gpa requirements for phd

• Ultimate Guide to GPA for PhD Admissions into Grad School
• Applying to a PhD

What is GPA?

GPA stands for Grade Point Average . It’s a numerical representation of a student’s academic performance, calculated by converting letter grades or percentages into grade points on a standardised 0-4.0 scale in most countries like the US, Canada and Australia.

Each letter grade is assigned a corresponding number of grade points – for example, an A is typically a 4.0, a B a 3.0, and so on.

The GPA is calculated by taking the average of all the grade points earned in each course, weighted by the number of credit hours. A student’s cumulative GPA represents their overall academic performance across all semesters.

Some countries like the UK use different grading scales, but GPAs can be converted between systems for comparison.

Maintaining a high GPA is important for staying in good academic standing, qualifying for scholarships, and being competitive for graduate school admissions.

Does GPA matter for a PhD application?

GPA plays a significant role in PhD admissions, as it is one of the key quantitative measures used to assess an applicant’s academic abilities and potential for success in a doctoral program.

Many PhD programs have minimum GPA requirements, often higher than for master’s degrees, typically in the 3.0-3.5 range on a 4.0 scale. A strong GPA, especially in the major field of study and any master’s coursework, can greatly improve an applicant’s chances of acceptance.

However, GPA is not the only factor considered. PhD admissions committees take a holistic approach, also weighing research experience, recommendation letters, personal statements, transcripts and standardised test scores of graduate students. Applicants with a lower GPA can still be competitive if they have significant research accomplishments, glowing recommendations from faculty, and demonstrate strong motivation for doctoral study in their essays. Ultimately, while GPA is important, it is not the sole determinant of admission to a PhD program.

The Role of GPA in PhD Admissions

How admissions committees evaluate gpa.

PhD admissions committees carefully scrutinise applicants’ GPAs as a key indicator of academic ability and preparation for rigorous doctoral study. They consider not only the overall GPA but also the difficulty of courses taken, the reputation of the undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, and grade trends over time. Admissions officers pay close attention to grades earned in courses relevant to the applicant’s proposed field of study, especially at the graduate level. While a high GPA alone does not guarantee admission, it can significantly enhance an applicant’s competitiveness, particularly when combined with strong research experience, glowing recommendations, and a compelling personal statement.

In recent years, many PhD programs have placed increasing emphasis on holistic application review, considering a wide range of factors beyond just GPA. Recognising that grades don’t always reflect an applicant’s full potential, admissions committees are giving more weight to research experience, publications, and other evidence of scholarly engagement. Some programs are even moving away from strict GPA cutoffs and minimum requirements, instead evaluating each grad students academic record in context. However, this trend varies by field and institution, and a strong GPA remains a crucial component of a competitive application, especially for top-tier programs.

GPA conversions

Since grading scales vary between countries and even institutions, understanding how to convert GPAs is crucial for international students applying to PhD programs abroad .

The most common conversion is to the US 4.0 scale, where an A equals 4.0, B is 3.0, C is 2.0, D is 1.0 and F is 0.

Online GPA calculators are available to help translate grades from various countries to the 4.0 scale, the below conversion chart is an example for the UK.

For example, in the UK, a First Class Honours (70%+) is approximately equivalent to a 4.0, while an Upper Second Class (60-69%) maps to around a 3.3-3.7.

Some universities provide their own GPA conversion guidelines for international applicants. It’s important to carefully research the grading system and GPA expectations of your target PhD programs to ensure your grades are competitive.

If in doubt, contacting the admissions office can provide clarity on how they evaluate international GPAs for doctoral admissions. The application process may also involve understanding how your GRE scores are taken into account.

Average Master’s GPA Requirements for PhD Programs

When applying to PhD graduate programs, it’s important to know what GPA is considered competitive. While requirements vary by field and institution, most reputable PhD programs expect at least a 3.0 GPA in master’s coursework, with many preferring a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Top-tier, highly competitive programs often have even higher GPA expectations, sometimes 3.7+ , such as those offered by MIT. However, GPA cutoffs are not always strict, and a stellar research record, strong test scores, and compelling recommendations can sometimes compensate for a slightly lower GPA. Admissions committees are especially interested in grades earned in undergraduate study and graduate-level courses in the field of study, as they are the strongest predictor of ability to handle the rigor of a PhD program.

Performing well in advanced master’s classes and maintaining a high graduate GPA can significantly boost your competitiveness as a PhD applicant, even if your undergraduate grades were less than ideal. Researching the average GPAs of accepted students at your target programs can give you a benchmark to aim for.

Correlations between GPA and doctoral program outcomes

Studies have investigated the relationship between GPA and various measures of success in doctoral programs, such as completion rates, time to degree, and post-graduation employment. While results vary somewhat by discipline, research generally suggests that students with higher GPAs are more likely to complete their doctoral degrees and do so in a timely manner.

For example, a 2019 study by the Council of Graduate Schools found that PhD students with undergraduate GPAs of 3.5 or higher had a 61% ten-year completion rate, compared to 56% for those with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.24. However, the predictive power of GPA is not perfect, and many students with moderate GPAs also go on to have successful doctoral careers.

Ultimately, GPA is just one factor among many that shape PhD outcomes, alongside research productivity, mentorship, financial support, academic career and personal motivation.

Field-Specific GPA Considerations

Stem vs. humanities vs. social sciences.

Doctoral programs in STEM fields, such as physics, chemistry, and computer science, often have the highest GPA expectations, with many programs setting minimum thresholds of 3.5 or even 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. The quantitative and cumulative nature of STEM coursework means that grades in math and science courses are especially important.

In contrast, humanities and social science programs may have slightly lower GPA cutoffs, around 3.3-3.5, and place more emphasis on grades in writing-intensive courses and overall grade trends. However, these differences are not universal, and some top humanities and social science programs have GPA expectations on par with STEM fields.

Professional doctorates (e.g., EdD, DBA) vs. traditional PhDs

Professional doctoral programs, designed for working professionals seeking advanced skills and credentials, sometimes have different GPA considerations than traditional research-focused PhD programs.

For example, Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs may place more weight on professional experience, relevant work experience, leadership potential, and professional accomplishments, alongside academic records. While a strong GPA is still important, the minimum thresholds may be slightly lower, around 3.0-3.3, and admissions committees may be more willing to consider applicants with lower GPAs who have significant professional achievements. However, this varies by program, and many professional doctorates still have competitive GPA expectations.

Is it possible to Get Into a PhD Program with a Low GPA

While a high GPA is certainly advantageous for PhD admissions, it is still possible to get accepted with a lower GPA. Admissions committees understand that grades don’t tell the whole story and consider applicants holistically.

If your GPA is below the program’s typical range, focus on strengthening other parts of your application. Gaining substantial research experience, securing strong letters of recommendation from faculty who can speak to your abilities, and writing compelling personal statements and a compelling dissertation proposal that demonstrate your motivation and fit for the program can help mitigate a low GPA. Addressing any GPA weaknesses head-on in your application and highlighting evidence of improvement, like strong grades in recent master’s coursework, can also help your case.

Some programs may offer conditional admission for lower-GPA applicants, requiring them to maintain a certain graduate GPA to continue in the program. If your GPA is significantly below average, applying to a range of programs, including less selective ones, can increase your chances of acceptance. With a robust application showcasing your research potential and academic growth, getting into a PhD program with a low GPA is challenging but achievable.

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• Grade Point Average – A Guide for PhD Students

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most widely used grading systems in the world. Universities in many countries use GPA to assess student attainment, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

If you’re considering doctoral study, your GPA could be an important part of your PhD application . In countries that use GPA, many universities take a student’s Bachelors and/ or Masters GPA into account when deciding whether to accept them for PhD study.

In this guide, we’ll cover what GPA is and when it matters for prospective PhD students. We’ll also compare it to some other international grading systems.

What is GPA?

GPA is a method of assessing student attainment. Its defining feature is that it is continuous . This means that it can fluctuate throughout your programme. If you want to maintain a strong GPA, your grades will need to be consistently high!

Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total sum of your grades by the number of credits you’ve taken. To do this, each letter grade is given a numerical value. In the USA (and in many other countries) GPA is calculated on a 4-point scale:

This will give you a number between 0 and 4, which is your GPA. 4.0 is normally the highest GPA you can achieve, though some ‘weighted’ GPA systems use a 5.0 scale which award students 5 points if they achieve an A in an especially challenging course. If your university uses a weighted system, you could come out with a GPA of higher than 4.0.

Does GPA matter for a PhD application?

If you’re planning to apply for a PhD in a country that uses GPA, your university may calculate a GPA equivalent for you, based on academic transcripts from your previous degree(s). It is common for graduate programmes in the USA to do this.

US universities are unlikely to set a minimum GPA requirement for PhD courses – but this doesn’t mean that your GPA is not an important aspect of your application. As a very general rule, a GPA or 3.0 or higher is considered roughly equivalent to UK 2.1 at undergraduate level, or Merit at Masters level. This is often considered the minimum GPA necessary to demonstrate that you’re capable of academic work at the doctoral level. Though it won’t automatically disqualify you, a GPA lower than 3.0 is likely to be a disadvantage.

If you plan on applying to a more competitive university, such as a member of the famous Ivy League , you may need a higher GPA. At the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering, for example, the average GPA amongst successful PhD applicants in 2021 was 3.8. Stanford University strongly recommends that those applying for a PhD programme have a GPA of at least 3.5.

If you studied more than one subject for your previous degree (may US-based PhD applicants will have graduated from a multidisciplinary undergraduate programme) universities may also be interested in your discipline-specific GPA . For example, a university may accept a 3.0 GPA across your entire degree, but except a 3.5 average in the subject you plan to study for your PhD.

If you do have a lower GPA, don’t worry, you can compensate for this through your personal statement , CV and letters of recommendation . You shouldn’t be discouraged from applying to your dream programme by a less-than-perfect score, especially if you feel you can stand out from the crowd in other ways.

GPA conversions

If you’re planning to study your PhD abroad , working out what your qualifications will be worth in another country can certainly complicate the application process! We’ve put together a rough guide to international grade conversions below, comparing the US 4-point GPA scale to the grading systems used in some popular PhD study abroad destinations.

Please note that these conversions are intended as guidelines only. Each university will calculate international equivalences differently. If you’re not sure whether your grades are sufficient for entry onto a particular PhD programme, it’s best to contact your chosen university directly.

Overall grades for degree programmes in the UK are calculated at the end of your course based on the results of your exams and coursework.

We’ve adapted information supplied by the Fulbright Commission to give you an idea of US/ UK grade conversions for Masters degrees:

Conversions will vary between universities. Many will accept a GPA of 3.7 or more as the equivalent of a distinction grade.

USA vs Australia

Postgraduate students in Australia are awarded grades ranging from ‘High Distinction’ (HD) to ‘Fail’ (F). The table below shows the grading scale used at Monash University, but the exact score range required to achieve each grade varies between universities.

USA vs Canada

Many universities in Canada use the same 4-point GPA scale as in the USA. However, there is considerable variation across the country, and universities in some provinces use scales with up to 9 points.

Some universities will use a 4.3-point scale, where the top score is awarded to the highest-achieving students at the tutor’s discretion:

USA vs Germany

Masters degrees in Germany are normally graded using a 5-point scale, where 1.0 is the highest grade you can achieve and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade:

USA vs the Netherlands

Dutch degrees are graded using a 10-point scale. 10 is the highest mark and 5.5 is usually the minimum needed to pass. It’s very unusual for grades of 9 and 10 to be awarded, which is why a grade of 8 or higher is roughly equivalent to a US GPA of 4.0.

USA vs Norway

Norwegian universities assess students using letter grades from A to F. E is the minimum passing grade. Some institutions translate these letter grades into numerical values between 1 and 5 in order to calculate GPA equivalences.

Grading systems vary hugely between countries and even between universities, so make sure to check the requirements of your chosen university carefully before applying for a PhD. You can find out more about PhD study as an international student in our study abroad section .

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PhD Admission Guide

Gain admission to your dream school, guide to phd admission.

While some students swear off further education after undergrad, some love the thrill of intellectual discovery and research. For these students, graduate school is a natural choice. Graduate degrees are separated into “professional” and “academic” categories. Professional degrees are JDs and MDs, while academic degrees are PhDs (literally “Doctorates of Philosophy” regardless of what field you actually study).

Whether or not you need to pursue a PhD depends entirely on what career you wish to have. Some require higher education, while many others do not. In this guide we’ll go over how to apply to PhD programs, what they are looking for, and how the application process works. This guide is focused on the US and Canada; Europe has a system which is simultaneously similar and very different.

What PhD Programs Look For

PhD programs want to make sure you are prepared academically for the rigors of the program, and that you have a concrete research goal in mind. PhD programs culminate with each student answering a research question they devise, contributing new knowledge to the world in the process. 

Thus these programs seek to evaluate your intellectual ability, research goals, previous research experience, and how you will contribute to their program. To determine this, they ask for the following:

Letters of Recommendation

We’ll go through each of these in turn, and explain what graduate programs are looking for from each.

Your GPA in undergrad is the single most important factor in PhD admissions. If your GPA is too low your application will be dismissed out of hand. While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs.

The reason for this is that PhD programs are a lot of work. Being intelligent is necessary, but is far from sufficient alone. Everyone in PhD programs is intelligent, and everyone is also willing to do the work. Your GPA is seen as the primary indicator of your willingness and ability to do academic work to a high standard, and your preparation for the rigors of a PhD program.

Along with your overall GPA, schools request your major GPA. This is your GPA when calculated only using courses in your major. This is usually expected to be higher than your overall GPA. Your major GPA should be over 3.5.

While taking harder courses in undergrad is a great experience, they can also harm your overall GPA. Of course, the best approach is to take very hard classes and do well in them, but this is not always possible. We recommend taking a blend of courses, so you are never overloaded, and able to give each the attention it needs to do well.

Academic Preparation

Your GPA and transcript is also used to judge your academic preparation for the program. You should have a solid grounding in the field, and have taken advanced courses as well. Taking graduate level courses in undergrad can exemplify this. 

Some PhD programs also require research languages. This is more common in the social sciences and humanities, but all students will benefit from knowing other languages well enough to do research in them. You should look up language requirements when researching programs to apply to.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test meant for students who intend to apply to graduate programs. Both MA and PhD programs ask for GRE scores. Much like the SAT or ACT in college exams, the test is meant to be a standardized measure of academic preparation and logical skill.

The test consists of six sections. The first is writing, next are two on verbal reasoning, then two on quantitative reasoning, and finally a research or experimental section, meant to test new questions. The entire test is offered on the computer, with one minute breaks after each section, and a ten minute break after the third section. While there is also a paper-based test, almost all testing is now done on a computer. Due to the pandemic, both testing centers and at-home testing are offered. The GRE is a multi-stage test, and how well you do on earlier sections determines the difficulty of later sections and questions. 

The verbal sections each consist of 20 questions, to be answered over 30 minutes. The whole is scored on a scale of 130-170. The quantitative section is scored the same, and consists of two 20 question sections, each of which should be completed in 35 minutes. The writing section is scored from 0-6. For this section, you write an essay on a given issue in 30 minutes, and offer a response critiquing a provided argument for 30 minutes.

Your total score from the GRE is given from 130-170. While the exact scores you need to enter graduate school vary, higher is better. In addition, some programs only care about your verbal score, while others only care about your quantitative score. How much weight each program puts on GRE scores varies greatly.

We recommend studying for the GRE for some time before testing. You can take the GRE up to five times per year, but must wait at least 21 days between testing dates. Only scores from the past 5 years will be released or considered by graduate programs.

Curriculum Vitae

This is akin to a resume, but is dissimilar enough that the two cannot be used interchangeably. The purpose of a CV is, like a resume, to detail what you have accomplished academically and in your career. It is far more focused on academics however, and is widely used for academic careers.

