Graduate Studies FAQs

Learn more about the admissions process.

Do I need to submit an application to the university and another for my program?

No, only one application is required on which you indicate your chosen program of study. 

How do I submit an application?

You may submit an application in-person, online at https://www.gcsu.edu/graduate/online-graduate-applications, by email at grad-admit@gcsu.edu, fax at 478-445-1336 or mail at the following address:

The Graduate School
CBX 107
​Milledgeville, GA 31061

How much is the application fee?

The application fee is $35 to apply online. Please note that applicants who have paid the fee or enrolled at Georgia College within the past six years can have the application fee waived by using the discount code listed on the "Submit Your Application" tab of the online application.

What are the application deadlines?

Most programs follow our priority deadlines with the exception of the MFA in Creative Writing, Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and nursing programs. Please review the program pages to find out more about applying to these programs.  Some of our programs are cohorts, meaning there is only one entry period per academic year. These programs generally follow the priority deadline for their designated term of entry.

The priority application deadlines are as follows:

Fall – July 1*
Spring – November 1*
Summer – April 1*

*Check the program pages for hard deadlines followed by specific programs. 

What’s a priority deadline as compared to a hard deadline?

You may note that some programs have priority deadlines while others have hard deadlines. Priority means that we continue to accept applications for these programs after the stated deadline date, but those applications received earlier will be given priority in the admission process. Hard deadlines are firm and applications must be completed by the stated deadline date or they will not be considered for admission for that term.

It is important to remember that if you are conditionally admitted pending final transcripts or official test scores, this information must be received by the end of the second week of the term. If this information is received any later, you will not be eligible for financial aid for that term and cannot continue enrollment in your program.

Where can I find tuition and fee rates?

You may find tuition and fee rates for all campuses and online programs here: http://www.gcsu.edu/businessoffice/tuition-and-fees.

Do transcripts need to be sent directly from the issuing institution?

Yes, transcripts must be sent either by mail or encrypted email through a transcript service directly to Graduate Admissions from the issuing institution. However, if you have official, unopened transcripts that reflect all of the coursework completed at your institution, you may mail these to the Graduate Admissions Office.  We will not accept transcripts that have been opened, photocopied, faxed or emailed. 

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent for non-US degree) to be eligible for admission into a graduate program at Georgia College. 

International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES member. An official World Education Services(WES) ICAP evaluation is preferred, but if an evaluation is completed by another NACES member, official hardcopy transcripts should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office from the issuing institution via postal mail. After receipt, all transcripts and evaluations will undergo a final review by the International Education Center.

Can I send my unofficial/student copy of test scores for my application?

In order to be fully admitted into a graduate program, test scores must be received directly from the testing agency (Educational Testing Service for GRE, Graduate Management Admission Council for GMAT, Pearson Education for MAT). One exception is that the College of Education will accept GACE test scores sent from applicants. Other than GACE exams, all tests must have been taken within the past five years to be used for admission. 

Now that my application file is complete, how long does it take for a decision to be made on my admission?

Once a file is complete, the review process generally takes from two to four weeks. We encourage applicants to apply early so that there is no rush in preparing to enroll, paying tuition and fees and making living/work arrangements.

What are the next steps after I’ve been admitted to my chosen program?

You will receive information regarding your admission from both your program coordinator and The Graduate School. This acceptance packet may be delivered via email or postal mail and will contain information about your academic advisor, registration and orientation (if applicable).

Contact your academic advisor to complete a program of study, then utilize the PAWS portal to complete registration and pay tuition.

If you are attending classes on campus, don’t forget your Bobcat Card! This is your student identification and can also act as a debit card for purchases made on campus and participating businesses around Milledgeville.  You will need it to access the Maxwell Dining Hall and the Ina Dillard Russell Library.

What classes will I take in my program?

Classes for graduate degrees are listed in the graduate catalog, which can be accessed at: https://gcsu.smartcatalogiq.com/current/Graduate-Catalog.

When does the semester begin?

You may view the academic calendar corresponding to each semester here: http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/academic-calendars.

Where can I find information about graduate assistantships and submit an application?

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available through our graduate programs and individual offices on campus. Get more information about graduate assistantships.

Assistantship applications are available on the webpage for each college within the university and should be submitted to the coordinator of your chosen program of study. To be considered eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must be approved for regular admission by your chosen graduate program.

How do graduate assistantships help with tuition and how much is a stipend?

In lieu of the usual tuition charged, all graduate assistants are required to pay a special tuition of $25.00 regardless of their Georgia residency status. MAT students receive 6 hours of tuition waiver. Ten-hour-per-week graduate assistants pay half the usual matriculation plus the special fee of $25.  The assistantship does not cover any of the student fees; therefore, the student is responsible for paying athletic, student activity, health, technology, parking and any laboratory fees. Residence hall and meal plan expenses are also the responsibility of the student.

The stipend amount is determined by the assistantship position granted to the student. Graduate Assistants will be paid four times during each semester with each payment equal to one-fourth of the full stipend amount.

What financial aid is available for graduate students and how do I apply?

The Office of Financial Aid provides information on sources of financial assistance for graduate students. You may review the types of aid here: http://www.gcsu.edu/financialaid/types-aid. Please note that graduate students are not eligible for HOPE, Federal Pell Grants and the Zell Miller Scholarship. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available here: http://www.gcsu.edu/financialaid/how-apply.

It is important to remember that if you are conditionally admitted for any reason, your conditional status must be updated to regular or provisional status by the end of the second week of the term. If your status remains conditional, you will not be eligible for financial aid for that term and cannot continue enrollment in your program.