Admissions

Director of Admissions: John Barnhill, Jr.;
Associate Directors: Jessica Aloi, Richard Burnette III, Janice Finney
A2500 University Center, Tallahassee,Florida 32306-2400

General Policies

The Florida State University encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of sex, culture, race, religion, ethnic background, age, or disability. Admission of students to The Florida State University is within the jurisdiction of the University, but subject to the minimum standards adopted by the Board of Regents of the State University System of Florida.

Admission to a specific degree program is a selective process and is governed by college, school, and departmental requirements which may exceed the University-wide standards. In addition to the numerical requirements of grade point average and test scores, other factors which predict probable success may be considered. These factors include: the quality of the student’s undergraduate preparation, determined by the nature of the undergraduate institution attended and performance in specific courses; student motivation and attitude, determined from letters of recommendation written by undergraduate instructors and/or a personal interview; and miscellaneous other factors which might be relevant such as personality, creativity, temperament, and innate talent (music, art, etc.). Preference for admission to any term will be given to those students whose credentials indicate the greatest promise of academic success in their chosen course of study.

Every student must complete a medical statement on a form provided by the Office of Admissions when admission is granted. The form must be forwarded to the Thagard Student Health Center prior to registration. The Florida State University reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant whose health record indicates the existence of a condition which may be harmful to members of the University community.

The Board of Regents requires all entering students born in or after 1957 to provide proof of rubeola and rubella immunization. There are further restrictions regarding the year and the age at which immunization was received; students should contact the Thagard Student Health Center for complete details.
An application or residency statement submitted by or on behalf of a student that contains false, fraudulent, or incomplete statements may result in denial of admission or denial of further registration and/or invalidation of The Florida State University credit and related degrees.
The Florida State University will return to the sender both the application and the application fee when the application is received after the published closing date for each term or after any enrollment limit or program limit is reached prior to that published date. An application should not be submitted earlier than one year prior to the term for which admission is desired.

Admission to the University is often contingent upon the subsequent receipt of official college or university transcripts and verification of baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Failure to submit such documents before the end of the second week of class of the initial academic term will result in the loss of registration privileges for any subsequent term until the delinquent documents have been received.

Admission is for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated in the notice of admission, the Office of Admissions should be informed immediately. If the student wishes to be considered for entrance to a different term, the Office of Admissions must be advised in writing.
Admissions

Required Documents

Applicants for graduate admission must submit the following:

Application for Admission

The application for admission and a nonrefundable $20 (U.S. currency) application processing fee payable to The Florida State University should be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline, specified below. Only checks drawn on U.S. banks and money orders that can be cashed at U.S. banks are acceptable. An application will not be processed without the application fee, and there are no provisions to waive or postpone this fee.
The final deadlines for applications and supporting documents for graduate applicants with United States citizenship or permanent resident status are:

The final deadlines for applications and supporting documents for international graduate students are:

College Transcripts

It is the responsibility of the applicant to have submitted to the Office of Admissions two official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent from a college or university directly to the Office of Admissions and bear an official seal and signature. Transcripts bearing the statement "issued to student" or transcripts submitted by the applicant are not considered official.
Original documents or signed, officially certified photocopies of original documents may be submitted by the student only when institutions outside the United States will not send academic records to other institutions. The verifying signature should preferably be that of an officer of the institution attended. All academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Test Scores

Official test results from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for all applicants except for those students requesting admission to the College of Business. Official test scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are required for applicants for the College of Business. The GRE or GMAT scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the Educational Testing Service. Examinee copies are not considered official.

The GRE and GMAT are offered several times a year at numerous testing centers in the U.S. and abroad. Advance application is required. Application forms, as well as detailed information on the availability and character of the examinations, may be obtained by writing: Educational Testing Service, Graduate Record Examinations, Box 6000, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6000; or Educational Testing Service, Graduate Management Admissions Test Program, Box 6103, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6103.

International applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the Educational Testing Service. Examinee copies are not considered official. Arrangements for the test may be made by writing to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, U.S.A.

TOEFL information and registration forms are available in many locations outside the U.S.—usually at U.S. embassies and consulates, at offices of the United States Information Agency, from U.S. educational commissions and foundations, at Binational Centers, and from many private organizations such as the Institute of International Education (IIE), American-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST), and the African-American Institute (AAI).

