Applicants will be required to meet admissions criteria established by the Graduate School for Unconditional or Conditional status in order to enroll in graduate courses. Meeting the minimum requirements for admission to graduate study does not necessarily ensure acceptance into a particular graduate degree program. Individual departments may establish requirements for individual degree programs above and beyond the standards for admission to the Graduate School. (See departmental sections of this Bulletin for specific program admission requirements.) Requirements for Unconditional status must be met before a student can be considered for admission to candidacy in a graduate degree program. A degree-seeking student admitted to one program who decides to change to another program must meet the admission requirements of the new program.

Unconditional Admission Status

The following Graduate School admission requirements are minimum standards which identify the pool of applicants from which departments select students to be admitted to candidacy in a degree program. To be granted Unconditional Admission Status in the Graduate School, applicants must have:

1. Submitted a completed application for admission and the designated nonrefundable application fee to the office of the Graduate School at least 30 days in advance of registration.
2. Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (or its equivalent as determined by the Graduate School).
3. Achieved a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale or a 3.00 GPA on the last 60 hours of attempted coursework. All courses attempted, including any repeated courses, are considered in computing the GPA.
4. Achieved a minimum 3.00 GPA on any previous graduate courses completed at either Arkansas State University or another accredited university.
5. Submitted official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the registrar of other institutions to the office of the Graduate School at Arkansas State University. If official transcripts have not been received within 30 days after the beginning of the semester, the student's registration in graduate-level courses will be canceled.

An applicant who fails to meet the GPA requirements for Unconditional Admission Status, who lacks the appropriate undergraduate background for a particular degree program, or whose baccalaureate degree is from an unaccredited institution, may be granted Conditional Admission Status after

1. Submission of a competed application for admission and the designated nonrefundable application fee to the office of the Graduate School.
2. Submission of an official transcript from each college or university attended to the office of the Graduate School at Arkansas State University. If official transcripts have not been received within 30 days after the beginning of the semester, the student's registration in graduate-level courses will be canceled.
3. Achieving a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or a 2.75 on the last 60 hours of attempted coursework. All courses attempted, including any repeated courses, are considered in computing the GPA.

Applicants who have not completed the appropriate undergraduate background will be assessed undergraduate deficiencies. Any student granted Conditional Admission Status will be advanced to Unconditional Admission Status at such time as the student completes 12 graduate semester hours, has a minimum 3.00 GPA on these 12 hours, has no more than one course in the 12 hours with a grade of "C," and meets unconditional or program admission requirements.

Eligibility to Continue Enrolling in Graduate Courses (Probation or Suspension Status)

Any graduate student whose cumulative GPA on all courses taken for graduate credit falls below 3.00 will be placed on probation. Students may remove probation by raising their cumulative GPA to 3.00 or better. Failure to make a grade of "B" or better in each course taken while on probation will result in suspension from further graduate work if the student's cumulative GPA continues below 3.00.

Students who have a grade of "F" in any graduate-level course will be ineligible to register for further graduate work. A grade of "I" will be converted to "F" if it is not removed before the last day to withdraw during the next semester in which the student is enrolled at the university or within one calendar year if the student does not enroll.

Readmission of Suspended Students

After one semester or summer session in suspended status, students may be readmitted on probation, but only upong recommendation of their adviser and department chair and with the approval of the dean of the Graduate School. Readmission to Graduate School does not imply readmission to a particular degree program. The student must reapply to the program.
 

Applicants may be admitted to the Graduate School as either Degree-seeking students or Nondegree Students. The Graduate Degree-seeking Student classification is for those who wish to pursue a specific graduate degree program. The Graduate Nondegree Student classification is for those who wish to enroll in graduate courses but who do not wish to pursue any graduate degree at the university.

