1. How do I apply for Graduate School?
You can submit an Online Application; or print and mail the application (PDF Application). A $25 application fee is charged for an online application and a $40 fee is charged for a paper application. You can pay by credit card online or at the cashier's office; you can mail in or bringto the Graduate Stuies check or money order. (Note - Please do not mail in cash).

2. When is the deadline to apply?
Fall Semester June 1
Spring Semester October 1
Summer Semester March 1

3. What if I am an International Student?
International students must also submit an Online Application and applicabe fee. However, all non-English transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) or by the American Association of Collegiate Registrar's (AACRAO). You will also need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test for MBA students and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

4. How can I get a catalog?
The Catalog is available online only.

5. If I do not have all of the required documents quite ready and the deadline is at hand, what should I do?
You can apply for a provisional admission by submitting proof of Bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater. All required documents thereof must be submitted prior to the end of the provisional semester including official copies of GRE scores. However has to submit all the documents for the admission. 

6. How long does my application stay on file?
Your application remains on file for up to one calendar year from the date that it was received by our office. Otherwise, you must re-apply.

7. What if I am admitted and cannot attend for that semester?
You can mail or e-mail a letter stating your reason for not attending and the semester you wish your admission to be deferred to.

8. How do I apply for a non-degree student status?
Submit an Online Application as a non-degree student along with $25 application fee.

9.How can I check my admission status?
Last names beginning with A-LCall at 256-372-4996 or M-Z call at 256-372-5267.

PROGRAMS & DEGREES

1. What programs does the Graduate School offer?
Click here to view our Catalog.

2. What is the 5th Year program?
The non-traditional fifth year program is for persons that wish to teach but have not completed a traditional teacher education program.

3. Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes. However, you need to make two separate applications and pay two application fees.

4. I would like to apply to a program, but my Bachelor's degree is not in that discipline. Can I still apply?
It is possible that you can still apply for that program but in order to minimize the number of prerequisites required, should try to choose a program that is closely related to your Bachelor's degree.

5. What if I completed a degree from A&M, but would like to seek another degree?
In this case, you must submit a new application and fee. We will request a copy of your transcripts from the registrar's office.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

1. What tests and scores are required for Graduate School?
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for MBA students:
Score = 350 total (24 on verbal)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for all other programs:
Score = 800 (V + Q)
*students with < 400 on V or Q will be required to take deficiency courses
Score = 500 or > on Quantitative (for computer science students)

2. How do I apply to take these tests?
Click here for testing information.

3. What if I already took these tests, but did not have my scores sent to Alabama A&M?
To send us a copy of your scores, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 609-771-7670 or at www.ets.org. Scores cannot be no more than six years old, if they are then you must retake GRE.

4. What is your school testing code?
The AAMU testing code is 1003.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

1. Do you accept photocopies, faxes or student issued copies of transcripts and other supporting documents?
No. We need to have all the originals documents for the admissions.

2. If my school has closed how do I attain a copy of my transcripts?
Contact the deptartment of higher education (www.ache.state.al.us/Acadaffr/proginv/98Aam.htm).

3. If I want my Alabama A&M transcript sent to another university, what do I do?
Contact the registrar's office at (256) 372-5254

4. Where do I send all supporting documents and transcripts?
Send all documents to:
Alabama A&M University
Office of Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 998
Normal, AL 35762

TUITION, COSTS & FINANCIAL AID

1. How much does graduate school cost?
Click here to view the Tuition& Fees or the Tuition Installment Plan brochure.

2. How do I apply for financial aid?
Click here for Financial Aid.

3.Am I eligible for pell grants as a graduate student?
Graduate students are not eligible for pell grants. You can only receive loans.

4. Can I receive financial aid as a non-degree seeking student?
Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid or campus assistantships.

5. How do I apply for assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships?
Contact your department or the department that you are interested in working in to check availability of awards. Visit these various websites for more information and links:
www.orau.org
www.aauw.org
www.accessgroup.org
www.finaid.org
www.fastlane.nsf.gov
www.festweb.com
www.collegiatefunding.com
www.apa.org/students
www.gradschool.about.com
www.nih.gov
www.rhodesscholar.org
www.woodrow.org/mellon
www.jamesmadison.com
www.ed.gov
www.ache.state.al.us

MATRICULATION AND STUDY PLANS

1. What is a program of study?
The planned degree program is the list of courses that you will have to take in order to obtain your degree.

