Eligibility & Process
Below are the minimum admission requirements for all graduate programs at MU. Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: those of the graduate program and the minimum requirements of the University.
Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program’s graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility, and application process. To find a department or program’s web page, refer to the list of graduate degrees.
Distance/Online Program Applicants: Some states place restrictions on enrollment in distance or online programs. Please consult the Missouri Online website to see if your state of residence has any restrictions.
All applicants must:
- Have earned a qualifying bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
- If your degree is from a U.S. college or school, the institution must be approved by one of the following U.S. institutional accrediting bodies:
- The Higher Learning Commission (Formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Commission of Higher Education (Formerly New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (Formerly Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities)
- If your degree is from a college or university outside of the United States, the institution must be recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned. The degree must be equivalent to a four year U.S. bachelor’s degree, or higher degree.
- Contact gradadmin@missouri.edu with questions regarding degree equivalency.
- If your degree is from a U.S. college or school, the institution must be approved by one of the following U.S. institutional accrediting bodies:
- Have earned at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average in the last 60 hours of baccalaureate coursework (required for applicants who have not earned a higher credential such as a graduate certificate, graduate degree or professional degree).
- Meet additional requirements for international applicants. Please note that applicants who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents of the U.S. may be required to show proof of English language proficiency. See Language Requirements for more information.
Apply
Degree/Certificate-Seeking Applicants
Most prospective students who wish to earn a master’s, doctoral or educational specialist degree or a stand-alone graduate certificate should complete the application for admission.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Graduate School for assistance; by phone at 1-800-877-6312 or 573-882-6312, or via email at gradadmin@missouri.edu.
Previously enrolled MU graduate students who wish to return to the same degree program will complete either a reactivation form and send it to the academic program for review and approval or a new application for admission. The program will determine the preferred method of application.
Currently enrolled MU graduate students who wish to change their degree or academic program should complete the Change of Program form and submit it to the academic program for approval or complete a new application for admission. The program will determine the preferred method of application.
The University of Missouri School of Law, the School of Medicine, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program have their own specific eligibility requirements and application processes. To learn more, select your program of interest and proceed.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program has its own eligibility requirements; however, the program utilizes the Graduate Application for Admission for their admission process.
Non-Degree Seeking
Take a few classes online without being in a degree program.
Take courses at MU while pursuing a graduate degree at another UM System campus.
Take a few classes on campus without being in a degree program.
Take some graduate courses while you finish your undergraduate degree.