The Graduate School

Associate Provost for Graduate Programs and Dean of the Graduate School: Dr. Thomas L. Reynolds
Associate Dean of the Graduate School: Ms. Johnna W. Watson
Associate Dean of the Graduate School: Dr. Katherine Hall-Hertel
Director of the Graduate Center: Mr. Joshua Hertel

Dean, College of Arts + Architecture: Mr. Kenneth A. Lambla
Dean, Belk College of Business: Dr. Steven Ott
Dean, College of Computing and Informatics: Dr. Yi Deng
Dean, College of Education: Dr. Ellen McIntyre
Dean, The William States Lee College of Engineering: Dr. Robert E. Johnson
Dean, College of Health and Human Services: Dr. Nancy Fey-Yensan
Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences: Dr. Nancy A. Gutierrez

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte was established in 1965 by the North Carolina General Assembly, which transformed Charlotte College, with beginnings in 1946, into a campus of The University of North Carolina.  The Graduate School was established in 1985 with the appointment of the first Dean of the Graduate School, although graduate degree programs had been offered since 1969.  Today, more than 800 members of the Graduate Faculty and over 5,000 graduate students participate in a broad array of graduate programs at the master’s and doctoral levels and in graduate certificate programs.

The executive and administrative affairs of the Graduate School are carried out by the Associate Provost for Graduate Programs and Dean of the Graduate School, who acts in cooperation with the deans of the seven disciplinary colleges of Arts + Architecture, Business, Computing & Informatics, Education, Engineering, Health & Human Services, and Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Graduate Student Core Competencies

Unlike undergraduate education, graduate education is intended to develop independent, specialized skills and knowledge in a particular academic discipline. Graduate students completing a master’s or doctoral degree should be able to claim competency in a range of skills, in addition to expertise in their academic discipline. The following “core competencies” are intended to reflect the broad range of skills a graduate student at UNC Charlotte could expect to develop, depending on their specific program of study. The ways in which these competencies are taught or interpreted will vary by program and will reflect the expectations of the specific degree program in which the student is enrolled.

1. Communication: Graduate students at UNC Charlotte will further communication skills needed in order to effectively and persuasively write and speak in a variety of media and forums. This includes the preparation of scholarly and peer reviewed publications and grants, public speaking skills, facilitating group discussions, and facilitating positive interpersonal relationships through communication.
    
2. Leadership: Leadership skills are invaluable in academia and beyond. UNC Charlotte students will have wide ranging opportunities to develop the skills necessary in order to motivate, inspire, and manage others. The Graduate School will support the development of ethical, competent leaders in academia and practice, ensuring success in a variety of contexts. Mentorship, effective decision-making, problem solving and change management skills will be cultivated through graduate studies at UNC Charlotte.
    
3. Teaching and Instruction: Students who pursue careers in academia will be prepared to effectively teach in all types of settings, creating engaging learning environments. They will have an understanding of the challenges presented in inclusive classrooms, and they will master the skills needed to create dynamic learning in any environment. UNC Charlotte graduates seeking academic careers will be competent with the most current teaching methods and technologies, enabling them to stimulate critical, innovative, and interdisciplinary learning in others.
    
4. Personal and Professional Responsibility: The Graduate School not only values and emphasizes the importance of academic rigor and progress, but also the holistic development of students. Graduate students at UNC Charlotte will be committed to lifelong learning and remain active in the search for knowledge. Additionally, they will exhibit fair and ethical conduct both personally and professionally, and engage in opportunities to expand their understanding and appreciation for all forms of diversity.
    
5. Research and Scholarly Inquiry: Graduate Students at UNC Charlotte will gain the technical research and scholarship skills needed for success in their chosen academic program, while maintaining a fierce commitment to ethical practices. These skills will reflect the commitment to diverse ideas, academic collegiality, and to continued student learning-concepts inherent in an interdisciplinary environment

Graduate Council

The Graduate Council, whose voting members are elected by the Graduate Faculty, reviews, develops, and makes recommendations concerning Graduate School policy. All curricular proposals and all criteria for membership on the Graduate Faculty come before the Graduate Council. In addition, the Graduate Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Graduate Faculty

In accordance with criteria developed by each graduate program or unit and approved by the Graduate Council, the Dean of the Graduate School appoints members of the Graduate Faculty for renewable terms. Members of the Graduate Faculty offer courses and seminars, mentor graduate students, and supervise research at an advanced level of scholarship.

