Graduate Admission FAQs

For what term should I apply?

• The University of Oregon is on a quarter system. (See the University Academic Calendar for term dates.)
• Most departments admit students for fall term only, which begins in late September.  A few departments admit for Summer term only, which begins in late June.  Others will accept applications for any term.  Please consult the department for information regarding the appropriate term of admission.

What if I have a UO bachelor's degree?

• Applicants with University of Oregon Bachelors degrees must be admitted formally to the Graduate School through the same process as a student from any other college or university. However, they do not need to submit UO transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

What if I already have a UO graduate degree?

• Applicants with University of Oregon master's or doctoral degrees returning to pursue another graduate degree should apply to the new department following normal application procedures, except that the $50 application fee is not required. The online application will automatically waive the fee as long as you indicate at the beginning of the application that you have previously attended the UO as an admitted graduate student.

Can I be admitted if I have an unaccredited bachelors degree?

• In most cases, no. On rare occasions, a student from an unaccredited institution, or one that offers the equivalent of bachelor's degree instruction but not the degree itself, may be considered for admission. The Graduate School has more information.

Do I have to have finished my undergraduate degree by the time I apply?

• No, but you do have to finish the degree by the time you begin your graduate studies at the UO. If you are still working on your degree at the time of application, you should send the most current transcripts available at the time. If you are accepted and enroll at the UO as a graduate student, you will be required to show proof of your degree within the first two weeks of your first term.

Where is the link to the online application for admission?

• All application materials, including the link to the online application, can be found in the departmental application materials. If you cannot find the link on the department’s website, please contact the department secretary for instructions.

Is the GRE required?

• This varies by department.  There is no institution-wide GRE requirement.  Check the website of your prospective department(s) to see whether they require the GRE for admission.

What are the Institution and Department codes for GRE scores?

• The University of Oregon Institution Code is 4846. Please visit ETS for a list of department codes. If you do not see your department listed, please contact the department to which you are applying to see which code their applicants use.

How do I take graduate classes without being admitted to a degree program?

• If you plan to take fewer than 8 credits per term, you can enroll through the Community Education Program.
• If you want to be a full-time non-degree seeking student (enrolled in 9+ credits per term), you can apply as a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Student. An applicant with a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution who wants to take graduate work as an admitted student but does not intend to pursue a specific graduate degree must submit the official application form, the $50.00 application fee, a one page statement of purpose, and an official transcript from the college or university for all degrees awarded.
• A total of up to 15 credits of graduate coursework taken at other institutions, at the UO through the Community Education Program, and at the UO as a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate student may be considered by petition for acceptance toward Master's degree requirements.

How do I change my graduate major?

• A graduate student who has been admitted and wants to change majors is subject to review for acceptance per admission guidelines held by the new department. Currently enrolled graduate students should apply to the new department following normal application procedures, except that the $50 application fee is not required. The Graduate School will provide a fee bypass for the online application upon request.
• Graduate students who are not currently enrolled wishing to return to UO into a new major should apply to the new department following normal application procedures, except that the $50 application fee is not required. The Graduate School will provide a fee bypass for the online application upon request.