Admission Regulations

Note: The minimum GPA requirements below go into effect for students applying to our programs in the fall of 2025 and future terms. 

The University of Memphis offers equal educational opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, sex, creed, color, national origin or disability.

Students are admitted to the University of Memphis through a cooperative effort of the Graduate School and the departments, colleges, and schools of the University. When the Graduate School receives the student’s application material, an official file is established. The department then reviews the application file and makes a recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School reviews the file for minimum degree requirements and notifies applicants as soon as a decision has been reached.

Applicants are required to meet admissions criteria established by the Graduate School in order to enroll in graduate courses. In order to be admitted to a degree program in any academic unit, applicants are also required to meet any additional standards set by the unit or college.

Applicants are selected on a competitive basis and, therefore, admission is not granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements. Departments consider a variety of factors in making admission decisions including program space and resource limitations. Past behavior and classroom performance can be considered in admissions decisions. Some academic programs have individual application forms and additional requirements such as portfolios, proficiency examinations, auditions, etc.

Individual program requirements described in the University of Memphis Graduate Catalog 2024-2025, are subject to change. Please contact the academic department or the Graduate School for changes. 

Graduate admission applications will only be accepted through the Graduate Admissions application system.

Prospective students should check with the appropriate program for specific deadlines and admissions requirements. 

For admission to a degree program, applicants should allow approximately three to six weeks from date of receipt of complete application for the necessary credentials to be processed by the appropriate degree program and the Graduate School. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure full consideration. Late domestic applicants may be admitted as graduate non-degree students and as such are not guaranteed placement in specific programs; some classes may be closed to non-degree students.

International applicants should allow at least two months for the application process, including immigration paperwork processing; International students matriculated into degree programs at other educational institutions in the United States may be eligible for admission as non-degree students into the University of Memphis.  International students who are using an I-20 from the University of Memphis to obtain their F1 visa, however, cannot be admitted as non-degree students.

All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee ($35.00 for domestic applicants; $60.00 for international applicants), unless previously paid. Applications received without the application fee will not be processed. 

See “Admission of International Students” for details about additional requirements for international applicants.

All credentials become the property of the University and will not be forwarded or returned. If the applicant does not enroll, credentials will be maintained in active files for 12 months, after which they will be destroyed. After that time, candidates must reapply for admission and submit a new set of credentials if they wish to be admitted to the Graduate School. 

Warning: Misrepresentation of academic credentials constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-133.  

Admission to Masters Degree Programs

The following Graduate School admissions requirements are minimum standards that identify the pool of master’s level applicants from which each academic unit makes its selection. International applicants should consult “Admission of International Students” below for further requirements.

Applicants will be selected on a competitive basis and, therefore, admission will not be granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements. Some departments require higher standards or additional items such as portfolios, proficiency examinations, auditions, etc.

1. U.S. Baccalaureate Degree or equivalent: The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a U.S. bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university or a foreign equivalent. In cases, where a program’s accrediting body allows alternate admissions standards, exceptions may be made.
2. Cumulative grade point average: The applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Admission decisions may be made on the basis of unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts must be on file with the graduate school by the 14^th day of the first semester otherwise a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account. Discrepancies between unofficial and official transcripts are grounds for termination.

Admission to Doctoral Degree Programs

The following Graduate School admissions requirements are minimum standards that identify the pool of doctoral level applicants from which each academic unit makes its selection. International applicants should consult “Admission of International Students” below for further requirements.

Applicants will be selected on a competitive basis and, therefore, admission will not be granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements. Some departments require higher standards or additional items such as portfolios, proficiency examinations, auditions, etc.

1. U.S. Baccalaureate or Master’s Degree or foreign equivalent as specified by the program. The applicant must provide an official transcript showing that a U.S. bachelor’s degree was awarded by an accredited college or university or a foreign equivalent. In cases, where a program’s accrediting body allows alternate admissions standards, exceptions may be made. Admission decisions may be made on the basis of unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts must be on file with the graduate school by the 14^th day of the student’s first semester, otherwise a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account.  Discrepancies between unofficial and official transcripts are grounds for termination.

2. Cumulative Grade point average: The applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested. Only transcripts received directly from an issuing institution are considered official. Admission decisions may be made on the basis of unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts must be on file with the graduate school by the 14^th day of the first semester otherwise a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account. Discrepancies between unofficial and official transcripts are grounds for termination.

