Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the requirements for admission to graduate school at UCO?
2. Do I have to take an admission test such as GRE or GMAT?
3. How do I apply for graduate school?
4. Are there any dealines for applying to graduate school?
5. Am I allowed to transfer graduate hours from another school?
6. How can I find out the status of my application?
7. What degrees are offered at UCO and what graduate programs do you have?
8. What is a thesis and is it required? If so, what steps do I follow to complete mine?
9. How do I find a Graduate Advisor to help me in my studies?
10. How do I enroll in classes?
11. What kind of housing is available on-campus and what are the costs?
12. What kinds of financial aid are available to graduate students at UCO?
13. How can I become a Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA)?
14. Where can I find information about coming to UCO as an International Student?
15. If I have questions about my specific program, where do I find the answers?
16. What if I just want to take a graduate level class or two but don't plan to pursue a Master's Degree?

1. What are the admission requirements for graduate study at UCO?

To apply for graduate school at UCO you must fill out the application for admission to graduate school, pay a non-refundable application fee of $25 (check or money order only), supply official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from each institution attended, with all degrees posted. Your transcripts must reflect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50 (or higher if program requires). The bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited institution. Your program may require other documents. Please see the Graduate Programs webpage for further information or check the Graduate Catalog.

U.S. residents should submit all materials to:
Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS)
100 N. University Dr., Box 117
NUC, Rm. 404
Edmond, OK 73034-5209.

International applicants should submit all materials to:
International Student Services Office
100 N. University Dr., Box 163
NUC, Rm. 137
Edmond, OK 73034-5209

NOTE: If you are submitting these materials in person, JCGS’s hours of operation are M-F from 8:00-5:00. Summer hours are M-Th 8:00-5:00, F 8-12:00 noon. Check the website to see when the summer schedule is in effect.

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2. Do I have to take an admission test (GMAT or GRE test)?

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is required for all students seeking an MBA degree at UCO. Test scores must be submitted before the student will be admitted to the program. For full admission to the MBA program, you must achieve a score of 450 or greater. The computer version of the GMAT is offered every day except Sundays, holidays and the first two days of the month at the Pearson Professional Center of Oklahoma, 5100 N. Brookline Ave., Ste. 282, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Phone (405) 917-7325 for an appointment.

For regularly updated information about the availability of test centers, call (405) 917-7325 or 1 (800) 247-8731. Test bulletins for the GMAT are available in the University Testing Service, Rm. 302, Thatcher Hall. See the GMAT website for GMAT information, sample questions and testing site locations world-wide.

The Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is required for the following programs.

• Biology (M.S.) Minimum combined score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative sections.
• Criminal Justice (M.A.) An index is calculated from GRE score and GPA as listed on the program page of the Graduate Catalog (under College of Liberal Arts).
• Family & Child Studies (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, M.S.) Obtain a minimum score of 900 combined score on the verbal and quantitative sections or 3.5 on the writing section of the GRE.
• Forensic Science (M.S.) Minimum combined score of 1000 on verbal and quantitative tests. The analytical conversion formula is show in the program pages of the Graduate Catalog (under College of Mathematics and Science).
• Political Science (M.A.) An index is calculated from GRE score and GPA as listed on the program page in the Graduate Catalog (under College of Liberal Arts) and 3.5 or higher on the written assessment section.
• Psychology (M.A.) Minimum combined score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative tests or 3.5 or higher on the written assessment section.

The computer version of the GRE is offered every day except Sundays and holidays at the Prometric Learning Center, 2224 NW 50th, Ste, 196, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. For regularly updated information about the availability of test centers, call Prometric at 405.843.8378 or 1.800.473.2255. Test bulletins are available in the University Testing Service office, Rm. 302, Thatcher Hall or visit the GRE website for test center locations world-wide.

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3. How do I apply for graduate study at UCO?

To apply for graduate school at UCO, you may come to UCO in person or you may go to our Forms page to download a copy of the application form online. Fill out the application, pay a non-refundable application fee of $25 (check or money order only - International Students should contact the International Services Office about this fee.), supply official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from each institution attended, with all degrees posted.

Your transcripts must reflect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50 (or higher if program requires). The bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited institution. Also, submit any other documents required by your program.

U.S. residents should submit all materials to:
Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS)
100 N. University Dr., Box 117
NUC, Rm. 404
Edmond, OK 73034-5209

International applicants should submit all materials to:
International Student Services Office
100 N. University Dr., Box 163
NUC, Rm. 137
Edmond, OK 73034-5209

NOTE: If you are submitting these materials in person, JCGS’s hours of operation are M-F from 8:00-5:00. Summer hours are M-Th 8:00-5:00, F 8-12:00 noon. Check the website to see when the summer schedule is in effect.You will be able to apply online starting September 24, 2007 for Spring 2008 semester and in April, 2008 for Summer and Fall 2008 semesters. Please check our website for updates on this new process.

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4. Are there any deadlines for applications to graduate school?

For International students, the following deadlines are in place and are strictly observed:

• Fall (Autumn) semester—July 1st
• Spring semester—November 1st
• Summer semester—April 1st

Deadlines for applications to specific graduate programs vary. If the graduate program application deadline precedes the international application deadline, the program deadline will apply. If the international graduate student application deadline precedes the program deadline, the international graduate student application deadline will apply. For domestic students: Deadlines for applications to specific graduate programs vary.

