Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How to Apply | Transcripts | Test Scores | Application Status & Decision
Classes & Tuition | Multiple Applications & Re-Application

How to Apply

How do I apply?

Submit a graduate application from ApplyTexas, pay the non-refundable application fee, and provide transcripts from your baccalaureate degree granting institution. Most programs require additional information such as a statement of intent, and letters of recommendation. Please see the application process for more information.

International students must submit a NACES accredited official evaluation of foreign education credentials and TOEFL scores if the degree is from a non-U.S. institution. Contact the Global Engagement Center regarding application requirements or with any questions.

What are the application deadlines?

The Office of Admissions has the following deadlines:

August 1 for fall admission
December 1 for spring admission
May 15 for summer admission

Some programs may have earlier deadlines. Review your program page for program-specific deadline and application requirements.

What undergraduate GPA do I need to be accepted into graduate school?

For admission to a post-baccalaureate or master’s program, the University requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or 2.8 on your last sixty hours of undergraduate coursework. The undergraduate GPA is the GPA from courses taken at the degree granting institution. Requirements of individual graduate programs may be more rigorous than those set by the University as outlined in the current Graduate Catalog.

Application Status & Decision

How do I check the status of my application?

You can check your application status and upload supplemental materials online. You will receive an email with details about how to create your account after you submit your ApplyTexas application. If you haven't already, create your account at the SHSU Self Service Center application portal. You may also contact the Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs if you have any questions.

When will I receive an admission decision?

When your application is complete, the program will be able to review it and make an admission recommendation. The review process and the amount of time it takes varies by program. The decision will be posted on your SHSU Self Service Center and sent by email.

Transcripts

Do you require official transcripts?

Yes, Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs requires official transcripts when an admission decision is received. For your convenience, you have the option of uploading unofficial transcripts to your SHSU Self Service Center for the purposes of admission review. Examples of official transcripts and how to send to Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs are listed:

You may request that your school(s) send electronic official transcripts to SHSU Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs. This is the preferred method.
You may arrange for your school(s) to send sealed official transcripts to Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs. Allow for a minimum of two weeks for delivery.
You may obtain a sealed official transcript from your school and mail it (still sealed) to Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs.

Uploaded copies received via your SHSU Self Service Center Account, photocopies or faxed transcripts are NOT considered official.

You may mail your official transcript(s) to:
Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs
Sam Houston State University
Box 2478
Huntsville, TX 77341-2478

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries, please use our physical address:
Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs
1903 University Avenue
Estill Bldg. Suite 112
Huntsville, TX 77340

Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs accepts official electronic transcripts submitted directly from your university or from a valid third party provider. The email address is graduate@shsu.edu

What is a “bachelor’s degree conferral?”

A bachelor’s degree conferral is the degree you received and the date you received it. These are noted on your transcript after you graduate.

If you are in the process of completing your degree, you will need to submit a current transcript showing your final semester of coursework in process. After graduation, you will need to submit a final transcript showing your degree conferral.

If I completed my baccalaureate degree at SHSU, do I have to send an official transcript to Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs?

Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs does not require SHSU students to submit an SHSU transcript.

Test Scores

What is the GRE institution code for SHSU?

The SHSU institution code for the GRE is 6643. You do not need to specify a department.

Is the GRE required for all programs?

No. Some programs require the GMAT, such as the College of Business Administration graduate programs, while a few education programs will accept the MAT. Some programs do not require the GRE or any admissions test.

If I already have a master's degree or extensive professional experience, do I need the GRE/GMAT?

Please contact the Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs to determine your eligibility for a test score waiver.

For how many years are GRE, GMAT, and MAT scores valid?

GRE, GMAT, and MAT scores are valid for five years.

Classes & Tuition

What is considered full-time and part-time?

A full-time course load is nine credit hours or more in a fall or spring term. Less than nine-hours is part-time.

How much does graduate school cost?

The most recent fee structure for SHSU is available through the Cashier's Office.

Multiple Applications & Re-Application

If I want to change majors, do I have to submit a new application, transcripts, and other documents?

Submit a new graduate application from ApplyTexas to request admission into a different degree program. Submit all new admission materials required for the second application to Office of Admissions – Graduate Programs. All previously submitted transcripts and test scores will be applied to the new application.

If I've already paid the SHSU graduate application fee, do I have to pay it again?

The graduate application fee is non-refundable and is required with each ApplyTexas application you submit.

Yes, you may apply to more than one program if you submit an additional ApplyTexas application and pay the non-refundable application fee. However, you may only enroll in one graduate degree program at a time.