We recommend finding a template for a CV online, or asking your college’s advisors for help in creating one. If you already have a resume, then you will easily be able to convert it into a CV.

What admissions officers are looking for in your activities is primarily signs of research. This should be in whatever field you intend to pursue a PhD in. Publications are also incredibly valuable. All of academia runs on publication, and getting an early start helps your career at every step.

You should try to do research while still in undergrad. What this looks like depends entirely on what field you are pursuing. While the research does not have to exactly line up with what you wish to pursue, it should teach you skills which are cross applicable. Higher level academic research has its own set of methods and language which must be learned, and students who are already familiar with the forms and structures of research have a leg up in graduate school. 

Publication is not required, but is nice to see. If you have completed a master’s degree, you should have some publication history; of your thesis if nothing else. Speak with your academic advisors about getting your work published.

Each graduate school you apply to will ask for an essay. You will be able to use the same basic form for each, but will need to edit it to be about the particular program you are applying to. Most schools only require a single essay, although some programs ask for a second on diversity.

The purpose of this essay is to explain your research interests, what you have studied, your intended area of specialization, and what your focus will be on. Every PhD student is asking and trying to answer a very specific research question. This question forms the basis of their dissertation, and will be the focus of your life for several years if you are accepted.

Thus the essay is the most important part of your application. Your grades and GRE are required to see if you are academically ready for graduate school, but the essay lets readers know if you are a match for their program, and serious about your research.

Your essay should begin by stating which program you are applying to, and why. Next, go through your previous academic experience in the field, both coursework and research. You don’t have to go through every class, but cover the ones most relevant to your desired research topic.

You should discuss any prior research you have done in the field. If you completed a thesis for your undergraduate degree or a master’s program, cover that here. If you have any publication credits, cover those as well. This should relate directly to the field you are trying to enter. If you wish to pursue lab work, discuss your previous experiences; if instead you are pursuing field work, talk about your experiences there.

Next you should talk about the research you specifically wish to pursue through a PhD. You don’t need to have an exact research question worked out, but it is helpful to have some idea; you should at least know the subfield you will be focusing on. The more specific you are, the better. Having some discussion of methodology can be nice, but is not always necessary.

If there are any ongoing research projects ongoing at the school you wish to work on, cover those next. You should discuss how these projects specifically relate to your own research interests. Finally, you should talk about which professors you wish to work with. Professors take on graduate students to advise, and you ideally want one with a specialization at least tangentially related to your field of interest. The more closely related the professor’s studies are to your own, the better.

You will be able to leave much of this essay the same for each school you apply to, changing only the name of the program, the research projects, and the professors you wish to work with. 

This essay should be a page and a half to two pages long, single spaced. You should go into sufficient detail for those reading it to understand the research you want to pursue. These essays are reviewed by the faculty who run the department, and they make the admissions decisions for PhD programs. There are many more applicants than there are spaces, and admissions rates are low. The more specific and detailed you are in this essay, the better the faculty will understand your research aims, and the better your chances will be.

Diversity Statements

Not all programs ask for these, but you will likely be able to reuse the same essay for those that do. The purpose of the diversity statement is to see what unique points of view and experiences you will be able to contribute to the program. PhDs are about learning, and the more viewpoints and ideas within a program, the broader the experience will be.

If you are a member of an underrepresented group, an immigrant, come from an underprivileged background, or come from an area which is generally underrepresented, we suggest discussing that in this essay. You should not write an essay about your interactions with members of these groups, or a study abroad experience.

Above all, this essay should be authentic to you and your experience. The goal is to show how your background has shaped you as a person, and how it impacts your view of the world.

As with college applications, letters of recommendation are required for PhD admissions. These tell admissions committees who you are as a student and researcher, and give their opinion on how you will perform when doing graduate level work. Academic fields are small and often insular, and the professors writing your letters will often be known by those reading them, either by reputation or in person.

Programs ask for two to four letters. These should primarily come from professors who know you and your work well. If you had a thesis advisor, they should write one of your letters. If you’ve worked doing research for some time, then a mentor or lab director can also be a good source of a letter, even if they haven’t taught you in class. Letters should not come from non-academic sources, unless you have worked professionally in that field. 

While you have the option to read the letters that are written for you, you should always waive that right. If you don’t trust your writers to craft good letters for you, then you shouldn’t be asking them for letters. Asking to see letters is considered a sign of lack of trust, and is gauche. Many professors will decline to write letters if you insist on seeing them.

You should ask for letters well in advance of when they are due; we recommend at least a month or two. If you are asking non-tenured faculty for a letter, more leeway is recommended, as they have more on their plate, and are often more stressed. You may need to send a reminder as deadlines approach. You should also share a copy of your essay with letter writers, so they know exactly what subfield you intend to pursue, and can discuss this in their letters.

Finally, you should be aware of politics when asking for letters. Some professors do not like each other at all. If you are seen as the protege of a professor who others detest, this can impact your admissions chances. Always discuss which schools and programs you are applying to with your letter writers. You should also discuss your choices of writers with an advisor (for example a thesis advisor) familiar with the field. Academic politics are incredibly petty, but if you plan to pursue a PhD you need to be aware of the game, and how it is played.

If your application passes the first review, you will be invited to do an interview. This will be with faculty in the program you are applying to. This is to further get to know you, and to understand your research objectives. 

You should be able to clearly explain what you want to research, and how this program will help you do so. The people talking to you will all be familiar with the field, though not necessarily your specific subfield. They are looking for your ability to communicate and explain your view. Be prepared to answer some questions about the specifics of your goals, though it’s ok if you don’t know everything right now.

Interviews are generally in person, though due to the pandemic, virtual interviews have become more common. This is also your chance to ask any questions you have about the program you were unable to find answers to online. You can practice for this interview with an advisor or mentor; many schools have career centers which hold mock grad school interviews as well.

When and How to Apply to Grad School

There is no unified platform for PhD applications. Instead you must apply to each program individually, through the school’s website. This will mean filling out information multiple times, but they fortunately don’t ask for much. Once you have your documents in order, the rest is personal, demographic, and contact information.

You will need to pay to have your GRE scores sent to each school you apply to. Even though this is all electronic, they still charge dearly for it. 

Applications are generally due in December or January, with interviews held over the next few months. Applications open in September or October. We recommend getting your applications in before the due date, though most programs don’t use rolling admissions. Each program sets their own deadlines, so you should track when each of your applications is due carefully to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Paying for Grad School

PhD programs are for the most part fully funded. This means you will not be paying tuition, and will also get funding to live on. This funding is generally contingent on academic standing, and doing work TAing, teaching, or on ongoing research projects (or most commonly, all of the above). Many grad students also work full or part time to support themselves. 

While you will not need to take on additional debt to pay for graduate school, you will not be well paid either. While the exact amount graduate students receive varies by school and program, it is generally in the range of $20-30,000 annually. This goes towards food, housing, and supplies.

While you are in a PhD program, you will not have to make payments on any government loans you took out to pay for undergrad, though they will continue to accrue interest. Making payments on them during grad school is difficult, but will greatly cut down on the amount you need to pay back later.

There are also outside scholarships available to help pay for graduate studies. While the amounts offered by these vary, most are small. They can help greatly with paying for the necessities however, and applying to them is usually worth the time investment.

Grad School Admission FAQ

Now we’ll answer some of the most common questions about applying to PhD programs.

Can older students apply?

Yes. Many professionals return to school for a PhD long out of undergrad. We suggest taking some courses at a local university in the field you plan on entering before you do this however. Academic research advances quickly, and this will familiarize you with the latest developments. Further, this will introduce you to professors who can provide you with letters of recommendation.

What are my odds of acceptance?

This depends on both your field and program. Generally, however, it is quite difficult to gain admissions to a PhD program, and admission rates hover around 10%. Only the best students get accepted, and this is even more the case at the top schools and programs.

When should I start thinking about applications?

When you choose your major, you should decide what level you want to reach within that field. Some majors lend themselves to PhDs if you want to work in that field, while others allow employment at various levels.

Where should I apply?

You should find programs with professors who are dedicated to your particular subfield. A prestigious institution which does not focus on your area is far less useful, regardless of how famous its name is. You are looking for someone who will be able to advise you, and help you perform worthwhile research. Further, professors are looking for students studying fields similar to their own when they admit graduate students.

How long are PhD programs?

Generally programs last 4-5 years, though this can vary based on field. The exact structure of the programs also varies a lot based on field and program.

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What’s A Good GPA For Grad School? How To Get In

Updated: Mar 26, 2024, 4:18pm

Applying to grad school can be stressful, especially if your undergraduate GPA could be higher. But there’s good news—you don’t need a 4.0 to get into grad school.

What’s a good GPA for grad school? It depends on the school and program. In general, graduate schools look for a minimum 3.0 GPA, but programs admit applicants with lower GPAs, too.

Grades aren’t the only way grad schools measure applicants. You also submit letters of recommendation and college essays , among other materials that can help you stand out. By doing your research and strengthening other areas of your application, you can get into grad school without a high GPA.

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What GPA Do You Need for Grad School?

Many grad schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, while some competitive programs may require a GPA as high as 3.5.

However, meeting the minimum GPA threshold doesn’t guarantee admission. For example, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s graduate school recommends applicants have a minimum 3.0 GPA, but the average GPA for admitted students is 3.54.

Competitive grad programs may have even higher average GPAs: For example, Harvard University ‘s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences reported a 3.8 average undergraduate GPA for fall 2023 graduate students. Many prestigious M.B.A. programs report the average undergraduate GPA for new grad students is 3.5 or higher.

Less competitive programs regularly admit students with lower GPAs , especially those whose applications highlight other aspects of their achievements.

How Do Grad School Admissions Officers Evaluate Applicants?

Grades aren’t the only factor grad school admissions officers consider when evaluating applicants. Ultimately, the admissions process aims to find students who will succeed in grad school. You can show your preparation for graduate-level coursework in several ways.

Elements outside GPA that play a role in grad school admissions decisions include:

• Standardized Test Scores: High scores on tests like the GRE or GMAT can boost your chance of admissions. For test-optional graduate programs, consider submitting scores if you have a lower GPA.
• Experience: Some programs require applicants to have research or work experience, so explain how your previous jobs or research opportunities have prepared you for the program in your statement of purpose.
• Letters of Recommendation: Recommendation letters speak to your viability for grad school, which makes them a valuable tool for admissions officers. When choosing recommenders, ask faculty or work supervisors who can provide specific examples of your academic and professional strengths.
• Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose explains your preparation for grad school, why you will fit into the program and what you plan to do with your graduate degree.
• Undergraduate Transcripts: Admissions officers look for more than grades in your transcript. They want to see which courses you took, whether you meet prerequisite requirements and whether your transcripts show improvement over time.

How To Get Into Grad School With a Low GPA

Strengthening your application with research experience, work history or standardized test scores can help you stand out even with a lower GPA. You can also take graduate courses to demonstrate that you can succeed in advanced classes. Finally, if you thrive in interview settings, consider programs that incorporate interviews with faculty or admissions officers to showcase your strengths.

Here are some considerations for getting into grad school with a low GPA:

Apply To Grad Schools With Lower GPA Requirements

Instead of applying to grad programs that require a minimum 3.0 to 3.5 GPA, consider applying to programs with lower grade point average requirements. Additionally, some programs offer conditional or provisional admission for applicants who do not meet GPA minimums. If you qualify for provisional admission, you must usually earn a B or higher in your graduate classes to stay enrolled.

Research or Work Experience

Work or research experience can help you stand out despite a low GPA. While enrolled as an undergraduate, consider internship or volunteer opportunities in your field to build relevant skills. For research-intensive areas, ask faculty in your department about research assistant positions or undergraduate thesis options.

Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation can make up for a lower GPA. Think strategically about who to ask for a recommendation letter. Professors who can speak to your academic strengths can reassure grad programs that you’re ready for advanced coursework. If you have full-time professional experience, ask supervisors who can speak to your work ethic and leadership potential.

Personal Statement

A strong grad school admission essay can help you stand out. Explain how the program will help you achieve your goals. Mention specific faculty members and their research to show the direct connection between the department and your aspirations.

Consider addressing your GPA as you explain your preparation for grad school. For example, if circumstantial impacts like bereavement or medical issues negatively affected your GPA, you can explain these situations in your statement.

Professional Experience

Fields like business emphasize professional experience in the admissions process. In your statement of purpose, showcase your work experience and the specific skills you’ve developed that relate to your grad program. You can also detail how the skills and knowledge you gain as you earn the degree will help you advance your career after graduation.

Strong Entrance Exam Scores

Some graduate programs require standardized test scores. Whether you take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT or another exam, high scores can strengthen your application if you have lower grades.

Adequate preparation is essential to getting high test scores. Give yourself ample time to prepare by creating a schedule to incorporate daily practice for several weeks or months, which can help you build and review test-specific knowledge. Find study guides or courses that prepare you for the test. Take practice tests to understand exam structure, pacing and question formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About GPAs for Grad School

What is a good gpa for grad school.

Many graduate programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA for admissions. More competitive programs generally admit applicants with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

What is the lowest GPA to get into grad school?

Grad schools often recommend a 3.0 GPA for admissions, but may accept candidates with a 2.5-2.9 GPA with provisional admission. If you have a lower GPA, consider retaking courses to raise your grades or take graduate courses to strengthen your application.

What are the odds of getting into grad school?

The odds of getting into grad school depend on the program and the strength of your application. If you’re interested in grad school but don’t have a high GPA, contact graduate programs for information on their admission policies.

How strict are GPA requirements for grad school?

The strictness of GPA requirements varies by institution. Some schools post a recommended GPA rather than a required minimum grade point average and evaluate applications holistically, offering conditional admissions for students who do not meet the recommended GPA. Reach out to specific programs on your list to learn more about their requirements.

What if my GPA is too low for grad school?

If your GPA is low for grad school, consider strengthening your application with standardized test scores, letters of recommendation and relevant research or work experience. You can also raise your GPA by retaking undergrad courses with low grades or taking graduate-level classes.

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

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Ph.d. requirements.

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Brown University awards more than 200 doctor of philosophy degrees annually.

The Brown Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Teaching is an important part of many doctoral programs, and many departments require candidates for the Ph.D. to have teaching experience.

Brown University offers substantial financial support to doctoral students. All incoming doctoral students are guaranteed five years of support, which includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health-services fee, and a health-insurance subsidy. Doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are guaranteed six years of support. All promises of student support are subject to students making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by their programs of study. Please see related links for additional details regarding the University's commitment to doctoral education.

Ph.D. Funding

Funding guarantee, four general requirements for the doctor of philosophy.

The candidate must be formally admitted to his or her degree program.

The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master’s degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use of a previously earned master’s degree to reduce PhD residency requirements is contingent upon approval of the program Director of Graduate Study. Graduate work done at other institutions and not used in fulfillment of the requirements for any doctoral degree elsewhere may, on the approval of the program Director of Graduate Study, be counted in fulfillment of up to, but not exceeding, one year of the residency requirement. A student who desires credit for work done elsewhere should file a timely application with the program Director of Graduate Study; transfer credit forms are available through the  Office of the Registrar .

A student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. when he or she has completed satisfactorily all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. Candidacy is determined by the department or program of study and certified by the Registrar. Most departments require a preliminary examination before advancing any student to candidacy. Most departments also require a final examination or defense. The examination is conducted by professors in the department and by such other members of the faculty as may be appointed.

The candidate must present a dissertation on a topic related to his or her area of specialization that presents the results of original research and gives evidence of excellent scholarship. The dissertation must be approved by the professor or committee under whose direction it is written and by the Graduate Council. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within five years after advancement to candidacy.

