferson College of Health Sciences alumni, must have official final transcripts, including the award of the bachelor’s degree, sent to the Graduate Admissions Office if the degree is not conferred at the time of application.

Applicants must arrange to have official test scores sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office if required by the specified program. Consult the program admission policy here to determine which of the following test scores to submit. English language proficiency must also be demonstrated for non-native English speakers. Please be certain that the correct college code for Radford University Graduate Level is being used when requesting scores.  Note that some programs use individual codes; see here for specific GRE codes.

Specific grade point averages have been established for admission. (See here.) Some programs may require higher academic standards. For programs that require standardized test scores, results are reviewed alongside other indicators of academic readiness, such as GPA, professional experience, and recommendations. Strong performance in one area may balance weaker performance in another.

In accordance with Virginia administrative regulations, a conferred bachelor’s degree is required prior to enrollment in a master’s program. If a degree has not been conferred at the time of application, a final official transcript verifying degree conferral must be submitted within 30 days of the start of the first term of enrollment.

Students may only be enrolled in one level at Radford University (graduate or undergraduate) in a given term. Students may be enrolled in only one primary graduate degree program. A degree student may be concurrently enrolled in a certificate as a secondary curriculum.

If an applicant wishes to apply for admission to more than one program for any given term, a complete separate application (including a separate application fee and program specific supplemental materials) must be submitted for each program. If a student is in a doctoral program that offers a master’s degree in the same field, a student may request to switch to the master’s program from the doctoral program. Students interested in doing so should consult their program coordinator and students must still meet all program specific criteria. To request a change a student should complete the Request for Program Changes form found online, and the request must be approved by the program coordinator. Students may not use this form to switch from one master’s program to a different master’s program or from a master’s program to a doctoral program. A student switching from the doctoral to master’s level within the same program will not have to pay an additional application fee. If recommended for admission to more than one program, a student must decide which program to enter by accepting the offer of admission to only one program.

Meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into a graduate program. In many cases, the number of applicants who meet or exceed the stated criteria surpasses the number of available spaces. Consequently, admission is competitive, and departments may be required to waitlist or deny admission to some qualified applicants. Final admission decisions are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant pool for the specific term.

Accuracy of Application Information

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information provided in the application for admission and all supporting materials are accurate, complete, and truthful. This includes the disclosure of all prior academic institutions attended, academic records, disciplinary actions, and criminal history when requested.

Submission of an application constitutes certification by the applicant that all information provided is accurate and complete to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.

Radford University reserves the right to verify all application materials and credentials submitted as part of the admissions process. The University may request additional documentation when necessary to confirm the accuracy of an applicant’s academic history, credentials, identity, or other application materials.

An offer of admission may be rescinded or withdrawn prior to enrollment if it is determined that:

  • Application materials contain false, misleading, altered, or fraudulent information
  • The applicant failed to disclose required information, including prior academic enrollment, identity verification, disciplinary actions, or criminal history
  • Supporting documentation submitted for admission cannot be verified or is determined to be fraudulent
  • The applicant omitted material information relevant to the admissions review process

Applicants with prior institutional disciplinary records or criminal offenses may be subject to additional review during the admissions process. Failure to disclose required information regarding disciplinary or criminal history may result in rescission of admission prior to enrollment.

Admission for International Students

International applicants must follow the standard graduate application procedures and submit additional documentation required for international admission


Application Deadlines

International applicants planning to enroll at Radford University are encouraged to apply by the following dates:

  • Fall admission: December 1
  • Spring admission: October 1

Applications should be submitted online at:
https://www.radford.edu/admissions/graduate/index.html by selecting Apply Now.


Academic Records and Credential Evaluation

Academic records issued by institutions outside the United States must:

  • Be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  • Include a course-by-course evaluation report
  • Be translated into English if the original documents are issued in another language

The official course-by-course credential evaluation report is considered the official transcript of record for international academic credentials. Applicants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of the credential evaluation and for initiating the process early enough to meet application deadlines. Evaluation timelines may vary by agency and can take approximately 4–6 weeks or longer. Applicants should plan accordingly, as processing times, including any delays from the evaluation agency, may impact the timing of application review. Applicants must arrange for the evaluation agency to send the official report directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions through the agency’s official reporting system or secure electronic delivery method.


English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English, or who have not earned a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, must submit proof of English proficiency.

Accepted examinations and minimum required scores:

Minimum Required Scores

  • TOEFL (paper-based): 550
  • TOEFL (internet-based): 79–80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 105

Official scores must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office by the testing organization or through the testing agency’s secure electronic score reporting system. Scores submitted by applicants, including copies, screenshots, or self-reported results, are not considered official.

Scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum required scores will not be considered for admission.

Alternative English proficiency tests or verification platforms are not accepted.


