Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

There is no minimum GPA requirement for consideration to our master’s programs.  The average GPA of a competitive applicant is 3.2.  We review your overall GPA and your GPA for the last two years to give us a balanced view of your scholastic career.

The minimum degree requirement is a baccalaureate degree, or a foreign equivalent, from a USDOE recognized institutional accreditor are eligible to apply for admission.

International credentials must be equivalent to a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, which will be determined by an in-house evaluation or a professional course-by-course evaluation depending on your college, school or institute of interest. In lieu of the In-house Credential Evaluation, we will accept a professional evaluation for degree equivalency. You will still need to submit all transcripts. Professional evaluations will only be accepted from NACES member institutions.

The programs in the Andrew Young School do not have a minimum GRE or GPA, nor do the admission committees use a formula to determine admission eligibility.  All aspects of the applicant’s file are taken into consideration for admission decisions. However, GRE scores and GPAs that are well below a competitive range will greatly reduce your chances of admission.

Students at the graduate level typically do not transfer into a program in the Andrew Young School. Each student wishing to join the program must apply as a new student and meet all admission requirements. Applicants are not guaranteed admission. Once admitted, students may request to transfer course work. Master’s-level students may transfer up to six credit hours (two courses) into the graduate program. Instructions on the process and the online submission form are here.

• Criminal Justice Ph.D. students may transfer up to six credit hours into their program.
• Economics Ph.D. students may transfer up to 15 credit hours into their program.
• Public Policy Ph.D. students do not have a transfer limit but are subject to review and approval.

You may contact the faculty Program Director for your area of interest using the listed below.

• Criminal Justice and Criminology
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice – Dr. Josh Hinkle ([email protected])
  • M.I.S. in Criminal Justice Administration – Dr. Dean Dabney ([email protected])
  • Ph.D. in Criminal Justice – Dr. Josh Hinkle ([email protected])
• Economics
  • M.A. in Economics – Dr. Pierre Nguimkeu ([email protected])
  • Ph.D. in Economics – Dr. Garth Heutel ([email protected])
• Public Management and Policy
  • M.P.A./M.P.P. and graduate certificates – Dr. Jurée Capers ([email protected])
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy – Dr. Can Chen ([email protected])
• School of Social Work
  • Master of Social Work – Dr. Nicholas Forge ([email protected])
• Urban Studies Institute
  • M.I.S. in Urban Studies – Dr. Lelani Mannetti ([email protected])
  • Ph.D. in Urban Studies – Dr. Lelani Mannetti ([email protected])

To take graduate-level courses in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies without pursuing a master’s degree, you would need to apply and be admitted as a non-degree seeking student.  The deadline for applying for fall term is June 1; spring is November 1. You would need to submit the following:

• Online application
• Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (graduate and undergraduate)
• GRE scores
• Goal statement that includes the reason for applying as a non-degree graduate student and a list of courses you want to enroll in
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores if you are an international student

The Andrew Young School does not admit students on a probationary basis.

Georgia State University and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies recognize certain 3-year degrees as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for admission to our graduate programs:

• 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees from NAAC institutions rated ‘A’ or better, with a First Division/Class degree classification.
• 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees, plus one year of master’s degree studies.
• Bologna undergraduate degrees with 180 ECTS credits.
• Other 3-year bachelor’s degrees, plus one to two years of master’s degree studies, may also be recognized as equivalent.

Please note:

All international credentials must be evaluated at the time of application. We conduct in-house evaluations but do not offer pre-application evaluations.
There is no guarantee that a 3-year bachelor’s degree will be equated to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for admission purposes.
For equivalency uncertainties or for an equivalency pre-application evaluation, applicants may opt for a third-party equivalency review (third-party fees apply). We accept evaluations from:

• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
• World Education Services

 

Deadlines are program specific. You may find all deadlines and requirement here http://aysps.gsu.edu/admissions/application-deadlines-requirements/ 

The application closes at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of the deadline. We encourage you not to wait until the last day or minute to submit your application as there are not exceptions or extensions for missed deadlines. Here is the deadlines and requirements page.