Faculty Member Leaves Brown

If a faculty member working with a doctoral student leaves Brown for any reason before that student has completed his or her degree requirements, it may not always be possible for that faculty member to continue working with the student as an advisor. In such cases, departments will work with students to help them locate a new advisor.

Additional Requirements

Individual departments and programs may have additional requirements regarding the number of courses to be taken, proficiency in foreign languages, special examinations, and theses. The department should be consulted for specific information.

Admissions Requirements

Application requirements.

Congratulations on taking the next step towards submitting your graduate application! To help you along the way, we’ve compiled a list of requirements to complete your graduate application.

It’s also important to check with the program to which you’re applying, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree not listed on this page.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

The minimum graduate admissions requirements are:

• Expect to or hold a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.
• A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
• Enough undergraduate training and/or professional experience to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Academic Records

You must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of classes from a U.S.accredited institution by one of the AACRAO regional accrediting agencies* or a recognized equivalent from an accredited institution outside of the U.S.

* Regionally accredited college or university means an institution of higher education accredited by one of the following regional accreditation associations in the United States:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• The Higher Learning Commission (formerly known as North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduates of accredited academic institutions outside the United States should hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please contact Graduate Admissions with questions.

Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. Institution

Required Records : Upload unofficial transcripts (ie, a scanned copy) from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including your undergraduate institution, community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

Bachelor’s Degree from an International Institution

Required Records : Upload a scanned copy of your transcript and degree certificate for each institution after high school. If your academic records are in a language other than English or Spanish, you may submit translations in one of two ways:

• Submit translations prepared by certified translators from the American Translators Association or the Ministry of Education. Degree names and grades should be transcribed, not converted, into English words or the U.S. grades of A-F. 
• Submit an official World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation (opens in a new tab) . To electronically submit your WES ICAP, follow the instructions provided by WES. Select “University of California at Berkeley” as the recipient and “Graduate Admissions” 318 Sproul Hall #5900, Berkeley, CA 94720-5900 as the school/division.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language.

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). You can obtain detailed information from the TOEFL website .

We accept the internet based (iBT) and iBT Home Edition. We do not accept the TOEFL ITP or Duolingo .

For purposes of admission, your TOEFL test score must be at least 90 for the Internet-based test (IBT). Please contact individual academic departments for more information, as they may choose to require a higher score.

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to UC Berkeley. Please send your test score directly from ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley: 4833 for Graduate Organizations. We do not accept MyBest Scores.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

You can also submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Consult the IELTS website to locate the office of the test center where you plan to take the test.

For purposes of admission, your most recent overall band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted. All IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center, and no institution code is required. Our address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. Please do not mail any score reports to us.

TOEFL/IELTS Exemption

To qualify for a TOEFL/IELTS exemption, you must fulfill one of the following options:

• Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English.
• Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States’ regional accrediting agencies.
• The following courses do not qualify for an exemption: courses in English as a Second Language, courses conducted in a language other than English, courses that will be completed after applicants submit their application, or courses of a nonacademic nature.

The TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted by applicants who do not meet the exemption criteria above.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Other Test Scores

Some programs require applicants to take a standardized test such as the GRE General Test, a GRE Subject Test, the GMAT or MCAT. Consult the program to which you are applying for the department’s requirements.

For the GRE, send your test score directly from ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley: 4833 for Graduate Organizations. No department code is needed unless specified by the specific program. ETS will not report test scores older than 5 years.

For the GMAT or MCAT, please consult your program for details.

Letters of Recommendation

The application requires at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants should check with their prospective program for questions . Your recommenders are asked to give their personal impressions of your intellectual ability, your aptitude in research or professional skills, your character, and the quality of your previous work and potential for future productive scholarship. Be sure to inform your recommenders of the program’s application deadline.

Applicants may waive the right to inspect their letters of recommendation on a voluntary basis. This option can be selected when you fill out the recommendation invite for your recommender.

The Graduate Division may verify the authenticity of academic letters of recommendation with the school or recommender.

Submit a Statement of Purpose and Personal History statement, along with any other essays the program you are applying to requires.

The Statement of Purpose should describe your aptitude and motivation to enter the program. This can include relevant details about your preparation or specialization in the field. This is a good place to share your academic plans, research interests, and future career goals. Read tips on how to craft your Statement of Purpose .

The Personal History statement describes how your own background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Read tips on how to write your Personal History statement .

Application Fee

If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the non-refundable application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.

Fee Waiver : U.S. citizens or permanent residents who demonstrate financial need or have participated in an eligible program may apply for an application fee waiver. See guidelines for waivers .

Fee Exemption : Some programs do not require the application fee payment. See guidelines for fee exemption .

PhD Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective applicants (phd).

While there are no specific prerequisite courses to complete before applying, previous experience has shown that before starting the core courses students need to have mastered the material in courses such as Stanford's Math113, Math115, Stats116, Stats200, and CS106A (or their equivalents at other universities), as demonstrated by very strong and relatively recent grades. Descriptions of these courses may be viewed on Stanford's ExploreCourses course listings pages. Where this background is missing or not recent, admission to the PhD program will involve working with the Graduate Director to design an individual program to make up the necessary courses.

No, applicants with only a bachelor's degree are eligible to enter our PhD program. Each year's admitted cohort typically comprises both students with and without a master's degree.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanford reaffirmed its commitment to perform individualized, holistic review of each applicant to its graduate and professional programs. We recognize that students may have faced significant challenges during the period of disruption caused by the pandemic, and we will take such individual circumstances into account during application review. Importantly, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Credit/No Credit and other grading options during this unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruption, whether they are made by institutions or by individual students. Our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are excellent and encompass a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that enrich the graduate educational experience.

No. In the Statistics Department, doctoral students select their advisor at the end of their second year in the program after having the opportunity to work on research with one or more faculty of their choosing.

No, we only matriculate students in autumn quarter and therefore all applicants must meet the annual PhD application deadline.

No. It is not possible to complete a degree online in the Statistics Department. The department offers a small number of courses online through Stanford Online , mostly in summer, but the majority of courses must be completed on campus during normal business hours.

The Bechtel International Center works with students, staff and faculty and their families on issues including immigration policy, academic and financial difficulties, transactions with foreign governments, English proficiency, housing, and adjustment to life at Stanford.

Please visit Estimated Expense Budget for information about the estimated cost of living on-campus as a graduate student (this is only an estimate; your actual expenses may differ).

Please visit Student Housing for information about campus housing at Stanford, including information on eligibility, the application process, and deadlines.

Applicants to any graduate program at Stanford are eligible to apply for this fellowship. Applicants must have applied to the Scholars program by the KHS deadline and must submit their graduate application by the dept/program deadline.

Students with a strong mathematical background who wish to go on to a PhD in Statistics should consider applying directly to the PhD program. Completing the MS in Statistics does not increase one's chances of admission to the PhD program.

No, you may apply to only one degree program per academic year. An exception is within the Biosciences, in which you may apply to up to three PhD programs within one application. However, you may apply concurrently to one departmental program and to a professional school program (law, medicine or business).

We receive approximately 200 PhD applications and usually admit 10-12 new students each year.

Graduate Exam Requirements (PhD)

The general GRE test is required of all applicants applying to a graduate program in statistics at Stanford University, including applicants who have previously attended graduate school.

No, we do not accept any tests in lieu of the GRE general test.

Admission to the Statistics Department requires the GRE general test.

Applicants who have already earned a PhD degree, or have PhD studies in progress with a degree conferral date prior to the intended start quarter, may request a GRE General Test waiver by emailing stat-admissions-PhD [at] lists.stanford.edu (stat-admissions-PhD[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu) with the following information and attaching an unofficial copy of your PhD transcript: full name, institution attended, degree earned, and degree conferral date. Use the subject heading 'GRE General Test Waiver Request'.

We do not have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants to the PhD program, but GPAs of at least 3.5 are strongly recommended.

While we have not established any particular GRE test score necessary for admission, the average General GRE percentile scores of recently admitted applicants are Verbal 92%, Quantitative 94% and Analytical Writing 83%. If you submit results from more than one eligible test date we will consider the higher of the scores from each relevant test.

No, you do not need to take the GRE Math Subject test. Effective May 2024, this test is optional. If submitted as part of the application, GRE Math Subject Test scores will be considered by the admissions committee. Applicants submitting GRE Math Subject Test scores are still required to submit GRE General Test scores. GRE Math Subject Test schedule .

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. For detailed information, see the TOEFL information in Required Exams.

The University does not accept IELTS scores in lieu of the TOEFL.

A minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the Internet based test (iBT) is required by Stanford University for all Ph.D. applicants.

However, please note that the Graduate Admission's Required Exams webpage also states that incoming students who score below 109 on the TOEFL will likely be required to complete additional English placement testing prior to enrollment. Evidence of adequate English proficiency must be submitted before enrollment is approved by Graduate Admissions.

The average TOEFL score of Ph.D. applicants admitted to the statistics department is 112.

Yes, Stanford accepts MyBest scores, but does not accept TOEFL Essentials test scores or any other English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, PTE).

You may request a waiver if you (will) have an equivalent degree from a recognized institution in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom in which English was the language of instruction. You must submit a Stanford application before submitting a TOEFL waiver request form. Note that U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt an applicant from taking the TOEFL if the applicant’s first language is not English.

Please make sure to have your electronic scores sent to Stanford prior to their expiration date.

GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.

TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 24 months. Scores expire after 24 months and will not be available from ETS.

Applicants should have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send scores electronically to Stanford.

Our university code is 4704. A department code is not required. You will either self-report your scores or indicate the date you will take the test(s) in the online application. Self-reported scores will not be considered official until Stanford receives the electronic record.

Transcripts (PhD)

Official transcripts should be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office (not to the department) only if you have been offered admission to the program AND have accepted, and then only when they are final and show degree conferral. Final official transcripts that do not show degree conferral must be accompanied by official degree certifications. Instructions for submission are provided on the status page immediately after accepting the offer.

An official transcript must be an original document bearing the institutional seal and official signature of the Registrar or is verified by a school administrative officer or is a certified electronic transcript.

As part of the online application, applicants are required to upload scanned copies of transcripts (either official or unofficial) from all post-secondary institutions attended as a full-time student for one academic year or longer in the 'Academic History' section of the application.

If you have participated in a study abroad program or transferred courses to your home institution, and the individual courses and grades are reflected on the transcript of the home institution, then you do not need to submit separate transcripts for the study abroad/transfer institution.

Copies of your transcripts from continuing studies programs, extension schools, online courses, etc., that reflect less than one year of a full-time degree program do not need to be submitted. However, applicants may choose to include them as part of the online application under the 'Additional Information' section of the application.

Multiple page uploads are allowed for all transcripts. Do not send any official copies of transcripts (print or e-transcripts) to the department. They are not required as part of the application and will not be retained.

If the institution does not issue records in English, original language records must be submitted with official English translations. We accept translations issued by the institution or a professional translating service. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records. Transcripts submitted through a credentials evaluation service will also need to be accompanied by the original documents.

International students do not need to submit transcripts via an evaluation service unless your institution does not offer these documents in English.

If you are offered admission and choose to accept, you will find i nstructions provided on the status page immediately after accepting the offer.

Recommendation Letters (PhD)

The online application allows you to submit up to four letters of recommendation. Statistics PhD applicants are only required to submit three letters. It is the quality, not the quantity, of letters that supports and strengthens the graduate application. At least one recommender should be a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student (unless you have been out of school for more than five years). Note: If you have concerns that one of your recommenders will not be able to submit their letter by the deadline, you may want to consider requesting letters from a total of four recommenders. This will increase the likelihood that three letters will be submitted by the deadline and that your application will be considered complete.

You should choose individuals who:

• Know you well through significant, direct involvement with you within the last three years
• Will provide detailed anecdotes and examples to support their assertions
• Are truly enthusiastic about writing a recommendation for you, will spend sufficient time writing a thoughtful letter, and will be able to submit it by the application deadline

Letters must be submitted using the electronic application. As part of the online application, the applicant will be required to register the names and contact information, including e-mail addresses, of each recommender. Recommenders will then receive an email with directions on how to proceed. For additional information, please visit the Letters of Recommendation page provided by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Letters must be received by the published deadline. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that letters are submitted to the electronic application by the published deadline. Do not email, mail, or fax letters of recommendation that have already been submitted through the online application.

Yes, we do accept letters submitted by your university's letter service. If this applies to you, you will still need to enter information for each recommender in the online application, including e-mail addresses which will automatically generate the email to each recommender requesting a letter. It is your responsibility to contact them to let them know to disregard this email and to use the university's letter service. Please use stat-admissions-phd [at] lists.stanford.edu (stat-admissions-PhD[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu) when routing through the letter service.

The recommendation process now supports letters submitted via Interfolio. The applicant registers a recommender using an email address that contains “interfolio.com”. Please remember that letters written specifically for your Stanford graduate program tend to be stronger than letters written for general use purposes. Furthermore, the recommendation form displayed for a recommender using Interfolio will not include the evaluation questions displayed and required for other recommenders.

Your recommenders are required to submit their letters through the online application by the deadline of the round in which you apply. You are responsible for ensuring the letters are submitted on time. You will be able to see the status of each letter (either notified, started, or submitted) and you will also be able to send a reminder via the online system to any recommender who has not yet submitted as the application deadline draws near.

• Register your recommenders. Go to the “Letters of Reference” tab on the application, and enter each recommender’s information carefully. It is essential that you enter the recommender’s email address correctly so that your recommender can access the instructions and form. Read the waiver statement for each letter of reference and determine whether or not you will waive your right to review each recommendation. You cannot change this later.
• Your recommender receives an email with log in information.
• Your recommender completes and submits his/her recommendation.
• You and your recommender receive an email confirming the recommendation has been submitted.

Once you are an enrolled student , the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) provides you with a right of access to your education record, including letters of reference if they are retained by the school. The law also permits you to waive that right of access to your letters of reference if you so choose. Waiving your right of access to your letters of reference is optional; your decision to waive or retain that right will have no bearing on the handling of your application.

The recommenders whom you notify will be able to see whether or not you have waived your FERPA right of access during the letter of reference submission process. You must waive or retain your rights of access to your letters of reference (using the online application system) before you invite recommenders to submit information for you.

Application Updates, Transfers, Re-applications, Deferrals (PhD)

Yes, you may make certain updates to your application after submitting it: consult the Grad Admissions FAQs for details . Scroll down to ' Post-Submission '.

Updates made PRIOR to the application deadline will be considered part of the initial application and will be reviewed by the admissions committee. However, although the application system will still allow applicants to make some updates AFTER the deadline, there is no guarantee that the admissions committee will review them.

Applicants who indicate that they would like to be considered for the master's program in the ' Program Selection ' section of the online application are eligible to request that their application be reviewed by the MS Admissions Committee.

In order to pursue this option, applicants must submit an email request within three business days of receiving the PhD admissions decision notification. Note that it is not guaranteed that the MS Admissions Committee will accept your application for review. You will be notified via email whether your request has been approved.

Yes, you must submit a complete application, pay the application fee and submit new letters of recommendation and transcripts.

However, if your GRE and TOEFL scores (where relevant) are valid and still available in Stanford's system it may not be necessary to have them resent. Email stat-admissions-phd [at] lists.stanford.edu (stat-admissions-phd[at]lists[dot]stanford[dot]edu) for confirmation.

No. We do not allow deferral of admission. Students who are accepted but cannot enroll may reapply for a future year when they are available to begin their studies.

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Application Requirements

The application for fall 2024 is now closed. the application for fall 2025 admission will open september 15, 2024 and deadline to apply is december 15th, 2024 11:59 p.m. eastern standard time. a complete application includes a completed online application and supplemental application materials. we recommend that you begin the application process early as it may take longer than expected. allow enough time to complete your online application, gather and submit your materials, and take the necessary standardized tests..