Readmission

Once accepted into a degree program, a student is expected to enroll every semester thereafter (excluding summer sessions) and make satisfactory progress toward the degree. A student who does not enroll for a fall or spring semester must apply for readmission. Submission of a readmission application does not ensure acceptance. An application for readmission may be rejected or additional requirements may be imposed on the student. A readmitted student must follow the rules, prerequisites, and degree requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog.

Admission of International Students

The University of Memphis believes that the presence of international students on campus enriches the educational environment for all. The University of Memphis is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students on the F-1 student visa. 

Graduate applicants are expected to have completed the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for graduate study, such as:

• Have completed at least 16 years of primary, secondary, and tertiary education and have earned a university first degree, or
• Have completed a university first degree that grants eligibility for graduate study in a recognized university in that same country.

Persons without this background cannot be accepted for graduate study, regardless of the name of any first degree they may hold.

A non-refundable application and processing fee of sixty dollars U.S. (U.S. $60.00) is required of every international applicant, unless previously paid.

Although admission decisions may be made on the basis of unofficial documents, final official transcripts, official test scores, and official credential evaluations must be on file in the Graduate Admissions Office by the 14^th day of the students first semester. Official documents are those sent directly from the institution or agency to the University of Memphis.  Personal copies are not official.  Any discrepancies between unofficial and official documents may be grounds for termination. 

In addition to minimum degree equivalency requirements, international students must provide evidence of English Language Proficiency (ELP). This can be done in one of the following ways:

1. Citizenship of one of these approved English-speaking countries

2. Baccalaureate or Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or in one of the approved English-speaking countries
3. Enroll in the University of Memphis Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) program and meet the minimum score required to be admitted to graduate programs. For information about the IEI program visit: https://www.memphis.edu/iei/goingon.php
4. English Proficiency Exams 
   • Please allow up to 10 business days for your checklist be updated after score submission.
   • When submitting scores, please ensure that the name and birthdate on your score report match the information on your application and the information on your passport.
   • Test scores expire after 2 years. Tests must be taken within two years prior to applying.
   • Expired scores are accepted for students who have been continuously enrolled at a college or university in the U.S. since before the scores expired.
   • Students must submit unofficial score reports at the time of application submission and have official score reports sent directly to the University of Memphis so that we can verify your scores. Admission decisions are not made on the basis of unverified language proficiency test scores.   

Please note: Some degree programs require higher scores; check department websites for specific requirements.

Accepted tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, DuoLingo, iTEP

Minimum scores for admission

            Duolingo English Test-110 or higher on the overall score.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 550 or higher on the paper version, 80 or higher on the internet-based test

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- 6.5 or higher

PTE (Pearson Test of English) - 59 or higher

      iTEP (International Test for English Proficiency) 3.9 or higher on the Academic Plus Test

English Conditional Admission: International students are required to demonstrate a strong grasp of the English language before admission into graduate programs. Conditional admission may be granted depending on individual academic departmental policy. If English conditional admission is offered, students will need to register for English skills assessment and take instructional sessions (if required as a result of that assessment) through the University’s Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) program (www.memphis.edu/iei). Upon successful completion of the requisite sessions, as determined by IEI, the student’s English skills will be considered up to standard and the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement may be waived depending on specific academic department policy. The student can then proceed into their graduate academic program.

Please note that in order to have a complete application packet, students seeking English conditional admission will need to apply for the IEI program.  The application is embedded in the Graduate School application found here. Students should talk with their academic program coordinator prior to applying for conditional admission.  Please note that a student cannot be a graduate assistant (GA) until they have been fully admitted and have begun their graduate academic program. 

Additional Requirements for International Students:

TB Skin Test Requirements: Students, who are not citizens of the United States and come from TB-endemic countries, are required to have a TB skin test upon arrival on campus. Students must be registered for courses at the university at least 24 hours before being able to schedule an appointment to have the test applied and read at the Student Health Center.   Students may register for courses before arriving in the United States. Students who are not registered for courses at the university may have the PPD/TB skin test applied and read by a healthcare provider in our localcommunity. Students are not allowed to physically attend any classes until       the PPD/TB test requirement is completed and the hold is cleared by the Student Health Center. If a student is non-compliant by Friday of the first week of classes, all classes will be dropped by the Registrar.   More information about TB skin tests process and requirements can be found at https://www.memphis.edu/health/immunization/tb_skin.php

Health Insurance: All international students on F1 or J1 visas are required to maintain health insurance while enrolled at the University of Memphis. F1 and J1 students are automatically enrolled in the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and charged for the premium each semester in which they are enrolled. Students can request a waiver and opt out by showing proof of insurance that is equivalent to or greater than the coverage provided by the University of Memphis plan. 

