Graduate School Guide: Graduate School FAQs

Admissions

Applying

How do I apply?

To submit an application for graduate admission, please complete the online application at the Apply Texas website.

You must have a conferred bachelor’s degree before you start your first graduate course. You can start the application process before your bachelor’s degree is conferred, but it must be conferred before you start coursework.

We receive applications once a day, every morning. Once we process your application, we will email you with your campus-wide identification number (CWID) and password with instructions on how to log into your myLEO account so you can view all your application information and required documents.

What is the process now that I have submitted my application?

Application Process: Domestic Students

1. Any test requirement options will be updated on the student checklist after official transcripts are reviewed and processed. Monitor your myLEO application checklist to see when we receive and post your documents. If you have sent documents but do not see them posted, please email your coordinator so we can check the status of your document. Allow 24-48 hours for document posting.
2. GRE/GMAT scores, if required, must be sent directly to the University by the testing agency. It takes approximately 15 days from the time the scores are ordered for them to be received and posted.
3. Once all required documents have been reviewed and posted to your checklist, your file will be forwarded to your academic area for review. The department has up to 2 weeks to respond with their admissions recommendation, so please allow time for the decision to appear in myLEO. Some programs will take longer than 2 weeks if they require interviews, auditions, writing sessions or have additional deadlines. You will also receive an official admission decision letter by email.

Application Process: International Students

1. Any test requirement options will be updated on the student checklist after official transcripts are reviewed and processed. Monitor your myLEO application checklist to see when we receive and post your documents. If you have sent documents but do not see them posted, please email your coordinator so we can check the status of your document.
2. GRE/GMAT (if required) and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo scores must be sent directly to the University by the testing agency. It takes approximately 15 days from the time the scores are ordered for them to be received and posted.
3. Once all required documents have been reviewed and posted to your checklist, your file will be forwarded to your academic area for review. The department has up to 2 weeks to respond with their admissions recommendation, so please allow time for the decision to appear in myLEO. You will also receive an official admission decision letter by email.
4. If admitted, your documents will be forwarded to the Office of International Programs (OIP) for your I-20 to be issued. You will receive an email from the OIP explaining the process of issuing your I-20 as well as other important information. For information regarding the I-20 process, please visit the Office of International Programs website.

Application Status

How do I check my application status?

You may contact your Graduate Student Services Coordinator at any time to inquire about your application. You may also track the completion status of your application file by utilizing the application checklist in myLEO.

To access your application status:

1. Log in to myLEO.
2. Select Check Application Status.
3. On the next screen, select your application. If you have applied before, you will see more than one application.
   • Your document(s) have been received and processed if a date appears next to the document(s).
   • A document without a date listed has not been received or processed.

Your checklist is updated as documents are received and processed. Most documents (including transcripts and test scores) are posted within 48 hours of receipt.

Deadlines

Is there an application submission deadline?

East Texas A&M University practices open enrollment. Most programs do not have deadlines. Some programs do have deadlines, and the deadlines are listed on the specific program area webpages. Below are the general application deadlines for international applicants:

• To be considered for spring, the deadline is October 15
• To be considered for summer, the deadline is March 15
• To be considered for fall, the deadline is May 15

Application Fees

Is there an application fee, and how do I pay the fee?

Yes, the domestic student application fee is $50.00, and the international student application fee is $75.00 USD. Please pay your application fee at the time you submit your application through Apply Texas. If you did not pay at the time you submitted your application, you may pay online through myLEO. Application fees are not refundable.

Transcripts

What transcripts do I submit for my admission?

Domestic students may request an official transcript be sent to the Graduate School. The best delivery method is electronic. Most schools will send transcripts electronically through their website. Order transcripts from all universities or institutions you have attended, including all undergraduate and graduate coursework.

If you cannot order a transcript electronically, order one to be sent by mail to:

• The Graduate School
• East Texas A&M University
• P.O. Box 3011
• Commerce, TX 75429-3011

International students must obtain a credential evaluation of their transcripts. We accept evaluations from the companies listed here.

Degrees must be equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree issued by a regionally accredited university in the United States. If you do not hold a 4-year degree and wish to know if we will consider your degree before applying, please contact Dayla Burgin for help.

My Application Documents

Will my documents be returned?