A student who wishes to take the examinations at The Florida State University may obtain application forms and additional information by contacting the Office of Evaluation Services, 106 William Johnston Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1230.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Some departments require additional information such as auditions, portfolios, letters of recommendation, departmental applications, personal interviews, and diagnostic testing. Applicants should contact the department directly regarding any special requirements. These special items should be sent directly to the department.
Additional Documents Needed for International Applicants

Certification of Finances. Certification of finances must be completed before the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or IAP-66) is issued. The University is required by immigration authorities to check carefully financial resources of each student prior to issuing the Form I-20 or IAP-66. Therefore, it is important that the applicant know the costs of attending the University and have the necessary support funds for the entire period of enrollment.

The Certification of Financial Responsibility form must be completed, signed by the sponsor, and verified by the sponsor’s bank or financial institution. The total amount of funds available to the student must be listed for each year and must equal the total estimate of institutional costs and living expenses. All questions on the Certification of Financial Responsibility form must be accurately answered to avoid unnecessary delay in processing. For students obtaining scholarships/fellowships, an official letter of support, indicating the degree objective and the amount and duration of the funding, must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Admission Policies

Admission to graduate study involves admission to the department or school in which the applicant expects to study. Final admission to the University is subject to approval by the Office of Admissions. While there are minimum University admission requirements, the departments can, and frequently do, set admission standards significantly higher than these minima. The student should determine departmental requirements first. In addition to any stated additional departmental requirements, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.The applicant must hold, or be a candidate for, a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by one of the appropriate regional or general accrediting agencies. Approval of applications from undergraduate seniors is conditional upon the awarding of the baccalaureate degree prior to commencement of graduate studies. A student who has graduated from a recognized, although nonaccredited, institution may apply for study as a provisional graduate student. For information on provisional graduate students, see the following subsection on "Provisional Graduate Students."
2. Be in good standing in the institution of higher learning last attended.A student who, for academic or disciplinary reasons, is not eligible to register in the college or university last attended will not be admitted for graduate study.
3. Present evidence of a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all work attempted while registered as an upper-division student working toward a baccalaureate degree, or of a 3.0 on a master’s degree from an accredited/approved institution, or of a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the general aptitude test of the GRE (applicants to the College of Business are required to submit scores on the GMAT in lieu of the GRE).An applicant with less than a 3.0 average, on a 4.0 scale, as an upper-division student will be accepted only after careful scrutiny of the applicant’s qualifications. An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree as well as a master’s degree if admission is being sought on the basis of a 3.0 on the master’s work.
4. Submit official Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. Applicants to the College of Business must submit official Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores. The GRE or GMAT scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the Educational Testing Service. Examinee copies are not considered official. Test substitutions are not permitted. For example, the GRE cannot be substituted for the GMAT.
5. Be approved by the department or school in which he or she proposes to concentrate.
6. International students whose native language is not English are required to have a score of 550 or better on the paper-based, or 213 or better on the computer-based TOEFL examination (some departments require a higher score). International students expecting to receive appointments as teaching assistants are required to pass a test of spoken English as well.

Admission Appeal Procedure

Applicants to graduate programs who meet minimum standards of admission to the State University System and who are denied admission to a graduate program may request reconsideration of their applications. Application for reconsideration should be made in writing within 30 days of denial and should be directed to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

A limited number of admission exceptions are at the discretion of the academic dean having jurisdiction over the subject-matter. Any appeal for admission by exception should be made directly to that academic dean.

Readmission Appeal Procedure

Students who are denied through the readmission process may appeal that decision by filing a written petition with the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Rule for Reconsideration of Denial of Admission/Readmission to a Graduate Program

Applicants to graduate programs who meet minimum standards of admission for the state university system and who are denied admission or readmission to a graduate program may request reconsideration of their applications. The following procedures shall apply for all applicants who seek review of an admissions decision:

1. Timely notice of denial of admission shall be sent to the applicant by the graduate admissions office and a copy of the notice shall be sent to the appropriate academic department. Notice to the applicant shall include:
1. a statement of the reason(s) for denial based on the academic department’s response on the admission "action form";
2. a reminder that departmental criteria may be above Board of Regents’ minimal requirements; and
3. instructions to the student concerning reconsideration procedures;
2. Instructions to the applicant concerning a request for reconsideration shall include the following information:
1. Written requests for review of denial of admissions must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies within thirty (30) days of the date of the letter of denial. Specific reasons for the request must be included and supporting evidence, in writing, should be included with the request;
2. The Office of Graduate Studies shall forward the request for reconsideration to the appropriate academic department within three (3) working days;
3. The request for reconsideration shall be reviewed by a standing committee of the appropriate academic department. This committee shall be composed of members of the graduate faculty and at least one graduate student. The committee shall review the request for reconsideration within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request by the academic department. Decisions by the committee shall be immediately forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Graduate Studies shall notify the applicant of the decision within seven (7) days of the committee’s decision. This decision shall be final and there shall be no further appeals.

