Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find some questions we are often asked, along with answers.
The questions are divided into two groups -- general questions and questions about the application process. Click on a question for the answer.
For the application process questions, scroll down or click here.
If you are an International Student, you may want to read over the FAQs for International Students, here.
General Questions
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Can I start Graduate School in spring or summer semester, or must I start in the fall?
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Do I need a master's degree before applying to a Ph.D. program?
General Answers
1. Does the Graduate School offer counseling services to assist applicants in choosing which program will best suit my academic needs and research interests?
Please contact the programs you may be interested in, and discuss with them what your interests are and how those interests may fit within the program structure.
2. Does Emory offer campus tours?
Most programs invite admitted students for campus visits. If you are in Atlanta prior to submitting an application, contact the program you are interested in to arrange a visit. Additional information is available on our Visit Emory page.
3. What is the application deadline?
List of program application deadlines
4. When can I expect a decision on my application?
The Council of Graduate Schools recommends that offers of financial support be made by April 15. You can expect to hear from programs before this date.
5. Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes. You must send credentials to both programs and pay a non-refundable $50 application fee for each application.
6. Can I start Graduate School in spring or summer semester, or must I start in the fall?
Programs normally admit PhD students for fall semester only. Educational Studies admits students to its M.A.T. program in the summer, and the Master's program in Computer Science admits students in fall and spring semesters.
7. Must I take the GRE?
Yes, the Graduate School requires GRE scores for admission. Scores must be no more than five years old. Applicants to the PhD program in business may take the GMAT instead of the GRE.
8. What is the minimum GRE score?
There is no minimum score; however, your scores should be competitive with others applying to your program of interest. Contact the program for more information.
9. What is the Emory code for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
5187
10. Can I only apply for a master's and not a Ph.D.?
The Laney Graduate School awards terminal master’s degrees in bioethics, clinical research, computer science, educational studies, film studies, and music. This year, we will admit the first cohort of students to a new Master's in Development Practice degree. All other programs are Ph.D. programs and do not admit students for terminal master's work.
11. Can I earn a second bachelor's degree at Emory?
No. If you are interested in taking undergraduate classes without obtaining another degree, you may apply to enroll in special standing. Contact the Laney Graduate School office for additional information by calling 404-727-0184.
12. Do I need a master's degree before applying to a Ph.D. program?
The only programs that require master’s degrees before admission are Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, the Division of Educational Studies, and the Graduate Division of Religion.
13. Can I enroll in more than one school at Emory?
Emory students may not establish residence in more than one school of the university at the same time.
14. What options are available for people who only want to take classes and not apply them toward a degree?
Applicants not interested in pursuing a degree at Emory may apply for admission in special standing. The graduate admissions office processes these applications. An applicant must have received a bachelor's degree with an overall grade point average of "C" or better. Students enrolled in special standing are required to pay tuition. Special standing students who subsequently wish to apply to degree programs must submit complete applications for admission and will be considered in the regular admissions process. Individuals wishing to take courses in the School of Nursing, Rollins School of Public Health, or Goizueta Business School should contact these schools directly.
15. What does it cost to attend Emory?
The Laney Graduate School offers tuition scholarships and stipend support to most doctoral students. For more information, visit our Financial Assistance Overview page and our Tuition and Fees page.
16. What’s the cost of auditing a class?
The tuition is the same whether you are a degree-seeking or special standing student, whether you are auditing or taking classes for a grade.
Application Process Questions
- How much is the application fee?
- May I request a fee waiver?
- Should I wait until I have my official transcripts before submitting my application?
- Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?
- If my undergraduate degree is from Emory, do I need to request a transcript from Emory?
- If I participated in an exchange program while an undergraduate, do I have to request that transcript?
- Where should I mail my transcripts?
- Does the recommendation letter have to be on the Emory form?
- Where should I mail paper letters of recommendation?
- Can I reactivate my application from last year? Am I still eligible for fellowships and merit awards?
Application Process Answers
1. How much is the application fee?
$50 US.
2. May I request a fee waiver?
Yes. The admissions office may waive the application fee for applicants who demonstrate financial need. Applicants receiving substantial financial aid at their undergraduate institution, for example, may ask their financial aid officer to write a letter to the graduate school confirming the extent of financial aid.
3. Should I wait until I have my official transcripts before submitting my application?
No, you should complete the online application at your earliest convenience. When we receive your transcripts, we will match them with your application.
4. Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?
Yes. Admissions committees consider your complete academic record. If you are offered admission and decide to enroll at Emory, your file must containt official transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended.
5. If my undergraduate degree is from Emory, do I need to request a transcript from Emory?
No. Emory graduates do not need to supply transcripts from Emory. You do need to supply transcripts from all other schools listed on your application.
6. If I participated in an exchange program while an undergraduate, do I have to request that transcript?
If the courses you took while in an exchange program are listed in detail on your transcript you may not need to request a separate transcript. Please contact the graduate school for evaluation.
7. Where should I mail my transcripts?
All applicants are required to submit one official copy of transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, present school included. If you are currently enrolled and your degree is not yet conferred, you must submit an additional, final transcript following graduation before you will be permitted to enroll. International transcripts must be translated and notarized.
Transcripts should be mailed to the program to which you are applying. It is best to use the mailing address on the program's website or on the program's page on our site, availabe on our degree programs page.
8. Does the recommendation letter have to be on the Emory form?
We encourage the use of the online recommendation system. However, if your recommenders need to submit by paper, you can find a printable recpommendation form on our Application page (in the right hand column; scroll down). Recommenders may attach letters on their institution's letterhead. Paper recommendations must be received in sealed envelopes, with the recommender’s signature across the seal.
9. Where should I mail paper letters of recommendation?
Mail paper letters of recommendation to the program you are applying to. It is best to use the mailing address on the program's website.
10. Can I reactivate my application from last year?
No. Applicants who wish to reapply must submit a new application, application fee, and supporting credentials.