Affidavit of Support and Financial Statement: An applicant who holds or will require an “F-1” student visa must supply, on the form provided by the University, sufficient evidence of financial support for the applicant and all members of his/her family who will accompany the applicant to Memphis. This requires that the applicant certify that his/her intent is to attend the University full-time and that no employment, other than assistantships, will be required. An affidavit of support and financial statement are not required for admission; however, international students (F-1) requiring issuance of Form I-20 must supply sufficient evidence of financial support for the applicant and all members of his/her family requiring issuance of dependent Form I-20.

Other Admission Regulations

Continuous Enrollment

Students writing a thesis or dissertation or engaged in a culminating or capstone project must enroll on a continuous basis (Fall and Spring) until the thesis, dissertation, or project is complete. Most programs require at least one culminating experience course; see specific program requirements for details. A student must be enrolled for at least 1 hour each Fall and Spring semester until the thesis, dissertation, or project is complete. A student must be enrolled in the Summer semester if the thesis, dissertation, or project will be completed then. 

The only exception to this policy is if the student’s major professor is on leave or otherwise unavailable. In such cases the approval of the appropriate college director and the Dean of the Graduate School is required. In the case of serious personal or medical circumstances, students may request a leave of absence, subject to the approval of the program graduate coordinator, the college director of graduate studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School. 

Admission to Non-Degree Status

Combination Senior: An undergraduate senior student may earn up to 12 hours of graduate credit while enrolled on a Combination Senior/Graduate Non-Degree basis. The student must have a total cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and must have filed with his or her Graduate School Academic Advisor a plan for completing the bachelor’s degree within two semesters. Eligible students may enroll concurrently in undergraduate and select graduate courses. Approval to register for graduate credit does not imply approval for admission into a graduate program at the University or that the credit earned will be accepted towards a graduate degree. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, a Combination Senior/Graduate Non-Degree student must make formal application in order to be admitted to a graduate degree program. Courses taken for graduate credit may not be used for both the baccalaureate and graduate degree. Combination seniors are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

Graduate Non-Degree: This classification is for domestic students who wish to enroll in graduate courses but who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree at the University or whose applications are incomplete. Graduate non-degree applicants must show proof of having earned a baccalaureate degree at the time of application. At the end of the first semester of course work, the Graduate Non-Degree student may be required to furnish an official transcript showing at minimum a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Academic units may restrict non-degree students to designated courses. Graduate Non-Degree students who decide to matriculate for a degree must make application to the Graduate School and must meet all admissions requirements. Master’s students in programs requiring 36 credit hours or fewer are limited to 12 credit hours while in non-degree status. Students in degree programs requiring more than 36 hours must take at least 2/3 of the credit hours after acceptance into the program. Students should note that some academic units count coursework toward a degree only after admission or have more restrictive policies regarding the number of non-degree hours that count toward the degree.

Before registering for a second semester of graduate level coursework, the non-degree student is required to sign a release agreeing that additional coursework will not apply to degree programs.

Non-degree students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in graduate courses in order to re-enroll and are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

Miscellaneous Admissions Information

Hepatitis Vaccination

The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private post-secondary institution in the state provide information concerning Hepatitis B infection to all students entering the institution for the first time. Those students who will be living on campus must also receive information about the risk of meningococcal meningitis infection.

After reading this information and prior to registering for classes, you must complete and sign the waiver form to indicate that you have received the information and have chosen to have the vaccination, plan to have the vaccination, or chosen not to have the vaccination. The waiver form is on-line at: http://saweb.memphis.edu/health/.

Measles Vaccination

The University of Memphis requires all students born after January 1957 to have had the measles (MMR) vaccination after January 1, 1980, in order to register. The vaccination is available in the University Health Center for a nominal fee.

Health Services

Limited medical services are available in the University Health Center upon presentation of a valid student identification card. Outpatient medical services, including general clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment; laboratory and X-ray; family planning; and a dispensary are available. Students are charged only for lab tests sent off-campus to a reference lab, for medicines (over-the-counter or prescribed by the center) purchased at the dispensary, and for family planning.

Veterans Services

Mission: The Office of Veterans Services, 003 Wilder Tower, provides assistance for eligible National Guard/Reserves, veterans, and/or dependents who enroll at the University of Memphis and who make application for programs of education or training, and VA tutorial services. Other assistance includes: liaison with Veterans Administration Regional Office, counseling, and counseling referral for personal, family, career, financial, and educational problems.