Typically decisions are communicated via the application status portal 4-6 weeks after the applicable deadline. Decisions are not communicated via email or phone. Because decisions are made in committee early decisions are not available.

Each degree program has a graduate admissions committee of Andrew Young School faculty which determines the eligibility of each person who applies for graduate-level admission. Admission decisions are competitive. Each applicant is evaluated individually and among the current group of candidates. In this evaluation, consideration is given to the applicant’s academic record, scores on the graduate entrance test(s), educational background, educational objectives, narrative information, work experience, professional activities and character. These elements together must indicate a favorable prospect of success in graduate study for an offer of admission to be made. In making the decision, the committee must consider the optimum number of students in the program.

Applicants aged 62 or over who want to resume, continue or begin a college education, are considered a GSU-62 applicant and are eligible to receive a tuition waiver. This program allows applicants to register for college-level courses for credit or audit on a space-available basis.

To be considered, applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Submit the Georgia State Graduate Admission Application.  Applications must be submitted by the program deadlines to be considered.
2. Within the application, upload a copy of your Georgia driver’s license, Georgia identification or passport using the citizenship verification page. Note: Birth certificates must be presented in person.

Review the minimum requirements for the GSU-62 program and registration requirements here.

Application requirements are at http://aysps.gsu.edu/deadlines/

No. Only the doctoral program in Criminal Justice and Criminology requires a writing sample. Applicants to all other programs should not submit a writing sample.

Yes, you must upload directly to your application one copy of your transcripts from each institution attended regardless of the number of classes you took or whether you received a degree at that institution. Instructions and upload requirements.  Once admitted, you will be required to submit one official transcript from each institution attended by the first day of classes for the term of admission. Instructions are located at the Graduate School website.

*Note: Do not mail or send official transcripts for your application review. This will slow down processing. Only submit official hard copy and electronic transcripts after admission.

Yes. Good photocopies or scanned copies of transcripts are accepted for consideration of your admission to our graduate programs.  This can either be an official electronic transcript, or a paper copy you have scanned and uploaded.

• Upload each transcript to the Academic History section of the online application before submitting your application
  -or-
  upload to your application status page under the Upload Materials section if your application has been submitted.
• Review all requirements for submitting transcripts here.
• Failure to follow these requirements will delay your application processing.

No. Do not submit a writing sample. The only program which requires a writing sample is the doctoral program in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Applicants to other programs should not submit a writing sample and should skip that section of the application.

• Application fee waivers may be provided to participants of certain special programs (such as McNair Scholars). The list of eligible programs for application fee waivers is available here.  If you have participated in any of these programs and if these cases apply to you, you may request a waiver through the online application portal using the ‘Application Fee Waiver’ section.
• In some cases, application fee waivers may be available after attending an information session hosted by the department. These fee waivers are not guaranteed and if available, the quantity is limited.  You may see the calendar for upcoming information session and registration links here.
• Unfortunately, fee waivers are not offered based on financial need or academic credentials.

For returned Peace Corps volunteers, visit our web page for more information.

The school offers application fee waivers to McNair Scholars for the following programs:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Art in Economics
• Master of Art in Economics – Policy Track
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Social Work
• Doctoral program in Criminal Justice
• Doctoral program in Economics
• Doctoral program in Public Policy (GSU only program. Joint program excluded from waivers)
• Certificate programs in Disaster Management, Nonprofit Management & Social Enterprise, and Planning and Economic Development.

To obtain a waiver, current McNair scholars must:

1. Start the Georgia State University Graduate Admission Application.
2. Within the application on the “Additional Information” page, answer “Are you a former or current McNair Scholar,” and follow the steps to upload a copy of the “Certificate of McNair Program Participation and Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver.“

No. Applications along with all application materials are submitted online here.

You may access the online application here.

If your recommender hasn’t received the notification email to submit a letter of recommendation:

• Have your recommender check their “spam” folder.
• Check to make sure the email address is correct. (see below on how to review and edit).