Additional Requirements for Admitted International Students

After admission, international students must complete several steps before enrollment. The McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement serves as the primary point of contact for immigration documentation and financial verification requirements.

McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement
Phone: 540-831-6200
Email: globaled@radford.edu


Financial Documentation

Admitted international students must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support their first year of graduate study.

Required documentation includes:

  • Official bank statement
    • Must be original or certified by the financial institution
    • Must be dated within 12 months of the intended term of entry
    • Must indicate the specific amount of funds available in U.S. dollars

Immigration Documentation (Form I-20)

The Form I-20, required to obtain an F-1 student visa, is issued by the McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement after:

  • The applicant has been formally admitted
  • All required financial documentation has been received and approved

The I-20 cannot be issued prior to admission or before financial documentation is submitted and verified.


Health Insurance Requirement

All international students must provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage prior to enrollment or purchase an approved insurance plan upon arrival.


Notification of Admission

Once all required application materials have been received, the faculty of the respective graduate program review the application. Faculty evaluate applicants using their professional judgment to assess the individual’s preparation for graduate study and potential for success in the program. In some cases, programs may request additional materials to support their review.

Following this review, the graduate program submits an admissions recommendation to the Office of Graduate Admissions. While programs play a central role in evaluating applicants, the Office of Graduate Admissions conducts the final institutional review and issues the official admission decision. A program’s recommendation for admission does not constitute or guarantee admission to the University.

Applicants who are admitted will receive an official notification from the Office of Graduate Admissions specifying:

  • The term of admission
  • Admission status
  • Any matriculation requirements or special conditions
  • Contact information for the graduate program coordinator or director
  • Domicile status

Terms of Admission

Admission to a graduate program is valid only for the term specified in the official letter of admission. Applicants who do not enroll in the designated term must either reapply for admission or, if permitted by the program, request a deferral.

Intent to Enroll

Admitted applicants must confirm their intent to enroll by responding to the admission offer through the Graduate Admissions Applicant Portal by the deadline specified in the admission notification.

Submitting an enrollment response allows the academic program and the Office of Graduate Admissions to finalize enrollment planning. Applicants who do not respond by the stated deadline may have their offer of admission withdrawn at the discretion of the academic program in order to accommodate other qualified applicants.

Deferral of Admission

Applicants who are unable to enroll for the designated term may request a one-time deferral of admission for up to one academic year by submitting a completed Graduate Term Change Request Form.

Approval of a deferral request requires authorization from both the graduate program coordinator or director and the Office of Graduate Admissions. Not all programs permit deferrals.


Readmission

Graduate students who are admitted but do not enroll for one calendar year (two consecutive major terms, excluding summer) will have their student record rendered inactive.

Students seeking to return after such an absence must consult with their academic program. The program may elect to:

  • Request reactivation of the student’s record, or
  • Require the student to submit a new application for admission

Readmission is not guaranteed and is subject to program review, current admissions criteria, and space availability.

Students with questions regarding reactivation or readmission should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmit@radford.edu.

Graduate Seat Deposit

Certain graduate programs require a non-refundable seat deposit of up to $500 to confirm acceptance of an offer of admission. The deposit must be submitted through the OneCampus portal by the deadline specified in the admission notification. Upon matriculation, the deposit is applied toward the student’s first-term tuition.

Failure to submit the required deposit by the stated deadline may result in:

  • A registration hold remaining on the student’s account until the deposit is paid in full
  • Rescission of the offer of admission, after which the applicant may be required to submit a new application for a future term

If a seat deposit payment is returned, the Bursar’s Office will notify the student and allow 10 calendar days to resolve the payment. A state-mandated returned payment fee of up to $75 will be applied. If the payment remains unresolved, the Bursar’s Office will notify the Office of Graduate Admissions, which may rescind the offer of admission depending on the deposit deadline.

Deferral & Reinstatement

Students approved to defer initial enrollment to a future term forfeit their original seat deposit and are required to submit a new deposit for the new term.

Students who are approved for reinstatement following a break in enrollment are not required to submit a new seat deposit.

Classifications of Graduate Admission Status

Graduate admission decisions are issued by the Office of Graduate Admissions, which conducts the institutional review of each application and determines the final admission outcome. Academic programs may be consulted during the review process to provide discipline-specific input; however, the Office of Graduate Admissions retains responsibility for evaluating applications and issuing all official admission decisions on behalf of the University.

An offer of admission is considered official only when communicated through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Informal communications from academic programs, faculty, or staff regarding application status or program interest should not be interpreted as an official offer of admission.

Admission status reflects the applicant’s standing at the time the official decision is issued and may include requirements that must be satisfied prior to or during initial enrollment.