No. All documents submitted to the Graduate School for admission consideration become the property of the Graduate School. Documents cannot be returned. If a document is evaluated as unofficial or unacceptable, the document will not be kept and will be shredded. If your previous university only issues one transcript, please contact the Graduate School or your Graduate Coordinator for help.

Educator/Teacher Certification

I am interested in educator/teacher certification. How do I apply?

We do not offer graduate-level initial teacher certification only. Teacher certification/PBTC is only available in conjunction with certain master’s degrees in the College of Education and Human Services. Please contact the Graduate School for details.

If you are seeking educator certification in addition to a master's degree, you need to apply for the master's program through Apply Texas, pay your graduate application fee and submit your documentation for your intended degree program. Additionally, contact the Office of Educator Certification and Academic Services, complete the Educator Certification application and submit any additional required documentation, including the educator certification fee.

Principal/Superintendent Certification

I am interested in principal certification or superintendent certification. How do I apply?

You may apply for principal or superintendent certification if you are admitted to the Master’s in Educational Administration program or already hold a master’s degree.

You may apply through Apply Texas principal or superintendent certification, submit your application fee, and bachelor's and master’s transcripts to the Graduate School. Also, contact the Office Educator Certification and Academic Services (903.886.5183) and the Department of Educational Leadership (903.886.5520) and submit any additional required documentation for the principal certification.

If you are applying for superintendent certification through a cohort, you will need to apply for superintendent certification through Apply Texas, submit your bachelor's and master’s transcripts and pay the graduate application fee to the Graduate School. Contact the Department of Educational Leadership (903.886.5520) for further assistance.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

How do I apply if I only want to take courses to transfer to my current institution?

Apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student through Apply Texas, pay the application fee and submit your official bachelor's transcript. As a non-degree student, you may take as many courses as you wish; however, you may only apply 12 graduate hours successfully completed in a non-degree status towards a graduate degree program at East Texas A&M. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid or graduate assistantships. International students are not eligible for non-degree status.

Second Masters

I want a second master's. What do I need to do?

Domestic Students

Visit Apply Texas and submit a new application and application fee. Upon processing your new application, we will reuse your transcripts and tests scores from your previous application; however, each program has its own discipline-specific admission requirements and may require additional or different documents. Please check your myLEO application checklist for any new required documents you may need to submit.

International Students

Visit Apply Texas and submit a new application and application fee. Upon processing your new application, we will reuse your transcripts and tests scores from your previous application; however, each graduate program has its own discipline-specific admission requirements and may require additional or different documents. Check your myLEO application checklist for any new required documents and submit them. In addition to other documents, you will need to submit new bank and sponsor statements dated no older than 6 months.

Defer My Application

What should I do if I need to defer my application?

You may defer your admissions for up to one year. To defer your application to a future term, submit the Graduate Admission Deferral Request to the Graduate School along with additional required documents. After one year, you must submit a new application, all additional required documents and be reconsidered for admissions by your academic area.

Conditional Admissions/International

I am an international student. Can I have conditional admissions?

Yes. Conditional admission applies to students with complete application packets who do not meet the department admissions requirement for full admissions. International students are not eligible for provisional status.

Full Admission

What is full admission?

Full admission to a graduate degree program (doctoral, master’s or specialist) means that all requirements for admission have been met, and the applicant has been accepted by the department and the Graduate School. Full admission is not the same as admission to candidacy to a graduate program. Students who have completed graduate hours at East Texas A&M must have an overall graduate GPA of at least a 3.00 in order to gain admission to a degree program. Financial Aid is available for full admission status.

Conditional Admission

What is conditional admission?

Conditional admission to a graduate degree program means that all documents have been submitted for admission, but the applicant does not meet all requirements for full admission. This could be due to a low overall grade point average, not meeting departmental requirements or lack of background for the chosen graduate program. Conditional admission status will change to full admission upon completing 12 graduate hours at East Texas A&M University with at least a 3.00 overall graduate grade point average. If you do not achieve an overall 3.00 graduate grade point average, then the conditional admission status will change to academic suspension.

Conditional admission is not available for doctoral admission. Students who have completed graduate hours at East Texas A&M must have an overall graduate GPA of at least a 3.00 in order to gain admission to a degree program. Financial aid is available for conditional admission status.

Provisional Admission

What is provisional admission?

Provisional admission means that the applicant’s bachelor’s degree has been conferred, but the applicant has not submitted all admission documents or test scores to East Texas A&M. The applicant is allowed to attend for one semester while pending the submission of all documents and/or scores. Provisional admission is not available for all degree programs and is not available to doctoral and international students. Financial aid is available for full admission and conditional admission status only.