Wharton only accepts applications submitted via our online application system.

Recognizing the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Penn’s admissions committees for graduate and professional programs will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 and 2021 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant. In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail and other grading options during the period of COVID-19 disruptions. An applicant will not be adversely affected in the admissions process if their academic institution implemented a mandatory pass/fail (or similar) system for the term or if the applicant chose to participate in an optional pass/fail (or similar) system for the term. Penn’s longstanding commitment remains to admit graduate and professional student cohorts composed of outstanding individuals who demonstrate the resilience and aptitude to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Letters of Recommendation

The Admissions Committee requires three recommendations. The recommendations must be submitted using our online system.

When you apply online, you will provide the names and email addresses of three recommenders. These recommenders will receive an email with a password, login, and link to our site that will enable them to submit their recommendation directly to our office via the online system.

To submit letters of recommendation via Interfolio, please follow the instructions from Interfolio:  https://product-help.interfolio.com/en_US/about-dossier-accounts/dossier-quick-start-guide

Assistance for applicants or the Interfolio agent can write to  [email protected] .

Transcripts & Academic History

You must submit transcripts of your academic work by scanning and uploading copies of your transcripts through the online application system. The file cannot exceed 600 KB in size and should be in .doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format. For Mac users, please note that the filename must include the appropriate three- or four-letter extension. Also, please do not attempt to upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros. This will cause the process to fail.

If you are offered admission, you will be required to provide official transcripts of all previous academic work to verify the information provided. If there are discrepancies between the self-reported academic work and official records, the offer of admission will be revoked. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records are verified.

When applying, list all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended, including technical and professional schools. Use the full, actual names of the institutions attended, and provide the titles of all diplomas or degrees earned. If you have attended more than one institution, submit official records from each institution, with the exception of study-abroad programs. If academic records and diplomas are not issued in English by the institution, both the official record and an authorized English translation must be submitted.

All translations should be complete and literal renditions of the original record. Records should show the date of enrollment, courses taken, units of credit or time allotted to each subject during each term or year, your marks or ratings in each subject, and, if available, your rank in the total class or group.

The institutional grading scale or other standards of evaluation, including minimum passing and failing marks and definition of grades between them, should appear on official records or be provided as an attachment.

Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, personally identifiable information can be disclosed to persons outside the University only with the written consent of the student or alumnus/alumna. The complete confidentiality statement is available in the University’s graduate academic bulletins.

You must complete the Personal Statement essay question on the online application.

There is also an optional essay question where you may provide additional information or clarification on other points of your application.

Standardized Test Scores

The Wharton Doctoral Programs requires ALL applicants to take and provide scores for either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Test requirements vary by program, as described below. Applicants whose native language is not English must also take the TOEFL.

Self-reported test scores may submitted in the application, pending receipt of your official scores.

We no longer accept late test scores due to Covid-19. Please plan accordingly to ensure test scores and materials are submitted by the December 15 deadline.

Accepted applicant GMAT and GRE test scores usually fall within the top 10 percent. For the TOEFL test, a high level of proficiency is expected. You can find information about the average GRE and GMAT scores for our most recent fall matriculates in our FAQ section.

To expedite the processing of your application, you must self-report your scores via the online application. In addition, you must request that the ETS send an official copy of your scores to the Wharton Doctoral Office.

We strongly encourage applicants to take the necessary tests in the fall at the latest so that the test scores reach the Wharton Doctoral Office before the December 15 deadline. It has been our experience that students often underestimate the time it takes for the School to receive grade transcripts and test scores. Since this time period may be as long as two months, students are well advised to send requests for grade transcripts and to schedule the appropriate tests as early as possible. Note: Late arrival of test results prevents evaluation of your application.

GRE & GMAT Requirements by Program

• Accounting: GRE or GMAT
• Applied Economics: GRE only
• Ethics & Legal Studies: GRE or GMAT
• Finance: GRE or GMAT
• Health Care Management & Economics: GRE or GMAT
• Management: GRE or GMAT
• Marketing: GRE or GMAT
• Operations, Information & Decisions: GRE or GMAT
• Statistics and Data Science: GRE only

We will accept GMAT and GRE scores that are up to 5 years old. If your test scores are more than 5 years old (taken prior to July 2018), you will have to take the test again and submit the new scores. Please see the GRE and GMAT websites for further information on taking those tests.

The GMAT and GRE in-person and home tests will both be accepted.

We evaluate only GMAT and GRE results from tests taken prior to the receipt of your application. The highest score is used — we do not combine multiple scores. This requirement cannot be waived; there are no exceptions.

Ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your test scores using the following Wharton Doctoral Programs’ ETS codes:

• GRE: 2954-5199 or 2954-0000
• GMAT: G56-97-12

TOEFL Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL. You may request a TOEFL waiver if you have earned an undergraduate or master’s degree (or will receive the degree by June 2024) in an English-speaking country or from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.

To waive the TOEFL, you must submit your request under the optional essay section of the application and have it documented that your medium of education was English. Your transcripts may serve as documentation that English was the language of instruction.

TOEFL scores are valid for two years. If your TOEFL test was taken prior to July 2021 you will need to submit new scores.

• TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

Please note:

• The TOEFL IBT and TOEFL ITP in-person and home tests will be accepted.
• We do not accept IELTS scores in place of TOEFL scores

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee of $80 must accompany your application. Credit card payments, made with a Visa or MasterCard only, are processed through Wharton’s secure server using Cybersource. The application fee cannot be waived; there are no exceptions.*

* McNair, Fulbright,  Leadership Alliance, IDDEAS and GRE Fee Reduction recipients applicants may waive the application fee. Please follow the instructions in the application.

Application Deadline

To begin your studies in Fall 2024, you must submit your application and make sure that all your supporting materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, and either GMAT or GRE scores) are in the hands of the Doctoral Programs Office no later than December 15, 2023.

As states on our website, please submit your application by December 15, 2023, 11:59PM ETS.

Prior Convictions Information

If an applicant has ever been convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to, any felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations), he or she must report that information. We offer a secure site for the applicant; answers will be reviewed by the Wharton Doctoral Programs Review Officer.

This information will not be provided to the admissions committee as part of the regular academic review process. If you have questions, you may contact the Review Officer directly at  [email protected] .

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Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

What is graduate school like at Caltech and how does the admission process work?

Graduate programs in research-intensive institutions like Caltech provide some classroom education, but the majority of the experience is centered around learning through working on an open-ended problem, with the goal of developing the ability to independently formulate and carry out a research program. Graduate students spend the majority of their time in small research groups or individually working with faculty advisors.

Admission to Caltech graduate study is highly competitive. The faculty review all the materials in the application to make a decision; they evaluate many factors including academic preparation, experience and research interests, recommendations from teachers/mentors, and they look for a match between faculty and an applicant's research interests.

Where can I find the application deadlines?

The application deadlines vary by department and range from November 21 to January 1. Please refer to our Application Deadlines document. Applications received after the posted deadline may be considered, but late applicants may be at a disadvantage in terms of being admitted and/or in the allocation of financial aid. Caltech conducts admissions once each year and applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only.

Does Caltech have rolling admissions?

Caltech admits students for the fall term only. Applications are not considered for the winter, spring and summer terms.

When can I expect to receive an admission decision?

Each academic option has a different schedule for considering applications and offers of admission will be made as the faculty make decisions on individual applications. Applicants may be notified at any time in the period between the deadline for submission and April 1. Offers are made as soon as possible so that students will have a chance to consider graduate study at Caltech together with opportunities at other institutions.

Will I be interviewed or have a chance to visit Caltech?

Most academic options host visit days in order for select applicants to learn more about the program, the campus, and community prior to making their decision. The arrangements and schedule for visit days are set by the individual options, and each option will work with selected applicants and faculty to coordinate visits. When in person visits are not feasible, online interviews may also be conducted.

Is there a separate application for financial aid?

In general, most graduate students at Caltech receive full funding for their graduate education. In fact, all doctoral students have full financial support in the form of internal or external fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or some combination of fellowship and assistantship support. Most of the funding sources require work authorization. As a consequence, matriculation into the PhD program requires evidence of work authorization, unless special compensation can be arranged with the admitting option. In most cases financial assistance is awarded on an annual basis and is dependent upon satisfactory academic progress. A separate application for requesting financial aid is not required.

For additional questions or assistance related to financial aid, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.

Inquiries regarding loans should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

What type of financial support is available?

On average, more than 98% of graduate students offered admission at Caltech are offered a package of merit-based financial support that pays all tuition charges and provides them with a stipend. The only major exception is the case of students in terminal master's programs, who in many cases are self-supported or who have a financial sponsor. These students should refer to the information on financing a graduate education .

Financial support includes research and teaching assistantships, Institute fellowships, and external fellowships. Most of the funding sources require work authorization. As a consequence, matriculation into the PhD program requires evidence of work authorization, unless special compensation can be arranged with the admitting option. For additional information on the various funding sources, please refer to Financial Support .

Do I need to take the GRE exam?

The GRE tests (general and advanced subject) are not required and in most programs, scores will not be considered for admission. Some departments provide an option to submit self-reported scores, but students who choose not to submit scores as part of their application will not be at a disadvantage.

What is the minimum GPA?

Caltech does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, most successful applicants have a US GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class.

Are international students required to report a GPA?

GPA's should only be reported for those schools attended within the United States. International GPA's or rankings should not be converted to the standard US grade point average.

Do I need to take an English proficiency exam (i.e., TOEFL, PTE, IELTS)?

Applicants whose first or native language is not English are asked to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the application procedure. Caltech recognizes scores from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) ( www.toefl.org ), Pearson's Test of English Academic (PTE) ( www.pearsonvue.com/pte ), and from the Cambridge Examinations and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) ( www.ielts.org ).

The following exemptions apply:

• Applicants who have studied in the US for two or more years
• Applicants with a degree from a college or university whose primary instruction is in English

Please note that regardless of any documentation of English proficiency submitted as part of the admissions process, all non-native English speakers who have not attended a school where English is the primary language of instruction will be screened prior to enrollment and may be required to take additional English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

What is the minimum English proficiency score?

There is no minimum requirement for the English proficiency exams. However, all new students who have had limited instruction in English will participate in a one-on-one English evaluation with the ESL instructor during Orientation and may be asked to enroll in an English as a Second Language (ESL) course.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Three letters of recommendation are required.

Does it help to submit additional letters of recommendation?

The online application currently accepts three letters maximum, so keep in mind that it's important to submit three strong letters from individuals most familiar with you.

From whom should I request letters of recommendation?

Letters should be requested from those individuals who know you best and can attest to your academic capabilities or training. While faculty members and research supervisors can provide the strongest academic recommendations, we recognize that some applicants may also have work experience that relates to their abilities and training. Keep in mind that those individuals writing recommendation letters should be able to address the following information:

• How well the applicant is known and in what capacity
• If the applicant has the intellectual capability, experimental ability, fundamental training, creativity, and motivation to be successful as a student at Caltech
• Whether the applicant would be encouraged to do doctoral research under the reference writer's supervision
• If English is not the native language, how well does the applicant read, write, and converse in English?
• How does the applicant compare to any previous students who have come to Caltech for their graduate work?

I understand that electronic recommendations are preferred, but can my referee(s) submit a paper recommendations instead?

Yes, individuals unable to submit materials electronically may send materials to:

Graduate Studies Office, Mail Code 230-87, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125; or Email [email protected]

Be sure that the applicant's name is clearly indicated on any supporting documents not submitted with the application.

How will Caltech evaluate grades from spring term 2020 due to disruptions caused by COVID-19?

The Graduate Admissions Committees recognize that applicants enrolled during the spring term 2020 and beyond may pursue pass/fail or other non-standard grading options, and applicants will not be asked to notate or document these changes to the grading system on submitted transcripts.

My grades will not be posted for the most recent term prior to the application deadline. Should I wait to submit my transcripts or upload my transcripts to date?

The most recent transcripts available should be uploaded with the application form. Grade reports for additional terms are not needed for application purposes and once the application is submitted, you will not be able to submit updated transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts documenting attendance and all degrees conferred at each college or university will be required for admitted students prior to enrollment.

Do I need to submit official transcripts?

For the purpose of applying, unofficial and scanned copies of an original transcript or university generated web printouts are accepted. Please note, however, that any electronic submissions must be unofficial records from the university or college attended. Hand-typed listings of courses prepared by the applicant will not be considered. Official transcripts documenting attendance and the degree awarded at each college or university will be required for admitted students prior to enrollment.

How many copies of the transcript are required?

One copy of your transcript from each college or university attended is required.

I am interested in applying for a Master's degree, but this degree is not one of the available choices.

Very few departments admit directly for the Master of Science degree. Currently, only applicants to Aeronautics, Electrical Engineering, and Space Engineering may apply for a terminal Master's degree. All other departments admit for the PhD degree only.

I would like to apply to more than one department. Should I submit two separate applications?

Applications will not be accepted for more than one academic option per admission cycle. In reviewing your application, the admission committee of the option to which you have applied may recommend that your application be reviewed by another option. If your application is referred to another option you will not be charged any additional fees or be asked to submit a duplicate application.

How do I apply for a fee waiver?

The fee waiver request form is included as part of the online application under payment options. In order to demonstrate financial hardship, applicants requesting a fee waiver will be asked to provide earned income and expenses and explain any circumstances that impact their ability to pay the application fee. Once an application is submitted, fee waiver requests will be individually reviewed, and decisions will be sent through the online admissions system.  If a fee waiver is not granted, applicants will have the opportunity to submit additional documentation for further review demonstrating financial hardship or submit payment.

Can I make changes to the application or submit additional documents after submission?

Once the application has been submitted, you will not be able to modify supporting documents, so please proofread your materials thoroughly before submission. If there is a major error in your application, please contact the Graduate Studies Office ( [email protected] ) for instructions.

Do you have admission counselors?

Caltech does not have admissions counselors at the graduate level. Most information can be located online through the Graduate Studies Office website ( www.gradoffice.caltech.edu ) or the main Caltech homepage ( www.caltech.edu ) and searching by area of interest. The admissions staff cannot provide information on the likelihood of admission or how to prepare a successful application. Specific questions regarding current research or prerequisites should be directed to the department to which you are applying.

PhD Program Requirements

• Introduction

Harvard Griffin GSAS strives to provide students with timely, accurate, and clear information. If you need help understanding a specific policy, please contact the office that administers that policy.

• Application for Degree
• Credit for Completed Graduate Work
• Ad Hoc Degree Programs
• Dissertations
• English Language Proficiency
• African and African American Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
• Biological Sciences in Public Health
• Biostatistics
• Business Administration
• Business Economics
• Byzantine Studies
• Celtic Languages and Literatures
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical Physics
• Chemistry and Chemical Biology
• Comparative Literature
• Division of Medical Sciences
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
• East Asian Languages and Civilizations
• Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Film and Visual Studies
• Germanic Languages and Literatures
• Health Policy
• History of Art and Architecture
• History of Science
• Human Evolutionary Biology
• Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
• Organizational Behavior
• Political Economy and Government
• Population Health Sciences
• Public Policy
• Quantum Science and Engineering
• Religion, The Study of
• Romance Languages and Literatures
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• Social Policy
• South Asian Studies
• Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology
• Secondary Fields
• Year of Graduate Study (G-Year)
• Master's Degrees
• Grade and Examination Requirements
• Conduct and Safety
• Financial Aid
• Non-Resident Students
• Registration
• Residence Halls
• Student Groups

In addition to the common degree requirements expected of Harvard Griffin GSAS students, students must meet additional requirements specified by their department or program. This section provides additional degree requirements by academic program.