College of Arts, Media & Design
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Fall—April 1st
Spring—October 1st
Summer—March 1st

Master of Music (M.M.) - Music or Jazz Studies
Minimum of 2 weeks before classes begin

College of Business Administration - M.B.A.
Fall—July 15th
Spring—November 15th

Master of Arts (M.A. )
Psychology - Experimental, General and School Psychology - Minimum of 2 weeks before classes begin

Counseling
Fall—March 1st, Spring—November 1st

Masters of Education (M.Ed.) & (M.S.)
Adult Education, Education, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Bilingual Education (TESL), Family and Child Studies, Secondary Education, Education Administration, Instructional Media, Nutrition and Food Management (M.S.), Professional Health Occupations, Reading, Special Education, Wellness Management (M.S.), and Athletic Training (M.S.)
Minimum of 2 weeks before classes begin

Guidance & Counseling (33 credits)
Fall—April 15th approximately
Spring—November 15th approximately

Packet must be received by G&C by Friday of the 14th week of the semester to be considered for acceptance for the next full semester (fall or spring only)

Master of Science (M.S.)
Family & Child Studies—Minimum of 2 weeks before classes begin
Speech Language Pathology - February 1st

College of Liberal Arts - Masters of Arts (M.A.) All programs
Minimum of 2 weeks before classes begin

College of Mathematics & Science - Masters of Science (M.S.)
Minimum of 2 weeks before classes begin

Forensic Science—March 2nd (Fall admittance only)

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5. Am I allowed to transfer graduate hours from another school?

A maximum of 9 (nine) semester hours of transfer graduate credit from a U.S. accredited, degree granting institution may be applied toward a graduate degree program at the University of Central Oklahoma. These 9 hours may be applied only if they contribute to the program and are on the plan of study. The courses must be approved by the Graduate Advisor, the College Dean, and the Dean of the Jackson College of Graduate Studies.

JCGS requires that transfer students present an official letter from the University Registrar’s Office, prior to enrollment, indicating that the student is in good academic standing with his/her former institution.

If the courses are used to satisfy degree requirements at another university, they cannot apply toward a degree at UCO. All graduate courses taken at other accredited institutions, regardless of applicability to current program, must be transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma and included on the student’s academic record. All courses transferred in will count toward the calculation of the GPA.

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6. How can I find out the status of my application?

You may call the Graduate College offices at (405) 974-3341 and speak with one of our admission personnel to find out where you are in the application process. If you applied online, you will be able to login to your student account and check the progress of your application.

We will notify you by mail when you have been admitted to the JCGS. When you are notified that you have been admitted without restrictions, you will be able to enroll online.

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7. What degrees are offered at UCO and what graduate programs do you have?

UCO confers Master’s level degrees. Two of these degrees are the highest in their fields: the Master’s of Fine Arts in Design and the Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. UCO also confers Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Music (M.M.) and Master of Science (M.S.).

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8. What is a thesis and is it required? If so, what steps do I follow to complete mine?

A thesis is individual research, creative or scholarly project that a student performs as fulfillment to complete a master’s degree.

Some graduate programs require students working toward a master’s degree to submit a thesis. Candidates completing a thesis should follow the instructions of their thesis committee concerning the development and preparation of their project. See the Graduate Catalog for a full description of the program of your choice. Each program has a separate page that describes all program requirements including thesis options. For further information on Thesis Preparations, visit our Thesis Preparation Instructions Page.

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9. How do I find a Graduate Advisor to help me in my studies?

Each graduate program at UCO has a graduate advisor or mentor to work with students in setting up a plan of study and helping the student to complete requirements in the program. Graduate Advisor names are listed in the Graduate Catalog and on the Graduate Programs page as well as the Graduate Advisors page.

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10. How do I enroll in classes?

Once you have been admitted completely to JCGS in a program of your choice, we will send you a student ID number. With this number, you will be able to go online to create a student account. Once you have that account, simply login to your account and complete the information required to enroll in the upcoming semester.

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11. What kind of housing is available on-campus and what are the costs?

For all the latest information about on-campus housing options and costs, visit UCO Housing webpage.

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12. What kinds of financial aid are available to graduate students at UCO?

To learn more about financial aid available to graduate students at UCO, visit our financial information page and visit UCO's Financial Aid Web site.

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13. How can I become a Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA)?

For further information on assistantships, please go to Assistantships to learn more. Also, visit our Financial Information page to learn about other financial opportunities for graduate students.

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14. Where can I find information about coming to UCO as an International Student?

The International Student Services office has information and answers to your questions about coming to the U.S. Also, visit our International Students page.

15. If I have questions about my specific program, where do I find the answers?

UCO's graduate programs and graduate advisors are listed on the Graduate Programs page as well as in the Graduate Catalog. If you still have questions, please contact us via email at gradcoll@uco.edu or call us at 405.974.3341.

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16. What if I just want to take a graduate level class or two but don't plan to pursue a Master's Degree?

You will need to complete an application to graduate school and pay a non-refundable fee of $25 to the Bursar. You must submit official transcripts from all universities and colleges that you have attended with all degrees posted. If your undergraduate GPA is 2.5 or greater, you can be admitted to graduate school as a non-degree student. Only domestic students are allowed to enter UCO’s graduate school as non-degree seeking. International Students are required to enter as full-time students seeking a master’s degree in a specific program of study.

If you have a bachelor's degree, you will be admitted as a Non-degree seeking student. If you have a bachelor’s and master’s degree, you will be admitted as a Post Master’s student.

Some classes will require the instructor’s permission for you to enroll and other classes may be restricted to full time, degree-seeking students only. You will have to enroll in person, fill out a graduate enrollment worksheet, and have the JCGS stamp your enrollment form. Then you can go to Room 126 in Nigh University Center to enroll in person.

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