Graduate Program Directors

Each graduate program, and in some cases certain program areas within a discipline, has a Graduate Program Director. This individual is a member of the Graduate Faculty and is responsible for coordinating various functions of the graduate program. Directors assist students with understanding program requirements (along with the student’s specific advisor) and can answer program specific questions such as transfer credit, prerequisites, program specific admission requirements, etc.

Graduate Programs

Doctoral and Master’s Degree Programs

UNC Charlotte offers 21 doctoral and 63 master’s degree programs. To be admitted to a degree program, an applicant must meet all the requirements for admission, be recommended for admission by the program in which he/she proposes to study and receive final approval for admission by the Graduate School. Acceptance into one graduate program does not guarantee acceptance into any other program. See the “Academic Programs” section of this Catalog for a list of available programs.

Graduate Certificate Programs

UNC Charlotte offers 45 graduate certificate programs. Graduate certificate programs are designed for students who wish to complete a coherent program in a defined area to enhance their professional skills and/or academic knowledge. Most graduate certificate programs do not require a standardized test to apply for admission, thereby enabling prospective students to begin graduate study fairly quickly.

Students are admitted to a specific graduate certificate program and are advised by faculty in the unit offering the graduate certificate. Many of UNC Charlotte’s graduate certificate programs are comprised of the courses in a master’s degree. Since the graduate certificate is not a degree, students may apply the credits earned in the certificate program toward a single (master’s or doctoral) degree that they pursue either concomitant with pursuing a graduate certificate or after the certificate has been awarded. [Please note: time to degree limits do apply.]

Post-Baccalaureate (Non-Degree) Program

Applicants seeking to take courses beyond the baccalaureate degree for license renewal, for transfer to another institution, as prerequisites for admission to a graduate degree program or for personal satisfaction may be admitted as post-baccalaureate/non-degree students. A post-baccalaureate student who is subsequently admitted to a graduate degree or certificate program may, with the recommendation of his/her advisor and the approval of the Graduate School, apply a maximum of six graduate credit hours acceptably completed in the post-baccalaureate status toward a degree.

Readmission - All Students

Post-baccalaureate/non-degree, graduate certificate, and degree-seeking students whose enrollment is interrupted will remain eligible to register for one calendar year without having to reapply for admission to the University if they are in good standing and have not exceeded the four, six or eight-year limit for their academic program of study. After an absence of more than 12 months, the student’s matriculation will be closed and the student must apply for readmission; acceptance is subject to department, program, and Graduate School approval. Students whose enrollment is suspended or terminated for academic reasons should consult the description of the procedures outlined in the “Academic Standing ” section of the Catalog. Students whose enrollment is suspended or terminated for disciplinary reasons must have their readmission materials reviewed by the Admissions Campus Safety Review Committee; see the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility within this Catalog.

Accelerated Master’s Programs

See “Registration ” under the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of this Catalog for details.

Dual Undergraduate and Graduate Registration

See “Registration ” under the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of this Catalog for details.

Early Entry to Graduate Programs

See “Registration ” under the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of this Catalog for details.

Graduate Student Life

Center for Graduate Life

The Center for Graduate Life (CGL) is the hub of graduate student life on campus. Located in the Cone University Center, the CGL offers space for interdisciplinary interactions, a state-of-the-art class room facility available for workshops and classes relevant to graduate students and administrative offices that support graduate students. The Graduate School’s professional development offerings, teaching assistance, advocacy and other services are housed in the CGL. Doctoral students find many services tailored to their needs, such as career advising, CV reviews, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Post doctoral researchers are invited to use the Center and to attend events, such as the monthly ethics coffees.

New Graduate Student Orientation

The Graduate School conducts several University-wide orientation programs for new graduate and post-baccalaureate students during the course of the year. Information about the dates and times of these programs can be found online at graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/orientation. Information is also sent directly to newly enrolled students prior to the start of each semester. All Graduate Teaching Assistants are required to attend a specific orientation program prior to the start of the semester as part of their assistantship contract.

The orientation programs offer information about various University programs and services for graduate students; highlight important policies and procedures; provide publications, including resources available to support graduate students academically and socially; various content workshops on issues relevant to graduate education and graduate student life; and provide opportunities for students to ask specific questions.

Many of the individual graduate programs conduct discipline-specific orientation programs for their new graduate students. Degree students should contact their major department for information on programs that may be available. In addition, the International Student/Scholar Office (ISSO) conducts orientation sessions specifically designed for international graduate students.

Student Involvement

Students at UNC Charlotte are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. UNC Charlotte acknowledges that graduate students have many, many priorities in their lives. However, as with so many other aspects of one’s life, active involvement enhances the experience and helps individuals develop skills needed for professional success.

