FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Requirements vary by program and can be found in the “Admissions Requirements” section of each program profile. Your program may accept unofficial test scores for review and then require official test scores if admitted. If that option is available, you will have the ability to upload your unofficial scores in the online application.
Institutional codes to be used when submitting official scores can be found on our website and on the Application Instructions page in the application.
Yes, you may submit your application without paying the application fee. However, it must be submitted prior to the program deadline for your application to be considered for admission.
The Office of Graduate Admissions is ready to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. Our business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
You can give us a call at (404) 413-2444 or submit an online help ticket at Graduate Admissions Help.
Whether applying for a graduate degree, graduate certificate, or for graduate re-entry, the application process can be completed online. Begin your application by reviewing the application types and creating an application account here. If you have previously requested information or registered for an event, please use the same email address. Your data will save automatically, allowing you to complete your application over multiple sessions. If you are applying to multiple programs, you can do so from the same account. Once an application is submitted, you can view its status page.
You can always check your application status by logging into your account at gradapply.gsu.edu/apply. If you are missing required materials, those items will be listed on the status page. You will be notified by email when a decision letter is released.
There are four types of graduate applications. Each type and its associated cost are listed below:
- GSU/CAS-Liaison Programs: $50.00
- Executive Programs: $100.00
- Graduate Programs: $50.00
- Graduate Re-entry: $25.00
More information can be found online at gradapply.gsu.edu/apply.
The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office continues to monitor federal guidance and updates as it relates to immigration and visa processing.
If you plan to seek a new visa or transfer your SEVIS record to enroll at Georgia State University, please make sure you accept any offer of admission by completing the Reply to Offer of Admission form on the Status Page of your online application. Please note that Georgia State continues to issue immigration documents.
Non-native speakers of English are required to demonstrate English proficiency. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL – including the special home edition)
- International Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Documentation that the baccalaureate or a prior graduate degree was obtained in an English-speaking country
- Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program (case-by-case basis)
Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021 applicants also have the option to submit Duolingo English Test scores for English proficiency.
If you are unable to take one of the tests due to closures or social distancing practices, alternatives such as an interview may be available to you. Please notify us of any hardship by submitting a ticket.
Colleges and faculty are dedicated to carefully reviewing the entire applicant pool, therefore review times vary by program. You will receive an email notification once a decision is made. Your decision letter will be available online via the Status Page of your application.
If you have any additional questions regarding the application, please feel free to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. We'll be happy to assist you with this process.
Yes – many of our programs already accept unofficial transcripts. In light of current events, many other programs will accept them.
- SOPHAS, OTCAS, PTCAS, and CSDCAS applicants should arrange to submit official documents.
- Applicants with international credentials may be able to submit an online evaluation report from a NACES member evaluation agency as an unofficial transcript. Other alternatives for international credentials such as online degree verification may be possible. Our Credential Evaluators can assist you with specifics.
Any offer of admission will be contingent upon successful submission of any outstanding proof of degree, official transcripts, or official test scores.
Letters of recommendation not submitted in the online application may instead be submitted directly from the recommender to the Office of Graduate Admissions via email at gradapply@gsu.edu. Please ask your recommender to include your name, the program you are applying to, and, if handy, your application reference number. Once the recommendation is received, your application checklist will be updated.
Deadlines vary by program. Locate deadlines for your program of interest by using the program explorer.
Each college or program has its own set of application requirements and deadlines, although most applications require the following:
- Completed online application
- Application fee
- Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Entrance Exam Test Scores (many programs are test-optional for 2021)
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume & Personal/Goal Statement
Graduate students may eligible for other funding such as scholarships, fellowships, loans and on-campus employment.
Students generally may hold the equivalent of up to 50% FTE (approximately 20 hours per week on average). With the written approval of the student’s dean, a student (except foreign national students) may be permitted to hold more than a 50% FTE. If a student consistently works at more than 50% FTE (i.e., more than 1,300 hours per year), they could be considered a benefit-eligible employee, and the department could be obligated to pay retroactive benefits.
Yes, graduate assistants are automatically charged for the Student Health Insurance Policy (SHIP) but can use an existing or newly purchased policy to waive out of the SHIP plan.
SHIP resources and forms can be found here.
Yes. When graduate assistants work at another USG institution, a Dual Appointment Agreement must be in place. Thus, new graduate assistants working at another USG institution must disclose that appointment when completing the graduate assistant hire paperwork. Continuing graduate assistants who initiate employment (e.g., part-time instructor) at another USG institution must contact the Graduate School to initiate the Dual Appointment Agreement. Graduate assistants are advised to consult with their advisor and/or program director regarding the appropriateness of dual appointments, and the total effort across all institutions should not exceed 100%.
Yes, some graduate assistants are expected to work during breaks from classes, such as during spring break or exam week. Graduate assistants should check with their supervisors regarding these expectations.
