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The University of Texas at Dallas
Graduate Admissions

Admission Requirements for Graduate Study

Each program has specific admission requirements listed at http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/degrees/.

At a minimum, all applicants must provide the following documentation:  

Master's Programs

An earned UT Dallas baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a grade average of B or better is in upper-division (junior and senior level) work in the student’s major field and related fields is the minimum requirement for admission to any master’s degree program.

Applicants in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degree is awarded before enrollment at UT Dallas.

Doctoral Programs

An appropriate earned U. T. Dallas master's degree or its equivalent, with an average of at least B+ or demonstrated comparable research competence. Applicants currently enrolled in post baccalaureate study may be admitted on the condition that their master’s degree is awarded before enrollment at UT Dallas.

Some departments admit directly to the doctoral program from a bachelor's degree for highly qualified candidates.

Non-Degree Students

Must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

International Students

Applicants educated at non-U.S. institutions should note that their educational background will be assessed for equivalency with a U. T. Dallas degree as described above. Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a non-U.S. university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate facility in English using one of the following methods:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

Successful completion ELS level 112

This requirement should be met at the time the admission application is submitted.  

Visiting and Exchange students

Applicants wishing to attend UT Dallas as a visiting graduate research student or as an exchange student from one of our partner schools should contact the UT Dallas Office of International Education at http://www.utdallas.edu/oie/.

Application

U.T Dallas uses a web-based application form that can be accessed using the "apply now" link for each degree listing at :

http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/degrees/ .

There is a $50.00 nonrefundable application fee.

Applicants are advised to carefully review the program information and the semester specific deadlines for domestic and international applications. Supporting documentation requirements for each of the admissions category are as follows.

Applications submitted using the Statewide Common Application will also be processed.

Specific Admission Documentation Requirements

As a Degree-Seeking Graduate Student

Official Transcripts

Admission to a master’s degree requires that an official transcript demonstrating the completion of a bachelor’s degree with a grade average of B or better in upper-division (junior and senior level) work in the student’s major field and related fields from UT Dallas or another, equivalent, recognized university be submitted at the time of enrollment. An applicant who has earned a baccalaureate degree under the "academic fresh start statute" (Texas Education Code, Section 51.931) will be evaluated only on the grade point average of the course work completed for that baccalaureate degree and the other criteria stated in this catalog.

An official transcript demonstrating the completion of a master’s degree, submitted at the time of enrollment, is required for admission to a doctoral degree. Some departments admit highly qualified candidates directly to the doctoral program from a bachelor's degree.

Test Scores (GMAT, GRE)

Standardized test scores must be official and reported directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) should be sent to The University of Texas at Dallas, Code 6897. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is required if applying to the School of Management and the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) is required if applying to all other schools except the School of Arts and Humanities. Each degree program sets its own criteria for what constitutes a satisfactory score for degree-seeking admission see http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/degrees/).

English Language Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)

International applicants whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory test scores from one of the following testing agencies: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE academic). UT Dallas will also accept a passing grade in level 112 of English from the ELS Language Centers, www.els.edu.

Applicants with an earned baccalaureate degree from a college or university where the language of instruction and examination was in English are excused from this requirement. Scores must not be more than two years old, and an official copy must be sent from the testing agency to:

 

The University of Texas at Dallas
Admissions and Enrollment Services
800 W Campbell Rd
Richardson, TX 75080-3021

 

Dallas requires a minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 80, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum PTE score of 67 for automatic regular admission as a degree-seeking student. Higher scores may be required if the applicant is to succeed in the competition for teaching assistant openings.

Narrative

A narrative from the applicant outlining academic interests, current or long-range interests in research, teaching or other professional objectives; describing publications or other scholarly endeavors; listing of academic and professional organizations and fellowships, scholarships, or other honors received (for additional information see http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/degrees/).

Request for Recommendation Forms

Completed forms from 3 individuals (employers, community leaders, teachers, etc) able to judge your probable success in graduate school. Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to the contact listed for the degree program.

http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/documents/GradReqRecommendation.pdf

International applicants without Permanent Resident Visas must submit evidence of financial support (financial affidavit and original bank statement) before they can receive the I-20 or other required documents needed for visa application.

In accord with Chapter 51, of the Texas Education Code, decisions on admission to degree-granting graduate programs at UT Dallas are based on holistic considerations of all submitted information regarding the academic, career and personal histories of the applicants. Standardized test scores and coursework GPA levels cited in the catalog descriptions of some degree programs are listed for advisory purposes only, to indicate the typical achievement levels of students enrolled and succeeding in the various programs. No single quantitative or qualitative measure; or any specific combination thereof, constitutes a definitive standard for admission. Rather, each application will be considered individually and each applicant’s complete profile of strengths and prospects for successful completion of the program will be evaluated by the admissions committee. Applicants are encouraged to contact the graduate advisor in the degree program in which they expect to enroll to discuss specific admission requirements.

Applicants who satisfy all of the above criteria qualify for regular admission to the degree program. Students denied this admission status may qualify for admission under one of the following categories:

as a Conditional Degree-Seeking Graduate Student

Upon review of the credentials of an applicant seeking regular admission to a UT Dallas degree program, the graduate studies committee of that degree program may recommend, and seek concurrence of the Dean of Graduate Studies, that the applicant be admitted subject to specific conditions being satisfied over a specified time period. Such conditions might include requiring additional semester hours to be taken, and/or a specific grade point average to be maintained. A student satisfying the conditional requirements within the specified time period will then qualify for regular admission. The graduate advisor in the academic program will monitor compliance with the admissions conditions. A student who does not fulfill the specified conditions within the time period specified at the time of admission will be barred from continued registration in the degree program.