Provisional Graduate Students

A student who has filed an application for admission to a graduate degree program, but who has not been admitted as a regular graduate student, may under certain conditions be admitted as a provisional graduate student (classification 8) with the consent of the department chair. This category will include: 1) students who could not be admitted because the quota for a term was filled, 2) students with incomplete files (e.g., missing transcripts other than the one reflecting the degree and date awarded, GRE scores, etc.), 3) students who require further departmental review of performance before final decision, and 4) students whose undergraduate degrees are from nonaccredited institutions.

A provisional graduate student will be assigned to the appropriate major and division and will register in the same manner as a degree-seeking student. However, under no conditions may a student remain in the provisional classification for more than one term. All classification questions should be directed to the Office of Admissions. The files of provisional graduate students will remain in that office until the student is changed to a regular graduate or to postbaccalaureate special classification or is denied regular admission.

A provisional graduate student will be admitted to this category in accordance with normal admission procedures. The Office of Admissions will advise the student of acceptance in this category and will include appropriate explanation of the meaning of the provisional classification.

A provisional graduate student who meets the minimum admission requirements of the Board of Regents may be changed to regular graduate status upon request by the department chair for the following term or a future term. To be admitted to regular graduate status, a provisional graduate student who does not meet the Board of Regents requirements must have taken at least nine (9) hours of graduate-level course work (excluding S/U courses) during the term on provisional status and must have at least a 3.0 average on all graduate work. Upon regular admission the applicant will be counted as an exception. A provisional student who is changed to special student status and subsequently seeks admission to regular graduate status must comply with the policies established for special students who change to regular graduate student status.

A provisional graduate student is subject to the retention and dismissal regulations appropriate to a regular graduate student. If a provisional student is changed to a special student after incurring probationary status, the permanent record will retain the probationary status statement, but the student will not be subject to further retention review as a provisional graduate student.

Graduate work taken by a provisional graduate student will automatically apply toward the student’s graduate program if the student changes directly from a provisional student classification to a regular student classification unless the academic dean directs to the contrary.
Graduate work taken by a provisional graduate student who changes to a special student classification shall be considered as acquired while in special student status. The subsequent transfer of such credit to a graduate degree program shall be subject to the policies of reclassification from special student to regular student status.

Readmission

A regular graduate student who is making application for readmission to the University after a period of absence and having left in good standing, or after having been granted a degree, or after having been registered "for examination only," expecting but failing to complete a degree, should apply to the Office of the University Registrar for readmission rather than to the Office of Admissions. Former special students who wish to be readmitted as regular graduate students should apply through the Office of Admissions. Former provisional graduate students should apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. An application for readmission is required of students who wish to reenter the University after an absence of two or more terms. Doctoral students who have passed the preliminary examination have five years to complete their degree requirements. For all other students, if seven years have elapsed since the student’s departure from the University, the student must make application to the Office of Admissions, according to the procedure prescribed for new admission.

Special (Non-Degree Seeking) Students

A special student (classification 7), that is, one who registers as a non-degree seeking student, who subsequently decides to pursue a degree may be reclassified as a regular graduate student upon meeting regular graduate admission requirements. If the special student does not meet the regular graduate admission requirements, the student must have taken at least nine (9) semester hours of graduate-level course work and have at least a 3.0 average on all graduate-level work before the student’s status student status. Upon regular graduate admission such a student will be counted in the exception category.

Work taken as a special student does not automatically carry graduate degree credit, but, if approved by the department chair and dean and taken within the time limits prescribed by the degree program, up to twelve (12) hours of graduate-level credit with a grade of "B" or better in each course earned by a special student who later qualifies for admission to a graduate degree program may count toward the degree.