Graduate students are encouraged to participate in student leadership at some point during their academic career. In particular, graduate students may hone skills that will be useful in a variety of academic and industry professions. An active student body contributes to the vibrant community of graduate students and scholars at UNC Charlotte, making graduate education more relevant to students across disciplines.

Graduate and Professional Student Government

The Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) is the governing and primary organization for graduate students to present their needs to the University. The purpose of the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG), according to the by-laws, is to serve as an appropriate voice on campus for graduate students, to meet the various needs of graduate students, and to establish a liaison between graduate faculty, graduate students, and the University. All graduate students are members of the GPSG.

In the spring of 1998, the Graduate Student Association successfully petitioned the student body through a referendum on the spring student body elections. The results of this referendum provided a significant change in the student body constitution and provided for the Graduate and Professional Student Government to become a separate governing body and representative organization for graduate students. In outlining the reasons for this separation, the GPSG cited the need for a GPSG office and the graduate student share of student activity fees to support: departmental graduate student associations, graduate student travel to read papers and present research at academic conferences, and developing a Graduate Student Research Fair.

During the 1998-1999 academic year, GPSG began functioning as its own governing body. In the 1999- 2000 academic year, the recognition of current (and new) graduate student organizations and the funding of these groups, including the GPSG, became the responsibility of the Graduate and Professional Student Government. Since the inception of the GPSG in its current structure, the availability of student activity fees to graduate students directly have increased dramatically. With this new governing structure, the GPSG has been very successful in advocating for and supporting graduate student needs. An annual Research Symposium competition was begun in the spring of 2001 to showcase and reward excellence in graduate student research across all disciplines. GPSG continues to be active in new graduate student orientation, encouraging and recognizing graduate student organizations and increasing the amount of student activity fee support for graduate students. Each graduate program has the opportunity to be represented on the GPSG senate.

The GPSG Office is located in the Student Union. More information can be found online at http://suar.orgsync.com/org/gpsguncc/home.

Graduate Student Organizations

There are a number of graduate student organizations directly associated with academic programs. These include:

• Academy Health Graduate Student Chapter
• American Society for Precision Engineering
• Association of Biology Graduate Students (ABGS)
• Association of Chemistry Graduate Students
• Association of Nanoscience Graduate Students
• Bioinformatics Assembly of Students
• CCI Grads
• Charlotte Healthcare Executive Student Organization
• Children’s Literature Graduate Organization
• Clinical/Community Psychology Student Government Association
• Communication Studies Graduate Student Association (CSGSA)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Association
• English Graduate Student Association (EGSA)
• Gamma Theta Upsilon (Geography)
• Geography and Earth Science Graduate Organization (GRADient)
• Graduate Business Association
• Graduate Energy and Electromechanical Research Society
• Graduate History Association
• Graduate Professional Student Government
• Graduate Public Health Association
• Graduate Public Policy Association
• Graduate Social Work Association
• Health Psychology Graduate Student Association
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology Graduate Association
• International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE)
• Latin American Studies and Spanish Graduate Student Association
• Master of Architecture Student Society (MASS)
• Master of Public Administration Student Group (MPASG)
• Mathematics Graduate Student Association
• Mu Tau Beta (Counseling)
• Organizational Science Graduate Association
• Philosophy Union
• Sociology Graduate Student Association
• Urban Educators for Change

Information on each group is available from the individual academic program department. Some groups have information available on the Student Organizations website.

Please see additional information on the various programs, offices, and services at UNC Charlotte in the “Student Resources and Services ” section of this Catalog.

Admission to the Graduate School

Admissions Information

The University considers all applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or religion.  All relevant factors are considered, including the academic history of the applicant, recommendations, standardized test scores, and professional experience.  The intent of the Graduate School is to offer admission to those applicants whose credentials indicate a strong likelihood of success in their selected curricula.

The University reserves the right to withhold or rescind the admission of an applicant who:  (1) fails to meet any of the requirements for admission at the time of matriculation, (2) has failed to maintain satisfactory academic performance in their course of study prior to enrollment, or (3) has provided incorrect or misleading information on the Application for Admission or supporting document set.  Additionally, meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program and the University reserves the right to restrict enrollments when necessary because of budgetary or other constraints.