Normally a student cannot remain in conditional status for more than one calendar year. Exceptions to the one-year limitation can be granted only by the Dean of Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the graduate program. Under no circumstances will the student be allowed to remain enrolled under Conditional Status for more than 15 semester credit hours or two consecutive years, whichever comes first. Within these limits, specified graduate level coursework taken as a conditionally admitted student can be applied to the degree program.

as a Non-Degree-Seeking Graduate Student

A student wishing to take graduate level coursework without becoming a candidate for a graduate degree may apply for admission to UT Dallas as a non-degree-seeking graduate student. The applicant must satisfy the condition for admission to a master’s degree program at UT Dallas, but is not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores or letters of recommendation. Enrollment as a non-degree-seeking graduate student is subject to annual review and approval by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the school. Students admitted as non-degree-seeking may not be eligible for financial aid and should consult the UT Dallas Financial Aid office regarding their status prior to submission of their application for admission.

A non-degree-seeking graduate student in good academic standing who wishes to apply for admission to a degree program must submit a new application. No more than 15 semester credit hours taken as a non-degree-seeking student at UT Dallas may be transferred to satisfy the coursework requirements of a graduate degree program, except with the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. A student not officially enrolled in a degree program requires the consent of the graduate advisor to enroll in graduate classes offered by that degree program.

NOTE: A student in the United States on an F1 or J1 Visa may only be admitted to a degree program at UT Dallas and is not eligible for Non-Degree-Seeking Student status.

as a Graduate Student Taking Only Undergraduate Courses

Students holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may elect to take or, based on their academic background, be restricted to taking only undergraduate leveling courses. The applicant need only provide an official transcript demonstrating the completion of a bachelor’s degree level and be in good academic standing. These students will be required to maintain the same scholastic standards as regularly admitted undergraduates and will receive academic guidance from the academic advisor in the school. Students restricted to taking undergraduate courses may not take graduate courses in a degree program. Students admitted to take only undergraduate level courses may not be eligible for financial aid and should consult the UT Dallas Financial Aid office regarding their status prior to submission of their application for admission.

Application Deadline Dates

Domestic and international applicants are urged to plan ahead and apply as early as possible and to allow adequate time for review by the admissions committees. To ensure consideration for financial assistantships students are urged to submit a completed application nine months prior to anticipated enrollment. Applicants are advised to refer to http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/degrees/ for additional information on specific admission deadlines for each degree program.

Domestic applicants should have all necessary application materials to the Office of Enrollment Services prior to the following dates:

 

Fall semester

July 1

Spring semester

November 1

Summer semester

April 1

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent US residents should submit all necessary application materials to the Office of Enrollment Services by the following dates:  

Fall semester

May 1

Spring semester

September 1

Summer semester

March 1

Students seeking appointments as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants should contact the academic advisor for the degree program and plan for earlier application submissions.

Official Transcripts

The term "Official Transcript" is understood to refer to the official recorded results of the student’s academic work in a sealed envelope signed and stamped by the registrar or by an authorized official of the issuing college or university. English translations of transcripts and documents that are in a language other than English are also required and should be sent to:

 

The University of Texas at Dallas
Admissions and Enrollment Services
800 W Campbell Rd
Richardson, TX 75080-3021

A $50.00 nonrefundable international document evaluation fee applies.

All materials submitted in the process of applying to the University become the property of the University and will not be returned to the applicant.

Section 4.29, Texas Education Code provides legal penalties for any alteration of academic records or transcripts with the intent to use such a document fraudulently or permit the fraudulent use of such a document. Falsifying or omitting information may result in withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, and/or disciplinary actions.

Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services

The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services, located in the Student Services Building, can assist prospective students in exploring the possibility of graduate study at UT Dallas. For detailed admissions or academic advice, please contact the specific academic program by visiting http://www.utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate/degrees/ .

Graduate Admission Examinations

The information about the GRE and GMAT examinations given below was current at the time this catalog was published. Applicants should be advised that both examinations are undergoing changes in format and design.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE general test is offered on a year-round basis at regional testing centers in a computer-based testing (CBT) format. Information on regional CBT testing may be obtained directly from Graduate Record Examination, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6000; Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6000; by phone (609) 771-7670, via e-mail at [email protected]; or on the World Wide Web at www.gre.org. Applicants should specify by both institution and code that the test score be sent to The University of Texas at Dallas, Code 6897.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The GMAT is offered on a year-round basis at regional testing centers in a computer-based testing (CBT) format. Information on regional CBT testing sites may be obtained directly from Graduate Management Admission Test, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6103, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6103; by phone (609) 771-7330; via e-mail at [email protected]; or on the World Wide Web at www.gmat.org. Applicants should specify by both institution and code that the test score be sent to The University of Texas at Dallas, Code 6897.

English Proficiency Test Scores

Automatic regular admission as a degree-seeking student UT Dallas requires a minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 80, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum PTE score of 67. Applicants with lower scores will be considered but are advised to improve their test scores and reapply. UTDallas will also accept a passing grade in level 112 of English from the ELS Language Centers, www.els.edu.

English Requirements for Teaching Assistants

Students are required to be able to speak and write English clearly and well. State law and regulations of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board require that international students appointed as Teaching Assistants (TA’s) be proficient in the use of the English language. An English Proficiency Interview conducted under the auspices of the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies will be used to screen for students requiring remedial help in the form of English as a Second Language (ESL) course. International students must satisfy the proficiency requirement upon appointment or pass the ESL course within two semesters to be eligible for consideration of continued appointment as a TA. Regardless of test scores, students must meet the language requirements of their programs.

 

Last Updated: December 13, 2012