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Requirements

Minimum admissions requirements.

Prospective graduate students must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Hold the minimum equivalent of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from an accredited foreign institution or a Bologna bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.
• Also acceptable: hold a Master’s degree, a doctoral degree (Ph.D., D.Phil.), or a professional degree (M.D., J.D., D.V.M., etc.) from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from an accredited foreign institution.
• After  accepting an offer: all students confirming enrollment must provide an official (sealed) transcript and degree statement (with date of award & title of degree awarded) for verification to  Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) . For more information, see Official Transcripts Requirements. Students who submit an official transcript to their admitting department are still required to submit an additional transcript to GEMS upon enrollment.

Read more about requirements on our Admissions Help and FAQs page.

• Have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point-average on a 4 point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system; or equivalent grade-point-average from an accredited foreign institution) for those credits earned at the regionally accredited institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for  the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
• Also acceptable: have earned at least a cumulative 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) from an accredited institution for a Master’s, graduate doctoral degree, or professional doctoral degree.
• Graduate programs may consider an applicant with a GPA below a 3.0. Graduate programs must submit an admission petition to the Dean of the Graduate School and receive approval before an offer is made. For the complete policy, refer to  Policy 3.1: Graduate Admissions .
• Some graduate programs will have additional admission requirements and may require a higher grade-point-average. These requirements can be found in the graduate program listing:  select a graduate program .

English Proficiency

• Demonstration of English proficiency is required of all non-native English speakers. 
• Applicants who do not meet the minimum required score will not be considered for admission. We do not offer conditional admission. 
• Admitted students may be required to take additional English classes during their graduate studies, see Policy 3.2.
• Some graduate programs may require a higher score beyond the minimum required score. Additionally, some programs may not accept MyBest Scores. Please check with graduate programs to confirm their requirements:  select a graduate program .

For additional ways to demonstrate English proficiency, see  Policy 3.2 .

For more information, please visit our comprehensive page for International Applicants .

Citizenship and Visa Status

The Graduate School accepts applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), immigrants and international applicants. Undocumented individuals are eligible for admission to any graduate program at the University of Washington. Graduate School admission requirements and application procedures are the same for all applicants regardless of citizenship and visa status.

Once an international student planning to study on an F-1 or J-1 student visa has been admitted and has accepted their offer, they must provide documentation to show proof of adequate financial support.

• Refer to our Financial Ability Requirement information
• International students must have a visa status that allows academic study at the UW. This status includes temporary U.S. visas such as F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitors, H-1 temporary worker, dependent visas or any other non-immigrant classifications. Students who will study on an F-1 or J-1 visa will be required to complete additional steps after confirming their intention to enroll before the Graduate School can process their visa paperwork.
• Regarding F-2 dependent visa holders, a June 2015 US immigration rule permits dependents (F-2) of international students to engage in study at SEVP-certified schools in the U.S., as long as they are enrolled in part-time study. Although the F-2s can only study part-time, that part-time study can result in the attainment of a degree. However, the F-2  would not be eligible for any employment, including on-campus, CPT, or OPT.  At the University of Washington Graduate School, if an F-2 wants to enroll in a full course of academic study (10 credit minimum), they must apply for and  obtain approval  to change their nonimmigrant classification to F-1 or J-1. For further information on this rule, refer to  the Department of Homeland Security website.

Frequently Asked Questions for PhD Applicants

If you have questions about the application process, please consult the Application FAQ

Program FAQ

• When is the application deadline?  December 7, 2024 11:59 PM PST is the application deadline for Autumn 2025-2026.
• I will have just earned my bachelor’s degree before starting graduate study at Stanford. Should I apply to the MS or the PhD program?  You should apply to the degree program that can fulfill your ultimate degree goal. For example, if obtaining a PhD is your ultimate goal, you should apply directly to the PhD program.
• Do I need to have a master’s degree before applying to the PhD program?  No; the minimum degree requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Students who enter the PhD program may opt to pursue the master’s degree along the way to earning the PhD.
• If I apply to the PhD program but do not get admitted, will I be considered for the MS program?  The Electrical Engineering Department does not consider PhD applicants not admitted into the PhD program for the MS program. 
• If I am admitted and enrolled in the MS program, may I enter the PhD program later?  Admission to the PhD program is possible only through the  annual general admissions process . Current MS students must reapply through this process to be considered for the PhD program.
• May I apply for a start term other than autumn? No; applications are reviewed on an annual basis for autumn quarter start only.
• How long does it take to complete the PhD?  Typical completion time for the PhD program is 5-7 years.
• How important is it to contact faculty before I apply?  Contact with faculty members is not a required part of the application process nor does it guarantee admission to our graduate program. Admissions decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, not by individual faculty members.
• Is financial assistance available for PhD students?  Yes; all PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support for the duration of the doctoral program. For more information, please see  Financial Assistance for PhD Students .
• What are the minimum GPA requirements for admission?  Applicants do not need to meet any minimum grade point average (GPA) to secure admission, and we do not release information about average GPAs of admitted students. As a guideline, successful applicants typically earn undergraduate cumulative GPAs among the top of their class. However, please keep in mind that admission to our graduate programs depends on a combination of factors, and all areas of a student’s application are weighed when applications are reviewed.
• Am I eligible to apply if my undergraduate major is not Electrical Engineering?  Yes; students who meet the minimum degree requirements with a strong technical background in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics are welcome to apply. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is not strictly required.
• Are specific prerequisite courses required for admission?  No; we advise prospective applicants to review the  EE Graduate Handbook  and the  Stanford Course Catalog  to evaluate what prerequisites are needed for graduate-level courses in your area(s) of interest.
• What is the minimum level of study required of international applicants from an academic institution outside of the U.S.?  Please refer to  Stanford Graduate Admissions | International Applicants  for eligibility guidelines related to study outside of the U.S.
• What is the process for transferring to the PhD program from another institution?  Students who wish to transfer to our PhD program from another institution must complete the same application procedure as new applicants. If you are admitted and enrolled, you may request to transfer up to 45 units of coursework from your previous institution toward the PhD degree requirements at Stanford, by following the procedures for  Graduate Residency Credit . Students must complete one quarter at Stanford before requesting to transfer units, and all transferred units are subject to approval by the Registrar’s Office.
• If I am admitted to a EE graduate program, can my admission be deferred?  The Department greatly discourages deferral of matriculation dates.  Deferrals are granted only to PhD applicants, and only in exceptional circumstances such as for US military service or visa issues for students arriving from designated countries.  Admitted students wishing to defer admission must send a written request (along with documentation if possible) to  [email protected] . Requests will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. MS and Coterm applicants cannot defer admission dates.

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• Graduate School

Graduate Program Requirements: Your Roadmap to Grad School

Featured Expert: Dr. Charlene Hoi, PhD

Graduate program requirements are the first key for how to get into grad school . Most graduate programs have extensive and specific admissions requirements since these programs are a higher level of study and often more academic than bachelor’s degrees or diploma programs. Whether you’re applying for your master’s degree, a PhD or even to an online graduate program , the requirements will be consistent across programs. In this blog, we’ll explore the graduate program requirements for both master’s degrees and doctorate programs in the US and Canada, graduate requirements for these programs, plus tips on how to bridge any gaps in your applicant profile.

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Article Contents 15 min read

Graduate program requirements: master’s degree.

Graduate program requirements, naturally, are higher than the admission standards for undergraduate programs, diploma programs and certificate programs. However, it’s important to note that all graduate programs may have different requirements, depending on the school, the program and the type of applicant (i.e. international or mature students). The admissions standards for graduate programs also tend to be higher, so it’s wise to be prepared when figuring out your grad school application timeline .

Graduate programs, as advanced studies in your chosen field, tend to be more academic in focus. They are designed to deepen your understanding and expertise in your field. Therefore, on top of the expected admissions essays, graduate school GPA requirements and applicant interviews, you’ll often be asked to prove you have undergraduate research experience and submit test scores for a graduate-level entrance exam.

Below is a list of the common requirements for master’s graduate programs:

Graduate Program Admission Requirements: Master’s Degree

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree and transcripts
• Minimum GPA
• Standardized test scores (program dependent)
• Graduate school statement of purpose
• Research interest statement or grad school career goals statement
• Grad school resume
• Grad school letters of recommendation
• Admissions interview

Note that the admission requirements for graduate programs in the US and Canada are similar, so whether your goal is to pursue a PhD at one of the top universities in the US or get a master’s degree in Canada , the application requirements will be almost identical.

We’ll cover each of these requirements in more detail next!

Would you like us to help you with your grad school applications? ","buttonText":"Free Strategy Call","buttonColor":"#ffffff","bannerUnderText":null,"belowButtonText1":null,"belowButtonText2":null,"trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/bemoacademicconsulting.com\/contact-schedule-free-strategy-call"" code="banner1" background-color="#000066" button-color="#ffffff" banner-image> 1. Previous Education

Most graduate programs require a 4-year undergraduate degree, or bachelor’s degree, to gain admission. Master’s degree programs may even list specific areas of study or a short list of acceptable bachelor’s degrees. This is where graduate program requirements can differ, since the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology will vary from those for a master’s in social work , for example.

The reason why you need to hold a bachelor’s degree, and one related to your chosen master’s program, is so that you meet any required prerequisite courses and to ensure you have the foundational knowledge in that field to succeed in a graduate program. Graduate programs are more in-depth educations on their subject matter, so if you don’t have any previous experience or instruction, you won’t have the necessary background or skills required. In some cases, the bachelor’s degree requirement can be waived in the place of years of work experience or other professional qualifications.

For example, advanced types of nursing degrees , such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) require you to hold either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, to prove you have previous, formal education in nursing, or the RN qualification, which indicates you have a higher level of work experience as a practicing nurse. Either way, you need some prior qualification or education to succeed in an advanced nursing program.

2. GPA Requirements

Graduate programs also may list a minimum GPA you must meet to be considered for admission. For more competitive programs, this is usually a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs may accept a lower GPA as long as you submit a standardized test score or meet some other criteria.

However, achieving this minimum GPA is often not enough to get into competitive programs. Many graduate programs are hard to get into, especially at top schools. To see how you measure up against the competition at these programs, check the average accepted GPA of students in these programs. This is the GPA you want to shoot for, or ideally, surpass for the best chances of admission.

Still, to get into grad school with a low GPA is possible with a strong application, very good standardized test scores and a good interview performance. You can offset a lower GPA and still have a shot of getting into your desired program, but you should also carefully consider which programs to apply to, based on your undergraduate GPA and the requirements of specific programs.

3. Standardized Test Scores

Many graduate programs require you to submit standardized test scores. For some professional programs, the standardized test will be unique to these types of programs. Applicants to law school will take the LSAT, medical school applicants will write the dreaded MCAT, and MBA applicants sit the GMAT.

However, a majority of graduate programs require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). While there are graduate programs that do not require the GRE , it is the most common standardized test used for graduate admissions in the US and Canada. It’s vital to invest in some GRE test prep and learn what is a good GRE score , so you can start preparing.

Your GRE scores, like your GPA, will be used as an indication of your academic ability and whether you’re ready for graduate school. Similar to minimum GPA requirements, you can check the average accepted GRE scores (or other test scores) at your chosen graduate programs and see what score you should aim for to be accepted.

4. Grad School Statement of Purpose

Think of your grad school statement of purpose as a more advanced version of your college essays. In this statement or essay, you’re answering the question of “ why do you want to join our graduate program” and why you want to study in your field at the graduate level.

You may also address your future career goals and how a graduate program will allow you to achieve these goals, such as in a grad school career goals statement. Every program may have different essay prompts or essay questions for you to answer, as well as guidelines on your statement length and intent. Read these carefully before you start writing!

If there are no guidelines for you to follow, take a look at some Ivy League grad school statement of purpose examples , for a clearer understanding of this essay’s structure, content and purpose. You can also look at essays tied to a particular kind of program, such as an MBA statement of purpose if you’re applying to graduate business school.

Check Out Our Podcast for More Free & Useful Content ","buttonText":"Go to Podcast","buttonColor":"#ff6600","bannerUnderText":null,"belowButtonText1":null,"belowButtonText2":null,"trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ca\/podcast\/bemo-admissions-experts-podcast\/id1642349082"" code="bannerpodcast" background-color="#000000" button-color="#ff6600" banner-image> 5. Experiences and Extracurriculars

Your work experience, academic experiences, extracurriculars and even your hobbies can help make or break your application to grad school. They can also give you a distinct advantage over the competition while also meeting grad program requirements.

Depending on the field you hope to gain a master’s degree in, research experience may be either strongly recommended or a hard graduate program requirement. If the graduate program you’re applying for is more academically focused, research experience can give you an advantage on your application materials and may be a strong requirement. If you’re lacking some concrete research experience and need it for a graduate program, take a look at some summer undergraduate research fellowships and internships!

Programs that are more skills or experience-focused, such as an MBA, might prefer years of direct work experience over research roles. This is why some graduate programs ask for an updated resume, a list of your extracurriculars or a full recording of your research experience. Check out what your chosen graduate programs require for admissions but also what they value or what they consider a “bonus” for applicants to have.

Let’s say you’re interest in how to get into nursing school . Aside from an undergraduate degree in nursing, direct experience working with patients is a must, and you can stand out in a nursing school application with volunteer experience and strong letters of recommendation from your nursing supervisors.

Here’s another example. One of the biggest MBA requirements is work experience. Many programs ask for at least 3-4 years of professional experience before you can apply to these programs.

6. Letters of Recommendation

While it’s possible to get into grad school without recommendation letters , they are a valuable asset to have on your application. Graduate programs usually require 2 to 3 recommendation letters for admission. And they may have certain guidelines for who can write your recommendations.

Most of the time, your recommendation letters will be written by your undergraduate professors, employer, volunteer supervisor, mentor or some other professional you have worked with in some capacity. When choosing your referees, focus on asking the individuals with whom you have a strong and positive relationship, and who can speak to your skills and suitability for grad school.

What we mean is, if you’re applying for a master’s in engineering, ask your employer or one of your undergraduate professors who is familiar with your skill as an engineer, your work ethic and technical ability. Applying to a graduate program in music? At least one of your recommendation letters should be from your music professor or mentor.

7. Grad School Interview

Not every program uses or requires a grad school interview, but it’s not uncommon for more competitive graduate schools to use interviews as a tool to narrow down the applicant pool. If you are invited to a grad school interview, accept the invitation! Use this as your opportunity to make a strong first impression and secure an acceptance letter by showing the admissions committee that you are a good fit for their program. Practice for your interview with some Ivy League grad school interview questions.

Remember that the grad school interview is a two-way street. Meaning this is also your opportunity to ask questions about a program and see if the program is a good fit for YOU and will meet your expectations. Ask your interviewer questions about the school, the campus culture, the program faculty and curriculum, opportunities for students and what the program has to offer students.

Graduate Program Graduation Requirements: Master’s

Let’s take a brief look at the graduate program requirements for graduation. To complete a bachelor’s degree, you need to calculate how many credits to graduate and complete specific courses to gain your degree.

A master’s degree is no different and will have both core coursework and electives you need to complete, as well as the minimum number of credits for completion. Aside from the coursework aspect of a master’s degree, there is one cumulative project you’ll need to finish: your master’s thesis or capstone project .

Different master’s programs have different final projects, but in general a master’s thesis is the final research paper or project required for academically focused programs, and a capstone is more a demonstration of knowledge and skill. However, these terms may be used interchangeably by graduate programs.

To prepare for you final project, you’ll need to know how to write a master’s thesis proposal and have it approved by your program’s supervisor. Then you’ll need to prepare for thesis defense , present your project to a panel of program faculty and answer thesis defense questions about your research. Once you’ve undergone this evaluation and your project has been approved and graded, you’re done!

