Graduate Degree Program Application Instructions

Most prospective students who want to earn a master’s, doctoral or educational specialist degree should use the following instructions. They apply to on-campus, degree-seeking students including

• New domestic and international applicants
• Former MU Online and MU Direct students looking to work toward a degree on campus
• Former Mizzou undergraduates who graduated more than one semester before applying for graduate admission

Students who have previously attended the University of Missouri as graduate students, or current Mizzou undergraduates follow different instructions. Check our Which Type of Admission? chart if you are unsure about whether these instructions apply to you.

For links to general tips on admission materials such as personal statements, refer to Considering Graduate School.

Submit to Your Academic Program

Your program of interest sets the application deadline, eligibility criteria and required application materials beyond what the Graduate School must receive. Extra materials may include a program-specific application, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and/or a résumé.

Some programs require an extra form or statement from those who wish to be considered for assistantships, fellowships or other funding packages.

Many programs allow you to submit pieces of their required materials within the Graduate School’s online application.

Submit to the Graduate School

No action will be taken on your admission file until your application fee is received by the Graduate Admission Office (210 Jesse Hall / Columbia, MO 65211).

• Complete and submit the Graduate School Application. The Graduate School encourages applicants to use the online application. Our 90+ graduate degree programs have instant access to review applications that have been submitted online. The submission of a hard-copy application (PDF) will slow the application review process.
• Submit the application fee, which is $45 (US) for domestic applicants and $60 (US) for nonresident international applicants. You can pay the fee online through the Graduate School’s online application. (Learn more about the application fee and opportunities to obtain a waiver.)
• Official transcripts or mark sheets must be sent directly from each university or college you have attended. (Note that certain international institutions issue transcripts in officially-sealed envelopes only to their students; if this is the case, MU accepts those sealed official documents when mailed to MU by the applicant.) Transcripts/mark sheets for all baccalaureate degrees or equivalents and any additional degrees must be sent. At this time, the Graduate School only accepts hard copies of transcripts. All transcripts/mark sheets become the property of MU.
• Standardized test scores: Check with your program of interest to see which, if any (GRE, GMAT, MAT, etc.), are required for your application. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing service provider to your academic program. (Learn more about standardized test scores and your application)
• International Applicants: The Graduate School requires official TOEFL or IELTS scores, sent directly from the testing service provider, for all applicants who come from areas where English is not the primary language. Learn more about the proficiency test requirement and proof-of-funding documents, and check your eligibility on our International Applicants page.
• Veterans: The Office of Veterans Services, 230 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, 573-882-3852, provides G.I. Bill information and certification for eligible veterans, dependents and vocational rehabilitation veterans. The office also furnishes information on military service educational assistance programs.
• Dual Graduate/Professional Degree Applicants: In addition to the guidelines above, you must submit an application for dual enrollment (PDF) during the first semester of dual enrollment. Refer to our dual degree information for master’s students and doctoral students.

To the Office of Financial Aid

If you would like to apply for federal financial aid or other types of funding, consult the Student Financial Aid Office’s site. In addition, you can refer to the Graduate School’s Financial Support section.