Procedures

Applications for admission to the Graduate School must be made to the Associate Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at least 4 weeks prior to the anticipated date of registration. (International students must submit applications at least 6 months in advance.) Applications for readmission should be filed not later than 2 weeks before the first day of registration.

All applicants for admission into the following programs must submit satisfactory official scores on the required admission test.

Each application must be supported by official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credit and letters of recommendations if required by the major department from persons acquainted with the applicant's scholastic and professional accomplishments. If admission is granted pending receipt of application credentials, the student must submit the required items before the end of the first semester during which the student is enrolled. Within the limits of academic reason, either the departmental chairperson or the Associate Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies may require additional information and verification of credentials submitted in support of an application for admission.

The requirement of minimum test scores either for admission, readmission, or candidacy is determined by individual departments or divisions, subject to approval by the respective college-level committees, college dean, and the Graduate School Executive Committee.

All application materials become the property of the University and will not be returned to the applicant regardless of whether admission is approved or denied.

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person:

(1) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;

(2) Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or

International Students

International students having adequate preparation for graduate study may apply for admission, but applications should be filed at least six months prior to the anticipated date of enrollment. Midyear enrollment is strongly discouraged. In addition to the requirements mentioned in the paragraphs above, all students from non-English-speaking countries must submit proof of adequate training and ability in the use of English as evidenced by a satisfactory score on recognized and acceptable tests administered in the student's home country. Normally, it is expected that an applicant will submit a score of at least 525 (197 computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (A score of at least 550--213 computer-based--is required for Engineering and M.B.A.) If admitted to the Graduate School such students shall have as a condition attached to their admission the requirement of an additional examination which is arranged for and conducted by the Department of Foreign Languages at Tennessee Technological University. If the examination reveals that the student does not possess an adequate command of English, the student will be required to enroll in noncredit remedial English courses (ESL 101-2) and will be required to reduce the graduate course load accordingly. Applicants must also give satisfactory proof of sufficient funds to cover all of their expenses including travel.

The Graduate School will not knowingly consider for admission any person who has entered the United States via an immigration visa issued for another university until that person has been enrolled in that university; thereafter, the usual transfer procedures would be implemented. International students who wish to transfer from another university to Tennessee Tech must submit the usual materials required for initial admission; additionally, each applicant must furnish:

1. official transcripts from the current institution;
2. a verification statement from that institution's international student advisor;
3. photocopies of Form I-20ID (front and back), the passport, and visa.

In cases where the undergraduate record may furnish insufficient evidence of any applicant's potential for success in graduate study, additional qualifying examinations may be administered by the department in which the applicant proposes to study. The cost of the tests will be borne by the applicant.

If admission is approved, Form I-20 will be issued only as follows: not later than June 1 for the fall term, November 1 for the spring term, and April 1 for the summer term. These dates are consistent with immigration regulations and apply to all F-1 nonimmigrant students including those transferring from other U.S. institutions and those who are already enrolled at Tennessee Tech who wish to change from one degree program to another.

International students who are deficient in either written or spoken English are required to enroll in ESL 101-102 and to earn a grade of at least "C" in each course; waiver of this requirement may be permitted on the basis of satisfactory scores on tests approved by the Department of Foreign Languages.

Resident Alien

A lawful permanent resident of the United States (holder of a "green card") may be required to take the English Placement Test or other tests to determine proficiency in English and the necessity for taking courses in English.

Page last updated: 10/7/06

Graduate Studies
Tennessee Tech Univesity
P.O. Box 5036
Phone: (931) 372-3233 Fax: (931) 372-3497
E-Mail: Gradstudies@tntech.edu