Graduate Program Requirements: PhD

PhD programs, or doctorate programs, are similar to master’s programs in that they are very academically focused. Research experience and a degree relevant to your desired field is essential. If you want to know how to get a PhD , the admission requirements are a little more specific and tougher to meet, and the graduation requirements are more extensive. This is reflected in how long it takes to get a PhD .

PhD programs also require extensive previous education and experience in your chosen field. Below is a list of the common requirements for a PhD program.

Graduate Program Admission Requirements: PhD

• Relevant Master’s degree and official transcripts
• Research proposal
• PhD motivation letter
• Statement of intent
• CV for graduate school  or  research resume
• Letters of recommendation
• PhD interview

As we can see, the requirements for a master’s degree and a PhD are remarkably similar, with a few exceptions for PhD applicants. Let’s go over these additional PhD requirements in detail:

1. Relevant Education

Like a master’s degree, a PhD requires extensive previous education in a field that’s either directly related to or highly relevant to the PhD program. Most PhD programs also require a master’s degree on top of a bachelor’s degree, because a master’s degree will provide you with the academic knowledge and research experience required to successfully complete a PhD.

A PhD is an intensive and research-focused program to enter into, and it usually takes many years to complete. Because it is a bigger commitment and is the highest qualification you can receive in most fields, it requires you first complete the foundational education steps before applying.

2. Research Proposal

A unique part of applying to a PhD program is the submission of a research proposal. Some programs will ask you to submit this during the application process, and others will give you time to develop one in the first year or two of your program.

Your research proposal details what you plan to research during your PhD program and what contribution you hope to make to the field in terms of academic research. Either during the application process or before you begin your final dissertation, be prepared to answer research proposal questions and defend your ideas to a panel of academics or your PhD advisor.

3. PhD Motivation Letter

PhD programs are curious to know why do you want to do a PhD ? Your motivation letter will answer this question. Your letter should discuss why you want to pursue an advanced degree in your field, what new information or insights you hope to contribute to your field, why you’ve chosen a specific PhD program and how a PhD is the necessary next step in your educational journey. A PhD is a huge undertaking, so you should be able to present a clear idea of why you want to take on this commitment and how it will benefit you, aside from just wanting to become an expert in your field or spend a little more time in school.

Graduate Program Graduation Requirements: PhD

PhD programs, being much longer and more intensive than master’s degree programs, nonetheless start with some of the same curriculum requirements.

The first year or two of a PhD begins with completing advanced coursework, both core and electives, in your chosen field of study. The completion of your coursework typically ends with the comprehensive exam, or comps, which evaluate your knowledge of all the coursework you’ve taken so far.

From here, you’ll work with your PhD supervisor or academic advisor, a member of the faculty who will advise and guide your research as a PhD candidate. Unless you’re completing a PhD without a dissertation , you’ll now embark on several years of research. The culmination of this research with be an original contribution to academic research in your field: your dissertation or PhD thesis.

While you’re completing your independent research and writing your dissertation, you may also have responsibilities as a PhD student. This can include teaching roles or participating in research with other academics in your department. This is essential if you want to know how to publish as a graduate student and get your name out into academic circles.

Once your dissertation is complete and approved by your advisor, you’ll once again need to prepare for thesis defense and present your original research to a panel of academics, who will either approve your project or send it back for revisions. This evaluation is sometimes conducted through an oral presentation of your work, called “orals”.

Once your dissertation is presented and approved, you’ll be eligible for graduation and awarded your degree!

Graduate program requirements can be intensive, and you might find that you’re missing a requirement or two when you start planning your applications. If this is the case, there are fortunately ways to fill any gaps that need to be filled without losing too much time or scrapping your goal of going to grad school.

We’ll start with master’s degree applicants and go over our tips for how to bridge common gaps in graduate program requirements, followed by PhD applicants:

Master’s Degree Applicants

• Your GPA is too low: If your GPA is too low, all hope is not lost. Your application may be strong enough to offset your low academic record, or your GPA may not matter as much to some graduate programs. However, you should still do whatever possible to raise your GPA if you still have time. Some programs will consider you despite a low GPA so long as you meet other criteria. You can contact the admissions office to ask if this is an option for you. Otherwise, take a look at the easiest graduate programs to get into, or the easiest PhD programs to get into , as these tend to have lower admissions standards.
• Your standardized test scores are too low: If your test scores are too low to get into the program of your choice, there are two options. You can either retake the test and try to earn a higher score, or apply exclusively to programs that don’t require standardized test scores. Many programs are test-optional, or accept different tests in lieu of the GRE. For instance, you can decide between the GMAT vs GRE for many graduate school programs.
• You don’t have the right degree: If you don’t have the right undergraduate degree or you lack an undergraduate degree, this can be a hurdle to getting a graduate degree. Some master’s programs allow applicants without a bachelor’s degree, or who have a different type of qualification, such as an associate degree or a diploma. It’s likely your qualifications will need to be relevant to the master’s program, and you may need to complete additional prerequisites, but check to see what exceptions a program might offer when it comes to previous education.
• You’re missing experience: Whether it’s work experience, research experience or an extracurricular activity that will strengthen your application, it’s worth doing whatever you can to stand out in your grad school applications. Before applying to your desired program, consider putting off applying until you can gain the missing experience you need.
• You’ve previously been rejected: Were you rejected from a grad school program previously? Of course you want to ensure you’re successful the next time around, but you may not know how to improve your application materials or what is preventing you from getting in. A grad school admissions consultant can make the difference here, as having an expert’s eyes on your application materials can help you identify what your weaknesses are.

PhD Applicants

• You don’t have a master’s degree: Do you need a master’s to get a PhD ? Normally, yes, but there are exceptions! Believe it or not there are direct-entry PhD programs you can apply for straight after finishing your bachelor’s degree. Keep in mind the requirements for these programs are usually very high, academically speaking, so you’ll need a strong GPA at the very least.
• You want to accelerate or combine your PhD: Getting your PhD takes a long time. After completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you’d normally finish a 2- or 3-year master’s degree followed by a PhD, which can take 6 years or more. If you’re interested in shortening this timeline, there are accelerated graduate programs or online graduate programs that are shorter. You can also pursue a dual degree program, which sometimes combines the curriculum of a master’s and PhD or two different graduate programs. Some examples would be an MBA Law dual degree or an MD-PhD . Looking for super fast online graduate programs? Look for 1-year PhD programs online or 1-year master’s programs .
• You’re not sure a PhD is right for you: Not sure a PhD is the best choice for your goals? Intimidated by the application process? Consider asking PhD consultants for help. These are professional admission experts who can walk you through the application process, the graduate school requirements and advise you on the right type of program for you.
• You can’t afford the cost of a graduate degree: The high cost of graduate school will deter many applicants from getting an advanced degree. Fortunately, there are many excellent graduate school scholarships , bursaries and awards you can apply for. Financial aid options are also widely available at many schools. Speaking to an admissions consultant or financial advisor about your options for grad school is also a good idea, since you’ll need a solid plan for funding your schooling. PhD candidates may be fortunate enough to find a fully funded program, meaning the cost of their program is covered, and they may even receive a stipend to cover their living costs. For PhD candidates who apply for PhD scholarships to help fund their degree, be sure to write a strong personal statement for PhD scholarship , since competition can be high.

The common requirements for a graduate program include a complete undergraduate degree, standardized test scores, a statement of purpose or personal statement, recommendation letters, a grad school CV and an admissions interview. Some programs will have additional requirements specific to their programs. It’s best to always check with the program directly what their admission requirements are.

To get into a PhD program, you typically need a strong GPA, a master’s degree in a relevant field, prior research experience, a motivation letter or personal statement, a resume, recommendation letters and a PhD interview. 

Getting into graduate school is definitely not easy, and some programs may be more competitive than others. Depending on the field, the school and the specific graduate program requirements, the acceptance rate for some grad schools is below 10%. However, with the right prep and a carefully crafted application, you can significantly increase your chances of getting in, provided you meet all the requirements.

Many graduate school programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. More competitive programs have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and above.

This can vary by program, but most graduate programs require or accept the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination. If you’re not sure what a good GRE score is for you, check what the average accepted scores are for your chosen programs. Your goal should be to achieve at least this average score to get into your desired program.

Most graduate programs accept applications directly through their online application portals. However, some professional graduate programs may have central application services you can use to apply to multiple programs at once.

If you’re missing some of the graduate program requirements, it is possible to bridge these gaps. Check what requirements you are missing and start making a plan to meet them before you start applying to programs. You can seek the help of a professional, such as an admissions consultant, or simply take a gap year to gain the necessary experience you’re missing.

Going to grad school can absolutely be worth it if it helps you achieve your personal and professional goals. Grad school is a big commitment, in both time and money, but for many students it is an opportunity to enhance their professional qualifications, deepen their knowledge of their field or even shift their career trajectory.

Aside from financial aid, grad school scholarships and bursaries, some students continue to work while going to school or receive financial help from their employer so they can pursue a degree that will enhance their professional qualifications.

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What Is A Good Grad School or Masters GPA For PhD Programs? 

Embarking on the journey to a PhD program raises an important question: What is considered a good GPA in grad school or a Master’s program for PhD admissions? Understanding this metric is crucial for aspiring doctoral candidates.

While GPAs are a significant factor, they are part of a broader academic narrative. This post explores into what constitutes a competitive GPA and how it fits into the holistic review process of PhD admissions, offering insight for those aiming to advance their academic careers.

Understanding the PhD Admission Process

Navigating the labyrinth of PhD admissions can be mystifying, even for the most prepared applicants.

You might wonder how crucial your GPA is and whether your undergraduate or master’s GPA weighs heavily in the eyes of the admissions committee.

Here’s an insider peek into what really happens behind the scenes.

Firstly, let’s talk about the role of GPA. While a high GPA is generally seen as a sign of academic competence, it’s not the sole factor in PhD admissions.

Programs can vary in their GPA requirements, and the significance of GPA can differ across fields of study. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, often around a 3.0, but this is just one piece of the puzzle.

When applying to a PhD program, the admissions committee looks at your entire profile.

This includes your graduate GPA, and in some cases, your undergraduate GPA. However, a lower GPA doesn’t automatically disqualify you.

For instance, a strong master’s GPA can offset a poor undergrad GPA, demonstrating your growth and readiness for advanced study. Conversely, a low graduate GPA might raise concerns about your ability to handle doctoral degree programs.

The admissions process in graduate school is more than just numbers. It involves a holistic assessment where factors like:

• Research interests ,
• Letters of recommendation, and
• Your personal statement.

For example, in a PhD program, connecting your field of interest with professors at the same school can significantly boost your chances, even if your GPA isn’t top-tier.

Interestingly, the process varies globally. Some schools may have a high minimum GPA requirement, while others are more flexible. In competitive programs, a higher GPA could set you apart, but it’s not the only determining factor.

Remember, each program you are applying to has its own set of criteria, and understanding the PhD admissions process at your desired school is key.

So, while your GPA matters, it’s not the end-all-be-all. It’s one component of your application, and graduate programs may weigh other aspects more heavily.

If you’re considering a PhD, focus on building a well-rounded application that showcases your strengths, passion, and suitability for the program beyond just your grade point average.

What is a Good Master’s GPA for PhD?

Generally, a GPA of 3.0 is considered the minimum for most PhD programs. However, depending on the field of study and the competitive nature of the program, this baseline can shift.

For more competitive programs, a higher GPA – think 3.4 or above – is often more favorable. But remember, this is more than a numbers game.

Your GPA reflects your academic diligence and your mastery of the subject, crucial for the challenging nature of PhD studies.

If you’re applying to a grad school for a doctoral program, admissions committees will scrutinise both your graduate and undergraduate GPA. However, a strong performance in your master’s program can significantly offset a lower undergrad GPA.

This improvement signals your capability to adapt and excel in graduate studies, an essential trait for any PhD student.

It’s also important to understand that PhD admissions are not solely dictated by GPA. Many programs value a well-rounded application, including your:

• Work experience
• Research interests, and
• Personal statements.

If you’re worried about a low GPA, remember that these components can also play a pivotal role in your admission.

In the realm of grad school, the GPA requirements can vary significantly. Some schools may require a minimum GPA of 3.0, while others might set their standards higher. But don’t be disheartened if your GPA doesn’t hit the high mark.

A good master’s GPA for PhD programs is not just about hitting a number; it’s about demonstrating your potential as a graduate student and future researcher.

So, while you should strive for a good GPA, don’t overlook the significance of a well-rounded application when applying to your desired PhD program.

Factors Influencing a Good Master’s GPA 

As you navigate through your Master’s program, understanding the factors that influence a good GPA can be pivotal, especially if you’re eyeing a PhD program.

Let’s delve into what shapes your graduate school GPA and why it matters for your academic journey.

Firstly, your approach to coursework in your field of study plays a significant role. Graduate programs are more specialised than undergraduate studies, so a deep engagement in your chosen field is crucial.

This means not just aiming for a high GPA but truly immersing yourself in the subject matter.

A higher GPA in graduate school reflects your mastery of complex concepts and your readiness for the rigours of a PhD program.

Relationship With Professors

Your relationship with professors is another key factor. In grad school, professors are not just teachers but mentors who can influence your academic trajectory.

Engaging with them, seeking advice, and working on research projects can not only enhance your knowledge but also boost your GPA. Remember, a strong GPA – ideally above a 3.0 – is generally required for PhD admissions, and professors can offer invaluable guidance to help you achieve this.

Time Management

Balancing your workload is essential too. Graduate studies demand a higher level of commitment than undergraduate programs. This means:

• Managing your time efficiently
• Prioritizing tasks, and
• Ensuring that you’re not overwhelmed.

A well-balanced schedule can positively impact your GPA, helping you maintain consistency throughout your program.

Lastly, consider the specific requirements of the PhD programs you are interested in. Different programs and schools may have varying GPA expectations.

While some might require a minimum GPA of 3.0, competitive programs could demand a higher GPA. Knowing these requirements can help you set realistic goals and focus your efforts accordingly.

Remember, a good Master’s GPA is not just about hitting a number. It reflects your overall academic prowess, your dedication to your field, and your capability to succeed in a demanding academic environment.

As you work towards this goal, consider these factors to not only raise your GPA but also prepare yourself for the challenges of a PhD program.

How to Get Into a PhD Program with a Low Masters GPA

Getting into a PhD program with a low Master’s GPA might seem daunting, but it’s far from impossible. You just need to understand the role of GPA and how to strengthen other areas of your application.

GPA Is Not Everything

First, realize that GPA is just one component of your application. PhD programs often look beyond your GPA to gauge your potential as a researcher.

Admissions committees understand that a low GPA doesn’t necessarily reflect your abilities or commitment. In fact, a low GPA can sometimes be offset by strong performances in other areas.

For instance, if your Master’s GPA is below the average or minimum requirement for your desired PhD program, focus on strengthening your overall application.

This includes writing a compelling statement of purpose, where you clearly articulate your research interests and goals. Show how your experiences and skills make you a suitable candidate for the program.

Engage With The Faculty

Also, engage with faculty from the programs you’re interested in. This can give you insights into what the program values in a candidate and allow you to directly address any concerns about your GPA.

If you performed well in courses relevant to your field of study, even if your overall GPA is low, highlight this aspect in discussions with faculty.

Show Relevant Field Experience

Relevant field experience can also significantly boost your application. Whether it’s through internships, research assistantships, or other professional experiences, showing that you have practical knowledge and skills can be a major plus. 

On top of that, you can also present and publish papers in your field to show relevant experience, and also to cover up for a lower GPA.

Get Recommendations

Finally, strong recommendation letters can do wonders. Recommendations from professionals or academics who can vouch for your abilities and potential as a PhD student can carry significant weight. 