International Students and I-20

I am an International student and have been admitted. When do I receive my I-20?

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is responsible for processing your I-20. You should be contacted by the OIP within three (3) business days of receiving your admissions letter from the Graduate School. After you have completed the OIP requested process, an I-20 is usually issued within 7 to 10 business days. Please watch your email for important information. If you plan to change your visa status from H1B/H4 to F1, please be aware it may affect your tuition status and the documents required for admission. For more information, please email the Office of International Programs or call 903.886.5097.

Non-Degree Student Rule

What is the 12-hour rule for non-degree students?

Students may only use 12 graduate semester hours taken in a non-degree status for a master’s, specialist or doctoral degree. The Graduate School strongly advises you to gain admission to a degree program before completing 12 graduate hours.

Change My Major

How do I change my major?

As a master’s or specialist student, you may request to change your major if you are in good standing with the university (minimum 3.00 overall graduate GPA) and you meet admission requirements for the new program. You may submit a change of major form at any time, but if you wish to start the next semester in the new major, you must submit your change of major form no later than 4 weeks (30 days) prior to the first class day of that semester, and submit all required documents so that you can gain admission to the new program no later than 10 days prior to the first class day.

If you do not meet these deadlines, then your change of major will be processed for the next semester available for admission in that program.

A change of major request does not guarantee admission into the new program.

To complete this process please complete the online Graduate Change of Major form.

Graduate Programs

What graduate programs do you offer?

Please see our List of Programs.

Online Programs

Do you offer online programs?

Yes, some programs are available fully online, but not all. Generally, we offer graduate programs online, face-to-face, and some as a combination of face-to-face and online formats. All programs are not available online; please contact the Graduate School if you would like more information about a program.

Minors

What is a master’s/specialist minor?

At the graduate/specialist level, a minor constitutes twelve semester hours taken in a second subject area (designated by the course prefix) or a set of approved, related courses in a specific area. Completing a minor is not a mandatory requirement. Students receiving a minor may be required to satisfy candidacy for those courses and are required to meet the comprehensive examination requirements of the minor department. All minors must be approved by the department and Graduate School prior to starting.

Is a minor required for my degree?

Minors are not mandatory. Please contact your major department if you are interested in obtaining a minor. If you wish to pursue a minor, please submit the Request Form for a Minor to be added to a master’s/specialist degree program and submit it to the Graduate School.

Residency

Under Texas state law, an applicant or enrolled student is classified either as a resident of Texas, a nonresident, or as an international student. Residency for admission and tuition purposes at a public college or university in Texas is different from residency for voting or tax purposes.

Under state statutes and Coordinating Board rules and regulations interpreting those statutes, a prospective student will be classified as a resident, nonresident or foreign student. A person who has lived in the state under circumstances specified in these rules will be eligible for classification as a resident.

A citizen, a national or a permanent resident of the United States who does not meet resident criteria will be classified as a nonresident. An alien who is not a permanent resident of the United States and has not been permitted by Congress to adopt the United States as their domicile while in this country will be classified as a foreign student.

An individual classified as a nonresident or foreign student may qualify to pay resident tuition rates and other charges while continuing to be classified as a nonresident or foreign student under certain exceptions specified in the statutes and rules.

Submission of some or all of the following forms/documents may be necessary in order for your residency status/classification to be properly determined. Your visa type (when applicable) or current status will help determine which documents are necessary. We will also consider and utilize documents from a spouse if they will be used to establish residency. Items #1 and #4 are found on the Graduate Forms and Guidelines page.

1. Core Residency Questionnaire Form,
2. Copy of visa(s) (spouse’s visa),
3. Copy of marriage certificate,
4. Senate Bill 1528 affidavit, and
5. Documentation to support domicile and residency, such as pay stubs, ownership of a home, or ownership of a business.

For more information on residency status, please email the Graduate School.

Student Requests

Transfer/Substitution

I have completed graduate level coursework at another institution. Can I transfer these courses to East Texas A&M to use toward my degree?

If approved by your major department, up to 1/3 of the credit required for a master's/specialist degree may be accepted as transfer credit from another regionally accredited institution. The following applies to transfer courses:

• Transfer credit can only be granted for credit with grades of ‘A' or ‘B'
• Courses cannot be over 6 years old at the time your East Texas A&M degree is conferred.
• Transfer courses will only be used from a regionally accredited university.