Application Materials

A separate application, processing fee, statement of purpose, recommendations forms, and transcripts must be submitted for each graduate program of study for which a student applies. Questions about the application process should be directed to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
Telephone: 704-687-5503
Fax: 704-687-1668
E-mail: gradadm@uncc.edu
Web: graduateschool.uncc.edu

Application Deadlines

Students are encouraged to apply and to submit all supporting documents well in advance of the published priority deadlines. Some programs have earlier deadlines and may only admit students to a particular term. Students should contact the department offering the program to which they are applying for specific deadline information and/or view the information online at graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students. The Graduate School may alter the date for acceptance of applications without further notice in accordance with available resources and/or the enrollment limitation established by the North Carolina General Assembly or the University. Note that applications received or applications that become complete after the priority deadlines are processed on a space-available basis.

Note: International students who intend to enroll on an F-1 or J-1 visa status should apply for admission before the priority deadlines, if possible.

Application Processing

Applicants apply for admission online; instructions and the application are available online at graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions/apply-now. Applications of US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, Asylees, and Refugees are processed as “domestic” applications. Applications of students on, or intending to be on, temporary visa/status in the USA (i.e. F-1, H-1, H-4 etc) as well as Pending Permanent Residents are processed as “international applications.” Applicants should follow application instructions accordingly.

Application Processing Fee

Submission of the online application for admission to graduate study requires online payment of the U.S. application fee by credit card. Note that the application fee may change and the amount required is accurately reflected in the application instructions available online.

Application Status

Applicants will receive an online confirmation of successful submission of their application for admission to graduate study. Applicants can monitor the status of their applications within the online system through which their application was submitted, utilizing the same username and password.

Types of Admission

(For Doctoral Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and Graduate Certificates)

Full Standing

Applicants who meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study plus any additional requirements specified by the college or department of academic concentration for the degree sought may be offered admission.

Applicants to graduate programs who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree or who were admitted with unofficial transcripts will be allowed to register for one semester and can only continue after the Graduate School’s receipt of official final transcripts (and/or diploma/degree certificates) indicating the award of the baccalaureate (bachelor’s/undergraduate) degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. Students will have a maximum of one semester to enroll, after which time a hold will be placed on their accounts to prevent registration for future terms. Failure to submit the proper credentials during the first semester of enrollment will result in a hold on registration for subsequent terms.

Deferment Policy

An applicant who is admitted to a graduate program of study who fails to enroll for the term to which he/she has been admitted is presumed to have withdrawn his/her application. To be considered for admission to a future term, a person must submit a new application and supporting materials. Generally, official test scores are maintained on file in the Graduate School for one year. Applicants on, or intending to be on, F-1 or J-1 visa status will be required to provide updated proof of legal status and financial resources.

Policy on Updating Applications

Applicants who do not submit their supporting documentation in time to be considered for admission to the requested term must submit a new application which includes updated data, processing fee, statement of purpose, recommendation forms, and transcripts. Generally, official test scores are maintained on file in the Graduate School for one year.

Students whose admission to UNC Charlotte was denied must reapply for admission to be considered for admission to a different term or program.

General Application Requirements for Admission

Doctoral Degree Programs

In order to be considered for admission to a doctoral program, an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree (or its US equivalent) from a regionally accredited college or university. Some programs admit baccalaureate (bachelor’s degree) students directly to the doctoral program, while others require applicants to have earned a master’s degree.

To be admitted to a doctoral program after a master’s program, an applicant should have earned an overall grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in the master’s degree program. To be admitted to a doctoral program after a bachelor’s program, an applicant should have earned an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in the bachelor’s degree program.

Applicants must also be in good academic standing at the last institution of higher education attended. Applications generally consist of the items listed below, some of which are submitted online, some by mail by the applicant or by the issuing entity. Any materials submitted in support of an application for admission to graduate study become the property of the University and cannot be returned to the applicant.

1. The application form must be submitted online through the Graduate School’s application system. The online application system can be accessed via graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions/apply-now. Submission of the application form requires payment of an application fee for domestic and international applicants, which is paid online by credit card; the fee is neither deductible nor refundable.
    
2. A Statement of Purpose (essay) must be submitted online as part of the application submission process. Applicants must upload the Statement of Purpose into their application record. The Statement of Purpose describes the applicant’s experience, objectives for undertaking graduate study and research interests, if known. [Note: Some graduate programs request specific items to be included in the Statement of Purpose. Applicants should check the department’s website or contact the department directly for further clarification on specific requirements related to the Statement of Purpose.]
    
3. Generally, at least three recommendation forms from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications. The recommendation forms must be submitted via the online application system; letters of recommendation in support of an individual’s admission may also be uploaded directly to the online recommendation form. Recommendations sent to the Graduate School in any other format, including surface mail and email, will not be processed.
    
