Admission

Admission to the University and Graduate Programs

Graduate Studies coordinates the admission process with the appropriate program coordinator and the dean of the college to admit prospective students to graduate study in areas for which they are applying. Graduate Studies also admits students who are not applying for a degree program as non-degree students or as certificate students. Please note that non-degree admission or admission to a graduate certificate program at UCF does not guarantee admission to graduate status in a degree program.

Request applications and program information on-line, by e-mail, telephone, or fax.

Graduate Studies website: http://www.graduate.ucf.edu
E-mail requests and questions: graduate@mail.ucf.edu
Telephone: (407) 823-2766
Fax: (407) 823-6442

Applicants are responsible for sending the application with all supporting documents to:

Graduate Studies—Admissions
Administration Bldg., Suite 230
University of Central Florida
P.O. Box 160112
Orlando, FL 32816-0112

Admission to Graduate Programs

In seeking admission to a graduate program, the following documents are required to be on file before the application can be considered. Applications, residency forms, and health forms should be typed or clearly printed in black ink. All documents become part of the UCF files and will not be returned to the applicant or duplicated for any purpose outside the university.

For specific program information, refer to the appropriate department descriptions in the college sections of this catalog.

NOTE: All programs require all admission documents (application form, residency form, transcripts, recommendations, essay/personal statement, resume) to be submitted simultaneously as a packet. Transcripts should be sealed in an envelope by the registrar of the former institution and included in the packet.

Admission to a Graduate Program

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien in the United States, please submit the following:

Graduate Application for Admission form (signed by the applicant)
$20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF)
Residency Classification form
Two official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from each college/university attended. Request transcripts electronically if you graduated from a Florida public institution.
GRE (or GMAT, if required by the program) scores sent directly to UCF
TOEFL scores sent directly to UCF, if an applicant is from a country where English is not the primary language or if an applicant’s bachelor’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if financial support is desired
Recommendations, if required by the program
Essay/Goal Statement/Research Statement/Personal Statement, if required by the program
Professional resume, if required by the program
Student Health Services - Health Form, including immunization record and health history* (Distance learners do not need to fill out the Health Form.)

Some programs may require interviews, portfolios, or other materials.

* To expedite processing of materials, return this completed form with the rest of your application. This form is not used in making an admission decision. However, you will not be allowed to enroll at UCF without completing this form.

Admission for UCF Graduates Who Obtained Their Degrees Less Than One Year Ago

UCF students who graduated from UCF within one year of applying to a graduate program may use the one-page application form developed specifically for them. To apply, the following materials should be received by Graduate Studies (AD 230):

UCF graduate application (one-page form)
GRE scores sent directly to UCF

Students may need to update their residency or health forms if their status has changed. Graduate Studies will obtain the UCF transcript. No letters of recommendation, statements, or other materials can accompany this application; some programs do not accept this application. Please check our website or with your program about the use of this application.

International Admission to a Graduate Program

To apply for international admission to a graduate program, it is best to complete the forms available on the web, which are downloadable. For those without web access, please request an application form by mail or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu). If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident alien, please return:

Graduate Application for International Admission (signed by the applicant)
An unofficial transcript showing a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
$20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF)

Once these documents have been received, additional forms will be sent to the applicant for completion.

Residency Classification form
Financial Statement with a letter indicating commitment (from your parents, government, etc.) to financially support your education
Two official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from each college/university attended. Request transcripts electronically if you graduated from a Florida public institution.*
Transcript Evaluation (see “Transcript Evaluation” under “International Students” in this chapter)
GRE (or GMAT, if required by the program) scores sent directly to UCF. We cannot accept international students without official copies of the GRE or GMAT. Please make arrangements to take these exams before submitting this application.
TOEFL scores sent directly to UCF, if an applicant is from a country where English is not the primary language or if an applicant’s bachelor’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution. We cannot accept international students without an official copy of the TOEFL. Please make arrangements to take this exam before submitting this application.
Recommendations, if required by the program
Essays or statements, if required by the program
Professional resume, if required by the program
Student Health Services - Health Form, including immunization record and health history** (Distance learners do not need to fill out the Health Form.)