Easily add, edit, or remind your recommenders through the “recommendations page” link on the status page.

• Remind Your Recommender: Use the “Edit” option for a recommender and select “Send Reminder” for a follow-up.
• Edit Recommender’s Information: Update any details by clicking “Edit”, making changes, and saving. A reminder can be sent if an email is updated.
• Add Recommender: Select “Add Recommender”, fill in the details, and send the request.

Once you submit your application you may check the status using the application portal at https://gradapply.gsu.edu/status/. Any changes to your application will be reflected there. You will also receive automated reminder emails and notifications anytime there is a status change or update. Be sure to check your email and the status page regularly for updates. Please do not email us for individual status check requests as all updates are reflected directly in the application portal.

To guarantee review of your application all materials must be received by the applicable deadline. All relevant materials may be submitted online and the applicant should manage their timeline to ensure their materials are uploaded, test scores received and letters of recommendation submitted by the relevant deadline. If materials are received after the deadline but before the committee meets to review applications (timing varies from a few days to a week), we will do our best to include them with your application packet. We cannot, however, guarantee your application will be reviewed if any materials are received after the deadline.

The office is located on the third floor of 55 Park Place at:
55 Park Place NE, Suite 308, Atlanta, GA 30303.

• ID is required to enter the building. Georgia State University ID for GSU visitors and any ID for non-GSU visitors.
• A campus map may be found at http://map.gsu.edu/#/

All application materials should be submitted into your online application.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to evaluate your readiness for graduate-level work. More information on the test, testing centers, pricing, etc. may be found at www.ets.org/gre.

You should take the General GRE test and have it reported to institution code 5251. Subject tests are not required for admission to graduate programs in the Andrew Young School.

GRE scores are not required for applications to the master’s programs in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. GRE scores are also not required for the Ph.D. program in Criminal Justice & Criminology or the Ph.D. program in Urban Studies.

GRE scores are required for the Ph.D. program in Economics and Public Policy and cannot be waived.

• Applicants for the non-degree seeking status may apply for a waiver if they have completed a master’s degree. The non-degree waiver form is located here.*

*GRE Waivers submitted within a week before an application deadline may not be considered in time for the application review.

Have your scores directly reported to Georgia State University by ETS using institution code 5251.

Verify that you sent your scores directly to Georgia State University by ETS using institution code 5251. If it has been more than 20 working days since the scores were officially reported you may request assistance by submitting a help ticket at https://gradapply.gsu.edu/register/gradapplyhelp.

Applicants may apply at any time; however, all test scores must be received by the application deadline for admission consideration.  Applications will not be considered if GRE scores are not received by the deadline.

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies does not accept the GMAT as substitution for the GRE to our graduate or Ph.D. programs.

GRE scores are valid for five (5) years. They must be officially reported by ETS to institution code 5251 to be considered for admission review.

GRE scores are not required for application to master’s programs within the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. You may submit scores if you feel they will enhance your application. Applicants who have a lower GPA may opt to submit GRE scores as supplemental information to show their ability to pursue graduate studies.

ETS will send scores to GSU within 10-15 days after the GRE is taken. It is recommended that you take the GRE at least one (1) month prior to the application deadline for your program of choice to ensure it is received on time.

The Office of Student Accounts has a comprehensive site to detail the cost of enrollment at Georgia State University: http://www.gsu.edu/studentaccounts/tuition_and_fees.html.

A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is an opportunity to work within an academic department while receiving a stipend. The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies offers the opportunity to apply for a GRA at the time of application.  Assistantships at the master’s level generally entail a $2,000 stipend for the Fall or Spring term and a tuition waiver for all but $37.50 in tuition for the same term.  Student Activity Fees are not eligible to be waived.  The number of GRA’s are limited and competitive in nature.  Selection is based on academic credential and other admission criteria established by the admission committee. The number of available GRA’s fluctuate each semester based on departmental budgetary constraints.