Admission to a Degree Program

In addition to being admitted to the Graduate School, an applicant for admission to a doctoral, specialist, or master degree program also must meet departmental and/or program requirements. Applicants to a degree program must hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited four-year institution with the appropriate undergraduate background in the field of the proposed academic emphasis. Additional requirements and materials for admission to particular degree programs are found elsewhere in the Bulletin. Be sure to check the section related to the college that houses the program in which you are interested.

Degree-seeking students must have submitted all additional application materials for the particular degree program and must have been accepted into the program by the appropriate department selection committee and the dean of the Graduate School. See Admission Requirements for the particular degree program elsewhere in this bulletin.

Admission as a Graduate Nondegree Student

This option is for those seeking personal development, those fulfilling professional renewal requirements, those returning for educational workshops, and transient students. This option also may be used as a means for applicants who do not meet requirements for Unconditional status to demonstrate capability to perform at the graduate level of study. Students who have been admitted to another accredited graduate school and wish to take courses for transfer may establish Nondegree status by submitting an application for admission and either a letter of good standing or a graduate transcript indicating good standing from the other institution.

Nondegree students may take an undergraduate and/or graduate course for which they qualify, with concurrence of the department offering the course. Departments, however, may restrict Nondegree students from enrolling in designated courses. Departments also may require the Nondegree students must consult with an adviser from the department before enrolling in any classes. Former or currently enrolled Nondegree students who want to apply for admission to a degree program must meet all requirements of that program.

Admission as a Nondegree student does not imply that the student meets either Unconditional Status or graduate degree program admission requirements. Graduate credit earned as a Nondegree student may be applied to a degree program only with approval of the appropriate department chair and the graduate dean. No more than 12 hours earned in Nondegree status and no courses with a grade lower than "B" may be applied to a graduate degree. Nondegree admission does not entitle the student to enroll in the 7000 or 8000 level courses. Exceptions may be made for those holding an appropriate master's degree in a relevant field as accepted by the Department of Educational Leadership and Secondary Education. Enrollment in 7000-level courses with COUN and PSY prefixes requires admission to the Ed.S. in Psychology in Counseling, unconditional admission to another university's accredited post-master degree program with a major in psychology or counseling, or (with permission) admission to the Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, the Specialist in Community College Teaching Program, or the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Enrollment in 8000-level courses is restricted to those who have been admitted to pursue the doctoral degree.

Admission as a Seniors to Enroll in Graduate Courses:

In exceptional cases, undergraduate students may enroll in graduate-level coursework for undergraduate or for graduate credit.

An undergraduate student who wishes to take a graduate course for undergraduate credit must 1) have a 3.25 undergraduate grade point average, 2) have senior standing, 3) have written consent from their adviser, the course professor, and the graduate dean, 4) enroll in no more than nine hours of graduate coursework for undergraduate credit.

An undergraduate student who wishes to take a graduate course for graduate credit must 1) meet the GPA requirements for admission to the Graduate School, 2) have no more than 12 hours of undergraduate work remaining to complete the bachelor's degree, 3) enroll in no more than 12 hours of graduate coursework for graduate credit and in no more than a total of 15 undergraduate and graduate hours.

Enrollment under this condition is limited to one term. Students will receive graduate credit only if a grade of "B" or higher is achieved in all graduate work and only after the requirements for the bachelor's degree have been met and all requirements for admission to the Graduate School have been met.

An exception is made for senior nursing students. See details in the College of Nursing and Health Professions section in this bulletin.

Admission of Students From Other Institutions

Graduate students transferring from other graduate institutions must be in good standing with the institution from which they seek to transfer and must meet Arkansas State University's criteria for admission to graduate study. For admission to a particular degree program, transferring graduate students must meet the established criteria of the program.

Admission of International Students

The Graduate School admits graduates of foreign colleges and universities and citizens of foreign countries if they can provide appropriate evidence of proficiency in the use of the English language, establish academic eligibility for admission, and provide certification by reputable financial institutions (acceptable to Arkansas State University) stating that financial resources are available to support the individuals during the stay in the United States. Coursework completed at foreign institutions is not accepted for graduate transfer work.