Graduate assistants do not earn sick or vacation hours, please consult with your department/college/office concerning their policies.
Yes, graduate assistants are required to maintain a health insurance policy that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act.
Yes, even with a tuition waiver, students must pay all mandatory fees.
Assistantships may come with a full or partial (50%) tuition waiver.
A graduate student may be appointed as a graduate assistant on a semester by semester basis, academic year basis, or on a month-to-month basis (annual). A semester by semester appointment begins on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of exams.
Graduate assistants who are employed on a month-to-month (annual) basis can begin work on any business day during the month. If a student is appointed on any day other than the 1st working day of the month, the monthly stipend amount may be pro-rated.
To be eligible for a full tuition waiver, a student must:
Register for at least 12 credit hours each for fall and spring semesters & 9 credit hours for summer and receive a stipend of at least $2,000 each for fall and spring semesters and $1,000 for summer.
To be eligible for a partial (50%) tuition waiver, a student must:
Register for at least 6 credit hours each for fall and spring semesters & 3 credit hours for summer and receive a stipend of at least $1,000 per fall and/or spring semester and $500 for summer.
To be eligible for a full or partial (50%) tuition waiver, a student must have an appointment total of at least 8 hours per week (20% FTE) and the work must contribute to the university’s mission.
Typically, graduate assistant hours cannot exceed more than 20 hours per week on average. Each semester a student can work no more than 2.5 appointments.
All but $37.50 is covered by a full tuition waiver. Additionally, students receiving tuition waivers must still pay university fees.
The monthly stipend rate is set by the hiring department or unit. Pay rates may vary by student experience, funding source, discipline, and responsibilities specific to the appointment.
Students must be in good academic standing (not on probation) and have the permission of their degree program to hold an assistantship. In addition, they cannot exceed their program’s limitation on the number of hours to be worked. Students must be eligible to work in the United States and cannot exceed any hourly limitations placed on them by a visa. All graduate assistants must enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 9 credit hours during summer semester.
Assistantships provide graduate and professional students with training and valuable professional experience in higher education work environments. All graduate assistants are classified as exempt from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Exempt work is paid on a salaried basis regardless of the specific number of hours worked in a given week. Graduate assistants perform work at the professional level, utilizing content knowledge that requires at least a bachelor’s degree, and as a result are paid as exempt professionals.
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
Graduate research assistants are graduate students conducting academically significant research under the direction of a faculty member who may be a regular teaching faculty member or a principal investigator on an external grant or contract. Any student accepted into a graduate degree program may be appointed, depending on credentials, such as (1) admission test scores, (2) grade-point averages in previous course work or in the degree program, (3) previous experience, and (4) the nature of the work for which the assistantship is funded.
Graduate Administrative Assistant (GAA)
Graduate administrative assistants are graduate students who provide academic and program support. GAA responsibilities are administrative in nature and consist of duties unrelated directly to teaching or research. Any student accepted into a graduate degree program may be appointed as a GAA.
Graduate Computing Assistant (GCA)
Graduate computing assistants are graduate students who provide computer and technology support for academic units, programs, and labs. Any student accepted into a graduate degree program may be appointed depending on required credentials, such as (1) admission test scores, (2) grade-point averages in previous course work or in the degree program, (3) previous experience, and (4) the nature of the work for which the assistantship is funded.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Level A (GTAA)
Graduate students holding GTAA appointments may not have a primary responsibility for a course, but may serve as discussion leaders in breakout sections, grade papers, or assist the primary instructor of a course in other ways. GTAAs may also engage in a range of other instructional activities that are not tied to a specific course (e.g. proctoring for multiple courses, tutoring, advising). The dean, department chair, or division director shall determine that the credentials of a student qualify the individual to undertake the work assignment.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Level B (GTAB)
Students appointed as a GTA Level B must have a baccalaureate degree and be enrolled in a graduate program and will have completed more than 18 hours of graduate course credit in the appropriate discipline. GTABs require approval by the university provost and chief academic officer, as the university president’s designee, prior to assignment as the instructor of record for a course. The dean, department chair or division director shall determine that the credentials of a student qualify the individual to undertake the work assignment. GTABs must be under the general supervision of regular faculty members, and there must be a mentoring process in the department or division to assist them in their teaching activities. Non-native speakers of English appointed as GTABs must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Graduate assistants also include combined roles, such as graduate teaching and research assistants.
Each semester will consist of 4 pay blocks for both the monthly (annual) and the semester by semester graduate assistantships.
Pay Block Pay Dates—Last Business Day of
Annual Each month
Fall September, October, November and December
Spring January, February, March and April
Maymester May
Summer June and July
Yes, all compensation paid is subject to local, state, and federal taxes.
Contact Us
The Graduate School coordinates graduate admissions. Students seeking a graduate degree will apply through the school and receive additional support from The Graduate School and college, school or institute academic offices.