Frequently Asked Questions
About applying to OSU

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How can I apply for an OSU graduate degree program?

You can apply online or download an application for all OSU graduate degree programs. To apply online, visit https://app.it.okstate.edu/gradcollege/ and click the "Create a Sign-in Account" link to create an account. Once your account has been created, you can create and submit your application online.

If you have difficulty with the online application, you may visit http://gradcollege.okstate.edu/download/admforms.htm to download the forms

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Can I complete part of the online application and finish it later?

Yes, you can begin an online application and finish it later. The application will remember information you have previously entered, and save it for up to one month for you to finish at a later date. After signing in using the email address and password you provided when you created your sign-in account, click the ‘View Applications in Progress’ link from the main menu to edit your saved application. Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to edit it again.

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What are the application deadlines?

For domestic applicants and applicants who hold a Permanent Resident Card : A complete application must reach us at least one month prior to the beginning of school or departmental deadline (which ever is first). You should contact the department of interest and ask if they have an application deadline.

For International applicants : The recommended deadline for a complete application to reach the Graduate College for Fall semester is March 1 and for Spring Semester August 1

The Graduate College will consider applications completed after the deadline, but we cannot guarantee an admissions decision will be made in time to receive an I-20 for the Visa interview. Also, departmental admissions committees may not consider applications and or credentials received after their deadlines. Because of the amount of time it takes to review international credentials and send immigration papers (e.g., an I-20), international students should expect that the application process will take several weeks to be completed.

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What is a complete application?

For Domestic applicants and applicants who hold a Permanent Resident Card :

To have a complete application packet, you must mail to us:

• A completed application
• Originals of transcript(s)/marksheet(s) from all colleges and universities attended (all transcripts/marksheets must be official with the college's or registrar's original seal and should show degrees completed).
• A $40 non-refundable application fee for the first application or $25 non-refundable fee for each additional application.

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of spoken English usually by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet based test), 213 (computer based test) or 550 (paper based test) or above is required regardless of the number of semesters or terms completed in other institutions of higher education, including OSU, or prior enrollment in English language programs.

Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 will satisfy the English proficiency requirements for admission to a graduate program. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years. Note that an applicant who has or will have completed a degree from a school for which the primary language of instruction is English is not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Some departments require a score above the minimum 79/213/550 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS. The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546.

Transcripts and other documents submitted become the property of Oklahoma State University and can not returned to the applicant.

For International Students : For a complete application, the following items must be submitted:

• A completed International Application
• A US$75 nonrefundable application fee for first application or a nonrefundable fee of US$25 for each additional application
• All transcripts or marksheets and diplomas (certified copies or originals). A degree comparable to a Baccalaureate degree from an American university is required with a cumulative grade point average equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of spoken English usually by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet based test), 213 (computer based test) or 550 (paper based test) or above is required regardless of the number of semesters or terms completed in other institutions of higher education, including OSU, or prior enrollment in English language programs. Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 will satisfy the English proficiency requirements for admission to a graduate program. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years.

Note that an applicant who has or will have completed a degree from a school for which the primary language of instruction is English is not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Some departments require a score above the minimum 79/213/550 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS. The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546.

Transcripts and other documents submitted become the property of Oklahoma State University and are not returned to the applicant.

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What are the supporting documents?

Supporting documents are materials that tell more about you than the application and your transcript(s). These can include test scores (e.g., GRE or GMAT), a vita, or letters of recommendation. You should contact the graduate program about what, if any, of these documents they require for your admissions to their program.

If supporting documents are required then these documents can be sent directly to the program's address and not to the Graduate College. If these documents are sent to the Graduate College, it is not a problem. We will forward them to the graduate program.

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Can supporting documents arrive after the deadline?

Materials will be added to your file as they arrive. However, there is a possibility that the department will not review credentials that arrive after their application deadline. In addition, some departments/programs will not review your application unless all supporting materials are included. While credentials are accepted after the application deadline, timely submission of the documents will provide the faculty with a more complete application for review.

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How can I pay the application fee?