4. Official (officially certified) transcripts/mark sheets/degree certificates of all academic work attempted beyond high (secondary) school are required of all students offered admission who enroll at UNC Charlotte. For the application and admission processes, unofficial transcripts of each academic institution of higher education ever attended must be submitted (and should be uploaded directly to the online application); transfer credit posted on the records of other institutions is unacceptable and transcripts of these credits must be supplied.
    
5. Official agency reports of satisfactory test scores as specified in the section on graduate programs in this Catalog. GRE/GMAT scores are reportable from ETS for a period of five years from the date of the exam. Likewise, the Graduate School accepts GRE/GMAT scores which are up to five years old as part of the application process. GRE/GMAT scores older than five years are therefore not acceptable since they cannot be officially reported. Likewise, MAT scores more than five years old are not accepted. MCAT scores are accepted by some graduate programs and should be no older than five years. For additional information regarding test score requirements, please see the “Test Information” section of this Catalog.
    
6. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and he or she has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution or graduated from an institution in an English-speaking country. Required is either a minimum score of 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 557 on the paper-based TOEFL, or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS.
    

Notes:

1. Applicants with records of high quality who do not fulfill these requirements should discuss with the Graduate Program Director other factors that may have a bearing on admission. Some programs have higher standards or additional admission requirements. Additionally, there may be prerequisites for certain programs and applicants should consult the Graduate Program Director to identify prerequisites. A separate application for admission is required for each graduate, post-baccalaureate, and certificate program of study at UNC Charlotte.
2. All applicants submitting transcripts and degree certificates from non-U.S. educational institutions should note that bachelor’s degrees awarded by non-U.S. schools may or may not be considered equivalent to the U.S. bachelor’s degree. Recipients of degrees that are not at least equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree may not be eligible for graduate study at UNC Charlotte.
3. International Students should see the “Additional Admission Requirements for all International Applicants” section of this Catalog for additional requirements.

Master’s Degree Programs

The applicant must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, or its US equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university, and must have attained an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all of the applicant’s previous work beyond high school. If an applicant has earned or attempted a post-baccalaureate degree (i.e., a master’s, doctoral, or other), grades in that program will also be taken into consideration.

Applicants must also be in good academic standing at the last institution of higher education attended. Applications generally consist of the items listed below, most of which are submitted online. Any materials submitted in support of an application for admission to graduate study become the property of the University and cannot be returned to the applicant.

1. The application form must be submitted online through the Graduate School’s application system. The online application system can be accessed via graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions/apply-now. Submission of the application form requires payment of an application fee, which is paid online by credit card; the fee is neither deductible nor refundable.
    
2. A Statement of Purpose (essay) must be submitted online as part of the application submission process. Applicants must upload the Statement of Purpose into their application record. The Statement of Purpose describes the applicant’s experience and objectives for undertaking graduate study. [Note: Some graduate programs request specific items to be included in the Statement of Purpose. Applicants should check the department’s website or contact the department directly for further clarification on specific requirements related to the Statement of Purpose.]
    
3. Generally, at least three recommendation forms from persons familiar with the applicant’s personal, academic, and/or professional qualifications. The recommendation forms must be submitted via the online application system; letters of recommendation in support of an individual’s admission may also be uploaded directly to the online recommendation form. Recommendations sent to the Graduate School in any other format, including surface mail and email, will not be processed.
    
4. Official (officially certified) transcripts / mark sheets / degree certificates of all academic work attempted beyond high (secondary) school are required of all students offered admission who enroll at UNC Charlotte. For the application and admission processes, unofficial transcripts of each academic institution of higher education ever attended must be submitted (and should be uploaded directly to the online application); transfer credit posted on the records of other institutions is unacceptable and transcripts of these credits must be supplied.
    
5. Official agency reports of satisfactory test scores as specified in the section on graduate programs in this Catalog. GRE/GMAT scores are reportable from ETS for a period of five years from the date of the exam. Likewise, the Graduate School accepts GRE/GMAT scores which are up to five years old as part of the application process. GRE/GMAT scores older than five years old are therefore not acceptable since the scores cannot be officially reported. Likewise, MAT scores more than five years old are not accepted. MCAT scores are accepted by some graduate programs and should be no older than five years. For additional information regarding test score requirements, please see the “Test Information” section of this Catalog.
    
6. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and he or she has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution or graduated from an institution in an English-speaking country. Required is either a minimum score of 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 557 on the paper-based TOEFL, or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS.
    