2. How long do I have to complete my degree?
The statute of limitations clause in the Graduate School Catalog requires that you complete a Master's degree within six (6) years and a Doctorate degree in eleven (11) years.

3. I was a graduate student there, but I was out for a while, do I need to re-apply?
If you have been out for more than one calendar year from the last semester that you were enrolled, you must re-apply.

4. What if I want to change my major?
i. Obtain a change of major form.
ii. Get your advisor's signature.
iii. Get the signature from the chair of your current program.
iv. Return the form to the Graduate Office in Patton Hall room 300.

5. How many credit hours do I need for my degree?
The number of credit hours required to complete a degree varies for each program.
Click here to view our current catalog.

6. Do I need a thesis project?
The thesis is optional for the master's degree. However, ED.S. and Ph.D. must complete a research or dissertation project.

7. What are the thesis guidelines?
Click here to view the Thesis Guidelines.

8. How do I transfer credits and how many can I transfer?
Graduate Studies will only accept up to twelve (12) hours from another accredited college or university.
i. Obtain a Transfer Credit form.
ii. Get your advisor's signature.
iii. Get your department chair's signature.
iv. Return the form to the Graduate Office in Patton Hall room 300.

9. Can I take a course at another university while attending Alabama A&M?
Yes you can. If taking courses as a transient student, contact that prospective college or university for their policies and procedures:
i. Obtain a Transient Student form.
ii. Get your advisor's signature.
iii. Get the Dean of Graduate Studies' signature.
iv. Take the transient form to the prospective school.

Only biology students can take courses as a visiting students:
i. Obtain a visiting student form from the registrar's office.
ii. Get your advisor's signature.
iii. Get your department chair's signature.
iv. Get the Dean of Graduate Studies' signature.
v. Return the form to the registrar's office in Patton Hall room 204.

* NOTE: you can only visit UAH, Calhoun, Athens, or UNA.

10. What is a full time/part time student?
On Assistanship: Full time = 9 credit hours or more and Part time = Less than 9 credit hours. Otherwhise: Full time = 6 credit hours or more and Part time = Less than 6 credit hours.

11. Who takes the comprehensive exam and how do I apply?
All students take the comprehensive exam except for.
i. Students with a the thesis option.
ii. MBA students.
iii.CSD students who have/are taking the NTE exam.

Fill out an Application for Comprehensive Examination and submit it to the Graduate Studies Office.

REGISTRATION

1. I am new, how do I register?
i. Obtain a registration form from the graduate office or from you department.
ii. Get your advisor's approval of courses listed.
iii.Take registration form to the graduate office during registration.

2. I lost my schedule, how do I find my class?
Click here to view the Class Schedule book.

3. Can I register on the phone/on line?
You can register over the phone or in your department or via the phone if you .
i. Have been granted regular or full admission into graduate school.
ii. Or have taken and obtained necessary score on GRE.
* And/or have taken and passed ENG 500 writing for graduates course

4. How do I drop/add a course?
To drop or add a course.
i. Obtain a drop/add slip and get your advisor's signature.
ii. Return slip to the registrar's office in Patton Hall room 204.

5. I need to withdraw from all of my courses, what should I do?
Obtain a withdrawal form from the registrar's office in Patton Hall room 204 and get the necessary signatures.

6. I need a letter stating that I am a student, what do I do?
Use your admission letter and/or schedule printout to show proof of enrollment. Otherwise, contact the registrar's office in Patton Hall room 204 at (256) 372-5254.

GRADUATION

1. I am planning on graduating soon, what do I need to do?
Complete the application for graduation form and return to the graduate office by the end of.
September for Fall
January for Spring
May for Summer

2. I do not want to attend graduation, what should I do?
All students are required to participate in the May commencement exercises. To obtain an excuse, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 256-372-5275.

3. Is there a December graduation?
Students can be awarded a degree in December, however, these students must participate in the May commencement exercises.

4. How much is the graduation fee?
The graduation fee is currently $45.

5. How do I get my cap and gown?
Apply for a cap and gown at the Ralph Lee Student Center University Bookstore (256-372-5626).