International Graduate Admissions

What degrees do you offer?

Check the section "Do You Have the Major I Want?" for a full list of degree programs available at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

What is full admission?

Full admission to a master's degree program means that you have met all requirements for admission and have been accepted by the department and the Graduate School. Full admission is not the same as admission to candidacy to a master's program. You must contact your department to find out requirements for admission to candidacy.

What is probationary admission?

Probationary admission to a degree program means that you have submitted all documents for admission but do not meet all requirements for full admission. This could be a low overall grade point average, not meeting departmental requirements, or lack of background for the chosen master's program. You will change from probationary to full admission upon completing 12 graduate hours at Texas A&M University-Commerce with a 3.0 or better overall graduate grade point average. There is no financial aid available for the probationary admission.

What is provisional admission?

Provisional admission means that your bachelor's degree has been conferred, but you have not submitted all documents or test scores for admission to A&M-Commerce, but are allowed to attend for one semester while you submit these documents. Provisional admission is not available for all degree programs, and is not available to international students.

What is a 12-hour rule for non-degree students?

Students may only use 12 semester hours taken in a non-degree status for a master's degree. The graduate school strongly advises you to gain admission to a master's program before completing 12 hours.

Is there an orientation for graduate students?

Yes. The orientation is web-based and is available online at /gradschool/GAOrientation/index.asp

Is there an orientation for international graduate students?

Yes, there is an orientation at the beginning of each semester for new international students. Attendance at this orientation is mandatory. For the date of the upcoming orientation, check the "International Student Office" website at http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/international/.

Is there an application deadline for U. S. students?

Texas A&M University-Commerce practices an open enrollment. Most programs do not have a deadline, and can be applied for at any time. There are a few programs with time admission restrictions. Please check your department's web site for specific information.

Master's Programs
Counseling		February 15, May 15, September 15
Psychology		First Friday of December & May
Special Education		First Friday of Each Month
Master's programs not mentioned above accept applications throughout the year.
Doctoral Programs
Counseling		February 1 for fall admission
English		Applications are reviewed throughout the year
Educational Administration		October 15 for spring admission
Educational Psychology		April 15 for fall admission November 15 for spring admission
SCI-Elementary Education		March 1 for fall admission October 1 for spring admission
SCI-Higher Education		Applications are reviewed throughout the year

Is there a deadline for international student applications?

Yes, there are deadlines for international student applications. They are as follows:

To be considered for spring 2009, the deadline is October 1, 2008
To be considered for summer 2009, the deadline is February 15, 2009
To be considered for fall 2009, the deadline is May 15, 2009

These deadlines mean that all documents and official scores from Educational Testing Service (ETS) must be in the Graduate School by these dates. The Graduate School will try to help students who do not meet these deadlines but only applications received by the deadline are guaranteed to be reviewed.

Is there an application fee, and how do I pay it?

American students: non-refundable application fee is $35.00 USD.
International students: non-refundable application fee is $50.00 USD.

Application Fee payment information may be viewed at http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool/prospectiveStudents/applicationfee.htm.

Is my Graduate School Coordinator my academic adviser?

No, your Graduate School Coordinator simply advises you and assists you in the admission process for The Graduate School. Your department will assign an academic adviser for coursework and other degree requirements.

How do I apply for graduate admission?

The first step in applying for graduate admission is to complete an application. You can do this online at "Online Application Form" from the Graduate School's main web page. Simply complete it and click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the form. The application will be e-mailed to the Graduate School for processing. Depending on workload, applications are processed within 3 working days. Once your application is processed, you will be sent an email with your ID# and PIN. Use these numbers to access the student information system through myLeo at link https://leo.tamu-commerce.edu/login.aspx to check for the documents that you need to send.

Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?

Admission to most graduate degree programs requires the GRE or the GMAT. Check with your department to see which test and score is required for your major. Some departments may have alternative criteria. Although there is no minimum score and departments use a variety of criteria to determine admission, the higher you make, the more likely you will be accepted.

What transcripts do I send to the Graduate School for admission?

If you have graduated from a university in the United States and are applying for the non-degree or master's program, please have the university send an official transcript with the bachelor's degree posted on the transcript.

International students must provide official transcripts or attested individual marksheets along with the diploma or provisional certificate. Consolidated marksheets are not accepted. Your degree must be equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree issued by a regionally accredited university in the United States. Three year programs and trade schools (such as computer training) will not qualify.

There may be times when the Graduate School will not have enough information available to evaluate an international transcript. At that time, we will ask you to have your documents evaluated by an official credentials evaluator. A list of credential evaluators can be found at the graduate school website under forms (Credentials Evaluators Listing). Remember, while it may be necessary to provide an evaluation of your credentials, it will not take the place of your official transcript.

