Explanation of the Graduate Admission Process

These are basic steps for applying to a degree program (master’s, doctoral or educational specialist). Your materials will be reviewed by both the Office of the Graduate School and the degree program or certificate program to which you’ve applied. The process is different for distance learning students and on-campus, post-baccalaureate (non-degree) applicants.

1. Submission of Application Materials

Closely observe the deadline and required materials set by your academic program of interest, including any additional documents requested of students who are seeking departmental funding through assistantships or fellowships. Complete the application and mail any materials that could not be submitted online. Be sure to pay special attention to where you should send each piece of the application (to the Graduate School or directly to the academic program).

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

2. Review by the Academic Program

The admissions committee for each academic program decides who will be accepted, based on additional eligibility requirements by that degree program. During this process, the committee will review the documents you sent directly to them, as well as the information you sent to the Graduate School. You might receive correspondence at this point regarding whether you have been recommended to the Office of the Graduate School for admission, but this is not the final step in the process.

3. Final Review by the Graduate School

The Graduate School receives the academic program’s recommendation and completes a final review of your file, checking to make sure you meet the minimum admission requirements. If you are an international applicant, you may need to provide information about funding (for student visa eligibility) before admission can be finalized.

4. Official Admission to the University of Missouri

If you are accepted into the degree program to which you applied, and you meet the minimum admission requirements, Graduate School Admissions will admit you to the University and send you your official letter, along with information for new students. Be sure to review the checklist for admitted students, which gives details about what to do next, including how and when to accept your offer of admission and any funding.