Frequently Asked Questions
› What do I need in order to apply for Graduate Admission?
› What does it cost?
› Should I submit a full application for admission or a readmission application?
› I would like to make payments on my tuition, is this available?
› What is the mailing address if I want to mail any application documents (i.e. official
transcripts)?
› I am applying to a program that requires the GRE. Is it possible to be admitted without
taking the test?
› How do I become a graduate assistant?
› I have taken the IELTS instead of the TOEFL exam. Will this be okay?
› I have taken my admissions test but did not make the required score. Is it possible
that I could still be admitted?
› How do I obtain information regarding the admissions tests?
› How many letters of recommendation are required?
› What is considered a full-time load for a graduate student?
› What is considered a maximum load for a graduate student?
› How can I be reclassified as an in-state student?
› I live outside of Tennessee. Can I be classified as an in-state student?
› What is the time limit allowed to complete a graduate degree?
› My six years have expired. What do I do?
› If I don't have a master's degree, can I apply for an Ed.S. Degree?
› Aren't there some exceptions where I can go from bachelors to Ph.D. or Ed.S.?
› Do I have to pay the application fee?
› I was an undergraduate at Tennessee Tech; do I still have to pay the application fee?
› When I graduate, how do I get my diploma and transcripts?
› Can I transfer coursework from another university to TTU?
What do I need in order to apply for Graduate Admission?
- Apply online at 'Apply to the College of Graduate Studies'
- Pay application fee: $35 ($40 for international students) nonrefundable application fee
- Request Official college transcripts from ALL previously-attended institutions
- Input recommenders (if required by your program) into the application portal.
- International students may have to provide English Language Proficiency results (See International Admissions page)
- Request Satisfactory Test Scores (if needed) please review your program's admission
requirements for any required exams)
What does it cost?
- Instate residents pay approximately $666 per credit hour or $6,000 per semester for 9 hours
- Out-of-state students pay approximately $1,392 per credit hour or $12,528 per semester for 9 hours
- Nursing and MBA have additional fees
- Additional fee information may be found at the Tennessee Tech Bursar website
Should I submit a full application for admission or a readmission application?
The same application is used for both regular admission and readmission. You will
simply go the the application portal as a new user or returning user.
I would like to make make payments on my tuition. Is this available?
You are able to split your tuition into four installment payments. To take advantage
of this plan, contact the Bursar.
What is the address if I want to mail any application documents (i.e. official transcripts?
When ordering transcripts online, you will want to select that they sent to Graduate Studies not Undergraduate.
College of Graduate Studies
Tennessee Tech University
1 William L. Jones Drive, Room 306
Cookeville, TN 38505
I am applying for a program that requires the GRE, is it possible to be admitted without taking the test?
Many programs have removed the requirement for the GRE and GMAT. If you are required to submit a GRE score, you will need to submit the GRE before your application will be reviewed for admission. Be sure to check the program admissions requirements before you begin your admissions application.
How do I become a graduate assistant?
Each department manages their graduate assistant budget and determines its needs in relation to hiring students for graduate assistant position or student worker positions. An applicant must be admitted to the university in full-standing to be eligible to apply to a department for an assistantship. Contact your program department regarding assistantship opportunities.
I have taken the IELTS instead of the TOEFL exam. Will this be okay?
The Graduate School will accept the IELTS as a replacement for the TOEFL exam, as
well as the PTE Academic, DuoLingo, and ELS (Level 112). See our International Admissions page to view the numerous English Language Proficiency tests that TTU accepts.
I have taken my admissions test but did not make the required score. Is it possible I can still be admitted.?
You must successfully meet the requirements stated by the department.
How do I obtain information regarding the admissions tests?
Students needing to take the GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL may go to the respective test information website to register for a convenient test location.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
Each program determines their admissions requirements. Most majors require 3 letters
of recommendation, except M.B.A. and Chemistry, which only requires 1. The M.Acc.
program does not require any. Be sure to check the program admissions requirements
website.
What is considered a full-time load for a graduate student?
9 hours = Full-time Fall and Spring Semester
6 hours = Full-time Summer Semester
NOTES: Graduate Assistants are considered full-time with 6 hours in fall and spring semesters
and 1 hour in the summer semester. For financial aid, students are required to enroll
in 5 credit hours to be eligible for student loans and Tennessee Promise.
What is considered a maximum load for a graduate student?
16 hours = Any Semester - GA's must have approval from their department to register for more than 12 hours
How can I be reclassified as an in-state student?
You need to provide adequate information to warrant a review of residency status.
Usually this is in the form of a letter from your employer indicating that you are
working full-time (30 hours per week or more) in Tennessee. If approved, the student
may register for up to 7 hours per term at in-state rates while establishing permanent
residency. See the residency requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog for more information.
I live outside of Tennessee. Can I be classified as an in-state student?
No, we do not offer that option. Please see the admissions residency requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog. For information on out-of-state rates, visit the Bursars website.
What is the time limit allowed to complete a graduate degree?
Master's and Ed.S. students must complete all degree requirements within a period
of six consecutive years. Doctoral programs must be completed within a period of eight
consecutive years.
My six years have expired. What do I do?
Contact your academic advisor.
If I don't have a master's degree, can I apply for an Ed.S. Degree?
No. The master's degree is a prerequisite for the Ed.S. program.
Aren't there some exceptions where I can go from bachelors to Ph.D. or Ed.S.?
You can never go to Ed.S. without a master's. Many of our Ph.D. programs do not require
a master's as a prerequisite. See the program website for admissions requirements
and program lengths.
Do I have to pay the application fee?
If you have previously attended Tennessee Tech as a graduate student, you would not have to pay a second application fee. However, if you haven't been a Tennessee Tech graduate student, then the fee is required.
I was an undergraduate at Tennessee Tech; do I still have to pay the application fee?
Yes. This fee must be paid at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
When I graduate, how do I get my diploma and transcript?
All graduates will receive a diploma through the mail approximately three weeks following
graduation. Following degree conferral (one week after final grades are posted and
closed), student transcripts are updated with the degree award and are available for
ordering through the national student clearing house and Parchment services. If your
employer requires an updated transcript, you will want to request your transcript
via the Records Office.
Can I transfer coursework from another university to TTU?
Tennessee Tech may accept transfer credit from other accredited institutions. The program that you are applying to will determine the graduate level courses that they are willing to transfer into your program of study. It is important to note that the grades earned in those courses are not used in the calculation of a student’s overall cumulative GPA. Only courses with a B or better will be considered as acceptable potential transfer credit.
Your transcript will display 8 specific GPA calculations; however, for most purposes you will be interested in only 2 of those:(1) Overall GPA and (2) Inclusive Combined GPA. The Overall GPA will not include the grades earned in transfer courses but the Inclusive Combined GPA include the grades earned in transfer courses.
Note: Grades in transfer courses will show on your Tennessee Tech transcript with a leading T. For example a grade of A will transfer to Tennessee Tech as a TA, a grade of B as a TB, a grade of C as a TC, etc.
Questions? Contact us!