Admissions

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an institution regarded as standard by the University and a regional accrediting agency.

Admission is competitive.  New students will only be accepted as facilities can accommodate, regardless of the number of qualified applicants.  Remember to check the application deadline for each department.

Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) , Graduate Management Test (GMAT) or other appropriate professional test must be submitted if required by the major department.  The examinations are administered through the Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6004, Princeton NJ 08541-6004.  Information and registration bulletins for the GRE and GMAT are usually available in the TCU Graduate Studies Office (JScharbauer Hall, Suite 1016); GMAT applications may also be obtained from the MBA Office in the Neeley School of Business.

A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required with all applications payable when application is submitted.  Some professional programs have additional application fees.

McNair Scholars

We are excited to welcome students who are part of a Department of Education McNair Scholars Program.  We waive the $60 application fee for McNair Scholars.  There is a place on the application to indicate that you are a McNair Scholar.  We will confirm this with your institution and process your application without the payment

Unconditional Admission

For unconditional admission, the student must have satisfactory undergraduate preparation for the particular degree sought and have met all requirements for admission. Individual departments, schools, or colleges may set different standards and require particular placement tests.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission is granted to applicants who have completed all admission formalities, have a sufficient and superior undergraduate record, but lack certain prerequisites for the graduate program selected.  It is also occasionally granted to qualified students who have been unable to complete all admission formalities (e.g., all official transcripts have not yet arrived).  The University assumes no responsibility for continued enrollment or for graduate credit if these students are denied admission upon evaluation of their completed records.  These students must register during the regular registration period; late registration is not permitted.

Conditional admission will be changed to unconditional admission when the necessary prerequisites and/or admission formalities have fulfilled

Non-Degree Graduate Admission

Non-Degree admission may be given to applicants who (1) meets the general requirements for admission, (2) is not an applicant for a degree program, and (3) wishes to enroll for graduate work for credit.

Non-Degree admission requires completion of the appropriate application form, $50 application fee, a letter stating why the student is requesting non-degree admission, and submission of an official transcript mailed to TCU from the registrar’s office showing all work the student has previously completed.  Applications for Non-Degree admission require the approval of the department concerned and the appropriate dean’s office.  A maximum of 9 hours of graduate study is ordinarily permitted under Non-Degree admission.

Courses taken under this status are not normally credited toward requirements for a degree.  If, at some later date, the student wants to apply for degree admission, he or she must complete all regular admission formalities.  At the time of application for degree admission, courses previously taken as a non-degree student may be evaluated for possible degree credit.  Upon recommendation of the department to which the student is admitted and with approval of the appropriate dean’s office, a maximum of 9 hours taken in a non-degree status may be credited toward degree requirements.

Download Non-Degree Admission Form

Visiting Graduate Student Admission

Visiting Graduate Student admission may be granted to students enrolled in graduate programs at other universities but who desire to take courses from TCU for transfer.  Students should get prior approval for this work from their graduate school since the receiving institution has the right to accept or reject transfer courses.

Requirements for Visiting Graduate Student admission are completed application form and a letter of good standing mailed to TCU from the registrar’s office of the student’s institution

Admission for TCU Seniors

Admission for TCU seniors is sometimes permitted.  A qualified TCU senior may begin graduate work during the final bachelor’s semester.  He or she must be within 9 hours of completing all requirements for the bachelor’s degree and must be enrolled for the courses which will fill those requirements.  A complete transcript from the Registrar at TCU is required, as well as a statement of standing indicating that the student is within the 9-hour limit of completing the degree requirements.  These materials must be submitted prior to the registration period.  This admission is limited to TCU seniors only and may be for degree admission or for non-degree admission.

Graduate Workshop Admission

Workshop Admission is a simplified admission procedure for the student who wishes to attend a special graduate seminar or workshop offered by TCU.  Admission will be granted to applicants who hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution and are in good standing at all colleges and/or universities previously attended.  Graduate credit will be given for grades of “B” or better.  This such student is not regarded as an applicant for a degree program