How do I register?

Students can register through myLeo on the Internet at any time registration for a particular semester is open.

New International students are cleared to register once they have attended orientation for international students and purchased insurance. Returning international students are cleared to register once they have contacted the International Student Advisor for insurance clearance.

Is Financial Aid Available for International Students?

International students are required to show proof of financial support through bank and sponsor statements. Scholarships and/or assistantships should not be relied on for funding of housing or education.

Do I need a TOEFL score?

International students are required to submit a current score that is no older than two years. The paper-based test must have a minimum score of 500. The computer-based test must have a minimum of 173. The IBT must be 61. The TOEFL may be waived if you have received a degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States. We feel strongly that a student must be able to understand the language to be successful.

How many courses can I take the first semester?

Students may enroll in up to 12 graduate hours. 9-12 hours is considered to be full-time enrollment. Some departments may have a limit as to how many courses a student may enroll in while in their department. Please check with your department for any special requirements.

Can I change my major?

You may change your major after one semester if you are in good standing with the university (minimum 3.0 Graduate School grade point average) and you meet admission requirements for the new department. To complete this process please submit a Change of Major form to the Graduate School.

What financial help is available and how do I apply?

You can check the availability of scholarships at the Graduate School web pages. You should also contact your department for any scholarship or Graduate Assistantship, Teaching Assistantship or Graduate Research Assistantship opportunities. The Graduate School does not manage the hiring of GA's

For further information about:

Graduate/Research/Teaching/Research Assistantships

1. Contact your major department
2. Check the Graduate Assistant Web Listings for openings

Scholarships

1. Contact your major department head
2. Contact the Scholarship Office at http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/scholarship/

Are Graduate Assistantships available?

Graduate, research and teaching assistantships are available at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Competition for these positions is very competitive. You can apply online for assistantships at our Graduate Assistant Application website. A hard copy of the application form is also available at this site.

How do I find out about and apply for Graduate Assistantships?

Each department hires their graduate assistants. You can go to our website for Graduate Assistantship Openings. Many graduate assistantships are offered there and you can apply online. There is also a downloadable paper copy of the Graduate Assistantship application. Complete the form and submit the form to the desired department.

How do I get my grades?

Grades can be accessed through myLeo at www.tamu-commerce.edu.

How do I get my transcript?

Request transcripts from the Office of Records and Reports at http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/registrar/. A student may also request a transcript by completing the Transcript Request Form and faxing it to the Office of Records and Reports at 903 886 5888. The transcript clerk can be reached at 903.886.5448.

Who is my adviser?

Contact your department for the name of your adviser.

Do I need a degree plan?

Individual degree plans are not required by The Graduate School; however, some departments do require a departmental degree plan in addition to the published degree plan in the Graduate Catalog. Please contact the academic advisor during your first semester.

Certification students have non-degree admission status. They are issued deficiency plans.

Where do I get a degree plan?

Degree plans are developed by your major adviser in the department.

What is the process to transfer courses from another university?

You must first be admitted to a degree program. After admission, submit a completed Transfer/Substitution Form signed by your major adviser along with an official transcript of the course(s) to your Coordinator in the Graduate School (Business Administration Building Room 142).

Students may transfer up to one-third of their coursework from a regionally accredited university in the United States. No course with a grade below a B will be transferred.

How do I file for graduation?

Submit a graduation application to the Graduation Coordinator in the Registrar's Office. You may apply for graduation online at myLeo. You can contact the Graduation Coordinator at 903.886.5069.

How many grades below a B can I have?

Master's students can have no more than three grades below B. Doctoral students can have no more than two grades below B.

What GPA do I need to maintain in my graduate studies?

Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Can I use undergraduate courses for my master's degree?

No, undergraduate courses cannot be used for a master's degree.

Can I take an undergraduate course, do extra work, and receive graduate credit for that course?

Six hours of 300 or 400 level courses may be taken for graduate credit if prior approval is granted by the instructor, the department head, the college dean, and the graduate dean. Additional work will be required for graduate credit.

Do I need a minor?

Minors are not mandatory, but one may be selected.

Is there a residency requirement for the master's program?

Residency is a departmental issue. Check with your department.

How long can I use my coursework for a master's degree?

At the time your master's degree is conferred, courses should be no older than six years. Permission from the department and the Graduate Dean must be obtained to use any course between six and ten years old. No course over ten years old may be used for a degree.

Do you offer courses off campus?

Texas A&M University-Commerce has three off-campus facilities, Dallas, Mesquite, Midlothian and Corsicana. Other locations may be used on a semester-by-semester basis. Televised instruction as well as web courses are available to students also.

"Texas A&M University-Commerce nurtures and educates for success
through access to academic, research, and service programs of high quality."