If your recommenders can attest to your strengths and potential, it can help balance out a lower GPA.

Wrapping Up 

In conclusion, while a good GPA for PhD programs typically starts at 3.0, it’s important to recognise that admissions committees consider more than just grades.

Your academic performance, relevant coursework, research experiences, and strong recommendation letters also play crucial roles. Tailoring your application to highlight your strengths, especially in areas directly related to your field of study, can compensate for a lower GPA.

Remember, a holistic approach to your application is key to success in PhD admissions.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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• September 30, 2023
• Academic Advice

What is a Good Master’s GPA for PhD? A Guide to Academic Excellence

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Pursuing a PhD can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As you set your sights on advancing your academic career, one question frequently arises: What is a good Master’s GPA for PhD? 

Read on as we explore the importance of grades in your academic journey, the nuances of the PhD admission process, and provide insights into what can be considered a competitive Master’s GPA to increase your chances of success.

Understanding the PhD Admission Process

PhD programs are highly competitive, and admissions committees carefully evaluate candidates to ensure they possess the knowledge, skills, and dedication required for doctoral-level research. 

One essential aspect of this evaluation is your academic record, which includes your Master’s GPA. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the PhD admission process is multi-faceted. Admissions committees consider various factors besides your GPA, such as recommendation letters, research experience, standardized test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), and statement of purpose. So, be prepared and look into specifics since different institutions might have additional requirements. 

What is a Good Master’s GPA for PhD?

Grades are a reflection of your commitment, work ethic, and mastery of course material. Excelling in your Master’s program not only demonstrates your ability to handle the rigors of a PhD program but also sets a strong foundation for future academic success. It is essential to view your Master’s GPA as a stepping stone in your educational journey, as it provides insight into your ability to excel in coursework, conduct research, and contribute meaningfully to your field.

While there is no universally defined “good” Master’s GPA for PhD admission, it typically starts from 3.0. Nevertheless, this can differ depending on the field of study, the program’s competitiveness, and the institution’s specific requirements. Some highly competitive programs may expect even higher GPAs.

Factors Influencing a Good Master’s GPA

Achieving a good Master’s GPA is not solely about hitting a specific numerical target; it reflects your academic journey and the effort you invest in your studies. There are several factors that significantly influence your Master’s GPA, helping you excel in your program.

Academic Rigor and Course Selection

Your choice of courses in your Master’s program can significantly influence your GPA and shape your academic journey. Opting for academically challenging courses demonstrates your commitment to acquiring in-depth knowledge and skills in your field, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can translate into higher grades. 

However, it’s essential to strike a balance. Overloading your schedule with too many demanding courses can lead to burnout and stress, negatively affecting your GPA. Assess your capabilities, align classes with your academic interests and career goals, and manage your workload wisely. 

Seek guidance from academic advisors or professors when selecting courses to make informed decisions that benefit your GPA and overall educational experience.

The Role of Research and Thesis Work in GPA

For many Master’s programs , research and thesis work are integral components that can significantly impact your GPA. Therefore, the quality of your research and thesis work directly affects your GPA. A well-executed thesis that contributes original insights to your field can earn higher grades. To excel in this area, dedicate time and effort to conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and presenting your findings effectively.

Average Master’s GPA Requirements for PhD Programs

The average Master’s GPA requirements for admission to PhD programs can vary significantly depending on the field of study, the competitiveness of the program, and the specific policies of individual universities. However, as a general guideline, an acceptable Master’s GPA often falls from 3.0 to 3.7. Some highly competitive PhD programs may expect even higher GPAs, approaching or exceeding 3.8.

How Can a Master’s GPA Impact Career Prospects?

Your Master’s GPA can significantly influence your career prospects, though its impact may vary depending on your field of study and the specific job opportunities you’re pursuing. 

A strong Master’s GPA can enhance your competitiveness in job applications, particularly in professions where academic achievement holds significant importance. Employers in finance, engineering, and healthcare industries may strongly emphasize academic achievement, and a strong GPA can set you apart from other applicants.

Specific specialized or competitive roles may also have GPA requirements for entry. For example, some research positions, government jobs, and graduate programs may require a higher GPA than usual. A strong GPA can open doors to these opportunities and help you qualify for roles that align with your career goals.

The Role of GPA in Securing Internships and Entry-Level Positions

A strong Master’s GPA significantly enhances your prospects of securing internships, especially in competitive industries such as finance, consulting, and information technology. Many companies use GPA to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds and potential. A high GPA can help you stand out in a competitive pool of applicants and increase your chances of landing the internship you desire.

For entry-level positions, your Master’s GPA may play a role in the hiring process, but it is rarely the sole determining factor. Employers often consider a combination of factors, including your GPA, relevant coursework, internships, extracurricular activities, and interpersonal skills. While a high GPA can make you an attractive candidate, it’s essential to complement it with relevant experiences, strong communication skills, and a well-crafted resume.

While a Master’s GPA can be important for entry-level positions, its significance tends to diminish as you gain work experience. Once you establish your career, employers typically focus more on your professional accomplishments, skills, and contributions than your academic performance.

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Strategies for Improving a Master’s GPA

Improving your Master’s GPA requires a combination of practical study strategies, time management skills, and commitment to your coursework. Remember to prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as burnout can hinder academic performance. Keep in mind that improvement takes time, so be patient with yourself and consistently apply these strategies to see positive changes in your GPA.

Advice for Students Looking to Boost their GPAs

If you aim to boost your Master’s GPA, consider adopting a proactive approach to your studies. Start by reviewing your past performance to identify areas where you can improve: time management, study habits, or course selection. Set clear and achievable goals for each course by dividing big tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Utilize campus resources such as tutoring services, academic advisors, and study workshops to enhance your skills and understanding of challenging subjects. Seek feedback from professors and peers to identify areas for growth and make necessary adjustments. Finally, stay organized, stay motivated, and maintain a growth mindset to strive for academic excellence.

Seeking Help and Resources When Struggling Academically

When facing academic challenges during your Master’s program, reaching out for help and utilizing available resources is essential. Feel free to approach professors during office hours or via email to seek clarification on course material or assignments. Many universities offer tutoring services, study groups, and academic workshops to support needy students. 

Additionally, consider seeking assistance with time management and study skills from academic advisors or counseling services. Don’t isolate yourself; connect with classmates facing similar difficulties, as sharing strategies and working together can be beneficial.

In conclusion, a Master’s GPA is key to academic and career success, influencing internship opportunities, entry-level positions, and specialized roles. To enhance your GPA , employ effective study strategies, maintain a balanced workload, and seek guidance from academic advisors when selecting courses. However, remember that GPA is just one aspect of your educational journey; active engagement in coursework, feedback-driven adaptation, and a focus on professional growth contribute significantly to your long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a good master’s gpa for phd admissions.

The ideal Master’s GPA for PhD admissions can vary depending on the university, program, and field of study. However, an acceptable GPA often starts from 3.0. Some highly competitive programs may expect even higher GPAs.

Why is a Master’s GPA important for a PhD?

A strong Master’s GPA is essential for PhD admissions because it demonstrates your academic competence and ability to excel in graduate-level coursework. It can also be critical in securing funding or scholarships for your doctoral studies.

How does my Master’s GPA affect my job opportunities?

Your Master’s GPA can influence your job opportunities, particularly in academia, research, and some specialized fields. A high GPA can make you a more attractive candidate for competitive positions, research grants, academic roles, and higher salaries .

Are there specific GPA requirements for different PhD programs and fields?

Yes, GPA requirements can vary significantly by program and field. Some areas and programs may emphasize other factors, such as research experience or standardized test scores. It’s essential to research the specific admission requirements for the PhD programs you’re interested in.

In which industries or roles is a high Master’s GPA particularly important for job prospects?

A high Master’s GPA can be essential in academia, research, and some technical or scientific roles. Professors, researchers, and employers in these fields often consider GPA an indicator of your ability to handle complex tasks and excel in a competitive environment.

What strategies can I use to improve my Master’s GPA if it’s not at the desired level?

If your Master’s GPA is not where you want it to be, consider these strategies:

• Prioritize your coursework and assignments
• Seek help from professors or tutors if you’re struggling with specific subjects
• Manage your time effectively to balance study and other responsibilities
• Stay organized and maintain a study schedule
• Take advantage of study groups and peer support
• Review and practice regularly to understand the material better
• Communicate with your professors if you encounter challenges
• Consider retaking courses where you received lower grades if allowed by your program

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Masters GPA for PhD: Doctorate Acceptance Guide

What is an acceptable masters GPA for PhD programs? For some students, their grade point average ceases to matter after completing an undergraduate degree.

If you are pursuing further education, though, you may be wondering how important it is.

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The impact of your GPA can vary throughout your academic career. Its importance can also vary based on your field of study and your intended career goals.

Masters GPA for PhD Programs

A higher GPA, or grade point average, can be useful for gaining admission to a Ph.D. program.

At most colleges and universities, GPA is calculated by assigning a quality point on a scale of zero to four for each letter grade you receive on your transcripts, as follows:

The quality points for all the courses you have completed are then added together and divided by the number of courses to get a mathematical average. For instance, if you earned an A in every course, you would receive a 4.0.

Do PhD Programs Look at Masters GPA or Undergrad GPA?

Most PhD programs look at both your graduate school GPA and your undergraduate GPA. With most programs you need a masters to get a PhD , so your masters GPA will likely be regarded as the more important of the two in the admissions process.

If your undergraduate GPA was less than satisfactory but you showed consistent improvement with your graduate GPA, admissions officials will likely consider this to be a strength.

What GPA Do I Need for a PhD?

How high your GPA needs to be depends on the school and PhD program you’re applying to. Some students wonder how to get into graduate school with a 2.5 GPA . The fact is, minimum GPA requirements commonly range from 3.0 to 3.75.

But the good news is that some PhD programs may also evaluate you based on your work history, personal statements, or interview. So don’t give up your dream of earning a PhD simply because your GPA is not as high as you would like.

Does Grad School GPA Matter?

Both during and after graduate school, your GPA provides a quick way for you and others to evaluate your overall academic performance.

Role of GPA During Graduate School

In graduate programs, you often need to maintain a minimum GPA in order to keep a scholarship or qualify for fellowships.

At this stage of your education, the significance of GPA does decrease somewhat as compared to during your undergraduate studies. Instead, conducting research is typically seen as a more significant accomplishment by many professors.

Role of GPA After Graduate School

How important GPA is after graduate school can depend on where you want to go. For those hoping to earn PhDs or pursue careers in academia, your graduate school GPA can continue to have some importance.

For those planning to start a career, some employers may be impressed by a high GPA as an indicator of potential and likely job performance. Others may place more of an emphasis on work experience or other factors.

To find out how important GPA is in the field where you want to work, you may want to ask people who already work in that field. You can also ask about other qualifications that may be more important to potential employers than GPA.

What Is a Good Master’s GPA for PhD Programs?

You may be wondering how high of a GPA your desired doctoral program will want you to have. A high GPA is generally helpful to gain admittance, but doctoral degree programs can vary widely in terms of expectations for your GPA.

Also, there are some universities with low GPA graduate schools that may be of interest to students who earned lower grades in their masters or undergraduate programs. These are often the easiest doctorate degree programs to gain admission to.

You can usually find out the GPA expectations for a specific program by visiting the school’s website. The competitiveness and field of study of a program are some factors that can affect a program’s minimum GPA standards.

Competitiveness

PhD programs vary in terms of both size and the number of students applying. At a prestigious or reputable school that many students want to attend, the minimum GPA could be quite high.

Lucrative fields, such as law and medicine, can also have highly competitive doctoral programs. Setting a high minimum GPA requirement can provide the school with a way to filter out applicants. A higher GPA can indicate that you value your education and have potential to perform well at the doctoral level.

Field of Study

Applicants often wonder how hard is it to get into graduate school for psychology , engineering, or business administration, Well, a degree program in a popular field of study, such as computer science, will likely have many applicants. A popular program with many applicants will likely have higher minimum GPA requirements.

Some programs evaluate more than just your cumulative GPA. They may also consider your grades in specific courses that are especially relevant to the field you are pursuing.

How to Get Into a PhD Program with a Low GPA

If you want to earn a PhD but did not earn a high GPA during your graduate studies, you may be concerned about whether you have a good enough GPA for PhD programs. A low graduate GPA is not the end of the world, and it does not have to be the end of your education. How to get a PhD degree?

Here are some tips for pursuing acceptance in a PhD program with a low GPA:

• Look for programs that emphasize other admissions factors . Some PhD programs emphasize and prioritize other admissions factors more highly than GPA.
• Look for programs that emphasize undergraduate GPA . If your undergraduate GPA was higher than your graduate GPA, you might look for PhD programs that emphasize undergraduate grades in their admissions process.
• Take the GRE or GMAT . Earning good scores on a standardized test can help you compensate for a low GPA.
• Emphasize your achievements . This can include volunteer work or the completion of an internship related to your field of study.
• Explain your low GPA . If there is a legitimate reason why you did not earn a high GPA as a graduate student, you can often explain this in an admissions interview or in your personal statement. Many schools will take special circumstances into account.
• Try to network . If possible, try to network with people at the school to which you are applying.
• Complete relevant coursework . You can often enroll in classes at your chosen school as a non-degree seeking student. By working hard and doing well in a class that’s relevant to your desired PhD program, you can demonstrate your current academic abilities.
• Apply for probationary admission . Some schools will accept students who do not meet PhD GPA requirements on a probationary basis. After taking classes for a semester, students may then gain full acceptance if their GPA improves.

It is possible to get into a PhD program without having an extremely high graduate GPA.

How Much Does GPA Matter in PhD Admissions?

Your GPA can be an important factor in PhD admissions, depending on the program. Many schools have minimum GPA requirements for doctoral applicants, and doctoral GPA requirements are usually higher than those for graduate degree programs.

Your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle, though, when it comes to PhD admissions. Universities know that grading can be a somewhat subjective process. Different schools can grade differently, and even different professors at the same school may grade differently.

Comparing applicants based on GPA alone is generally not an effective way to find the best students. Your grades in certain individual courses may be more relevant to your current field of study than your cumulative GPA.

A high GPA increases your likelihood of being accepted into a PhD program, but other admissions factors are considered too. If you did not finish your graduate degree with a high GPA, you can focus on other aspects of your application to try and stand out from the crowd.

Admissions Requirements

Here are some common admissions requirements for PhD programs:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of recommendation
• Work experience

Admissions requirements for institutions can vary widely. Some schools ask for GRE or GMAT scores, but standardized test scores are now optional for a growing number of schools. If you do not have a high GPA, though, you may want to submit GRE or GMAT scores even if they are optional. A solid personal statement or letter of recommendation can be helpful as well.

Does Your Masters GPA Matter for a PhD?

Admissions committees for PhD programs do pay attention to GPA. Your grade point average is a general indicator of how well you have performed academically over the past years of your education.

If you have a high GPA, admissions committees are more likely to trust that you are motivated and that you make the most of educational opportunities. They also typically review exactly what courses you took while earning your GPA. A high GPA looks even better if you took challenging coursework relevant to your chosen field of study.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree Online

Online doctoral programs are becoming more popular. If you are an aspiring PhD student, there are currently many program options available online. There are a variety of programs available to suit students from a wide variety of academic and personal backgrounds.

Online programs are known for their convenience, as they offer more flexible scheduling than traditional degree programs. Much like earning a masters degree online , earning a doctorate online can enable you to balance rigorous academic work and the completion of a dissertation with your other work and life commitments.

You can start your doctoral journey today by exploring accredited universities!