Because of critical limitations on the availability of space, special students must be admitted to courses only by permission of the graduate officer of that particular academic unit and the office of special students. By federal regulations foreign nationals on a student visa (F-l) may not use the special student status other than to fulfill prerequisite requirements, for summer enrollment if full-time status has been maintained during the academic year or for transfer to their home country institution. All foreign nationals must obtain permission from the Office of Admissions prior to registering as a special student.

Second Graduate Program

A student who has completed one graduate degree program at The Florida State University must secure the approval of the proposed department before undertaking a second graduate program. Readmission is through the Office of the University Registrar. Work taken without such approval will not count toward a graduate degree.

Transient Graduate and Postdoctoral Students

A graduate student seeking a degree from a university other than The Florida State University or a postdoctoral student may register for course work at the graduate level without going through regular application procedures. Transient students must receive prior approval from their graduate deans for the courses to be taken for transfer to their home institutions. Approval forms from the home institution must be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies, The Florida State University.

A postdoctoral student may register upon the request of the department in which work is to be taken. The request forms, available at the Office of Admissions, will be signed by the departmental chair and transmitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies for postdoctoral registration approval.

Both types of registration require no transcripts, GRE scores, or application fee; however, tuition fees must be paid.

Traveling Scholar Program

The University participates in a traveling scholar program which enables a graduate student to take advantage of special resources acan be reviewed for change to regular graduate vailable on another campus but not available on the home campus, such as special course offerings, research opportunities, unique laboratories, and library collections.

A traveling scholar’s graduate adviser will approach an appropriate faculty member at the proposed host institution and recommend the scholar for a visiting arrangement. After agreement by the student’s adviser and the faculty member at the host institution, graduate deans of both institutions will be fully informed by the adviser and have the power to approve or disapprove. A student will register at the host institution and will pay tuition and/or registration fees according to fee schedules established at that institution. Credit for the work taken will be recorded at the home university.

Each university retains its full right to accept or reject any student who wishes to study under its auspices. A traveling scholar will normally be limited to one term on the campus of the host institution. A traveling scholar accepted by the host institution will be regarded as being registered at that institution for the period.

A traveling scholar is not entitled to displacement allowance, mileage, or per diem payments. The home university, however, may at its option continue its financial support of the traveling scholar in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship with any work obligation to be discharged either at the home or at the host institution.

Academic Common Market

The academic common market is an interstate agreement among southern states for sharing academic programs. Participating states enable their residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific graduate programs in other states on an in-state tuition basis. Arrangements traditionally are limited to unusual programs or programs not offered within the state of residence. To enroll as an academic common market student an applicant must obtain certification from the common market coordinator in the student’s home state. Students must be admitted to the appropriate degree program by the Office of Admissions, and the letter of certification must be received in the Office of Admissions before the first day of classes for the effective term. For information on the state’s authorization of programs or on the identity of the coordinator for a particular state, contact the Office of Admissions or Southern Regional Educational Board, 592 Tenth Street N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318-5790; (404) 875-9211.

Cooperative Programs in the State University System

Cooperative graduate degree programs may be established in which the faculties of two or more of the universities within the State University System join in offering a degree program in a particular discipline. The degree is given by the university authorized by the Board of Regents to offer it, but course work and faculty participation within agreed upon limits can occur on the campus of either or any of the participating universities. Examples of this cooperative design join members of The Florida State University’s faculty to that of the University of Florida in offering doctoral degrees in anthropology and geography. For information on possibilities in a particular discipline, students should contact the academic department or the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

International Applicants

Notice of Admission

If a student’s application for admission to The Florida State University is approved, an official notice of admission will be sent by the Office of Admissions with the appropriate immigration form. Admission is for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated in the notice of admission, the Office of Admissions should be informed immediately. If the student wishes to be considered for entrance to a different term, the Office of Admissions must be advised in writing. Under no circumstances should an applicant make definite plans to enroll until officially notified by the Office of Admissions that admission has been granted. Students who come to the campus without first receiving an official notice of acceptance do so entirely at their own risk. The student’s presence on the campus will not influence the decision on the application for admission.

Finances

Before a United States Consul will grant a visa, international applicants must prove that they will have sufficient funding to meet all of their expenses while studying in the United States. Applicants must explain the source of funds and guarantee that they will receive funding for the duration of the program. Unless applicants show written evidence of having financial support for the entire time required to complete the degree program, they will not be granted a student visa.

