UAH Graduate School Frequently Asked Questions
ADMISSIONS
Q. How do I access an application for admission?A. Go to grad.uah.edu and click on Graduate Admissions. You can then go to the online application.
Q. How do I get a Graduate Catalog? A. 1. Go to grad.uah.edu and click on Graduate Catalog.
2. Purchase the catalog at the UAH Bookstore in the University Center
Q. What is the deadline for submission of a complete application, including official transcripts, test scores, and in the case of international students, financial documents?
| Semester | U.S. Applicants or Permanent Residents | International Applicants (F-1 or J-1 visas) |
| Spring | Nov. 30 | Sept. 1 (if currently outside the United States) Oct.15 (if currently inside the United States) |
| Summer | May 6 | Feb. 1 (if currently outside the United States) March 15 (if currently inside the United States) |
| Fall | July 18 | April 1 (if currently outside the United States) June 1 (if currently inside the United States) |
Q. How much is the application fee?
A. The current application fee for U.S. citizens, permanent residents and those whose visa types are any other than F-1 or J-1, is $40.00. The application fee for students on F-1 and J-1 visas is $50.00.
Q. If I have attended UAH in the past, do I have to pay another application fee?
A. No
Q. What needs to be submitted in order for my application to be complete?
A. Application form and Official transcripts sent directly to UAH Graduate Admissions from each college or university you have attended. (Transcripts must be sent directly to UAH from the institution(s). Official GRE, GMAT or MAT scores.
Q. How do I register to take the GRE?
A. 1. Call 1-800-GRE-CALL or
2. Go online to gre.org
Q. What is the UAH school code to have scores reported to UAH from ETS?
A. UAH School Code 1854
Q. Can the GRE or MAT be waived?
A. If you graduated from an accredited college or university five or more years ago and have not been subsequently enrolled since that time, and if you have a record of consistent professional and/or academic achievement as documented on a submitted resume, GRE/MAT requirements might be waived upon recommendation of the department or program chair. You must submit a written request for GRE waiver and submit it to the Graduate Admissions Office along with a resume and/or employment history.
Q. I am an international student. What other requirements are there for me?
A. International Students must provide a certified financial statement submitted as evidence of sufficient finances to cover fees and personal expenses while attending UAH. The completed affidavit must be submitted with a bank letter from your or your sponsor’s bank indicating the amount of funds in the account. The funds available must be sufficient to cover your expenses for one calendar year. The affidavit form can be printed from the on-line application site.
Q. Do I need Health Insurance?
A. Admitted International students must purchase Health Insurance from the UAH Student Development Office each semester you are enrolled. The current cost for single person coverage is about $340 per semester. Family coverage may be purchase at additional cost. This insurance is available, but not required for all other students.
Q. What are the Language Test Requirements for non-native English speaking students?
A. The preferred test is the TOEFL. Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test must be sent to UAH directly from Education Testing Service. You may also submit scores from the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and Test of Written English (TWE).
The minimum scores required for the TOEFL are listed below:
Paper-based 500
Computer-based 173
Internet-based:
| Skill | UAH Minimum | Highest Score Possible |
| Reading | 15 | 30 |
| Listening | 16 | 30 |
| Speaking | 18 | 30 |
| Writing | 13 | 30 |
| Total Score | 62* | 120 |
Q. What is the IELTS and may I take it instead of the TOEFL?
A. The IELTS is an English language test (International English Language Testing System) that may be taken in lieu of the TOEFL. The total score must be at least 5.5 and at least 5 must be obtained on each subsection.
Q. What is the ELPT and can it be waived?
A. Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the University’s English Language Placement Test (ELPT) and complete any course work in English as a Second Language (ESL), which the test indicates is required. For the IBT, in order to be exempted from the standardized listening, structure and vocabulary comprehension portion of the ELPT, the student must obtain the following scores:
Listening: 25
Speaking: 24
Reading: 26
Writing: 22
For the PBT Total score must be 600
For the CBT Total score must be 250
IELTS Total score must be at least 7
If a student scores at least 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE), they will be exempted from the oral interview portion of the ELPT.
If a student has a score of at least 5 on the Test of Written English, (TWE) they will be exempted from the writing portion of the ELPT.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited U.S. institution will be exempted from the TOEFL and ELPT requirements above. Students with degrees from Non-U.S. institutions that have English as their primary language of instruction (e.g. United Kingdom, Canada, etc.) may petition the Dean of Graduate Studies for an exemption from the ELPT.
Q. How long does it take to process my application?
A. Your application package will be forwarded to the department for review for admission only after all official documents have been received (excluding financial documents). Departments will generally make an admission recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies within 2-3 weeks. It usually takes another 2-3 weeks for the admission process.
Q. How can I find out the status of my application?
A. For domestic students, you may call (256) 824-6198 or email grayk@uah.edu
For international students, you may call (256) 824-6938 or email washindc@uah.edu
Q. How can I find out the status of my I-20? (international students)
A. You may call (256) 824-6199 or email biggsk@uah.edu
Q. How do I go from master’s degree recipient to Ph.D.candidate?
A. Complete the online application for the Ph.D. program you are interested in. There will be no application fee assessed.
TUITION AND FEES
Q. How much is tuition?A. Graduate tuition rates for 2007-2008 are :
In-State | Out-of-State International
3 hours = $961 | 3 hours=$1960
6 hours= $1858 | 6 hours= $3799
9 hours= $2566 | 9 hours= $5266
10 hours= $2802 | 10 hours= $5755
All courses are subject to laboratory and equipment fees. The University reserves the right to change its fees, charges, rules and regulations at the beginning of any semester and without prior notice.
Q. How many hours do I register for?
A. Full-time registration (required for F-1 and J-1 students) is 9 credit hours/semester (Fall and Spring)
ASSISTANTSHIPS
Q. How do I get a Graduate Teaching or Graduate Research Assistantship?A. Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships are awarded by individual departments and programs. Please contact departments and/or faculty directly for availability of openings in your area. Also, complete the Application for Assistantship included in the online application for admission.
Q. How much do assistantships pay?
A. A full-time GTA or GRA (20 hours/week) typically covers full tuition benefits, full (single person) insurance benefits, a stipend and the international student fee for those students on F-1 visas. Stipend rates vary from department to department. Students should inquire from specific departments or faculty members concerning the actual stipend amount available. Updated February 14, 2008