Frequently Asked Questions about Apply to Graduate School

Q. Who do I contact if I have questions?

A. Please feel free to call the Graduate Admissions Office at 717-871-4723. If you prefer email:

Q. How do I submit an application?

A. Applications are submitted electronically through our online application process. To apply, first, click the Apply to Millersville link on the left of the Graduate Admissions webpage, then click the corresponding degree or certification application link. This takes you to step-by-step instructions and our online application portal. The online application includes optional electronic recommendation form processing and the ability to upload required admission documents (goal statement and resume) to your application for final submission.

Q. What is the application deadline?

A. Some graduate programs have firm application deadlines (psychology, special education, social work); others take applications on a rolling basis. For programs with firm application deadlines, if all of the required application materials are submitted by the deadline date, the College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning will forward the application to the appropriate academic department for review and recommendation. If the application is not completed by the deadline date, the application will be held until the next application deadline.

For programs with rolling admissions, there is no specified application deadline, but we encourage applicants to use February 1 for admission to the summer and fall terms and October 1 for admission to winter and spring terms More information about specific deadlines and materials required can be found by visiting the Timelines and Requirements link on the Graduate Application Process webpage.

Q. Where can I get a copy of the graduate catalog?

A. An electronic (PDF) copy of the graduate catalog is available online. If you prefer, you may request a print copy of the catalog from Graduate Studies by phone at 717-871-4723 or by email at gradadmissions@millersville.edu.

Q. Can the person who writes my recommendation send it directly to Millersville?

A. In the online application process, you are prompted to enter your recommenders' names and email addresses. If you opt to utilize the electronic recommendation process, your recommenders are provided password-protected access to the online recommendation form which is submitted electronically and includes a free-form text box for your recommender’s written comments. If you do not choose to utilize the electronic recommendation process, you will need to provide printed recommendation forms to your recommenders. The recommender is requested to return the recommendation form to you in a sealed, signed envelope.

Q. I am a Millersville undergraduate student and/or a graduate of Millersville University. Do I need to submit transcripts?

A. No, Graduate Studies will obtain your MU transcript from the Registrar's Office on your behalf. However, we do request that you submit official transcripts from ALL other undergraduate and graduate institutions you attended, including ALL undergraduate transfer institutions.

Q. Do I have to pay the application fee?

A. Yes, the application fee is a non-refundable online application processing fee required of all graduate applicants for each application form submitted. The processing fee is $40, which may be paid by electronic check or credit card.

Q. Am I required to take an admissions test?

A. Some graduate degree programs require applicants to submit official score reports from a specific standardized test. These scores may not be more than five years old.  Please refer to the graduate catalog for specific test requirements or see the information listed on the Admissions Process page.

Q. Where can I find more information about departments?

A. A list of all graduate program coordinators is available on the Graduate Studies homepage. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate coordinator with questions that pertain directly to the program, prerequisite courses, and specific course requirements. Please contact Graduate Admissions for questions about the admissions process, requirements, financial aid, and other areas.

Q. When will I know if my application has been processed?

A. After all application materials have been received and your application processing fee has been paid, the College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning sends you an email of acknowledgment. At that time, your application is forwarded to the appropriate academic department(s) for review and recommendation.

Q. Can I start as a non-degree student before applying to a specific program?

A. Yes, you may begin your graduate study as a non-degree student, but with certain limitations. As a non-degree student, you may complete no more than 9 credit hours prior to applying to a master's degree program. Some academic programs limit the availability of their courses to non-degree students or reserve only a few seats in their courses for non-degree students. Prospective non-degree students should check with the program coordinator of their intended program to determine the availability and selection of courses.

Tuition, Fees, & Financial Aid

Q. How much are tuition and fees for graduate study?

A. The Office of the Bursar provides current cost information on their website. You may also contact their office, located in the Dilworth Building, by phone at 717-871-5101.

Q. Where can I find out about graduate assistantships?

A. Graduate assistantships are available to master’s degree students across campus in a variety of administrative offices and academic departments. Students interested in graduate assistantships should visit our graduate assistant webpage. The deadline date to submit a graduate assistant application to the College of Graduate Studies is February 1 for full consideration in the following fall term.

Q. How long can a student work as a graduate assistant? How much does an assistant earn?

A. Assistantships are awarded for a nine-month period (fall and spring semesters only) to students admitted to a master’s degree program and are renewable for a second academic year. Graduate assistants awarded a full-time assistantship receive a tuition waiver up to 24 graduate credits and a stipend of $5,000 for their first year. In their second year as a full-time graduate assistant, the student will receive a tuition waiver up to 24 graduate credits and a stipend of $5,400.