Some programs require interviews, portfolios, or other materials.

* Official transcripts are required. If time is a factor in issuing the I-20, you may receive special permission from your UCF program coordinator to submit unofficial transcripts now and bring official transcripts with you when you arrive at UCF. However, failure to produce official transcripts on arrival will result in immediate deportation at the applicant’s expense.

** To expedite processing of materials, return this completed form with the rest of your application. This form is not used in making an admission decision. However, you will not be allowed to enroll at UCF without completing this form.

Admission as a Non-degree Student

If you are interested in taking graduate courses at UCF for personal or professional enhancement or to prepare for a graduate program, complete a Nondegree application. The following materials should be returned:

Nondegree Application form
$20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF or you are a State University System [SUS] transient student)
Residency Classification form
Official transcript showing an earned bachelor’s degree
Student Health Services - Health Form

Admission as a Transient Student

Students attending UCF for a term from another institution where they are receiving their degree are classified as transient students. To apply as a transient student the following materials should be received by Graduate Studies (AD 230):

Nondegree Application form
Residency Classification form
$20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF or you are a State University System (SUS) transient student
Health Form required if you are not a State University System (SUS) transient student
A letter from your home institution stating that you are in good academic standing and that the institution will accept the transfer of the hours

Admission to a Certificate Program

If you are interested in taking graduate courses at UCF in a specialized or interdisciplinary area and receiving a graduate certificate, complete a Nondegree Application. The following materials should be returned:

Nondegree Application form
Residency Classification form
$20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF or you are a State University System (SUS) transient student
Student Health Services - Health Form
Official transcript showing an earned bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.

If you are a regular graduate student in a graduate degree program and wish to supplement your degree with a graduate certificate, you may do so by completing a Nondegree Application form indicating the certificate program.

Accreditation

For the purposes of this catalog, “accredited institutions” means those institutions accredited by one of the six regional associations. Students with degrees from nonaccredited institutions will not be accepted into graduate programs at the University of Central Florida without an independent evaluation of the institution. The six regional associations are:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and Universities
Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools, Commission on Higher Schools
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities and Accrediting Commission for Junior Colleges

Applications

Applications for admission to the university for degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking study may be obtained from Graduate Studies - Admissions (AD 230) or by downloading from our web site at http://www.graduate.ucf.edu. Completed applications must be submitted to the same office.

No fee is required of returning UCF students who have previously paid an application fee.

Official Transcripts

To be granted admission to UCF in either graduate or non-degree status, all applicants must obtain official transcripts from the previous institution showing a baccalaureate degree and the grades for the last 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of attempted undergraduate work and include them in the application packet sent directly to Graduate Studies - Admissions (AD 230). If grades were transferred in from other schools in the last 60 semester hours, official transcripts from those schools also must be obtained and included. If applying to the Business, Social Work, or Psychology programs, all transcripts from all colleges attended are required. Final acceptance into degree-seeking graduate status is not granted unless an applicant’s official transcripts and necessary test scores are on file so that they can be evaluated for admission.

Graduate Examinations

The Board of Regents of the State of Florida requires that every student take either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) before the student can be accepted into graduate student status. Some programs may also require the GRE subject test before admission into graduate student status. Official copies must be mailed directly from the Educational Testing Service to Graduate Studies - Admissions (AD 230) and be on file before graduate student status can be granted. UCF recommends that any individual contemplating class work beyond the bachelor’s degree take the GRE or GMAT at the earliest possible date to avoid problems associated with a delay of acceptance into a graduate program. The GMAT exam is computerized and is available at Sylvan Learning Centers (407-671-2332). The GRE is also available in a computerized format at Sylvan and test scores are usually available in four to six weeks. Preparatory courses are offered through the Division of Continuing Education (407- 823-6100).

