Application Instructions

An applicant to the Graduate School must hold a baccalaureate degree earned in the United States or a comparable non-U.S. degree/diploma before being allowed to enroll in any graduate program at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The following is a list of forms which you should complete in sequence as you proceed with the application. You may want to print out this page so that you may easily refer to the instructions, application checklist, and deadlines.

Form #1: Graduate School Application for US Citizens/International Applicants

• Print or download this form. When completing the paper application, be sure that you type or print clearly. Please fill out all required fields, sign and date in ink and mail to the Graduate Studies Office at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (address is given on the form).
• Massachusetts residency status-mandatory. This section is included in the application. All applicants claiming Massachusetts residency MUST complete this section.

Form #2: Recommendation Form

• Print or download this form and make three (3) copies of it. Every graduate program requires applicants to submit letters of recommendation-at least three, unless otherwise indicated. Consult the Graduate Catalogue for any special instructions about these letters for the program of your choice. The writer of each letter should seal it in its own envelope, sign across the flap to show that the seal is unbroken, and return it to you. You should enclose the unopened letters with your application. We will evaluate your application only if all required letters are enclosed. Recommendation letters should have original signatures, be on our form or on official letterhead paper, and may not be photocopies. All recommendations will be considered non-confidential unless the applicant waives his/her right or access.

Form #3: Statement of Purpose (Essay)

• Every graduate program requires an essay of 300 or more words. Be sure that your name appears at the beginning along with the name of your desired program. Consult the Graduate Catalogue for any special instructions about this essay for the program of your choice.
• In general, this essay should indicate your graduate study objectives, research/creative interests and experience, undergraduate and graduate experience, and business or industry experience as applicable. One important use of this essay will be to assess how well your academic interests and long-range goals if the academic program to which you are applying. If you are also applying for a teaching or research assistantship, include any special skills or experience that would assist us in our decision on the assistantship award.
• Applicants should also submit resumes, if applicable.

Form #4 Supplemental Application Form

• If your graduate program of choice requires a Supplemental Application Form, please print or download the form, complete all the required fields, and mail with the other application materials.

Form #5 International Applicants Form/Declaration of Finances Form

• All international (foreign) applicants who will be studying here under one of the types of non-resident visas must print or download this form, complete it, and submit it along with the other application credentials. Please refer to the International Students section of this site.

Other Materials/Credentials Required for a Complete Application

• Transcripts: One copy of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, are required. We would prefer them submitted in sealed envelopes submitted with the application but will accept them mailed directly form the college/university. If the official transcripts are not in English, notarized English translations must accompany them.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests: Official score reports must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Institutional Code for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is 3786. Many of our graduate programs require the GRE General Test and a few require a Subject Test in addition to the General Test. GRE scores are valid for five years from date of anticipated entrance. Refer to the Graduate Catalogue for any specific instructions for your program.
• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): Most applicants to the MBA must submit an official copy of their GMAT scores. The Institutional Code for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is 3786. GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date of anticipated entrance. Applicants with a masters degree are not required to take the GMAT exam.
• Miller Analogies Test (MAT): All applicants to the Professional Writing Program must submit an official copy of their MAT score. The GRE exam can also be substituted for the MAT (English option).
• Portfolio (Professional Writing): If applying to the Professional Writing Program, you will be required to submit a portfolio of your writing or evidence of a distinguished record in a technical field. Submit a 10 to 30 page portfolio; it can include excerpts from academic papers, reports, significant letters, policy documents, articles, creative works.
• Portfolio (Arts): If applying for the Art Education, Artisanry, Fine Arts, or Visual Design programs, portfolio of 20 slides or photographic prints providing a clear representation of your processes of thinking, implementation of concepts, and studio production is required. The portfolio is the equivalent of the entrance examinations which other academic areas often require.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth does not require a TOEFL from U.S. citizens. Applicants whose native language in not English must demonstrate that they are proficient in English. Most do this by taking the TOEFL, which administered worldwide. The Institutional Code for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is 3786. TOEFL scores are valid for five years form date of anticipated entrance. This requirement is waived only for those who had English as their primary language of secondary school or college instruction, who have successfully completed a year of advanced secondary school or college/university study in the US, or who can be present in person to meet with officials of the university at the time of application for admission.
• Application Fee: The Graduate School application fee for Massachusetts residents is $40. The application fee for out-of-state and international applicants is $60 (check or money order should be made payable to UMass Dartmouth; do not send cash). International applicants must pay in US currency. Applications will not be processed until the appropriate application fee is received. The fee is neither waivable nor refundable.