Graduate Categories of Admission
We have four categories of graduate admissions namely: Regular, Provisional, Non-degree and the Continuous Graduate Certificate/Professional. Applicants may be granted admission to each of these categories having fulfilled the requirement for each category. Requirements of each category are different and prospective students are advised to examine each category carefully to determine which one best fits their qualifications and purpose.
Overall, grade point average (GPA), recommendation letters, previous graduate work and interviews, depending on the programs are used together to determine the candidates overall likelihood of successful performance in our graduate programs. Different graduate programs may also have some specific requirements unique to their programs which must also be met before admission is granted. Individuals must achieve a regular admission status before they can graduate. Only those with this status are eligible for graduate assistantships. (Please see individual program information for specific requirements).
Regular Admission
Applicants may be granted regular admission to a graduate program if they have met the Graduate School minimum degree program requirements of 3.0 grade-point average and above, two letters of recommendation, graduated official transcripts from all posted secondary institutions attended, and have met all requirements from the graduate programs the applicant wishes to attend.
So, requirements Regular admission include:
3.0 GPA
Two letters of recommendation or two recommendation forms
Graduated official transcript(s)
Meet all requirements from desired graduate program
Submission of all these materials together determines candidate’s overall likelihood of successful performance in Albany State University graduate program and eligibility for regular admission. Individuals must achieve regular admission status before they can graduate. Only those with this status are eligible for graduate assistantships. (See individual program information for specific requirements)
Provisional Admission
Applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for regular admission may be considered
for provisional admission. The following criteria must be met in addition to admission
requirements:
An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an
undergraduate major in, or prerequisites for, the planned field of study, where applicable.
An undergraduate grade-point average of at least 2.5 and two letters of recommendation.
Meet all requirements from the graduate program the student wishes to attend. Program
specific documents such as recommendation letters, writing samples, etc. Click here for program specific documents. A student satisfying nine semester hours of course work in provisional status with
no grade of less than “B” may be admitted to regular admission. Otherwise, the student’s
enrollment is terminated. Individual programs of study may have higher provisional
admission standards.
Non-Degree Admission
Students who are not eligible for regular or provisional admission may be considered for non-degree admission. No student will be allowed to take more than nine (9) hours in non-degree status. If a student has not gained eligibility for provisional or regular status by the time the nine hours are completed, then the student will be automatically dropped from the program.
Continuous Graduate Certificate/Professional Program
Applicants interested in obtaining graduate certificates/professional certification in a particular graduate program may be admitted as graduate certificate/professional students. This admission category is available to candidates in professional areas who desire to enhance their capacity and increase their knowledge and acquire additional skills by taking a few courses in a particular graduate program. A student admitted in this program may earn more than nine credit hours; however, only nine hours will be accepted toward the master’s degree if they choose to seek a graduate degree in any of our graduate programs. They must maintain a B average and meet all program’s requirement if they wish to transition to a degree program.
A student admitted as Non-Degree or Continuous certificate/professional programs WILL NOT be eligible to receive financial aid.
We are excited about your interest in our graduate programs and we look forward to having you us as soon as possible in our graduate program
Transient Admission
A full-time graduate student in good academic standing at another institution may enroll for one semester as a transient student. The regular institution must provide written authorization for the student to enroll under this status. Copies of transcripts and standardized test scores are not required.
Senior Policy
The senior admission policy at Albany State is intended for undergraduates who have earned credit hours 90 or greater with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Seniors who are interested in this option are advised to meet with their undergraduate Academic Advisor and the appropriate academic program Coordinator prior to completing this request for graduate credit registration for senior undergraduate students form.
Seniors must apply/request and be approved before being permitted to take these graduate courses.
Seniors are allowed to take graduate courses while still remaining as undergraduate students.
Seniors must have earned (90) credit hours or higher toward graduation before being approved to take graduate courses
Seniors must initiate a request by completing the request for graduate credit registration for senior undergraduate students form.
Seniors must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
The approved seniors are limited to a maximum course load of sixteen (16) credit hours (graduate and undergraduate) per semester
Seniors may not take more than (6) graduate credit hours per semester. A limit of nine graduate credits may be earned prior to formal admission as a graduate student.
Under this program credits earned are for graduate credits, separate from the undergraduate credits earned for degree, and will not be calculated in the student’s undergraduate credit and grade point total. Also credits earned under this program constitute a permanent graduate – level record and can be transferred to other accredited institutions.
Approved seniors taking graduate courses are governed by the regulations for undergraduate students at Albany State University.
Questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar or the student’s undergraduate Advisor, the relevant Department or Graduate Coordinator/Director.