Educational Testing Service’s policy, effective with the October 1985 GRE test, is to report scores only until September 30 following the fifth anniversary of the test date. If ETS cannot provide an official copy, students will need to repeat the GRE or GMAT and have an official score reported to Graduate Studies - Admissions (AD 230).

Records Deadline - Supporting Documents

If the program has a specific deadline, all supporting documents are due by that deadline (see “Application Deadlines” at the front of this catalog). For all other programs and non-degree applicants, all supporting admissions documents should be received by Graduate Studies no later than July 15 (fall admission), December 1 (spring admission), or April 15 (summer admission). In some cases, applicants may be allowed to register on a temporary basis (without all records), assuming it can be determined from available records or consultation with the students that they appear admissible. Failure to submit records in the first semester will result in registration holds for all succeeding terms.

All programs require all admission documents to be submitted simultaneously in a packet. Transcripts should be sealed in an envelope by the registrar of the former institution.

Records - Validity of Documents

If the university finds that an applicant has made a false or fraudulent statement or a deliberate omission on the application, residency affidavit, health report, or any accompanying document or statement, that applicant may be denied admission. If the student is enrolled when such fraud is discovered, the student may be immediately withdrawn (with no refund), further enrollment denied, and credit earned and any degree based on such credit invalidated. Actions for this type of offense are handled administratively by the Student Development and Enrollment Services office after notification to the alleged violator and hearing by that office.

Confidentiality of Student Records

State regulations and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 guide the procedures for confidentiality of student records. Students who have questions or specific requests concerning the confidentiality of records should contact the Office of the Dean of Students. In accordance with 228.093, F.S. the university is required to release student directory information to independent vendors upon request. Therefore, if students do not wish their names on such a list, they should notify the Dean of Students in writing upon acceptance of admission to a graduate program of study. The Golden Rule outlines the university procedures for confidentiality.

Medical History Report

All new students must furnish medical history reports on the approved university health form before registration will be allowed. The Student Health Services - Health Form should be mailed with the application for admission. Those students who will take courses solely on the web, and never come to UCF or an area campus, will be required to fill out the Medical History part of the form only. Immunizations and diagnostic procedures may be required of students by the university prior to any registration. University requirements for vaccinations or immunizations may be waived upon receipt of appropriate documentation from the student that the waiver is requested on the basis of religious grounds or on the recommendation of a university physician.

Where physician examinations or certificates are required, they must be signed by a doctor of medicine or by a doctor of osteopathy. The university reserves the right to refuse registration to any student whose health record or report of medical examination indicates the existence of a condition that may be harmful to members of the university community.

Reactivation of a Student's File

A student who has submitted an application for admission to the University of Central Florida, but never attended, may reactivate the original application within a year with no additional application fee. Reactivation is the process by which the original application can be reactivated and considered for admission without having to resubmit all application materials. Admission is not guaranteed by completing a reactivation form. After a year, student application files are destroyed. An application fee is required if a student applies again after the one-year period. When reactivating an application, please check program deadlines and requirements to ensure that all requirements are met. Complete a reactivation form or fax (407-823-6442) or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu) Graduate Studies indicating your name, Social Security Number, and date desired for admission.

Admission to the University

Admission as a non-degree student is not admission to a graduate program. The admission process begins with the receipt of the Graduate Application for Admission packet and fee in Graduate Studies. Graduate Studies will return your completed, stamped postcard notifying you of receipt of the application. Providing Graduate Studies with all the required information in a timely manner expedites the admission process. Many departments do not view an application until it is complete.

The application information is forwarded to the appropriate degree program. Transcripts, test scores, recommendations, and personal statements are also forwarded to the degree program as soon as they are received.

Non-degree-seeking applicants will receive notice of acceptance to the university and registration information from Graduate Studies. Acceptance to a graduate degree program will be made by the academic program.

Readmission to the University

A regularly admitted student who has not been registered for two major semesters (spring/fall) must make application for readmission through Graduate Studies approximately one month before classes begin for the new semester. (See “Continuous Attendance” below.)

