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Graduate Application FAQ

Where can I find more information about different graduate programs?

Visit our Academics page to see the graduate programs offered at Miami University.

To see the graduate certificate programs offered at Miami University, visit our Certificate Programs web page.

If you need further information, contact the appropriate department/program.

I want to take graduate-level classes, do I need to apply first or can I register right away?

Interested students must first apply and be admitted to a graduate degree program, graduate certificate program or apply as a non-degree seeking (CGS) student.

I am applying to two graduate programs. Do I need to submit 2 different applications?

Yes, you must fill out an application for each degree program and pay the application fee for both.

What is the fee for applying?

A non-refundable application fee is required for each graduate application. When applying to a graduate degree program, the fee is $50. For students interested in pursuing a graduate certificate or non-degree-seeking applicants, the fee is $20.

Are there any application fee waivers?

If you are eligible, there are three fee waivers available:

  • You have earned a graduate degree (master's or higher) from Miami University
  • If you are a Ronald E. McNair Scholar or Alum
  • If you are from a low-income country designated by the World Bank

What items does the Graduate School require when applying for a graduate degree program?

Required items are as follows:

  • Application and application fee (paid online with a credit card or electronic U.S. check)
  • A PDF of your official or unofficial transcripts from the bachelor's degree-granting school and all schools attended after completing the bachelor's degree
  • English language proficiency scores (if applicable)
  • A copy of the green card (if applicable)

All other items required by the department should be uploaded when completing the application or sent directly to the department. If you are admitted, you must have a final/official bachelor's degree transcript and transcript from any courses taken after the bachelor's degree is sent to the Graduate School to register for classes.

What is the minimum grade point average (GPA) that is required for admission to Graduate School?

The Graduate School minimum undergraduate grade point average is 2.75 out of 4.0. Some graduate programs may have higher GPA requirements for admission consideration.

If you were educated outside of the United States, an equivalent U.S. grade point average will be calculated as part of the application review process. We do not require applicants to submit credential evaluations like WES or ECE.

Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT/MAT?

Individual departments or programs may require the GRE, GMAT, or MAT. Most programs do not have minimum score requirements. Instead, test scores are viewed as one factor in the context of a student's overall application file. Because these tests are required by departments rather than by the Graduate School, contact your program of interest for more information about GRE, GMAT, or MAT test scores. If you take the GRE test and want to send us your official test scores, our ETS Institution Code is 1463.

What are Supplementary Materials?

Supplementary materials are additional application items that an academic program may require. Most supplementary materials are needed to be uploaded with your online application. The following are the most common supplemental materials:

  • Personal Statement: This is a 2-3 page essay that should explain why you want to pursue a graduate degree. You should list your specific area of study or research and list the name(s) of faculty members with whom you would like to have as an advisor. You should also indicate how you plan to use the knowledge, skills, and degree earned in this program in your future career. Some programs have specific question(s) for you to answer in your personal statement - if so, be sure to answer the question(s).
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume: A document that describes your professional, academic, personal or related experiences. Your document should include the names of schools you attended with the degrees you earned, the names of your previous and present employers with the positions you held and the dates you were employed, awards you have won, publications, presentations, hobbies/interests and any other relevant skills.
  • Letters of Recommendation: These are letters from individuals familiar with your academic or professional work. This includes former professors, colleagues, or supervisors. Family members and personal acquaintances should not be used as recommenders. These letters should convey the relationship between you and the recommender, why they believe you are a good candidate for the graduate program, and what notable skills or academic strengths you possess.
  • Portfolio: A portfolio should include examples of undergraduate and/or graduate/professional work. Your portfolio should include design projects, studio arts, photography, film, musical compositions, scripts, theatrical reviews, creative writing, or architectural projects. The portfolio should include work that demonstrates creative accomplishments.
  • Audition: A sample of a musical or theatrical performance. While the school may request a live audition, you may also submit auditions digitally through email and post mail. Acceptable mediums include (but are not limited to): mp3 files, .avi files, CDs, DVDs, and YouTube videos. Please get in touch with your academic department to discuss which format is most appropriate for your submission.

I am interested in a graduate assistantship or other financial assistance from Miami University. How can I apply?

On the application, there is a question regarding assistantship to indicate interest. Some departments require additional information and documentation for applicants to be considered for an assistantship. Check with your program of interest to determine what documents you must submit. You can also visit our Funding and Awards webpage for more funding opportunities.

While filling out an unsubmitted application, I entered incorrect information and need help changing it. What should I do?

Contact the Graduate School at ApplyGrad@MiamiOH.edu, and we will help fix the incorrect information.

Where can I send updated application materials after I submit my application?

Once your application is submitted, you can log back into your Application Status Page where an Upload Materials section is available. Select the appropriate document(s) to upload, which will then be attached to your application.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application by logging into your Application Status page. From there, you can view your application checklist.

How long does it take to find out if I am admitted or not?

There is no set time limit. It depends on when you apply, submit your required documents, and when the admission committee meets to decide. Once an admission decision is made, you will receive an email.

How can I check the status of a letter of recommendation?

Log into your Application Status page, and The Application Checklist will provide the instructions on how to re-send notification emails to your recommenders.

Can I change my recommender(s) after submitting my application?

Sometimes. Log into your Application Status page and review your Application Checklist section. If the status is "awaiting" and the recommender has not started yet, you will see an option to "Edit this recommender" or "Add recommender." Once a recommender has started their letter, the opportunity to edit/change is no longer available.

Why is my credit card being rejected?

One reason is that your permanent address entered on the application does not match the mailing address for the credit card. If you have any difficulty, confirm the addresses match.

I paid my application fee with a check, but it is not listed on my Status Page.

A check payment takes 3-5 business days to process and update.

The Graduate School

The Graduate School is committed to advocating and supporting graduate programs dedicated to the pursuit of new knowledge and best teaching practices that promote diverse, globally aware graduate students and faculty.

Graduate Admission

Nellie Craig Walker Hall
301 S. Campus Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
ApplyGrad@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-4723