I completed a research course at another institution. Can it be transferred in for my 595 course?

No. A 595 course cannot be transferred from another university. The 595 course must be taken at East Texas A&M.

What is the process for requesting transfer work?

Steps to request transfer work approval are as follows:

• The student must have full or conditional admission to a degree program
• The student's advisor must submit a transfer request in DegreeWorks or submit the Transfer Course Request form.
• The student must request an official transcript to be sent directly from the institution to the Graduate School.

These courses will be evaluated and, if approved, posted to the student's East Texas A&M University transcript. Approval from both the student’s major department and the Graduate Dean is required before courses may be applied toward a masters/specialist degree.

Request to use courses over six (6) years old for a master's/specialist degree

One of my courses is over six (6) years old; can I use this course for my master's/specialist degree?

University Procedure 11.99.99.R0.09 requires that coursework used towards a master's/specialist degree at East Texas A&M cannot be older than six (6) years at the time the graduate degree is conferred. A request to use courses over six (6) years old (but less than 10 yrs old) may be submitted by the student’s advisor via DegreeWorks or by submitting the request form for approval by the Graduate Dean. Courses over 10 years old at the time the degree is conferred will not apply towards a graduate degree.

Graduate Credit for 300 or 400 level course

I am a graduate student and I am interested in taking a 300-400 level course for graduate credit. Are 300 or 400 level courses eligible to be used for a master's or specialist degree?

Yes. Approval must be gained before enrolling in the course(s). You must complete the Request to enroll in a 300 or 400 level course for graduate credit form and all required documentation. The instructor of the course must hold Graduate Faculty status.

No more than two (2) 300 or 400 level courses (six hours) may be applied to a master's/specialist degree. Undergraduate courses for graduate credit are not applicable for a doctoral program.

Is there additional work I will need to complete to earn graduate credit for a 300 or 400 level undergraduate course?

Yes. The instructor must submit the course syllabus, which includes information regarding additional course requirements for graduate credit in the 300 or 400 level course. In addition, the syllabus must include enhanced learning outcomes for the graduate student.

Senior Enrollment in 500 Level Courses

I am an East Texas A&M senior. Can I take graduate courses?

Yes. East Texas A&M seniors may be approved to enroll in six (6) hours of graduate coursework. Seniors who may be eligible:

• are in their last semester,
• lack 12 hours or less to graduate, and
• have an overall GPA of at least a 2.75.

Note: Requests to Schedule a Senior for a 500-Level Course must be completed and submitted for approval to the Graduate Dean.

East Texas A&M seniors may only take a maximum of six (6) graduate hours.

Graduate courses are not applicable to an undergraduate degree.

Seniors enrolled in graduate courses are limited to a maximum course load of 15 hours (undergraduate and graduate combined).

Course Load

What is the maximum number of hours allowed for each term?

• Fall & Spring- Fifteen (15) hours per semester
• Summer- Seven (7) semester hours per term
• Winter, May and August Mini- Three semester hours per mini-term
• Seniors enrolled in graduate courses are limited to a maximum course load of 15 hours (undergraduate and graduate combined) in Fall or Spring semester.

I have been blocked from registering for a course because I have registered for the maximum number of hours allowed in a semester. Can I request an overload?

In order to request an overload, you must submit a Request to Register for Courses over Maximum Hours per Semester to the Graduate School and gain approval from the Graduate Dean.

I am taking a 10-week course in the summer semester. Can I request an overload?

Overloads are permitted in Summer I if you are taking 10-week courses. You must submit the Request to Register for Courses over Maximum Hours per Semester for approval before you will be allowed to register. Additionally, your combined Summer I and II registration cannot exceed 14 hours.

I am taking 8-week courses in the College of Business in the Fall/Spring semester. Can I request an overload?

The maximum number of hours you can register for in a 8-week sub-term is 9 semester hours

In the Fall or Spring semester, am I able to register for more than the maximum 15 hours?

In order to be permitted to register for more than 15 hours, you must:

• have completed at least 18 graduate hours at East Texas A&M,
• have 3.5 overall graduate GPA, and
• submit a Request to Register for Courses over Maximum Hours per Semester to the Graduate School and gain approval from the Graduate Dean.

Graduation

How do I file for graduation?