Continuous Attendance

Graduate students should be aware of three policies regarding continuous attendance at the university. The first may affect continuing status as a graduate student. The second affects the student’s option to fulfill degree requirements under any UCF catalog in force during the student’s most recent period of continuous attendance.

Students may not be guaranteed continuing graduate status if they do not enroll in the university for a period of two major semesters (spring/fall). When students apply for readmission, after having been out two or more semesters, the program will review the students’ records to determine if they will be continued in graduate status or be reverted to non-degree status.
Students taking thesis or dissertation hours are required to be continuously enrolled until the thesis or dissertation is completed.
Graduation policy allows a student to fulfill degree requirements as listed in their official program of study on file in the office of their major. The program of study should use the catalog associated with the entry term into graduate status of the student. Continuous attendance is interrupted when a student drops out of school for any term other than the summer term. Because students must occasionally interrupt their attendance for a brief period, a student will be considered to have interrupted continuous attendance only if the interruption is for two or more consecutive terms (spring/fall). Under these circumstances, a student may lose the option of fulfilling the degree requirements originally listed in their official program of study already on file, and will graduate using the latest graduate catalog.

Admission to a Graduate Program

After receiving copies of all transcripts, standardized test information, and other documents required by the department from Graduate Studies, the degree program coordinator will admit (either regular, conditional, provisional, or restricted) the applicant as a degree-seeking graduate student or deny the applicant.

Appeals Procedure for Admissions

Students who are not accepted by a program but who meet the SUS minimum standards for admission to graduate status are allowed under Rule 6C-6.003 to appeal that decision. The appeal procedure consists of the student writing a letter within thirty days of the date of denial to the program coordinator indicating the desire to appeal and the reasons for the appeal. The program coordinator may ask the department or program graduate committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal. The program coordinator will recommend an admissions action to the department chair.

Should the department chair deny the appeal and there are new circumstances, facts, or other matters that the student feels warrants consideration the student may request further consideration from the College by writing a letter to the graduate coordinator of the college indicating the desire to appeal further and the reasons why an appeal is sought. The graduate coordinator may ask the College Graduate Committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal. The graduate coordinator will recommend an admission action to the college dean.

Should the college dean deny the appeal, and there are new circumstances, facts, or other matters that the student feels warrants consideration, the student may request further consideration from the university by writing a letter to the Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies indicating the desire to appeal further and the reasons why an appeal is sought. The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies may ask the Graduate Council to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal.

Admission to graduate status can be in one of four categories: regular, conditional, provisional, or restricted status.

Admission Classifications

Graduate Status - Regular

All students who wish degree-seeking status must submit an official GRE General Test score (or an official GMAT score as required). Some programs also require the GRE Subject Test. The minimum system-wide requirements of the Board of Regents for admission to regular graduate status are listed below. Additional requirements are specified by individual degree programs. Programs may require a minimum GRE General Test score more stringent than the Board of Regents requirement.

A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university and GPA of 3.0 or more (on a 4.0 maximum) while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student (normally based on the last sixty attempted semester hours); OR, a total score of 1000 or higher on the General Test (quantitative-verbal sections) of the Graduate Record Examination (or a GMAT score of 450 or higher as needed) or an equivalent score on an equivalent measure approved by the Board of Regents; OR, a previous graduate degree and official GRE or GMAT score. Even though an applicant may qualify for minimum admission on the basis of the undergraduate grade point average or having a previous graduate degree, an official GRE or GMAT score must be on file before admission to Graduate Status.
A student must be accepted by the program coordinator and the dean of the college offering the particular degree program sought. Programs are encouraged to have more restrictive admission requirements than the BOR requirements. Program requirements may be based on other factors such as work experience, research interests of the prospective student, evidence of extracurricular or community work, personal interviews, or other factors specified by the program.
International students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. International students, except those who are from countries where English is the only official language or those who have earned a degree from an accredited American college or university, are required to submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before they can be admitted to the university. A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 (or equivalent score on the paper-based test) is required unless otherwise specified by the program.

