Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I start without my GRE scores?
- What does my GRE score need to be?
- How soon do I need to get my GRE score in?
- Do I have to take the GRE (GMAT)?
- Where do I get help to prepare for the GRE/GMAT?
- How soon do I need to get my graduate application in to start in the new semester?
- What documents do I need as an undergraduate student in order to apply?
- What is Full Admission?
- What is Conditional Admission?
- What is Provisional Admission?
- How do I get my transcript?
- How many courses can I transfer to Texas A&M University - Central Texas?
- I am applying for the TMATE program, what application requirements apply to me?
- Do I need a degree plan?
- How do I file for graduation?
- How can I get a copy of the thesis manual?
- What is the cost of attending Texas A&M University - Central Texas?
- If I did not attend Texas A&M University - Central Texas for one semester how do I register for classes?
- How do I register for classes if I have not attended Texas A&M University - Central Texas for one year?
- What tuition rate do I pay as a graduate assistant?
- As a graduate student what honors can I graduate with? Cum laude? Magna cum laude?
Can I start without my GRE scores?
Any applicant with a 3.0 or better GPA on their last 60 hours of academic work can attend for one semester only without submitting GRE scores. Before the applicant can register for classes in the second semester after admission, the scores need to be filed in the Graduate Office.
What does my GRE score need to be?
Score requirements vary according to GPA. The lowest GPA that will be considered is a 2.5 on the last 60 hours of academic work.
How soon do I need to get my GRE score in?
Students with a 2.5 to 2.9 GPA on the last 60 hours of academic course work must submit GRE scores at the time of application. Students with a GPA of 3.0 and above on last 60 hours of course work are permitted to attend one semester before submitting GRE scores.
Do I have to take the GRE (GMAT)?
You must submit GRE scores in order to be considered for admission as a degree seeking student. If you have original copies of your scores those will be accepted by the Graduate Office. If you have a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, you must submit your scores before you can register for the following semester of enrollment. Holders of a master's degree who are seeking another master's degree are not required to submit GRE scores.
Where do I get help to prepare for the GRE/GMAT?
GRE practice exams are available on computers in the Dick Smith Library, Teaching and Learning Center, and Mathematics Lab in Stephenville and in the computer labs at Texas A&M University - Central Texas. Additionally, there are practice courses available in the College of Continuing Education. For more information, visit http://www.ed2go.com//tarleton or http://www.gre.org. Pre-register with Prometric or ETS for an examination. Upon registration for the GRE, ETS will send a you free study disk. GMAT test takers visit www.mba.com to download a free practice exam.
How soon do I need to get my graduate application in to start in the new semester?
The optimal time to submit applications for priority consideration is no later than one month before the first class day. This allows sufficient time for all required documents to be received and processed before late registration.
What documents do I need as an undergraduate student in order to apply?
You will need the following documents:
- Formal application for admission to College of Graduate Studies.
- 200-300 Word Essay addressing Educational and Professional Goals
- $30 application fee
- Official GRE scores
What is Full Admission?
Admission to any graduate degree program is granted by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the department of proposed study. The criteria necessary to meet full admission requirements may be found in the University Catalog.
What is Conditional Admission?
A student who does not meet full qualifications or who may be missing some documentation may be granted conditional admission to the College of Graduate Studies. The criteria to gain conditional admission may be found in the University Catalog
What is Provisional Admission?
A Texas A&M University - Central Texas undergraduate may be considered for admission to the College of Graduate Studies provided that the student:
- is within 12 hours of graduation
- is recommended by his/her major department
- has obtained a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
NOTE: No graduate course work may be counted toward an undergraduate degree.
All students new to Texas A&M University - Central Texas are encouraged to attend the Graduate Student Orientation program given by their academic department. Contact your department to get additional information and the time of the scheduled orientation. Students who are awarded a graduate assistantship must attend a new GA orientation as well.
How do I get my transcript?
Copies of official transcripts for Texas A&M University - Central Texas students may be obtained from the Records Office. There is no charge for official copies of the transcript.
How many courses can I transfer to Texas A&M University - Central Texas?
Most programs accept 6-12 hours of transfer work. It is solely up to the academic department, however no coursework more than six years old at the time of graduation may be used toward a master's degree at Texas A&M University - Central Texas.
I am applying for the TMATE program, what application requirements apply to me?
TMATE applicants are required to have the following: Application, Fee, Transcripts, and at least a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours. For more information about TMATE, go to the TMATE web site.
Do I need a degree plan?
All students must have a degree plan in order to be considered for graduation. The catalog of the academic year you were first granted admission is your official contract. However, since courses are selected by you and approved by your advisor to fulfill degree requirements, the degree plan is the official record of courses taken that will apply toward your declared degree program. Consult with your advisor to ensure accurate records of all courses transferred from other institutions and course substitutions.
How do I file for graduation?
Application for graduation must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies at Stephenville or Killeen by the date stated in the university calendar. To learn more about application for graduation click the following link: Graduation Application with Checkout Form.
How can I get a copy of the thesis manual?
Copies of the TSU thesis manual are available online or from the Graduate Office. For more information about the thesis manual click the following link: Thesis Manual.
The above forms are PDF files, to view download and install Adobe Reader.
What is the cost of attending Texas A&M University - Central Texas?
Tuition rates and fees are listed in the current Tarleton catalog and on the Texas A&M University - Central Texas web site. Fees vary by program and campus.
If I did not attend Texas A&M University - Central Texas for one semester how do I register for classes?
If a student has not attended Texas A&M University - Central Texas for one semester and wishes to return they need to fill out a Graduate Student Reactivation Form. This is only for students who have not graduated and are returning under the same major as before.
How do I register for classes if I have not attended Texas A&M University - Central Texas for one year?
In order for a student to return to Texas A&M University - Central Texas after not attending for one year they must submit a new application for admission along with the $30 application fee.
What tuition rate do I pay as a graduate assistant?
Out of state graduate students are eligible to pay in state tuition and fee rates under any one of the following criteria.
Employment as a GA with:
- GA assistantship in any category except GA non-teaching
- Scholarship award of $1000
- Military Service (See a VA Counselor)
As a graduate student what honors can I graduate with? Cum laude? Magna cum laude?
Graduate Students are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance; therefore no academic honors are bestowed upon graduation