Application for VA benefits: Those who will be using VA educational assistance while enrolled at the University of Memphis should contact the Office of Veterans Services. They should also be prepared to furnish the following items as applicable:

1. The number 4 original or copy of the DD214 or other armed forces separation papers.
2. Copy of Delayed Enlistment Contract.
3. Copies of marriage licenses and children’s birth certificates.
4. Copy of final divorce decree if either veteran or spouse has been previously married.
5. VA file number if different from social security number.

Advance Pay: Advance payment is available for eligible veterans and dependents who plan to enroll on at least a half-time basis. Applications will be accepted in the Veterans Services Office as early as 120 days before the term begins but no later than 45 days before the beginning entry. Generally, the advance pay deadline for the fall semester is around July 15, while spring semester deadline is around November 15. Advance pay checks include an allowance for the month or fraction thereof in which the course begins and the allowance for the following month. Advance pay checks are mailed to the school for delivery to the student at registration. Initial applicants who do not apply for advance pay may expect their check to be mailed to their home within six to eight weeks after registration.

Enrollment Status: For VA benefits during the regular terms (Fall and Spring), 12 semester hours constitute a full-time load for undergraduate students; 9 hours is full-time for graduate students. However, training time for summer session at the undergraduate and graduate level is based on the number of semester hours attempted per term. The Veterans Administration places restrictions on those who receive veterans educational benefits. Some of these restrictions include: (1) regular class attendance, (2) satisfactory academic progress, and (3) adherence to a specific degree plan.

Degree Plan: Only courses that are required for the degree and major may be certified for VA pay. VA will not pay for repeat courses if the grade already earned is accepted by the U of M and will fulfill graduation requirements toward the declared degree and major (even if the course was taken at another institution with or without use of the GI Bill). VA will not pay for elective courses in excess of those needed to meet graduation requirements.

Although advisors are provided for veterans, this assistance does not relieve students of the responsibility for fulfilling all VA and University requirements.

Certification: Enrollment certifications are mailed and/or electronically submitted to the appropriate VA Regional Office upon receipt of the Veterans Request for Certification Form. Students are required to submit this form to the Veteran Services Office at the University of Memphis each semester. Students will be certified on a term-by-term basis. Pre-certification will be done only when a request for advance pay is made.

Termination of Benefits: VA benefits and Title IV funds for enrollment fees are subject to cancellation and immediate repayment if the recipient stops attending, whether or not he/she has withdrawn or dropped a course. The instructor will report the last known date of attendance as the student’s “unofficial withdrawal date.” Students who stop attending will be assigned a grade of “F” in courses that do not reflect an official withdrawal.

ROTC Programs

Graduate students are eligible to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force by completing 12 semester hours of the AFROTC advanced program in conjunction with their graduate studies. Applications are accepted during January and February for Fall semester entries.

Graduate students are also eligible to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army by completing 16 semester hours of the ROTC advanced program in conjunction with their graduate studies.

Residency Classification

All determinations concerning the classification of students as in-state or out-of-state for fee purposes are made in the Admissions Office. The determinations are based on regulations and guidelines of the state of Tennessee. If, for any reason, there is a question about a student’s state residency classification for fee payment purposes, the student is responsible for requesting a review of their residency status before classes begin. Requests for review should be made to the Admissions Office.

INTENT

The public institutions of higher education in the State of Tennessee shall apply uniform rules, as described in these regulations, for the purpose of making admission decisions and determining whether out-of-state tuition shall be charged to a student enrolling at the University of Memphis (“University”). These rules are promulgated in accordance with the principle that as a state, tax-supported institution, the University extends preference in admission and tuition to residents of the state of Tennessee.

DEFINITIONS

1. Continuous enrollment: Continuously enrolled: Attendance at a school or schools in the state of Tennessee shall be deemed “continuous” if the person claiming continuous attendance has been enrolled at a public higher education institution in Tennessee as a part-time or full-time student. Such person need not enroll in summer sessions or other such inter-sessions beyond the normal academic year in order that his or her enrollment be deemed continuous, notwithstanding lapses in enrollment occasioned solely by the scheduling of the commencement and/or termination of the academic year.
2. Domicile: A physical presence in the state of Tennessee with simultaneous intent to make Tennessee one’s permanent home and place of habitation and abandonment of any former domicile.
3. Emancipated/independent student: A student whose parents or legal guardian/custodian have entirely surrendered the right to the care, custody, and earnings of such person and who no longer are under any legal obligation to support or maintain such emancipated/independent person.
4. Parents: a person’s father or mother. If there is a non-parental guardian or legal custodian of an un-emancipated person, then “parent” shall mean such guardian or legal custodian; provided, that there are not circumstances indicating that such guardianship or custodianship was created primarily for the purpose of conferring the status of an in-state student on such un-emancipated person.
5. Performance based program: Recognized University programs with entrance criteria based on clearly established academic standards or satisfactory program participation that must be maintained to continue participation in the program.
6. U.S. Armed Forces: the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION AND IN-STATE TUITION

A student will be considered a Tennessee resident for admission and in-state tuition purposes if the student is a citizen of the United States, has resided in Tennessee for one (1) year immediately prior to the beginning of the term being applied to, and meets one of the following conditions:

• Graduated from a Tennessee public secondary school;
• Graduated from a private secondary school that is located in Tennessee; or
• Earned a Tennessee high school equivalency diploma.