Regular Admission

Regular admission is granted to applicants who have satisfied all institutional and program-specific admission requirements. This classification applies to degree-seeking, certificate-seeking, and non-degree seeking students.

Regular admission may also be granted to applicants who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree but whose final official transcript verifying degree conferral has not yet been received at the time of admission. In such cases, the final official transcript must be submitted within 30 days of the start of the first term of enrollment.

Students admitted under regular status are eligible to enroll in graduate coursework and may be considered for graduate funding opportunities, including financial aid and assistantships, in accordance with university and program policies.


Conditional Admission

Conditional admission may be granted when one or more admission requirements remain outstanding at the time of admission but are expected to be completed within a specified timeframe. Conditional admission is not granted when required documentation is necessary to verify eligibility for admission.

Conditions may include, but are not limited to:

  • GPA deficiencies
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • Required licensure or professional credentials
  • Required observation or clinical hours

Students admitted under conditional status must satisfy all stated conditions within the timeframe specified in the admission letter, typically by the end of the first term of enrollment, unless a different deadline is established by the program.

Once all conditions have been satisfied and verified, the student’s admission status will be updated to regular admission. The student, program coordinator, and Financial Aid Office will be notified electronically of the status change.

Failure to satisfy admission conditions by the required deadline will result in:

  • A registration hold preventing further enrollment in graduate coursework
  • Dismissal from the program

GPA Deficiency

Students admitted with a GPA deficiency must earn grades of B or higher in all first-term coursework.

Students with this condition will be blocked from registering for subsequent terms until grades are reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Office. If a grade of B- or lower is earned in the first term, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Missing Application Documentation

Students admitted with missing documentation must submit the required materials by the deadline specified in the admission letter. Failure to do so will result in a registration block and dismissal.

Programs or schools may impose additional retention requirements beyond those outlined above.

Students admitted conditionally may be eligible for financial aid during the first term only. Additional financial aid will not be awarded until regular admission status is achieved. Conditional students are not eligible for graduate assistantships until regular admission is granted.


Certificate-Seeking Students

A graduate certificate is generally a series of 12-18 credit hours of graduate level coursework related to a focused academic topic or competency area. A graduate certificate may enhance the education of degree seeking students as well as provide continuing education of certificate-seeking only students, generally in a specialized or emerging field. The certificate indicates to a prospective employer that the university validates the particular collection of courses as a coherent substantive area of study. While the award of a certificate means the holder has completed the required courses and related work at an acceptable level of academic accomplishment, it does not constitute a degree program and it neither certifies nor licenses the student.

An applicant who is currently a matriculated graduate degree seeking student at Radford University may apply for a certificate by submitting an approved “Graduate Certificate Form” to the Graduate Admissions Office. Applicants who are not in a degree program and are seeking only the certificate should apply as “Certificate Students” and must meet the established criteria for admission, as well as other requirements indicated by the specific certificate.  Certificate-seeking applications may be submitted online on a rolling admissions basis for all terms with a non-refundable application fee of $50. A current list of Certificates being offered, along with specific entry requirements, is available at https://www.radford.edu/programs/.  Applicants are encouraged to contact certificate coordinators to determine an appropriate admission term prior to starting the application process. 

Certificate-seeking students are subject to all retention and graduation policies.

Initial Teaching Licensure

An applicant who holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and wishes to take graduate courses to meet initial teaching licensure requirements may apply under this classification. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all terms and may be submitted online. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required.

However, K-12 educators who are actively employed in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible for a graduate application fee waiver.

In addition to an official transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree conferred with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, applicants seeking admission for initial teaching licensure are required to submit three letters of recommendation and a professional resume. Recommendation letters should be written by persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or work experience. An applicant who has had experience in the public schools and who plans to continue working in the area of professional education is encouraged to have one of the recommendations submitted by the immediate supervisor in the school system or, if not currently employed by a school system, by a supervisor in the last school system in which the applicant worked.

Normally, courses taken under this admission category may not be counted toward a degree; however, a professional licensure student in this classification who subsequently decides to pursue a degree may petition the Office of Graduate Affairs through the appropriate department to have a maximum of nine graduate hours evaluated to be applied toward a graduate degree. Only courses with a grade of “B” or better will be eligible to be applied toward a degree or certificate. Credit for grades of “B-” will not count.

Students pursuing initial teaching licensure are strongly encouraged to apply to a degree program as early as possible after course registration in order to preserve the potential applicability of completed coursework toward a future graduate degree.

Initial teaching licensure students are subject to all retention and graduation policies.

Categories of Graduate Study

Degree -Seeking Students

Graduate degree programs at Radford University are designed to provide advanced academic and professional preparation within a specific discipline or field of study. Degree programs culminate in the award of a master’s degree, Educational Specialist degree, or doctoral degree and require completion of an approved program of graduate coursework, as well as any additional academic or experiential requirements established by the program. These may include research, practica, internships, examinations, or a thesis or dissertation, depending on the degree and field of study.