• PhD Course Requirements

[Part of the Policies of the CHD, August 2019 with later revisions; see also area-specific guidelines for  Applied Math ,  Applied Physics ,  Bioengineering ,  Computer Science ,  Electrical Engineering ,  Environmental Science & Engineering ,  and   Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering ]

The Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD) approves each graduate student’s program plan (and any revisions to it), and monitors progress towards attainment of the degree. It is the student’s obligation to keep the CHD apprised of any departures from an approved course selection plan in timely fashion.

Note that a Ph.D. student’s program plan must always comply with the requirements outlined here, in addition to complying with any area-specific requirements.  Area-specific Ph.D. requirements (course expectations, oral qualifying exam, dissertation, final oral exam) are also described on the Graduate Program - Degree Requirements pages of each area.

General Requirements

GSAS requires that all Ph.D. students complete at least 16, four-unit courses or their equivalent prior to graduation. SEAS requires that 10 of the 16 be letter-graded courses, at 100-level or higher, which together comprise the student’s Ph.D. Program Plan; c ourses at lower than 100-level, including all General Education courses, may not be included.   The remaining 6 courses beyond the SEAS 10-course requirement may include 300-level research courses and/or other undergraduate- or graduate-level coursework.

All SEAS Ph.D. Program Plans of 10 letter-graded, four-unit courses must be approved by the CHD and satisfy the following:

• No course with a grade lower than B- may be included in the Ph.D. Program Plan.  Also note the minimum average grade of B or better as described in the “GPA Expectations” section.
• a) Note that Physics 223 counts as a 200-level SEAS technical course for students in Applied Physics and in Engineering Sciences.  
• b) For academic years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, Bioengineering students may include a non-SEAS graduate-level technical class in place of one of the 5 such SEAS courses that are normally expected.
• a) Up to 1 disciplinary course may be a 100-level SEAS/FAS course.
• a) Up to 1 breadth course may be a 100-level SEAS/FAS course.
• b) Technical courses on topics adjacent and complementary to the student’s research topic may be breadth courses.
• c) Nontechnical courses, including innovation or communication courses, and courses from other Harvard schools outside SEAS/FAS normally may only be included in the breadth category.  In Computer Science the "breadth" category is called the "external minor".
• a)  Applied Math:  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category.
• b)  Applied Physics:  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category. If two 299r’s are taken, they must be taken with two different faculty.
• c)  Computer Science:  294/297/298 courses may only appear in the breadth category.  One 299r course is allowed in the disciplinary category. If two 299r’s are taken, they can be with the same faculty but the topics must be sufficiently different.
• d)  Engineering Sciences (Environmental Science and Engineering track only):  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category.  For students who started the program in 2023 or earlier, one 299r course is allowed in the disciplinary category.
• e)  Engineering Sciences (all tracks except Environmental Science and Engineering track):  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category. If two 299r’s are taken, they must be taken with two different faculty.
• f)  All degree areas : for students who entered the SEAS Ph.D. program prior to 2015, one disciplinary 299r course is allowed.
• a) Neither SEAS/FAS 300-level courses nor courses taken under the auspices of the Harvard Extension School may be included on a Ph.D. Program Plan.
• those who are Teaching Fellows, for at most 4 units per section of TF appointment;
• international students who are taking the Derek Bok Center's  English, Culture, and Communicating Science  seminar in order to meet the GSAS English Language Proficiency requirement, for at most 4 units.

Note: 2-unit courses such as AP 299qr count as "half of a course" in the context of these requirements.  An "r" suffix on a SEAS course number indicates "repeatable for credit", e.g., for rotating-topic seminars.

Exceptions to these requirements are considered by petition to the CHD via the PhD Program Plan form, which must include a rationale for the exception. Further requirements for including prior graduate-level coursework from Harvard or elsewhere, or courses taken through cross-registration, on the Ph.D. Program Plan are given below.

• a) The student must provide justification why the other institution's course is necessary (e.g., SEAS does not offer the topic or it has not been offered in recent years, etc.).
• b) Only G-level (graduate) MIT courses are acceptable.
• c) The student should attach the course syllabus and catalog description when submitting the Program Plan.
• d) Courses taken at MIT do not count as 200-level SEAS technical courses.
• a) Up to two 200-level SEAS courses, including 200-level FAS courses taught by SEAS ladder faculty, taken as a GSAS Special Student prior to enrolling as a SEAS Ph.D. student can be included in the Ph.D. Program Plan subject to the above general requirements.
• b) SEAS/FAS 100-level courses taken prior to enrolling as a SEAS Ph.D. student cannot be included in the Ph.D. Program Plan.
• c) G-level MIT courses taken via cross-registration while enrolled as a Harvard masters student will be considered by the CHD.
• a) Normally a maximum of 3 Harvard-equivalent courses will be considered by the CHD.  SEAS and FAS 200-level technical courses taken via cross registration while in an MIT graduate program do not count against the 3-course limit.
• b) If the coursework was performed while a candidate for an undergraduate degree, the student must unequivocally demonstrate that the course credit was applied solely to a concurrent graduate degree.
• c) Petitions to the CHD need to demonstrate that the courses in question are comparable to SEAS graduate courses, typically by submission of the course syllabus, requirements, and documentation of grade obtained.  The student should indicate whether each course fits within the 8-course disciplinary category or the 2-course breadth category.
• d) Typically only 1 of the transferred courses can count as part of the five 200-level SEAS technical courses.
• e) Transfer credit must be petitioned for before or upon first submission of the final Ph.D. Program Plan in G2 year.  Students are encouraged to petition for transfer credit on their prospective Program Plan in G1 year.  Coursework cannot be older than four years at the time the student submits the petition to the CHD.  
• f) Grades in courses taken previously elsewhere will not be factored into the Harvard GPA.

G2+ students

In general, students must achieve at least a "B" average grade in the ten courses comprising the Ph.D. Program Plan.  At the end of any term, a student who has failed to maintain a B average or has received any unsatisfactory grade may be required to withdraw from the program. Students who have satisfied the requirements for the S.M. degree en route may still receive that degree.

G1 students

A Ph.D. candidate whose GPA at the end of the first semester is between 2.50 and 3.00 may be warned that continuation as a Ph.D. candidate beyond the second semester is contingent upon achieving a cumulative 3.00 ("B") or better average grade at the end of the second semester. Failure to meet this standard normally will result in the student being expected to withdraw from the program following the third semester, receiving the S.M. degree if its requirements have been met. The student may petition for reinstatement to candidacy for the Ph.D. at the end of the third semester; this petition will be granted only if there is a reasonable expectation that the qualifying examination can be completed on schedule during the fourth semester.

A Ph.D. candidate whose GPA at the end of the first semester is less than 2.50 but who could achieve a cumulative 3.00 GPA or better at the end of the second semester normally will be expected to withdraw after the second or third semester, receiving the S.M. degree if its requirements have been met. Continuation for a third and final semester is contingent upon a marked improvement in performance sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the requirements for the S.M. degree will be completed at the end of the third semester.

A Ph.D. candidate who could not achieve a cumulative 3.00 GPA or better at the end of the second semester normally will be required to withdraw at the end of the first semester, thus terminating degree candidacy.

Area Course Requirements, Guidelines, and Model Programs

In addition to the above requirements, which apply to all SEAS Ph.D. students, each area (Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering Sciences) may have area-specific requirements or guidelines, and some areas have provided model programs with suggestions of appropriate courses.  A Ph.D. student’s Program Plan  must always comply  with the requirements outlined in the “General Requirements” section above, in addition to complying with any area-specific requirements.

These programs below form a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest. Students should work in close consultation with their advisers to develop an appropriate program plan. Courses provide the background knowledge that is often needed to successfully complete research and allow students to learn more broadly about a field or related fields in a structured fashion.

In Academic Programs

• Non-Resident and Part-Time Study
• CHD Meeting Schedule
• PhD Overview and Timeline
• PhD Program Plans
• Teaching: G2 year
• Qualifying Exam: by end of G2 year
• Research Advisors, Committees, and Meetings
• Dissertation and Final Oral Exam
• SM and ME Course Requirements
• SM and ME Program Plans
• Masters Thesis and Supervisor
• SM degree en route to the PhD
• Graduate Student Forms
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• External Fellowships List
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Bachelor's Degree

Admission to a UMN graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree issued by an institution with accreditaton from one of the following accrediting organizations in the U.S., or a comparable degree from outside the U.S.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

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New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Many graduate programs prefer an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher for admission. Consult your  program of interest for specific GPA requirements.

Caculate grades received in a letter-grade format, to calculate GPA into 4 point scale use the grade calculator from the  Minnesota Office of Higher Education . For international transcripts where numerical grading scales are used, such as 1-10, 1-20, or 1-100, enter your GPA as calculated on your transcript.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may be required by your program of interest.

English language proficiency

International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency . A TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced test is required for applicants whose first language is not English.

Recommendation letters

Many graduate programs require letters of recommendation,  submitted and uploaded online . Consult your  program of interest  for specific requirements.

Transcripts and credentials

Unofficial copies of all post-secondary coursework and degrees are required with your application.  Please follow instructions on the  Transcripts & Credentials page, as well as the specific information given on the International Student Resources page.

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Learn and explore the specific application requirements of your  program of interest . Application requirements include the upload of all unofficial transcripts. Each graduate program may require additional application materials, such as test scores, letters of recommendation or other requirements not set by the Graduate School. Please adhere to the requirements of the graduate program in which you are applying.

Know your application deadline

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that we can process your application as efficiently as possible. Deadlines vary from program to program. It is important you know the application deadline of your  program of interest .

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Frequently Asked Questions

+ prospective students.

What are the requirements for graduate school?

Requirements for admission vary from program to program. For the most accurate information, please contact your  program of interest .

Can I talk to/make an appointment with an academic adviser or counselor to decide which program I should apply?

The Graduate Admissions Office does not provide this service. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to reach out to  programs  they’re interested in and request information and/or a meeting with someone in the department to discuss their interests and fit. Most program websites provide detailed information about their program’s focus and curriculum, along with admissions requirements. If you are unsure of whom you should contact, please contact the  Graduate School Admissions Office .

What graduate programs do you have? Do you have a list of all of the masters (insert Phd, professional degree, certificate, etc.) programs that your University offers?

To view what programs the University offers, please refer to our  Graduate Programs  page.

How long does it take to get a graduate degree?

Completing a graduate degree can take anywhere from one to eight years. Much of this will depend on whether you pursue a degree as a part-time or full-time student, level of degree, and program requirements.

Can I get an application fee waiver?

The Graduate Admissions Office does not provide application fee waivers. We encourage you to reach out to your  program of interest  to determine if this is something your program can support.

When do I need to submit my official transcript(s)?

Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your application. Official transcripts are required  only  if you’ve been admitted. Please do not send official transcripts until we request them from you, as this may delay the processing of your application. For more information, please visit the  Transcripts & Credentials page .

What is my program’s application deadline?

Deadlines vary from program to program. Please contact your  program of interest  for specific application deadlines.

Can I apply to more than one graduate program at the same time?

Yes, you may apply for admission to as many graduate programs as you wish. To do so, you must:

• Create an  online application account .
• Click on "Start New Application" for each application you intend to submit, and follow your program's application instructions.  Please note that you will need to pay a separate  application fee  for each application you submit.

We highly encourage you to contact your  program(s) of interest  regarding their individual admissions requirements, timelines, and processes.

+ International Applicants

I am an international student. Can I apply with the degree from my country?

Anyone who has or will obtain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from an officially recognized college or university outside the U.S. may apply for graduate admission. If you are unsure that your degree meets these requirements, you can email copies of your credentials to the  Graduate School Admission Office  and a member of our staff will do a preliminary evaluation.

Do I need to have my credentials evaluated? Do you take WES evaluations?

Credentials are evaluated by our in-house staff, so we require copies of documents issued by the institution, in original language and translations.  We do not accept credential evaluations as a replacement for documents issued by your institution. 

• Please contact your program as they may have additional requirements.

Do you offer conditional admission?

Please contact your  program of interest  to find out if they offer a conditional admission.

Are TOEFL/IELTS scores required? English is one of the main languages spoken in my country, do I have to provide a TOEFL score?

International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency, which is measured by a number of exams and/or coursework. For more information, please visit our  English Language Proficiency page .

Can I get a scholarship/funding/financial aid?

Fellowships, grants, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and loans provide the most common forms of support for graduate students. Please visit our  Funding page  for more information.

What is the cost of tuition?

• Tuition information for Twin Cities students
• Tuition information for Duluth students

+ After You Submit

When is my decision posted?

All programs have different admissions processes and timelines. Most admissions decisions for Fall term are sent between February and April. For more information, contact your  program of interest .

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Prospective Students

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PhD Program Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a GPA requirement for the Ph.D. Program?

Is the GRE required for the Ph.D Program?

Do you have funding for Ph.D. students?

Can any of the degrees be completed online?

What is the deadline to apply? Can someone apply late?

What’s the fee to apply?

How can I learn more about the program?

How long does the program take to complete?

Can you apply to the Ph.D. Program without an MSW? If so, what types of degrees are acceptable or desirable?

Do you have a dual MSW/Ph.D. Program?

How do I find out about the status of my application once I apply?

How many students are in the program?

There is no minimum GPA required for the Ph.D. program. Generally, applicants with a strong academic background have a master’s degree GPA of 3.5 and an undergraduate degree GPA of 3.0.

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The GRE is not required for the Ph.D. program.

Graduate Tuition Fellowships (GTF), Research Assistantships, and/or Teaching Fellowships are available to full-time Ph.D. students on a competitive basis. Scholarships are also awarded based on the funding availability, student qualifications, and research interests.

The Ph.D. program does not offer online courses.

December 15 is our application deadline date. All application materials must be received no later than December 15. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed. You are encouraged to begin the application process early.

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee for domestic students. There is an $80 non-refundable application fee for international students.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the  Information Sessions  scheduled at the GCSW during the Fall semester. Individuals can also request information at 713-743-8075 or  [email protected]

Doctoral course work consists of 44 credit hours plus an additional 9 credit hours of dissertation research. The program is designed so that full time students can complete all of their course work in 2 1/2 years. The average time to degree range for full-time students is 4-5 years.

While our preference is for applicants to have a MSW, we will consider applicants who have education/experience in the social and behavioral sciences or human services. Additional coursework (foundations in Social Work) is required for applicants who do not hold an MSW.

Yes, the Graduate College of Social Work offers a dual program to obtain the M.S.W. and Ph.D. degrees.

You may log-in onto the University’s system at  www.applyweb.com/uhouston  or you may contact the GCSW Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at  [email protected]  or 713-743-8075.

The program has approximately 30 students in various stages of enrollment. Each fall we have space for a cohort of 6 to 8 students.

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Graduate admission is granted to a specific department. Applicants are expected to hold baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities prior to registration as graduate students. Three-year Bologna bachelor’s degree recipients are eligible for admission.  Applicants with three-year baccalaureate degrees from countries that are not part of the Bologna Process may also be considered for admission, on a case-by-case basis, using a holistic review.  

Applicants for a master’s or doctoral degree program should have achieved a 3.0 (or equivalent) grade point index or higher from the institution where a baccalaureate degree or higher was awarded to be admitted without conditions of continued enrollment.  Some graduate programs have requirements for admission that exceed the general Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars  requirements.

Requirements and application deadlines vary by program. If you have questions about application deadlines or required materials, please contact your program of interest directly, using the phone or email address listed in the requirements pages below.

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Choose a location below to see the admissions requirements for each graduate program offered by your chosen campus.

See the Graduate Degree Programs page for a complete listing of West Lafayette campus degree options and statistics, including enrollment figures, finances, average time to degree, job outcomes, and more. For other program types or to learn more about all of our campuses, see  Graduate Programs at our 3 Campuses .

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