Frequently Asked Questions

Jill Hays, Regina Thompson, and Michelle McMinn are the Graduate College's administrative specialists.  They can provide answers regarding admissions, program selection, or any general questions about Graduate College, not listed on the FAQs. Please feel free to contact Jill, Regina, or Michelle at 479.968.0398 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting or e-mail gradcollege@atu.edu . You may also contact the Director of Graduate Support Services, Courtney Mullen, at 479.880.4203 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting or cmullen@atu.edu.

Please mail any admission documents to:

ATU Graduate College
1507 N Boulder Ave, Tomlinson 113
Russellville, AR 72801


When should I begin the admission process to graduate college and my selected program of study?
One semester before you plan to enter.      

What are the requirements to be admitted to the graduate college?
Minimum admission requirements include:

  1. Pay $25.00 application fee directly to the Graduate College.
  2. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college verified by an official transcript.  Request from the college or university granting the bachelor's degree a complete undergraduate official transcript sent directly to the Graduate College.
  3. Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average or a minimum 3.00 on the last 30 hours of undergraduate work or hold a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

  4. Meet additional admission requirements specified by programs in the graduate catalog (GRE, writing samples, etc.).  Required documents for admission can be found on the Graduate College webpage.

What steps do I follow to be admitted to graduate college?
First, you must fill out the online Graduate College Application, and pay the $25.00 application fee.  You can pay the application fee over the phone or send a check.  Send official transcripts from your bachelor's awarding institution and any graduate institutions previously attended and immunization records showing two MMR shots.  Also, submit any additional items specified by your particular program to the Graduate College.

What programs are available through the Graduate College?
Program listings can be found on the Graduate College web page and/or in the current Graduate Catalog available online.

What is a program of study?
A program of study describes the curriculum specific to a degree program.

Is the graduate college accredited?
Arkansas Tech University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602. 312.263.0456 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Is there a test required to enter a program of study?
Some programs may require either the GRE or MAT.  Refer to the Graduate Catalog for specifics.

Are any of my undergraduate courses eligible for graduate credit?
No undergraduate course may be transferred or repeated for graduate credit.

How much does the graduate program cost?
$215/credit hour for residents (in-state) plus fees; $430/credit hour for non-residents plus fees.  All students living in a contiguous state are considered in-state for tuition purposes.  For additional information, please visit the Student Accounts webpage.

Do I have to have a parking pass?
Yes, a parking pass is required for students taking on-campus coursework; cost is $30.

What transcripts do I need?
You will need official transcripts the university where you obtained your undergraduate degree and/or university where you earned graduate credit.

Can my transcripts be copies?
No, all transcripts must be official.

Do I have to have any immunizations?
Students enrolling at ATU must have two MMR shots: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.  Exceptions only apply to completely online students or if you were born before January 1, 1957.

When, how, and where do I pay for my classes?
All payments go through the Student Accounts office, located on the first floor of Doc Bryan.  By the first day of classes, payment must be received.  Students may also set-up a payment plan prior to the beginning of the semester.  Payment may be made with cash, check, authorized financial aid, credit cards, or through e-cashier (the payment plan option).

Can I get financial aid as a graduate student?
Yes, there are several financial aid opportunities available for graduate students through the Financial Aid office 479.968.0399 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting.  Also, GraduateAssistant positions are available on-campus; anyone is eligible to apply.  These include some level of tuition waiver (most cover 18 hours per year) and a stipend.

What is a graduate assistant and what do you they do?
All students granted a graduate assistantship receive a tuition waiver.  This waiver will pay all tuition costs for a maximum of nine (9) credit hours per semester, or four (4) credit hours per summer term.  However, no more than 18 graduate credit hours may be taken within one (1) academic year.  Students are responsible for paying all fees and purchasing books.  A student may not hold more than one graduate assistantship at any given time.

Generally speaking, students holding an academic assistantship will receive a stipend of $4,800 annually, $2,400 per semester, with a maximum appointment of 50% (20 hours per week).  However, the amount of the stipend awarded may vary depending on the nature of the GA position, effective start date, and the number of hours worked by the student each week.

Assistantships are available through a variety of offices on the Arkansas Tech campus.  For more information regarding available assistantships, applicants should contact the Graduate College at 479.968.0398.

Are there grants available for graduate tuition?
Yes, however, it is the responsibility of the graduate student to check with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, Arkansas Department of Education, and use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for more information.

What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of people who enter a program of study at the same time and travel through the program of study together.

When is the best time to begin a program?
The best time to begin is when you are ready to make a commitment to furthering your education.  New applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer terms.

How do I know which program is best for me?
Your program of study selection is based upon your interest and your career path.  If you would like to discuss your options, feel free to contact the Graduate College at 479.968.0398 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting.

How long will it take to complete a degree?
While each program has its own criteria for graduation, most require 36 credit hours to graduate. A majority of students graduate with a degree in approximately two years.

Are there on-line master programs?
Yes, both the College Student Personnel and Emergency Management and Homeland Security programs are offered completely online.  Other programs have a variety of online, mixed technology, and on-campus courses available.  Check your program of interest for more information

There is a university in my home town that offers a graduate course I would like to take. Can I take a class at another school for ATU graduate credit?
A maximum of six (6) graduate credit hours in a 30 hour program and nine (9) graduate credit hours in a 36 hour program, with a grade point average of “B” or better, may be transferred.  The graduate school awarding the credit must be accredited and the coursework must be deemed appropriate to the graduate program by the student’s department head and Graduate College Dean.  If after admission to graduate college, a student wishes to take a course at another institution to count toward degree requirements at ATU, the student must (in advance of enrollment) obtain written approval from the program director and the Graduate College Dean.

What is a "T" number?
A T number is your personal identification number; all students are given this ID number in place of their Social Security number.

Do I need to get a student ID?
Yes, each student needs an ATU ID.  Your ID will allow you to use ATU resources, and gain access to buildings for evening classes.

I received a master's degree at ATU, will any of the classes transfer to a doctoral program?
That must be determined by the university at which the doctoral program resides.

Are there any on-campus living facilities available to graduate students?
Yes, graduate students below the age of 25 are eligible to live in and on-campus apartments.  Those students above the age of 25 may reside in an ATU supported off-campus residence or may request off-campus living options at the Graduate College.

Do you offer an MBA?
Not at this time.

 

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