International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their native language. Citizens of the British Isles, Australia, the English speaking portions of Canada, and New Zealand are normally considered to have native ability in English. Applicants whose native language is not English, but who have completed four-year bachelor's degree programs at accredited institutions in the United States, will be considered proficient in English. For applicants whose native language is not English and who do not have bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions in the United States, proficiency in English may be demonstrated by submitting scores of 213 or higher on the computerized Test of English as a Foreign Language or by satisfactory completion of level eight of the university's Center for English as a Second Language program (CESL). Admission to the CESL is accomplished through the CESL office.

The academic requirements for admission of international students are as follows:

1. The academic preparation of applicants must be the equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of the United States.
2. The records of previous studies must reveal appropriate standards of academic achievement.
3. Applicants must meet all Graduate School and all program admission requirements.

1. A completed application for admission.
2. A $40 (United States currency) nonrefundable application fee.
3. Official transcripts of all school, college, and university records of the applicant.
4. An official report of the score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (213 or higher on the computerized test), unless a degree has been earned from an American institution, the native language is English, or admission to CESL is also requested.
5. A certification of adequate financial resources, at least $26,300 (U.S.) for each year, to support the individual during the period of study in the United States.

The appropriate forms for making application for admission and for the certification of financial resources may be obtained by writing to the Graduate School. Information pertaining to the Test of English as a Foreign Language may be obtained by contacting the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A. 08540. Following the receipt of all required documents, a period of up to six months may be needed to make a determination of eligibility for admission.

"Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Status," (Form I-20A) will not be issued until eligibility for admission has been established.

If determined to be eligible for admission, prior to registering as students in the university, individuals must file with the International Student Adviser proof of adequate medical insurance and a signed authorization for emergency medical treatment. At each subsequent registration, students must file with the International Student Adviser evidence that the health insurance is being maintained. Information about insurance availability may be obtained from the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs, 1860 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 20009. An approved clearance form must be received by the Graduate School from the International Student Adviser before registration will be permitted.

Residence Requirement

Candidates for Master's and Specialist degrees are required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work. Candidates must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of resident credit from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro. Twelve semester hours may be earned in approved non-resident classes offered by Arkansas State University. A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from other approved institutions.

Candidates for the Specialist in Education degree with a major in Psychology and Counseling must meet a residence requirement by completing a minimum of six semester hours in one academic semester (Fall or Spring only).

Admission to The Master's Degree Programs

Applicants to the master's degree programs must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution with the appropriate undergraduate background in the field of proposed academic emphasis. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. A completed application for admission. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the registration date of the term which the applicants plan to attend.

2. A $30 nonrefundable application fee. Checks must be made payable to Arkansas State University. If applications are received without payment, the Graduate School will hold all application materials and notify the applicants that no action will be taken until payment is received. (A $40 application fee is required of international student applicants.)

3. One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously attended.

4. Admission test scores are required for admission into certain master's degree programs. Consult the appropriate program section of this Bulletin to determine if the Graduate Record Examination, Miller Analogies Test, or Graduate Management Admission Test is required in the proposed program of academic emphasis.

5. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their native language. To demonstrate English proficiency, international student applicants must submit scores of 213 or higher (computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or must satisfactorily complete level eight of the university's Center for English as a Second Language program.

In individual cases, when permitted by the program and upon the recommendation of the adviser, credits earned at Arkansas State University for one master's degree may, if  appropriate to another degree plan, be applied toward the requirements for a second master's degree. No more than one-half of the total hours for the second degree may come from a previous degree program and credits applied under this policy must have been earned within the six year limit for completion of the second degree.

