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Admission requirements

While each of ASU's graduate programs has unique admission standards, ASU has set minimum requirements for admission to master's, certificate and doctoral programs.

Bachelor's degree requirement

You must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution    in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

GPA requirement

You must have maintained a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, your application may still be considered by the department.

Additional requirements by program

Factors that may also be considered include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of coursework completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you may be asked to submit for your application. Find your program of interest in Graduate Degree Search to learn more about factors considered for admission.

International applicants

The application standards for international students are the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English proficiency (for students whose native language is not English). After admission, international students are also required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee.

All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation.

Photocopies and notarized transcripts are not acceptable.

When to apply to graduate school at ASU

Application termSpring 2021Fall 2021
Application opensFeb. 1, 2020Sept. 1, 2020
Application deadlines

Application deadlines are set and enforced by academic program offices. Specific deadline information can be found in the program descriptions on Degree Search. Please contact the academic program office offering the program for exceptions.

Steps to apply

Step 01

Ensure you meet admission requirements

If you are an international student, see the international graduate admission steps and requirements.

The university maintains minimum standards for consideration for admission to graduate degree programs. Applicants should review these university standards as well as standards, application materials and timelines for submitting your application for the degree program of your interest.

View admission requirements

Step 02

Complete a graduate admission application

Apply online with ASU’s Application for Admission. If you are interested in a program in the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, visit the college's admission site for the application and instructions.

Apply now 

Step 03

Pay the application fee

When you complete your application for admission, you will be asked to submit your payment for the application. ASU accepts Visa or Mastercard. The graduate application fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It is not refundable under any circumstance, regardless of the outcome, the date of filing, time of review, or if for whatever the reason the application is withdrawn, or you are unable to enroll for a class.

Step 04

Submit any additional materials

Please make sure all additional materials required by your department have been submitted. Even though you have submitted the application online, your application may be considered incomplete and therefore not reviewed until all additional materials are received. Please note, any document ASU receives becomes property of the university and will not be returned to you.

 

 

 

 

What you need to apply to graduate school

Transcripts

You must have one set of transcripts from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher sent to ASU. Official transcripts must be sent directly to ASU Admission Services from the issuing institution's records office either by mail or through a secured electronic transcript service. For transcripts sent through a secured transcript service, please select Arizona State University from the vendor's dropdown list to ensure the transcript is routed to the correct place. If an email address is requested you can route to gradtranscripts@asu.edu. ASU accepts unofficial transcripts as part of the application. This is the only way we will accept unofficial transcripts. Emailed transcripts are not acceptable. If you are admitted to the university, you will be required to send official transcripts to the university. Official transcripts are original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of your institution's registrar, academic official or recognized international organization. If you attended ASU, you do not need to request ASU transcripts to be sent.

More about transcripts

Official test scores

Your program may require you to have official test scores (such as GRE, GMAT, etc.) sent directly to ASU. Test scores must be received directly from the agency administering the test. Photocopies and faxes are not acceptable.

Additional support materials

See your program of interest in Degree Search or check with the department offering the degree regarding required support materials. These may include a statement of purpose or writing sample, portfolio, vita or biographical sketch or resume, etc. Many support materials may be uploaded as part of the online application for admission. Depending on your graduate program, letters of recommendation may also be requested.

International applicants

English proficiency

International students must submit proof of English proficiency

Visa and immigration

If you are residing in the U.S. on a valid visa, you will need to provide proof of your current visa. Please enlarge the image if you fax the copy to 480-965-5158.

Mailing information

To expedite the processing of your application, please write your application reference number on all documents and envelopes submitted to ASU. Materials submitted without your application reference number will delay the processing of your application.

If sending by stamped mail:

Arizona State University
Graduate Admission Services
PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS:

Arizona State University
Graduate Admission Services
1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226
Tempe, AZ 85281

 

 

 

 

Top 10 graduate application tips

Read our graduate school application tips to get advice for your personal statement and letters of recommendation, and take advantage of resources that will help you prepare your application. 

01: Find a program you're interested in

You can find the program you are interested in through Degree Search. While looking at your program of interest, be sure to review the Admission Requirements section, which outlines materials required and any test scores needed. You will also be able to see which terms you can apply for. Then, click on the Apply Now button to start your application.

02: You can start the application, save your work and return to it

Once you start the application, you will be emailed login information that you can use to finish the application (within 90 days).

03: Gather contact information from your recommenders

Most departments typically ask for three letters of recommendation. Enter the contact information for your recommenders on the application. ASU then sends a request to your recommenders when you submit your application. You will be able to submit prompts to your recommenders (if needed) afterward. Let your recommender know in advance that they may be contacted by ASU. Explain to them the degree you are seeking and why your are pursuing that degree.

04: We'll need a list of all the colleges and schools you've attended and when

We will also need unofficial transcripts from these schools, other than ASU, which you can upload online as part of your application.

05: You may be asked to submit a personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to share your goals, the reasons why you are interested in the program and how your background aligns with the program.

06: Former students should have their ASU ID number handy

If you have attended ASU, you will be asked for your 10-digit ID number. This helps us match your application to your previous student record.

07: Update your resume

You may need to submit a resume as part of your application. See Admission Requirements for the program of your interest in Degree Search for details.

08: Have your unofficial transcripts available

You will be asked for your undergraduate GPA, including your junior-senior year GPA. Use our calculators (4.00 scale | non 4.00 scale) if you need them.

09: To GRE or not to GRE

If your program requires submission of a GRE (or other graduate school entrance exam), you do not have to take it before you complete the application, but you must take it before you receive an admission decision.

10: Plan ahead

We recommend you start the application process as early as possible. Make sure you have thoroughly researched your program, understand the expectations and know what is required for a successful application.

Learn more about ASU's Explore Graduate School Seminars and test preparation programs.

Frequently asked questions about the graduate application

When do I apply for grad school?

The application for admission opens almost a year prior to the academic term you would begin your studies. Use the chart above for graduate application open dates for both fall and spring semesters.

What is the grad school application deadline?

Application deadlines are set and enforced by academic program offices. Please refer to the program descriptions found on Degree Search for deadline information. To discuss deadlines and exceptions, you should contact the academic program office offering the program.

When do grad programs start?

Graduate programs start in the fall or spring semester, and follow the regular ASU academic calendar.

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