Notes:

1. Acceptance into each program must be approved by the department or college offering the program and by the Graduate School. Meeting minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into a program. There may be prerequisites for certain master’s programs and applicants should consult the coordinator for the master’s program to identify prerequisites. A separate application for admission is required for each graduate, post-baccalaureate, and certificate program of study at UNC Charlotte.
2. All applicants submitting transcripts and degree certificates from non-U.S. educational institutions should note that bachelor’s degrees awarded by non-U.S. schools may or may not be considered equivalent to the U.S. bachelor’s degree. Recipients of degrees that are not at least equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree may not be eligible for graduate study at UNC Charlotte.
3. International Students should see the “Additional Admission Requirements for all International Applicants” section of this Catalog for additional requirements.

Graduate Certificate Programs

The applicant must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university and must have attained an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all previous work completed beyond high school (secondary school). If the applicant has earned or attempted a post-baccalaureate degree (i.e., master’s, doctoral, or other), grades in that program will also be taken into consideration. Applicants must also be in good academic standing at the last institution of higher education attended.

Applications generally consist of the items listed below, some of which are submitted online, some by mail by the applicant or by the issuing entity. Any materials submitted in support of an application for admission to graduate study become the property of the University and cannot be returned to the applicant.

1. The application form must be submitted online through the Graduate School’s application system. The online application system can be accessed online at graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions/apply-now. Submission of the application form requires payment of an application fee, which is paid online by credit card; the fee is neither deductible nor refundable.
    
2. A Statement of Purpose (essay) must be submitted online as part of the application submission process. Applicants must upload the Statement of Purpose into their application record. The Statement of Purpose describes the applicant’s experience and objectives for undertaking graduate study. [Note: Some graduate programs request specific items to be included in the Statement of Purpose. Applicants should check the department’s website or contact the department directly for further clarification on specific requirements related to the Statement of Purpose].
    
3. Official (officially certified) transcripts/mark sheets/degree certificates of all academic work attempted beyond high (secondary) school are required of all students offered admission who enroll at UNC Charlotte. For the application and admission processes, unofficial transcripts of each academic institution of higher education ever attended must be submitted (and should be uploaded directly to the online application); transfer credit posted on the records of other institutions is unacceptable and transcripts of these credits must be supplied.
    
4. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and he or she has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution or graduated from an institution in an English-speaking country. Required is either a minimum score of 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 557 on the paper-based TOEFL, or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS.

Some programs may also require:

• Standardized test scores such as GRE, GMAT or MAT.
• Recommendation forms.
• Additional admission requirements as specified in program descriptions available at the departments’ websites.
   

Notes:

1. There may be prerequisites for a graduate certificate program and applicants should consult the coordinator for the graduate certificate program to identify prerequisites. Admission to a graduate certificate program does not ensure admission into a master’s or doctoral degree program. A separate application for admission is required for each graduate-level program of study, whether master’s, doctoral certificate or post-baccalaureate (non-degree) programs.
    
2. All applicants submitting transcripts and degree certificates from non-U.S. educational institutions should note that bachelor’s degrees awarded by non-U.S. schools may or may not be considered equivalent to the U.S. bachelor’s degree. Recipients of degrees that are not at least equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree may not be eligible for graduate study at UNC Charlotte.
    
3. International Students should see the “Additional Admission Requirements for all International Applicants” section of this Catalog for additional requirements.

Post-Baccalaureate (Non-Degree) Program

The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree, or its US equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must also be in good academic standing at the last institution of higher education attended.

Applications generally consist of the items listed below and should be submitted online. Application materials submitted in support of an application for admission to graduate study, including non-degree study, become the property of the University and cannot be returned to the applicant.

1. The application form must be submitted online through the Graduate School’s application system. The online application system can be accessed via graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions/apply-now.  Submission of the application requires payment of an application fee, which is paid online by credit card; the fee is neither deductible nor refundable.
2. Students seeking K-12 teacher licensure through the Regional Alternative Licensure Center (RALC) may apply for admission as a post-baccalaureate/ non-degree student and must also submit a copy of their RALC plan of study directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Notes:

1. A separate application for admission is required for each graduate-level program of study, whether post-baccalaureate (non-degree), certificate, master’s, or doctoral programs. A post-baccalaureate (non-degree) student who subsequently applies and is admitted to a graduate degree program may, with the permission of his/her advisor and the Graduate School, apply a maximum of six credit hours acceptably completed in the post-baccalaureate (non-degree) status toward a graduate degree or certificate program.
    