Applicants who wish to pursue a graduate degree must apply as degree-seeking students and meet both the institutional admission requirements and any additional criteria established by the specific academic program. Admission decisions are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic preparation and supporting materials.

Applications for degree-seeking admission are submitted online and are subject to the standard graduate application fee and program-specific deadlines. A current list of graduate degree programs and admission requirements is available at
https://www.radford.edu/programs/.

Students admitted as degree-seeking are expected to follow the curriculum requirements established by their academic program and are subject to all applicable graduate retention, progression, and graduation policies.

Certificate-Seeking Students

Graduate certificates typically consist of 12–18 credit hours of graduate coursework focused on a specific academic or professional area.

Certificates may be pursued by:

  • Current Radford graduate students seeking additional specialization
  • Applicants seeking certificate-only study

Certificate students must meet the admission criteria established for the certificate program.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all terms and require a $50 non-refundable application fee.

A current list of certificate programs and admission requirements is available at:
https://www.radford.edu/programs/

Students are encouraged to contact certificate coordinators prior to applying to confirm appropriate entry terms.

Certificate students are subject to all applicable retention and graduation policies.


Initial Teaching Licensure

Applicants seeking coursework to meet initial teaching licensure requirements may apply under this classification.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Required materials include:

  • Transcripts confirming degree conferral
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Professional résumé

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all terms and require a $50 application fee.

Active Virginia K–12 educators may qualify for an application fee waiver.

Normally, coursework taken under this classification does not apply toward a graduate degree. However, students who later pursue a degree may petition to have up to nine graduate credits evaluated for transfer, provided grades of B or higher were earned.

Students are encouraged to apply to a degree program as early as possible if they intend to pursue a graduate degree.


Non-Degree Seeking Status

Applicants who wish to take graduate coursework without pursuing a degree, certificate, or licensure may apply as non-degree students.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all terms.

Admission as a non-degree graduate student:

  • Does not guarantee course enrollment
  • Requires departmental approval
  • Is subject to course availability

Non-degree students may enroll only in 500-level courses or higher, subject to departmental restrictions.

Students must provide documentation of enrollment eligibility by the census date of the first term. Failure to comply will result in removal from all courses.

A maximum of nine graduate credits completed as a non-degree student may later be evaluated for application toward a graduate degree or certificate, provided grades of B or higher were earned.

Enrollment as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

Disciplinary or Criminal Offenses

Applicants with prior institutional disciplinary records or criminal offenses may be subject to additional review.

Failure to disclose or falsification of information regarding disciplinary or criminal history may result in rescission of admission.

Responsibilities of the Graduate Student

The student must become familiar with the academic policies outlined in this catalog. The academic advisor will advise the student on all matters related to the program of study and the Assistant Provost in the Office of Graduate Affairs will aid the student in the interpretation of policies whenever necessary. The ultimate responsibility for meeting all stated requirements for graduate degrees awarded by the university rests with the student.

Admission Appeals

Applicants who are denied admission may request reconsideration of the decision if they believe the outcome resulted from a procedural or administrative error, or if materials submitted prior to the application deadline were not included in the original review.

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals will be considered only under the following circumstances:

  • A procedural or administrative error occurred during the evaluation of the application.
  • Application materials submitted before the program deadline were not included in the review process.
  • Information contained in the original application was misinterpreted during the admissions review.

Appeals based solely on disagreement with the admission decision or the competitiveness of the applicant pool will not be considered.

Appeals may not be used to submit new academic records, transcripts, test scores, recommendations, or other materials obtained after the application deadline.

Appeal Deadline

Appeals must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the decision release and must be received prior to the start of the intended term of enrollment. If there is insufficient time to complete a review prior to the start of the term, Graduate Admissions may decline consideration of the appeal.

Appeal Submission

Applicants must submit a written appeal to the Office of Graduate Admissions. The appeal must include:

  • A written statement explaining the basis for the appeal
  • Any documentation relevant to the appeal and the original application review

Review Process

The Office of Graduate Admissions will review the appeal to determine whether sufficient grounds exist for reconsideration.

If the appeal meets the criteria for review, the Office of Graduate Admissions will consult with the program director or admissions review committee responsible for the original decision. The academic program will conduct a second review of the application based only on materials that were available at the time of the original application review.

The admissions review process is confidential. Documentation related to internal deliberations, reviewer evaluations, or committee discussions is not released as part of the appeal process.

Final Decision

Following the review, the academic program will provide a final admission recommendation to the Office of Graduate Admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions will communicate the final decision to the applicant.

Decisions resulting from the appeal review are final and not subject to further appeal.