Once your application file is sent to the department, it is entirely up to their reviewing schedule as to when decisions are made. For programs with rolling admissions, the files are reviewed as quickly as possible and in the order that they become complete. For programs with application deadlines, the review process may take as many as four to six weeks depending on the complexity of the review process (personal interviews, portfolio evaluations, etc.).

When a recommendation to accept or reject an applicant has been reached, the department forwards their decision to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for final approval by the Dean. If you are offered admission, the Dean's letter of admission will include an Admission Response Form. The process of admission is not complete until you have submitted this form to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and are cleared to enroll in courses . Admission to Graduate Studies is offered only by the Graduate Dean and only for the time period and program specified in the official admission letter.

As you might expect, we get excited to offer admission to our applicants, and we hope to hear back from you quickly. In general, and unless otherwise indicated, we expect to hear back from you within 30 days of your receipt of the admission letter, or at least 10 days before the start of a new semester, which comes sooner. If you are waiting to hear back from another institution and can't decide within this window, we certainly understand but would also appreciate that information and when a decision might be expected.

We strive to ensure that every candidate who completes a graduate application will receive fair treatment and, at the earliest possible time, notification of the decision reached on their application.