2. International Students should see the “Additional Admission Requirements for all International Applicants” section of this Catalog for additional requirements.

Additional Admission Requirements for all International Applicants and/or Applicants Whose Native Language is Not English

The following items must be submitted as part of the application process and are required before an admission decision can be rendered.

1. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and he or she has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution or graduated from an institution in an English-speaking country. Required is either a minimum score of 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 220 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 557 on the paper-based TOEFL, or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS. (An English language proficiency test is not required for those applying to post-baccalaureate non-degree study.)
    
2. For international students already in the USA: Proof of legal status in the USA (i.e., copy of visa, I-94 or BCIS Change-of-Status Approval Notice etc.)

Additional Enrollment Requirements for International Applicants on, or Intending to be on, F-1 or J-1 Visa Status

Upon admission, students will be asked to confirm their enrollment and attest to their financial and immigration status via an online Financial Solvency Form.  The Graduate School will request from UNC Charlotte’s International Student and Scholar Office Form I-20 or DS-2019 for students on, or intending to be on, F-1 or J-1 visa status.  The International Student and Scholar Office is responsible for issuing I-20s and DS-2019s after the Graduate School submits the Financial Solvency Form information to them.  

Test Information

Applicants should have their test scores sent directly from the testing agency to the Office of Graduate Admissions (not to the department in which they wish to study). For the GRE and TOEFL, UNC Charlotte’s institution code is 5105. For the MAT, UNC Charlotte’s institution code is 1370. For the GMAT, please visit graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions to determine the code of the program to which you plan to apply for admission.A student who has already earned a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. from a U.S. institution will not be required by the Graduate School to take a standardized test. The Graduate Program Director, however, has the right to request that the student take a test and submit official scores. This policy does not apply to the TOEFL/IELTS.

A student who has already earned a Master’s degree will not be required by the Graduate School to retake a standardized test IF the student can demonstrate that he or she has completed the test in the past. In such cases, the Graduate School will accept the official Student’s Copy of the official test scores (note that a photocopy is not acceptable) or an official university transcript on which the scores are printed or a letter on official university letterhead attesting to the score. The Graduate Program Director, however, has the right to request that the student re-take the test and submit official scores. Please note that the above exception does not apply to the TOEFL/IELTS.

A student who has taken the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or MAT but has not earned a Ph.D., M.D. or J.D. from a US institution or a Master’s degree (see above) must submit official scores that are less than five years old. If the student has not taken the test within five years, he or she must re-take the test.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is not administered by UNC Charlotte. To obtain information about and schedule a test for the GRE, please visit the GRE website at gre.org. UNC Charlotte’s school code is 5105.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
Harcourt Assessment, Inc administers the MAT. For additional information on the MAT, please visit milleranalogies.com. To register for the test at UNC Charlotte, please visit counselingcenter.uncc.edu/our-services/miller-analogies-test, email matapp@uncc.edu, or call 704-687-4399. To register in another city or for more information, visit milleranalogies.com or call 1-800-622-3231.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is sponsored, owned, and directed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is administered by Pearson VUE. Visit the GMAC website at mba.com for additional information and to register for the GMAT. The GMAT Customer Service Telephone in the Americas is 1-800-717-GMAT (4628). See the Graduate School’s website at graduateschool.uncc.edu/future-students/admissions/application-requirements/test-scores for the school codes.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is offered at Educational Testing Service (ETS) Centers. To obtain additional information about the TOEFL or to register for the TOEFL online, please visit the TOEFL website at toefl.org.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS assesses the complete range of English language skills which students studying in English commonly encounter. For further information, visit ielts.org.

Appeal Procedure for Applicants Denied Admission

Applicants denied admission may appeal the decision but only on the grounds that the denial was based on a violation of Section II of the University’s Admissions Policy. Essentially, the policy maintains that if an applicant is denied admission to the Graduate School, he or she may appeal the decision based solely on the grounds that the denial violates University admissions policy not to discriminate in offering access to its educational programs and activities on the basis of age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The appeal must be in writing, must set forth with specificity the grounds for the appeal, and must be directed and delivered to the Dean of the Graduate School. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Dean will review the applicant-appellant’s file and appeal letter and will communicate his decision to the applicant-appelant in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the appeal. Appeals must be received prior to the term for which the applicant is seeking admission. If there is insufficient time to complete the appeal process before the beginning of the term for which the applicant seeks admission, the Dean of the Graduate School may decline to review the appeal. For more information, see Appendix A to University Policy 207 online at legal.uncc.edu/policies/up-207/appendix-a.

