STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Starting with May commencement, many graduating seniors at Tarleton State University will be automatically accepted into select master’s programs. An accelerated admissions process will make it easier for students to transition directly into advanced degree options when they complete their bachelor’s at the university. 

“Our message is clear: We have more than 30 graduate degree programs to further your education and increase your lifetime earnings,” said university President James Hurley. “We want to keep you in the Tarleton family and empower you to impact Texas.”

An independent study by the global research firm Lightcast estimates the career return on investment of a Tarleton master’s degree at $1.9 Million more than a high school diploma and $668,000 more than a bachelor’s degree alone.

Once selected for automatic acceptance, students will receive an invitation from Tarleton’s College of Graduate Studies outlining master’s options. Application fees, test scores and documentation, including transcripts and statements of purpose, will be waived. 

“This innovative admissions program will enable us to more easily recruit our own Tarleton Texans,” said Dr. Barry Lambert, Interim Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. “It is a great opportunity for them to prepare for careers that will cultivate the regional and state economy.”

Tarleton currently enrolls more than 2,000 master’s students. Many are the first in their family to attend college.

Dr. Hurley: “We are very proud of our graduates. They’re known for their solid academic acumen and bring acclaim to other universities’ advanced degree programs. It is time for us to streamline the graduate admissions process here at Tarleton and continue our focus on emphasizing opportunity and access.”

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.