A student who is domiciled in the state of Tennessee will be considered a Tennessee resident for admission and in-state tuition purposes.

• A student can establish domicile by establishing that the student, or the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian/custodian if the student is considered a dependent student, as a physical presence in the state with simultaneous intent to make Tennessee one’s permanent home and place of habitation and abandonment of any former domicile.
• Presence in Tennessee primarily for educational purposes is insufficient to establish domicile.
• Undocumented aliens cannot establish domicile in Tennessee, regardless of length of residence in Tennessee.
• Decisions regarding domicile will be made by the University based on a review of all evidence presented and upon consideration of its reliability, authenticity, credibility and relevance.

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PAY OUT-OF-STATE TUITION

1. An unemancipated/dependent, currently enrolled student whose parent(s) or legal guardian/custodian relinquish residence or domicile in the state of Tennessee shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition at the University so long as he or she maintains continuous enrollment at a state of Tennessee public higher educational institution or institutions.
2. Students participating in an approved University performance-based program may not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. Such programs may include, but are not limited to: the Helen Hardin Honors College, ROTC, and the National Student Exchange program.
3. A person who otherwise meets admission requirements shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition if they reside in a county of another state lying immediately adjacent to a county where the University is located or if they reside within thirty (30) miles of the University.
4. Unemancipated/dependent students of divorced parents shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition when one (1) parent, regardless of custodial status, is domiciled in Tennessee.
5. A student who is a United States citizen or permanent resident and is the spouse of a current student classified as in-state for tuition purposes shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition.
6. Academic Common Market: Students enrolled at the University of Memphis in an approved and designated Academic Common Market degree program or concentration shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition.
7. An unemancipated/dependent person whose parent is not domiciled in Tennessee but is a member of the armed forces and stationed in Tennessee pursuant to military orders shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. Further, such a person who maintains continuous enrollment shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition if his or her parent thereafter is transferred on military orders.
8. Part-time students who are not domiciled in Tennessee but who are employed by one (1) or more employers in the State and such employment is equivalent to full-time employment shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition.
9. U.S. Armed Forces personnel, their spouses, and dependents, stationed in the State of Tennessee, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. This provision shall not apply to military personnel and their spouses who are stationed in Tennessee primarily for educational purposes.
10. Active-duty military personnel who begin working on a college degree at the University while stationed in Tennessee and who are transferred or deployed prior to completing their degrees, can continue completion of the degree(s) at the University without being required to pay out-of-state tuition, as long as he/she completes at least one (1) course for credit each twelve (12) month period after the transfer or deployment. Exceptions may be made in cases where the service member is deployed to an area of armed conflict for periods exceeding twelve (12) months.
11. Qualified, dependent children entitled to scholarship or exemption from out-of-state tuition by statute, including but not limited to, T.C.A. § 49-4-704 and T.C.A. § 49-7-164, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition.
12. Veterans or other individuals eligible to receive educational benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition or any out-of-state fee, if the veteran or individual is:

• Enrolled in any public institution of higher education in Tennessee;
• Utilizing such benefits at the enrolling institution; and
• Living in the state of Tennessee, regardless of the individual’s formal state of residency.

APPEAL

Initial residency classification will be determined by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation for undergraduate students and the Graduate Admissions Office for graduate students. Students may appeal their initial residency reclassification by submitting a written request for reclassification with supporting documentation on forms prescribed by the University. Appeals for the current term must be made to the Residency Appeals Committee on or before the last day to add or change sections for the current full term. Appeals received after this date may only change a student’s residency for future terms. Individuals disagreeing with the decision of the Residency Appeals Committee may appeal that decision in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

RECLASSIFICATION

If a student classified as out-of-state or international applies for in-state tuition and is subsequently reclassified, his or her in-state classification shall be based on the date the appeal form was received by the appeal committee. However, out-of-state tuition will be charged for any quarter or semester during which reclassification is sought and obtained unless application for reclassification is made in accordance with University policy.