Graduate Admission FAQ

Application deadlines for graduate admission vary by program. Applications received after the application deadline may be considered on a space-available basis.

Follow the published deadlines for the program you are interested in studying.

A 3.0 grade point average on the last 90 graded quarter credit hours or 60 semester credit hours is a requirement of the UW Graduate School. In special circumstances, programs may admit an applicant with a lower GPA. Contact the individual program for more information.

You must complete the GRE only if you are applying to the Master of Science in Computer Science and Systems or Master of Cybersecurity programs. You must complete the GMAT if you are applying to the MBA program. Taking the GRE is optional for MSW applicants. Learn more about submitting test scores.

There are no minimum test scores. Each applicant is considered on the basis of his or her complete application packet. Competitive scores are determined by each year's applicant pool and cannot be predicted in advance of the application deadlines. Contact the graduate program advisor for more information.

GNM status is granted by individual graduate programs on a space-available basis only. Check with the program prior to applying for GNM status.

International students who are on a F-1 or J-1 educational visa must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program. Several of the UW Tacoma graduate programs offer only part-time study. Please check with the program you are interested in to see if international students may apply. Additionally, the Tacoma campus is not currently equipped to offer support services such as specialized academic assistance and English as a Second Language courses.

In general, expect a minimum of one month after the application deadline before notification of admission decisions. Depending on the program, you may be notified by mail or email. Decisions will not be provided by phone.

Graduate tuition rates vary by program. View the current tuition schedule.

Yes. Please refer to the Financial Aid section. In addition, some graduate programs offer scholarships for new and current students. After a candidate has been admitted to a program, they may use the Graduate Funding Information Service for assistance in seeking funding for graduate studies

Tuition exemption is a privilege extended to employees of the state of Washington and is provided only on a space-available basis. Some UW Tacoma graduate programs and courses are in high demand and do not always have extra space. Some courses that involve one-on-one faculty interaction, such as independent study courses, do not qualify for tuition exemption. Talk to your graduate program advisor for more information.

UW Tacoma currently offers limited graduate student housing. There are also a variety of housing options within a short distance from campus. More information on housing.

The UW Graduate School allows students a maximum of six years to complete a master's degree.

Check with your specific program to see if classes are required or offered during summer quarter. Some programs do not offer graduate-level classes during the summer; others require summer courses.

Master's degree programs may include a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Check with your specific program of study to see whether a thesis is required.

Neither the Graduate School nor your advisor provide job placement services. However, Career Development and Education can offer guidance in conducting your job search.

To maintain graduate status, you must be enrolled on a full-time (10 credits), part-time (at least two credits), or official on-leave status from the time of first enrollment in the Graduate School until completion of all requirements for the graduate degree. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment constitutes evidence that you have resigned from the Graduate School.