For Domestic applicants and applicants who hold a Permanent Resident Card

The non-refundable application fee is $40 non-refundable application fee for the first application and $25 for each additional application

If you apply using the online application, then at the end of the application, you will be given the choice to submit your application with or without a payment. You can pay your nonrefundable application fee online using your Visa or Mastercard, but online payment is optional.

If you choose to submit without paying online, you will have to mail a check or money order for $40 (or US$25 for each additional application) made payable to Oklahoma State University. This payment must be received in the Graduate College before we can process your application.

If you apply with the paper application, payment must be submitted with your application. Payment can be in the form of a personal check, bank draft or money order (domestic or international), made payable to Oklahoma State University and should reference the applicant's name. All international payments must be made in U.S. Dollars and drawn on or payable through a US Bank.

For International applicants

The non-refundable application fee is US $75.00 for the first application and US $25.00 for each additional applications submitted.

If you apply using the online application, then at the end of the application, you will be given the choice to submit your application with or without payment. You can pay your nonrefundable application fee online using your Visa or Mastercard, but online payment is optional.

If you choose to submit without paying online, you will have to mail a check or money order for US$75 (or US$25 for each additional application) made payable to Oklahoma State University. This payment must be received in the Graduate College before we will process your application. Please include the applicant's the applicant's first and last name on the payment.

If you apply using the paper application, payment must be submitted with your application. Payment must be submitted with your application. Payment can be in the form of a personal check, bank draft, or money order, made payable to Oklahoma State University and should reference the applicant's first and last name. All international payments must be in US Dollars and drawn or payable through a US Bank.

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I am reapplying, what do I need to do?

Previous applicants who were not admitted to the Graduate College and applicants who declined a previous offer of admission must submit a new application and application fee. Admissions records of applicants who did not enroll in the Graduate College are retained for one year and will be combined with new application records. Be advised to submit transcripts for all academic work not included in the previous application.

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Do I have to take the GRE, or can the GRE be waived?

If required, typically the test is not waived.

Some OSU graduate programs require the GRE and others do not. It is important that you contact the department about their admissions requirements to determine if this test or other tests are required. Additionally, some programs require the GRE subject test.

Some graduate programs in the College of Education will accept the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) instead of a GRE score.

The Master's of Business Administration (MBA) only accepts GMAT scores.

If, at the time of application, your GRE scores will be more than 5 years old you will need to retake the GRE and have those scores sent to Oklahoma State University (Institution Code 6546).

Oklahoma State University's GRE Institution Code is 6546.

For additional information and the latest updates on the GRE, please visit http://www.gre.org/.

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Can I substitute GMAT/MCAT/LSAT scores for the GRE?

If a test is required, typically other test scores cannot be substituted.

Some graduate programs in the College of Education will accept the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) instead of a GRE score.

The Master's of Business Administration (MBA) only accepts GMAT scores.

It is important that you contact the department about their admission requirements to determine if this test or other tests are required. Additionally, some programs require the GRE subject test.

Some programs also require the GRE subject test; please review the admissions requirements for the program that interests you.

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I took the computer based version (CBT) of the GRE in an Asian country; Do I have to re-take the paper-based version?

If you have taken the GRE within 5 years from the date of your application you do not have to retake the GRE regardless of how it was administered. Admission decisions are not made solely on the basis of GRE scores. Departmental admissions committees consider the GRE scores as just one part of the application. In addition to GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation and other information play an important part in the decision process.

For additional information and the latest updates on the GRE, please visit http://www.gre.org

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How are multiple GRE scores treated?

GRE scores are one of the many criteria used to evaluate an applicant. Individual departments' practices may differ, but generally the last test score reported is the one used. Keep in mind that the score report will include all scores from the tests taken within the last 5 years.

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I took the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in past; Do I have to take it again?

The requirements for a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score are governed by the Oklahoma State Regents. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of spoken English usually by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet based test), 213 (computer based test) or 550 (paper based test) or above is required regardless of the number of semesters or terms completed in other institutions of higher education, including OSU, or prior enrollment in English language programs. Alternatively, an official IELTS, academic stream, examination with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 will satisfy the English proficiency requirements for admission to a graduate program. Either examination must have been taken within the last two years. Note that an applicant who has or will have completed a degree from a school for which the primary language of instruction is in English in a country where English is a primary language is not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Some departments require a score above the minimum 79/213/550 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS. The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546.