Health Requirements

Health Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is required of all degree-seeking undergraduate students with six or more on-campus credit hours; all degree- or certificate-seeking graduate students with three or more on-campus credit hours; and all international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa, regardless of credit hours. 

Students who are currently uninsured may enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan by completing the enrollment form found on the Student Health Center website.  Pricing is available on the site as well. 

Students with existing health insurance coverage must supply this information online to the Student Health Center every Fall and Spring semester by the posted due date.  See the Student Health Center website above for details.  Failure to comply will result in automatic enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan for the semester. 

Immunization Requirements

To protect all students at UNC Charlotte, North Carolina state law requires proof of immunizations upon entering the University or within thirty calendar days of the start of a student’s first semester. Under North Carolina regulations, students not in compliance will be dropped from all courses. Upon learning of admission to the University, students should submit their immunization records immediately. Although a health physical is not required for admission to the University, students are strongly encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or local health department to discuss additional recommendations for vaccinations. Further details regarding the immunization requirements including exemptions are available online from the Student Health Center at studenthealth.uncc.edu. Please consult the website for more detail about the requirements and before submitting records to the University.

FOOTNOTE ¹ - DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis), Td (Tetanus, Diphteria), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): 3 doses of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid of which one must have been within the past 10 years.

Those individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008 must have had three doses of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid and a booster dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine if a tetanus/diphtheria toxoid or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine has not been administered with the past 10 years.

FOOTNOTE ² - An individual attending school who has attained his or her 18th birthday is not required to receive polio vaccine.

FOOTNOTE ³ - Measles vaccines are not required if any of the following occur: Diagnoses of disease prior to January 1, 1994; An individual who has been documented by serological testing to have a protective antibody titer against measles; or An individual born prior to 1957. An individual who enrolled in college or university for the first time before July 1, 1994 is not required to have a second dose of measles vaccine.

FOOTNOTE ⁴- Mumps vaccine is not required if any of the following occur: An individual who has been documented by serological testing to have a protective antibody titer against mumps; An individual born prior to 1957; or Enrolled in college or university for the first time before July 1, 1994. An individual entering college or university prior to July 1, 2008 is not required to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine.

FOOTNOTE ⁵- Rubella vaccine is not required if any of the following occur: 50 years of age or older; Enrolled in college or university before February 1, 1989 and after their 30th birthday; An individual who has been documented by serological testing to have a protective antibody titer against rubella.

FOOTNOTE ⁶ - Hepatitis B vaccine is not required if any of the following occur: Born before July 1, 1994.

International Students

Vaccines are required as noted above. Additionally, International students are required to have a TB skin test and negative result within the 12 months preceding the first day of classes (chest x-ray required if test is positive).

Freshman and Transfer Students

Immunization records are not sent with other admission records from your previous school. You must request your immunization records be sent directly to the Student Health Center.

Withdrawal for Non-Compliance and Reinstatement

Students who are not in compliance as determined by the Student Health Center (SHC) will be withdrawn from all of their classes by the Office of the Registrar at the end of the thirty (30) day period.  Students are therefore strongly encouraged to submit their immunization records prior to the start of the semester.  The SHC will also monitor students who are not in compliance but have been approved by the SHC for an extension to receive the necessary immunizations as indicated by a physician’s letter.  Once the date for the extension expires, and if the student is still not in compliance, the SHC will notify the Office of the Registrar that the student has failed to comply with Immunization Requirements.  The Office of the Registrar will then withdraw the student from their classes.

If a student is able to provide evidence to the SHC documenting compliance before the end of the last class day of the semester, he/she will be reinstated into their classes.  This reinstatement pertains only to student enrollment status and does not in any way guarantee that the academic, financial, and/or other consequences of noncompliance with Immunization Requirements will be remedied.  Such consequences may include, but are not limited to, impact on immigration status, financial aid eligibility, University housing, and 49er ID card accounts.  Additionally, reinstated students might not be eligible to make up class work, assignments, tests, or exams as faculty are not obligated to allow make-up work.  Furthermore, class work, assignments, tests, or exams missed as a result of being withdrawn for noncompliance with Immunization Requirements will not be a valid basis for a grade appeal.

Decisions under this policy cannot be appealed, and students will not be reinstated if they become compliant after the last class day of the semester.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this mandatory requirement may be directed to the Student Health Center Immunizations Department at 704-687-7424.

Please mail your records to:

UNC Charlotte Student Health Center
Attn: Immunization Department
9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223