Admission to the Graduate School

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Admission to the graduate program involves more than meeting minimum academic requirements such as undergraduate grade point average and standardized test scores. Graduate programs must not only assess prospective students academic preparation for graduate work but also their maturity and commitment, as well as ensuring an appropriate fit between the student’s interests/needs and the faculty’s academic and research interests.

Candidates Ineligible for Admission to Graduate Standing

Administrative and Academic faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno are not permitted to apply to graduate standing without written permission of the Provost of the University of Nevada, Reno on the Application to Pursue a Graduate Degree, available online at the Graduate School website.

Application Information

Prospective applicants may access the Graduate School’s website for the most current information. An applicant for admission to graduate-level study must file an application with the Graduate School and pay the appropriate application fee. You must meet the Graduate School standards and your program-specific requirements to be admitted. Admission decisions are based on the entire application package—for example, strong letters of recommendation may compensate for low test scores. Applicants must contact the program to which they intend to apply for specific application deadlines.

Except in the Master of Business Administration program, the minimum prerequisite for admission to graduate standing is 18 units in the undergraduate major or at least 18 units of undergraduate courses that are approved by the department in which the student will major. Each academic program reserves the right to specify additional requirements beyond those of the university. If a student’s undergraduate work is deficient, the program may require the student to complete additional work, either before admission to graduate standing or while the advanced degree is being pursued.

NOTE: Application materials are scanned and then are shredded.

Standardized Test Scores

A number of graduate programs use scores on standardized tests (i.e. the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of their evaluation process. If required, all applicants must submit scores to that program. Submission of these scores may not be waived on an individual basis. Test scores over five years old are not acceptable. Applicants must contact individual graduate programs to determine their specific admissions policies regarding which, if any, standardized test scores are required or recommended.

Graduate School Admission Requirements

Graduate Certificate Admission Criteria

The applicant must meet the following requirements:

(Please check with the specific certificate program as some programs require a higher GPA and/or additional requirements.)

1. An undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 on a scale of 4.0, or an average of at least 3.0 for courses taken during the last half of the undergraduate program.
2. Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an appropriate accredited institution.

If the applicant does not meet the criteria described above, admission to graduate standing on a prescribed program may be considered. A prescribed program of study consists of the completion of one semester (fall, spring or summer) of full-time study in nine (9) units or twelve (12) units over two consecutive semesters, with a grade of “B” or better in all courses taken. The courses prescribed may be undergraduate or graduate courses. These courses may or may not apply to the graduate program of study.

The online Prescribed Program Request Form signed by the student and the director of graduate studies for the certificate must accompany a memo of exception to the GPA requirement when forwarded to the Graduate Dean for approval. A student enrolled in a prescribed program is ineligible for a teaching or research assistantship. International students are ineligible for admission to a graduate certificate only. An international student can earn a graduate certificate credential in addition to a graduate degree.

Master’s Degree Admission Criteria

The applicant must meet the following requirements. Please check with the specific program as some programs require a higher GPA:

1. An undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 on a scale of 4.0, or an average of at least 3.0 for courses taken during the last half of the undergraduate program;
2. Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an appropriate accredited institution.

If the applicant does not meet the criteria described above, admission to graduate standing on a prescribed program can be considered. A prescribed program of study consists of the completion of one semester (fall, spring or summer) of full-time study in nine units or 12 units over two consecutive semesters, with a grade of “B” or better in all courses taken. The courses prescribed may be undergraduate or graduate courses. These courses may or may not apply to the graduate program of study.

The online Prescribed Program Request Form signed by the student and the director of graduate studies for the program must accompany a memo of exception to the GPA requirement when forwarded to the Graduate Dean for approval. A student enrolled in a prescribed program is ineligible for a teaching or research assistantship. International students are ineligible for admission via a prescribed program.

Doctoral Degree Admissions Criteria

1. An overall grade-point average of at least 3.0 in both undergraduate or graduate courses. (Grade-point averages are computed separately for both undergraduate and graduate work. The 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement for admission to doctoral programs does not apply to applicants achieving a 3.0 or higher GPA in nine or more credits of graduate level course work in a master’s or doctoral degree-granting program.)
2. Satisfactory completion of the necessary prerequisites of units in a chosen field of study.
3. For those students with an overall grade-point average less than 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, students may qualify for admission to a doctoral program with sufficient justification and documentation by the program and approval by the Graduate Dean.
4. Have a completed baccalaureate degree from an appropriate accredited institution.

NOTE: Students who are considering applying for the doctor of education (Ed.D.), refer to the College of Education and Human Development  section of the catalog for admissions requirements.

International Student Admission Requirements

In addition to the academic criteria required by all students for admission to an advanced degree program, international applicants must have one of the following to be admitted into an advanced degree program:

1. The following Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores will be required: 550 for paper version, 213 for computer version, or 79 for internet-based version.
   1. Students who have achieved a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), or 100 (internet-based version) are exempt from Intensive English Language Center evaluation.
   2. A TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper version), 216 (computer version), or 79 (internet-based version) is required for students to hold a teaching assistantship.
2. The required International Language Testing System (IELTS) score is 6.5.
3. The IELTS score of a 6.5 (equivalent to 550 TOEFL paper version) is required for students to hold a teaching assistantship. 
4. The required Duolingo score is 105.
5. Eligibility for admission with a 3-year bachelor’s degree are determined on a case by case basis.
6. International students who have received a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited United States university or college and international students from countries where English is the language of instruction and/or commerce (see English-Speaking Countries Exempt from Testing) are exempt from the requirement to produce a TOEFL score.
7. All International applicants must also satisfy the medical examination and financial responsibility requirements prior to admission.

NOTE: Certain graduate programs may require TOEFL scores in excess of the minimum 79 internet-based score required by the Graduate School.

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