Admission to The Specialist Degree Programs

Applicants to the Specialist in Community College Teaching and Specialist in Education degree program in Educational Leadership must hold an earned master's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants to the Specialist in Education in Psychology and Counseling must hold either an earned bachelor's or an earned master's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. A completed application for admission. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application before May 1 to be eligible for the following summer; before August 1 to be eligible to enter the following fall semester; and before December 1 to be eligible to enter the following spring semester.
2. A $30 nonrefundable application fee. Checks must be made payable to Arkansas State University. If applications are received without payment, the Graduate School will hold all application materials and notify the applicants that no action will be taken until payment is received. (A $40 application fee is required of international student applicants.)
3. One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously attended.
4. Official report of a score, obtained within the last five years, on the Graduate Record Examination (Ed.S. in Psychology and Counseling only). The SCCT program will accept either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test.
5. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their native language. To demonstrate English proficiency, international student applicants must submit scores of 213 (computer-based) or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or must satisfactorily complete level eight of the university's Center for English as a Second Language program.
6. Please see program sections under the College of Education portion of this Bulletin for specific requirements.
    

Applicants to the Doctor of Education Degree program must hold an earned master's degree from an accredited institution and provide evidence of having sustained a superior level of scholarship during master's and post-master's level graduate work. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. A completed application for admission. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application no later than March 1 for the fall semester. Screening for admission will begin on March 1. Application forms are available from the Graduate School or from the Center for Excellence in Education.

2. A $50 nonrefundable application fee. Checks must be made payable to Arkansas State University. If applications are received without payment, the Graduate School will hold all application materials and notify the applicants that no action will be taken until payment is received. International students may utilize a check or an International Postal Money Order to remit payment in U.S. currency.

3. One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously attended. (The Graduate School will compute the graduate GPA by counting all graduate courses completed, including any repeated courses.)

4. At least four letters of recommendation, two from former professors and two from former or current employers. These letters will be reviewed by the doctoral faculty. An interview may be required. Both recommendation by the doctoral faculty and approval by the dean of the Graduate School are required for admission to the doctoral program.

5. Acceptable scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination, or on the Miller Analogies Test.

6. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their native language. To demonstrate English proficiency, international student applicants must submit scores of 213 (computer-based) or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or must satisfactorily complete level eight of the university's Center for English as a Second Language program.

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences Program must hold a baccalaureate or master's degree (BA, BS, MA or MS) from an accredited institution in a relevant field of study. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. A completed application for admission to the Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences Program. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application no later than January 15. Review of applications will begin January 15 for the fall semester. Application forms are available from the Graduate School or from the office of the Director of the Environmental Sciences Program.

2. A $50 nonrefundable application fee. Checks must be made payable to Arkansas State University. If applications are received without payment, the Graduate School will hold all application materials and notify the applicants that no action will be taken until payment is received. International students may utilize a check or an International Postal Money Order to remit payment in U.S. currency.

3. One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously attended. The Graduate School will compute the graduate GPA by counting all graduate courses completed, including any repeated courses.

Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences Program must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution and meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School. Applicants should be aware that the breadth of the course work in this program demands that students have a basic background in several disciplines. Preparatory courses for this program include:
Mathematics: Applied statistics or a second semester calculus course.
Chemistry:  A first and second semester chemistry course, a first organic chemistry course.
Biology: An introductory biological science course and a general ecology course.
Economics: An intermediate level Microeconomics course.
Political Science: American government, United States history or world history.

Students lacking these courses can be admitted into the program but may be required to complete preparatory course work before enrolling in specific core courses. Applicants are also expected to have a working knowledge of computer systems and software.

In some cases, the Graduate Program Committee may agree to substitute equivalent, documented work experience in the environmental field for specific courses and, in rare cases, other criteria for admission. Contact the Program Director for questions in these matters.  

1. Use this form to submit three letters of recommendation to be reviewed by the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program Committee. Note that both recommendation by the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program Committee and approval by the dean of the Graduate School are required for admission to the program.

2. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam showing a combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam.

3. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their native language. To do so, they must submit a score of 213 (computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or must satisfactorily complete level eight of the university's Center for English as a Second Language program.

This page is maintained by: Graduate School
Last revised on: 14 January 2008
gradsch@astate.edu