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Applications submitted by the published priority application date will be given first consideration during the review and selection process. Applications received after the priority application date will be considered on a space-available basis.
Should I adhere to the UW Graduate School application date or the date for the program I want to study?
Follow the published dates for the program you are interested in studying. In most cases, program application dates are earlier than the UW Graduate School application dates.
What if my GPA is below a 3.0 on my last 90 graded quarter credit hours or 60 semester credit hours?
A 3.0 grade point average on the last 90 graded quarter credit hours or 60 semester credit hours is a requirement of the UW Graduate School. In special circumstances, programs may submit a petition to the UW Graduate School asking that the applicant be considered for admission despite the lower GPA. Special circumstances vary by program. Contact the individual program for more information.
Do I have to take a graduate school entrance exam?
Yes, unless you are applying to the MSW or MN programs. Either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is required for admission to all other programs. Check with the program you are applying to for additional information.
What are "competitive" or minimum test scores on the GRE or GMAT?
There are no minimum test scores. Each applicant is considered on the basis of his or her complete application packet. Competitive scores are determined by each year's applicant pool and cannot be predicted in advance of the application deadlines. Contact the individual program for more information.
What is the cost of graduate school tuition?
Graduate tuition rates vary by program. View the current tuition schedule.
Is there financial aid for graduate students at UW Tacoma?
Yes. Please refer to the Financial Aid section. In addition, some graduate programs offer scholarships for new and current students.
Do you have graduate student housing?
No, UW Tacoma does not offer university housing. As an urban campus, many housing options are available to students in the local vicinity.
How long do I have to complete my master's degree?
The UW Graduate School allows students a maximum of six years to complete a master's degree.
Can I attend UW Tacoma graduate classes as a Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) student?
GNM status is granted by individual graduate programs on a space-available basis only. Check with the program prior to applying for GNM status.
I work for the state of Washington. Can I use my tuition exemption for a graduate program?
Tuition exemption is a privilege extended to employees of the state of Washington and is provided only on a space-available basis. Some UW Tacoma graduate programs and courses are in high demand and do not always have extra space. While tuition-exempt students are welcome to apply, they cannot register for classes until the third day of the quarter. If a tuition-exempt student is admitted, he/she will be given the opportunity to pay tuition. Some courses that involve one-on-one faculty interaction, such as independent study courses, do not qualify for tuition exemption. Talk to your graduate program adviser for more information.
My work often requires that I be out of town for extended periods. Can I take a quarter off when needed?
The UW Graduate School requires that all matriculated graduate students maintain continuous enrollment (excluding summer) in order to maintain their graduate student status. On special occasions, an exception to this rule may be granted by petition (Graduate On-Leave Status). If you take a quarter off without going on-leave, you must re-apply for admission. You are encouraged to carefully consider the required time commitment when making application to the graduate program.
I am an international student. Can I apply to UW Tacoma graduate programs?
International students who are on a F-1 or J-1 educational visa must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program. Several of the UW Tacoma graduate programs offer only part-time study. Please check with the program you are interested in to see if international students may apply. Additionally, the Tacoma campus is not currently equipped to offer support services such as housing, specialized academic assistance, and English as a Second Language courses.
How soon will I know if I have been accepted?
Expect a minimum of one month after the application deadline before notification of admission decisions. You will be notified by mail. Decisions will not be provided by phone.
Are classes available during the summer?
Check with your specific program to see if classes are required or offered during summer quarter. Many programs do not offer graduate-level classes during the summer.
Do I have to do a thesis?
Master's degree programs may include a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Check with your specific program of study to see whether a thesis is required.
Can I repeat courses?
Yes, graduate students may repeat any course. Both the first and second grades will be included in the cumulative GPA. Subsequent grades will not be included, but will appear on the permanent record. The number of credits earned in the course will apply toward degree requirements only once.
Do you help me find a job after I have completed my master's degree?
Neither the Graduate School nor your adviser provide job placement services or assist you in finding a job after you have completed your master's degree. However, the Career Development Center can offer guidance in conducting your job search.
How many courses do I have to take each quarter?
To maintain graduate status, you must be enrolled on a full-time (10 credits), part-time (at least three credits), or official On-Leave basis from the time of first enrollment in the Graduate School until completion of all requirements for the graduate degree. Registration is required when applying for the master's degree, passing of the master's final examination, filing the thesis or dissertation, and receiving the degree. Summer Quarter On-Leave enrollment is automatic for all graduate students who were either registered or officially on-leave the prior Spring Quarter. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment constitutes evidence that you have resigned from the Graduate School.