The test results must be received from the test provider and be less than 2 years old at the time of application.

About the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

All applicants who accept offers of teaching assistant positions are strongly encouraged to present TSE scores by the time of enrollment.

For additional information and the latest updates on the TOEFL and TSE, please visit http://www.toefl.org/

For additional information about the IELTS test, please visit http://www.ielts.org/

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Do you have an application fee waiver program?

Unfortunately, no we do not. All applicants must pay the application fee upon submission of the application.

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What is the TELP and am I required to take it?

The TELP is a test of written English. At Oklahoma State University, we want to ensure that all students succeed in their studies and perform at the highest academic level. The OSU faculty is concerned about the writing abilities of all graduate students, and in particular students whose first language may not have been English. To ensure that graduate students are sufficiently skilled at written English the Test of English Language Proficiency (TELP) is required for all graduate students before their first semester enrollment. However, a waiver of the TELP requirement can be granted to a student who:

• has achieved on the TOEFL a score of 250 CBT/600 PBT or higher and a score of 5.0 or higher on the Test of Written English (TWE) or Essay. Al¬ternatively, a waiver can be granted to a student who achieved an IELTS, academic stream, overall band score of 6.5 or higher and 6.5 or higher on each of the band scores for Listen¬ing, Reading, and Writing, or


• has completed two full-time semes¬ters of study in an accredited college or university at which English is the primary language of instruction, or


• has graduated with a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, at which English is the primary language of instruction.

Students completing the Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT) are considered separately and are not required to take the TELP. Students who score at least 42 on the combined Reading and Listening por¬tions, with a score of at least 20 in each section, are not required to enroll in any remedial coursework. Students who score less than this on the Read¬ing and Listening portions of the TOEFL (irrespective of the score on the Written portion) are required to enroll in ENGL 0003 during their first semester. ENGL 0003 carries a grade of S/U and may not be used toward minimum degree requirements. Students must enroll in ENGL 0003 each semester until a grade of S is earned. Students who score at or above the minimum score(s) on the Reading and Listening portion of the TOEFL, but less than 22 on the Writing portion, are required to enroll in ENGL 4893* at some point in their studies. ENGL 4893* carries graduate credit and may be used toward minimum degree requirements; a grade of C or better in this course is required. Both ENGL 0003 and ENGL 4893*, as applicable, must be listed on the student's Plan of Study.

For those required to take the TELP, it is a test of written English and assesses the academic English skills necessary for students to function well in graduate-level university classes. The test has two sections: Listening/Dictation and Reading/Writing. A score of 70 on both portions of the TELP is considered passing. Students who score less than 70 on the Listen¬ing/Dictation portion of the TELP (irrespective of the score on the writing portion) are required to enroll in ENGL 0003 during their first semester. ENGL 0003 carries a grade of satisfactory/unsatisfactory and may not be used toward minimum degree requirements. Students must enroll in ENGL 0003 each semester until a grade of satisfactory is earned.

Students who score at least 70 on the Listening/Dictation portion of the TELP, but less than 70 on the Writing portion are required to enroll in ENGL 4893* at some point in their studies. ENGL 4893* carries graduate credit and may be used toward minimum degree requirements; a grade of C or better in this course is required. Both ENGL 0003 and ENGL 4893*, as applicable, must be listed on the student's Plan of Study.

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I have a specific question for an individual department.

Program specific questions should be directed to the relevant department. For a list of departments, please click here.

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What is a McNair Scholar?

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program awards grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are U. S. citizens, from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with these participants through their undergraduate requirements, encourage their entrance into graduate programs, and track their progress to successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal of McNair is to increase the attainment of the Ph.D. by students from underrepresented segments of society.

The OSU Graduate College requires a "Letter of Good Standing" from the Director of the McNair program you completed during your undergraduate education. This letter must be submitted to the Graduate College in order to complete the application package.

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My question is not answered - what do I do?

If your question is not answered above and you want to contact the Graduate College, please call us at 405-744-6371 or send an e-mail to grad-i@okstate.edu. We will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible. Most emails are answered within 24 hours of receipt.