Graduate Status - Conditional

A student who meets the Board of Regents criteria for admission, but has not submitted all required documents may be admitted conditionally into a graduate program. Conditions must be met by midterm of the first semester in order to register for future semester classes.

Graduate Status - Provisional

A student who does not fulfill the minimum BOR requirements for regular admission may be admitted provisionally upon recommendation of the dean of the college to which admission is sought.

Provisional admissions may at no time exceed 10 percent of the graduate students admitted for any academic year in any single degree program. Provisional students may be admitted to regular status following satisfactory completion of 9 semester hours and upon recommendation by the program coordinator and college dean.

If a student does not maintain a 3.0 GPA in the graduate program of study, he or she will be placed on academic provisional status for 9 semester hours, then reverted to non-degree status if the GPA is still unsatisfactory. A student, with regular or provisional status, whose overall GPA falls below 2.0 will be reverted immediately to non-degree status. (See “Appeals” in the “University Graduate Regulations” chapter.)

Graduate Status - Restricted

Even though BOR minimum requirements are met, a program may attach restrictions to the admission of an applicant, such as completing certain prerequisite courses, retaking the GRE, maintaining a certain GPA in the first few hours of a graduate program, etc. Students may be denied admission to regular graduate status if the conditions are not met.

Non-degree Status

Students are generally placed in this category at their request. International students are not eligible for non-degree status unless they hold an eligible visa status.

A student may elect to remain in non-degree status for various reasons (e.g., requirements in a graduate program at another institution, personal improvement, meeting job requirements, and removing academic deficiencies). While in non-degree status, students are allowed to take graduate courses, in some departments, on a space-available basis. Non-degree students may also enroll in specific graduate certificate programs. Non-degree students register the last day of registration. Not all departments accept non-degree students and the procedures for enrollment into graduate-level classes vary with each department. Students should check with the individual departments or colleges before attempting to register.

All students who take graduate-level course work while in non-degree status should be aware of the limit of 9 semester hours of graduate-level course work that can be transferred into a graduate degree program if a student is given graduate status. In general, at the discretion of the program, students accepted into graduate programs may transfer all the hours from a graduate certificate program into a graduate program.

Change of Major or College

When students wish to change their major or college, after having been admitted to a graduate program, they must file a new application form for the new program at Graduate Studies (AD 230). The program coordinator of the new program will then decide whether to admit the student. Non-degree students wishing to apply to a degree program must also file an application for that degree program. Students who have been admitted in provisional status in a degree program must file a new application if they wish to be accepted by another graduate program.

Second Master's Degree

Individuals seeking a second master’s degree must file a separate application for that program and complete the normal UCF master’s degree requirements for the second degree.

Up to nine (9) semester hours from a completed master’s program at UCF or any other institution may be transferred into a second master’s program if the courses are not more than seven years old when the second degree is completed.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts of a student’s UCF academic record may be requested by the student through the Office of the Registrar. A student’s academic record can be released only upon written authorization by the student. When requesting a transcript be sure to include your full name and social security number and indicate the names and complete addresses to whom transcripts are to be sent. If grades or degree statements for the current term are needed, indicate that the transcript request is to be held until the final semester reports are posted. The first two transcripts are provided at no cost to the student. For additional transcripts, there is a charge of $5.00 each. The check or money order should be made payable to: UCF. Cash payments can be accepted only by the Cashier’s Office (Monday 8:30-6:30; Tuesday-Friday 8:30-4:00). Students requesting transcripts may do so in person or by writing to: Transcript Request, Office of the Registrar, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160114, Orlando, FL 32816-0114.

