Frequently Asked Questions

Jill Hays, Regina Thompson and Michelle Mcminn are the administrative specialists of the Graduate College at Arkansas Tech University, they can provide the answers that applicants may have regarding admission process, admission requirements or any general questions on the Graduate College program that are not listed on the FAQs. Please feel free to contact Jill, Regina, Michelle, Donald or Steven at (479) 968-0398 or e-mail gradcollege@atu.edu  for additional questions. You may also contact the Director of Graduate Support Services Courtney Mullen at 479-880-4203 or cmullen@atu.edu

ATU Graduate College
1507 North Boulder Avenue
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?

For unconditional admission applicants must:
1. Pay a $25.00 application fee directly to the Graduate College.
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college verified by an official transcript.
3. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or a 3.00 on the last 30 hours of undergraduate work or hold a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
4. Request from the college or university granting their bachelor’s degree a complete undergraduate official transcript sent directly to the Graduate College. Mail all materials to: Graduate College, 1507 North Boulder Avenue Tomlinson 113, Russellville, AR 72801.
5. Meet additional admission requirements specified.  Required documents for admission can be found on the Graduate College web page at http://graduate.atu.edu

What steps do I follow to be admitted to graduate college?First, you must fill out the Graduate College Application, which is online, and pay the $25.00 application fee. You can pay the application fee over the phone or send a check.  All official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions preciously attended should be mailed to the Graduate College. 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 2011-12 Graduate Catalog available online at http://www.atu.edu/academics/catalog-graduate/

What is a program of study?
A program of study are courses taken in 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.

Is there a test I must take to enter a program of study?
Some programs may require either the GRE or MAT.  Refer to the Graduate College catalog for specifics.

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

How much does the graduate program cost?
 $207/credit hour for residents (in-state) plus fees; $414/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 at http://www.atu.edu/stuaccts/tuitionfees.shtml.

Do I have to have a parking pass?
Yes, a parking pass is required for parking on campus; 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, have to have two MMR’s: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. If you are born before January 1, 1957, you do not have to show proof of immunization.

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 options).

Can I get financial aid as a graduate student?
Yes, there are several financial aid opportunities available to graduate students through the Financial Aid office 479.968.0399. Also, Graduate Assistant 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 (the norm is $2400).

What is a graduate assistant and what do you they do?
A graduate student holding an assistantship appointment does part-time work for the University as determined by the department of office involved. A student receiving an assistantship may take a maximum of 9 hours and a minimum of 6 hours course work per semester. During each summer term, the student may take a maximum of 6 hours and minimum of 3 hours. Total tuition waivers for a graduate assistant may not exceed 18 hours for the period July 1 to July 30. Exceptions may be made upon the approval of the appointment of 50 percent (20 hours a week) except in the summer when he/she can receive a 100% appointment. A student may not hold more than one graduate assistantship at any given time.

Are there grants available for graduate tuition?
Yes, this is the responsibility of the graduate student to check with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the Arkansas Department of Education.

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.  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.

How long will it take to complete a degree?

While each program has its own criteria for graduation, most require 36 units to graduate.  A majority of students graduate with a degree in two to three years

Are there on-line Master Degree programs?
Yes, both the College Student Personnel and Emergency Management and Homeland Security programs are offered completely online. Other programs have online courses, as well as, 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 6 semester hours of graduate credit in a 30 hour program, and 9 semester hours of graduate credit in a 36 hour program with a grade point average of “B” or better may be transferred from an accredited graduate school if deemed appropriate to the graduate program by the head of the student’s major department and the Dean of Graduate College. If after admission to graduate study, 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 Dean of Graduate College.

What is a "T" number?
A T number is your personal identification number, in place of your 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, such as the library.

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 are eligible to live in residence halls and on-campus apartments.

Do you offer an MBA?

 Not at this time.