How to Apply

All applicants must order their official transcripts to be sent to UMSL.

The Graduate School requires that official transcripts be sent electronically via eScript-Safe, Parchment, or Clearing House to gradadm@umsl.edu

If your college/university does not offer an electronic option, please use the mailing address listed below for official transcripts to be sent via US Mail.

Domestic Students:

• We require official transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
  • Do not order UMSL transcripts, as those can be pulled internally at no cost to you.
• For our purposes, transcripts are counted as official only if they are
  • Ordered as "Official" AND
  • Are transmitted directly from the issuing institution to UMSL
• You are encouraged to upload unofficial transcripts to your online application, in addition to ordering official ones, so processing may begin immediately upon application submission.  

International Students:

• Please follow the procedure outlined by the UMSL Global office. 

Bachelor’s Degree

By the time of enrollment, prospective students must have obtained a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university. A baccalaureate in a specific or related discipline may be required depending on the particular program. Specific courses may also be required depending on the particular program.

Grade Point Average (GPA) and Coursework

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required to be considered for regular admission. A higher GPA may be required depending on the particular program. Students with GPAs below 2.75 may submit "supportive evidence" and letters of recommendation depending on the particular program.

If letters of recommendation (LORs) are required for your program, touch base with your prospective recommenders ahead of time as a professional courtesy. Once inside of the online application, you will be able to send out the official recommendation requests. Please double check what your specific program's procedure is for LORs.

• LORs are usually submitted by professors, or someone who is able to evaluate you academically; supervisors, employers. Some programs specify who should be your recommenders.
• You will enter the names and email address for your recommenders within the online application.
• You can resend reminders to your recommenders AFTER you have completed and submitted your application. If you would like to resend a reminder please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at gradadm@umsl.edu or (314) 516-5458. 
• Once the maximum number of recommenders are added to the application, the field will disappear until the application is submitted. 

Many graduate programs require applicants to submit standardized testing results. Please consult your program's requirements for details. Visit the GRE or GMAT websites to send your results to UMSL. Our school code is 6889. This will not automatically appear on your application. You must fully submit your application for us to be able to link your scores. ETS provides students with a free unofficial score report that you may send us until we receive your official scores. GRE scores are valid for five years.  After five years, a student will no longer be able to access the scores from their GRE account, and will be unable to send them to schools.

If you are unsure whether your scores have arrived, please email us: gradadm@umsl.edu

Most graduate programs at UMSL require that you submit supplemental documents. This includes but is not limited to:

• Detailed statement of purpose/essay describing your goals 
  • There is a statement of purpose section located at the end of the online application. You may paste your detailed SOP (if required by your program) here or attach it separately as a PDF document
• Writing sample
  • If your department requires one, you may upload it directly into your application.
• Resume/CV
• Supplemental/secondary application - usually department specific, located on the department website
• Proof of licensure/nursing practice - for some Nursing programs

All supplemental documents can be uploaded in the online application while you are completing it or after you have submitted your application, unless your department specifies otherwise. Some may require that you upload it AND send it directly to their department. Always check the program requirements before considering your application finished.

The Graduate School only waives application fees on the following conditions:

1. The applicant has paid the Graduate-level fee before. This means they have applied to the Graduate School before and paid at that time, which we would have record of.
2. The applicant is a veteran.
3. The applicant is a Mc Nair Scholar, which they would prove by uploading the necessary documentation.
4. The applicant has received a waiver code from an event or mailer, which is typed into the Statement of Purpose.

Sometimes programs will offer fee waivers to just their applicants. Please contact your academic department for more information. 

There are two categories of assistantships: Those that are program-specific, and interdisciplinary/nonacademic ones that are posted through Canvas and student email.

Program-Specific

• Download the application and email it directly to the director of your graduate department.
• Some departments also require other materials, such as letters of recommendation, writing sample, GRE scores, in order to consider applications for assistantships. Be sure to check the program requirements.

Other Assistantships

• Vacancies are sent out through Canvas and student email, when available.
• These typically have their own unique application process that is explained in the notice. 

The Graduate School cannot accept assistantship requests. 

For more information on assistantships, please visit the Assistantship Information page.