You may apply for graduation online through myLEO. The application will be available on your myLEO account only during the application period, which is the first two weeks of the fall semester for December graduation, the first two weeks for the spring semester for May graduation and the first two weeks of summer I for August graduation. Please contact Grad Graduation if you have any questions.

When can I get my official transcript after graduation?

Student transcripts are issued by the Registrar's Office. Final grades and GPAs are posted the week after commencement. After this process, a final review of degree requirements is completed. If all requirements are met, your information is forwarded to the Graduation Office, where your degree is awarded and posted to your official East Texas A&M transcript. Allow approximately 2 weeks after commencement for transcripts to be updated.

I finished all my coursework in Summer I. Can I get my diploma early?

Although you may have completed all coursework in Summer I, degrees are awarded at the end of the Summer II semester after all summer grades are posted, final GPAs calculated and verification of degree requirements is completed.

Where do I get my cap and gown?

Graduation Regalia (caps, gowns and hoods) can be purchased or ordered through the AMC Bookstore.

Where do I order invitations and/or a class ring?

Graduation invitations and rings can be purchased through Balfour.

The degree and/or major on my graduation application are incorrect. What should I do to correct my information?

Please contact Grad Graduation for assistance.

I applied for graduation at the beginning of the semester, but I have not heard anything about my status.

The graduation clearance process takes several weeks. Notifications of status are sent to your myLEO email account once you have received initial clearance from your academic department and the Graduate School. Your graduation application status is also displayed on your online DegreeWorks audit.

Can I get a different name on my diploma?

In order to change the name on your diploma, you will need to contact Grad Graduation for assistance.

When will I know if I can participate in the graduation ceremony?

You will be notified via your myLEO email account of your official graduation status. If you receive initial clearance, you are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee conferring of any degree.

When will I know if I have been approved for graduation?

A final review of your records will be conducted after the conclusion of the semester. If all requirements are met, your information is forwarded to the Graduation Office, where your degree is awarded and posted to your official East Texas A&M transcript. You will be notified via your myLEO email account of your official graduation status. Allow approximately 2 weeks for this process.

I have a high GPA; will this be acknowledged at the graduation ceremony?

There is no academic distinction at the graduate level.

Tickets

When/how will I receive my graduation tickets?

After the application filing deadline has passed, the number of tickets allotted to each student is calculated, and the information will be posted to the Graduation website. Tickets will be available through your myLEO account approximately 4 weeks prior to the ceremony. Email notification regarding tickets will be sent to your myLEO email account. Graduation ticketing is a function of the Graduation Office.

Can I get extra tickets for graduation?

Tickets are carefully calculated based on the seating capacity of the venue divided by the number of graduates attending. Students will have the opportunity to donate unused tickets back to the ticket pool, which will allow students to print extra tickets. The amount of extra tickets will depend on the size of the ticket pool but usually no more than five (5) extra will be available. Graduation ticketing is a function of the Graduation Office.

When will I receive my diploma?

Your diploma will be sent to the address you provided on your application via mail approximately six to eight weeks after the ceremony. Diplomas and transcripts will not be issued until all obligations to the University have been cleared.

Graduate Student Travel Support

When to Apply

When do I apply for Graduate Student Travel Funding?

Requests for Graduate Student Travel Funding must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the conference/workshop.

Unused Funds

If I have been approved for travel but do not use the entire funding, can I use the remainder for a second trip?

No, unused funding is not held in reserve. If the funds are not used, they are forfeited.

Funding Advances

I am approved for Graduate Student Travel Funding; can I get the money up front?

No, funds are reimbursed after travel is complete and the required documentation is submitted.

Reimbursement for expenses will be completed by your academic department. As part of the reimbursement process, you must provide itemized receipts for all travel-related expenses to your department’s administrative assistant.

Multiple Requests

Can I receive travel funding for a trip in the fall and again in spring?

The Graduate School offers travel funding for graduate students one time per academic year. However, your major department may choose to offer additional support opportunities at their discretion.

International Travel

The conference I would like to attend is in Canada. Can I apply for funding from the Graduate School?

Funding from the Graduate School is provided to students presenting at a conference or workshop in the United States. Graduate School funding is not available for conferences outside of the United States.

Late Requests

Oops! I forgot to submit my travel funding request for a conference I attended last week. Can I still apply?

No, travel funding requests submitted after travel has been completed will be denied.