International Students

UCF adheres to the principle that the university is primarily a community of scholars, both national and international, in pursuit of knowledge, and active in teaching, studying, and doing research. The presence of international students on the campus contributes substantially to the quality of the educational experience for everyone. It can bring to the classroom learning environment unique viewpoints and perceptions which would otherwise be lost to the U.S. students. Effective personal contact across cultures can reduce errors in understanding one another’s problems and foster a climate of international peace and cooperation among people of the world today.

Financial Statement for International Students

The Financial Statement must be satisfactorily completed before immigration forms will be issued. Please complete both sides of the Financial Statement. Part 2 of the form must be completed (unless a government or employer is your sponsor) confirming the ability of your parent or sponsor to cover your educational expenses. We also require a letter indicating a commitment (from your parents, government, etc.) to financially support your education. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact UCF International Student Services (407-823-2337).

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required. If time is a factor in issuing the I-20, then you may receive special permission from your UCF program coordinator to submit unofficial transcripts now and bring official transcripts with you when you arrive at UCF. However, failure to produce official transcripts upon arrival will result in immediate deportation at the applicant’s expense.

Transcript Evaluation

In addition to your official transcripts, a transcript evaluation is required of all students who attended a college/university outside the United States AND scored below 1000 on the GRE (or 450 on the GMAT). If transfer credits are desired from previous work at an international institution, then a transcript is needed. An admission decision may be delayed by the failure to produce a transcript evaluation. If time is a factor in enrolling at UCF, it is recommended that applicants send their transcripts for evaluation with the application packet.

UCF accepts transcript evaluations from the following agencies:

World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 01-5060
Miami, FL 33101
E-mail: SOUTH@WES.ORG
Telephone: 305-358-6688
Fax: 305-358-4411 Josef Silny and Assocs., Inc.
International Education Consultants
P.O. Box 248233
Coral Gables, FL 33124
Website: http://www.jsilny.com
Telephone: 305-666-0233
Fax: 305-666-4133

International Application Deadlines

Complete applications (all required documents) for all graduate programs must be received by the date listed below to be considered for admission for that semester. Failure to meet these deadlines may prevent admission as a regular graduate student for the term.

Fall Spring Summer

International applicants March 1 August 1 Dec. 1

The following programs have other deadlines for international applicants:

Curriculum and Instruction (Specialist and EdD) Feb. 15 - -

Counselor Education (Master) March 1 - Dec. 1

Educational Leadership (Specialist and EdD) Feb. 15 - -

Molecular Biology and Microbiology March 1 - Dec. 1

Nursing Feb. 15 - -

Physics Feb. 15 - -

Psychology, Human Factors - -

Psychology, I&O Feb. 1 - -

Psychology, Clinical (M.A.) Feb. 15 August 1 -

Psychology, Clinical (Ph.D.) Jan. 15 - -

Test of English as a Foreign Language

International students, except those who are from countries where English is the only official language or those who have earned a degree from an accredited American college or university, are required to submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before they can be admitted to the university. When the official test score is received in Graduate Studies, a copy will be sent to the graduate program coordinator, who evaluates the student’s record and determines admission or denial to the program. Students who are offered Graduate Teaching Assistant positions must also take and pass the Test of Spoken English before they will be allowed to teach.

A TOEFL computer-based score of 220 (or equivalent score on the paper-based test) is required unless otherwise specified by the program. The list below includes programs that have determined a minimum required TOEFL score higher than the university requirement.

Program TOEFL TOEFL

(Paper) (Computer)

College of Arts and Sciences

    Biology 573 230

    English 577 233

    History 577 233

College of Business Administration 577 233

International Student Mandatory Health and Accident Insurance

Each international student accepted for admission must, prior to registration, submit proof of compliance with the Board of Regents mandatory health and accident insurance (effective fall semester 1992). There are no exceptions made for submitting this proof. Written proof of insurance, must be provided to the International Student Services Office and must be valid at all times. Cancellation of the policy or stoppage of the premium will result in administrative withdrawal from all classes.

If the insurance is issued by an insurance carrier from outside of the United States, a notarized statement, in English, must be provided attesting to meeting the minimum coverage mandated by the State of Florida.

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