If the student’s government limits the amount of money that may be sent to students in the United States, the applicant should make sure that sufficient funds will be available. When applicants leave their country, they must have enough money to pay for traveling expenses to the University, fees for the entire term, living expenses until more money arrives, and the return fare to their home country. Students must be sure that they will have sufficient financial resources to cover all costs during their stay at the University. If the applicant’s government requires verification of enrollment before money can be forwarded, the student may request verification from the Office of the University Registrar after registration is completed at the University.

A number of international students arrive at the University without being aware of the amount of money they will need. Students often assume, incorrectly, that additional financial assistance or part-time employment will be available. International students are permitted to work off campus only in exceptional circumstances. Each year many students find themselves in serious financial difficulties because they did not arrange for adequate support. Before making firm plans to come to the United States, international applicants should read the following sections carefully.

The costs given are estimated minima and are subject to change. The following estimates are based on one academic year (two semesters—fall and spring) and are for unmarried students with no dependents. Additional funds must be included for spouse or family ($3,000 for spouse and $1,000 for each child per year). Biographical data must be provided for each family member accompanying the student to the United States. The data should include complete name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, and relationship to the student (wife, husband, son, daughter). Approximately one-half of the estimated total amount should be available at the beginning of each semester since University fees must be paid upon registration at the start of each term.

*Graduate tuition and fees are based on estimates of twelve (12) hours per semester at 1998 – 1999 tuition rates. Students must register for a minimum of twelve (12) hours each semester unless they have been awarded an assistantship. Assistantship holders may register for nine (9) hours each semester. Note: Tuition increases are expected. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions for current fees.

**On-Campus housing only. Off-Campus housing costs are considerably higher.

***All students who are admitted to the University must maintain a health insurance policy for the duration of their enrollment. Estimated annual health insurance costs: student – $479; student and husband/wife – $2,160; student and child – $1,085; student and family – $2,766.

****It is estimated that an additional $4,342 will be necessary for tuition and fees if the student will be attending summer school.

Passports and Visas

International applicants will need a passport from their own government and a visa from the United States Consulate to enter the U.S. Applicants should apply for a passport as soon as possible, although in some countries it will be necessary to provide proof of admission to a United States school before a passport will be granted.

To apply for a visa, applicants should take their passport and Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or IAP-66), issued by The Florida State University, and proof of adequate financial support for studies and living expenses, to the nearest United States Consulate.

If students are coming to the University specifically for the purpose of studying, they will probably wish to apply for a Student Visa (F-1). It is granted upon presentation of a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) and proof that sufficient financial support to cover all expenses for the entire period of study in the United States is available. Graduate students holding this visa will be required to carry at least twelve (12) semester hours each term.

Health Insurance

The University’s Thagard Student Health Center provides basic outpatient care. Because students are likely to incur costs for medical care beyond that provided through outpatient services, adequate health insurance coverage must be obtained. Insurance coverage for dependents is also available. International students who will be accompanied by dependents are required to purchase additional health insurance coverage for them. For more information regarding health insurance, contact the Thagard Student Health Center, (850) 644-6230.

International applicants are required to bring a medical history to campus which describes previous illnesses and/or surgery prior to enrollment. If students have ever had tuberculosis (or scars appearing on chest X rays) or other serious infectious diseases, they should be sure to have thorough medical studies made before coming to the University and bring the reports from those studies to campus. International applicants must be immunized, and show proof of such immunization, prior to registration.

Intensive English Program

English is the language of instruction and communication at the University. If international applicants are not adequately prepared in English, they must correct this deficiency before being admitted to the University. Students may do this in their home country or in the United States at a school that offers an intensive English language program. The Florida State University offers an Intensive English Program. For further information, contact: Director, Center for Intensive English Studies, 918 West Park Avenue, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4170.

Admission to the Intensive English Program does not in any way imply that admission to The Florida State University will be approved.

Panama City Campus Admissions

The same policies, procedures, and requirements that pertain to the Tallahassee campus apply to the Panama City campus. Admissions information can be obtained from: Office of Admissions, The Florida State University, Panama City Campus, 4750 West 23rd Street, Panama City, FL 32405-1020.

College of Law Admissions

For information regarding the College of Law and for receipt of a complete application packet, interested students should contact: Admissions Office, College of Law, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601.