There is no separate application for GRA consideration at the time of admission. Applicants should simply respond “yes” to the GRA question on the “Andrew Young School information page” of the online application for consideration.

Please review the rules and regulations on the Tuition Classification page: http://sfs.gsu.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-classification/.

You may contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for a variety of questions related to immigration regulations and studies at Georgia State University as an international student.   Please visit http://isss.gsu.edu/about/contact/ for contact information..

Yes. If available, please submit a copy of your passport with your application materials.

Yes, all applicants to our graduate programs are eligible to receive a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA). There is no separate GRA application. Applicants should simply respond “yes” to the GRA question on the “Andrew Young School information page” of the online application for consideration.

No. You should simply complete the relevant questions on the graduate application. If admitted to the program you may then submit any required supplemental information.

All international credentials are evaluated at the time of application. We conduct in-house evaluations but do not offer pre-application evaluations due to the volume of requests. We encourage applicants to seek out reputable sources of information on degree equivalencies prior to submitting an application. There is no guarantee that a international credentials will be equated to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for admission purposes.

For equivalency uncertainties or for an equivalency pre-application evaluation, applicants may opt for a third-party equivalency review (third-party fees apply). We accept evaluations from:

• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
• World Education Services

 

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a test that measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. The minimum recommended score is 100. Applicants who score lower on the TOEFL but are recommended for admission may be required to take the GSTEP and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. More information on the test, testing centers pricing, etc. may be found at www.ets.org/toefl.

Applicants may apply at any time; however, all test scores must be received by the application deadline for admission consideration. Applications will not be considered if TOEFL scores are not received by the deadline.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses the language ability of candidates.  More information about this test, including testing sites and pricing, can be found at https://www.ielts.org/.

Yes. The Andrew Young School accepts the IELTS Academic score. The recommended minimum is a score of 7. Applicants who score lower on the IELTS but are recommended for admission may be required to take the GSTEP and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

NOTE:  The Joint Georgia Tech/Georgia State Public Policy Ph.D. program only accepts TOEFL scores.

• Report TOEFL scores directly to Georgia State University from ETS using institution code 5251.
• Report IELTS scores  using E-delivery and the account name, Georgia State University Graduate Admissions.

Verify that you sent your TOEFL scores directly to Georgia State University from ETS using institution code 5251. If you are reporting IELTS scores be sure they were reported using E-delivery and the account name, Georgia State University Graduate Admissions. If it has been more than 20 working days since the scores were officially reported you may request assistance by submitting a help ticket at https://gradapply.gsu.edu/register/gradapplyhelp.

Most international students typically take the TOEFL, however we also accept the IELTS.

NOTE:  The Joint Georgia Tech/Georgia State Public Policy Ph.D. program only accepts TOEFL scores.

TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for most non-native speakers of English. This requirement may only be waived for students who:

• Earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution within the U.S. or
• Earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where English is the country’s official language – see list of countries below that satisfy this requirement and who are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua Barbuda
  • Ascension
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Christmas Island
  • Cook Islands
  • Dominica
  • Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guam
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Jersey
  • Malawi
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Monteserrat
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pitcairn Islands
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent/ Grenadines
  • South Africa
  • St Helena
  • Tristan da Cuhna
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • Great Britain
  • United States of America
  • Virgin Islands
• Applicants may also waive the TOEFL/IELTS if they show proof of completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program.

No. Only the TOEFL and IELTS tests are accepted.

There is no minimum GPA requirement for consideration to our Ph.D. programs, the average GPA of a competitive applicant is 3.4.  Upon receipt of your transcripts, we would calculate the overall GPA and the last 2-years GPA to give us a balance view of your scholastic career.

There is no minimum GRE requirement for consideration to our Ph.D. programs, however, the average score of a competitive applicant to our Ph.D. program would be a cumulative 308-310 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the test.

You do not need a Master’s degree to be admitted into the doctoral program. Each program will, however, have a number of master’s level prerequisites that must be completed. Please review the program requirements of the degree you are considering for further details: http://aysps.gsu.edu/deadlines/