Graduate Admission FAQs

Our frequently asked questions make it easy for you to find answers to your most pressing questions about the University of Dayton.


Admission

How do I apply for graduate admission?

What materials are required to apply?

Application requirements vary by program and may include transcripts and test scores. Please review your program's admission requirements for details. If you have questions about submitting materials, contact gradadmission@udayton.edu.

International students should review the additional application requirements necessary to complete their application.

Note: The University of Dayton does not release recommendations or supporting documents - whether submitted by you or on your behalf. If you wish to review your letters of recommendation, contact the author directly.

Have my application materials been received?

You can log into your Admission Account to see what documents we have received and what is still needed to complete your application. If you have questions, contact gradadmission@udayton.edu.

Where should I send my application materials?

Official Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution to transcripts@udayton.edu or mailed directly from your institution to:

University of Dayton
Graduate Admission Processing
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-2713

Application questions may be directed to gradadmission@udayton.edu

What is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary by program. Please review your program's admission requirements for specific deadlines.

If the program does not specify a deadline, applications should be complete at least eight weeks prior to the beginning of the term you wish to begin study in order to ensure an admission decision can be reached.

International students should review the international application deadlines.

When are incomplete applications deleted?

While partially-completed applications are not saved, any submitted application may be accessed through your Admission Account. All submitted applications and accounts will remain in the system indefinitely.

Can I get graduate transfer credit?

Each academic department determines if graduate transfer credit will be granted for courses that have not already been applied to another graduate degree. Generally, no more than nine credit hours are transferable into master's programs, 15 into doctoral programs. If you are admitted to a graduate program and wish to obtain transfer credit, you should speak with your academic adviser.

What criteria are used in the application review process?

Admission criteria are determined by the program faculty for your area of study. Beyond application information and transcripts, programs may consider test scores, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Review the list of program requirements for the program to which you are applying.

Am I required to submit test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, MAT)?

Some program admission requirements include submitting results from the GRE or GMAT, while submission of test scores is optional for other programs. Please review the tests required for your individual program of study.

International students are required to submit additional information as part of their application such as results from the TOEFL. Visit the international admission page for specific requirements.


UD's Online Application

What should I write in my personal statement?

Review the program requirements before submitting your personal statement. Unless otherwise specified, your personal statement should address work experience, research and study experience, and professional development objectives.

Is there an application fee?

Our online application does not have a fee for domestic students or international students.

Do I have to complete the application, personal statement and letters of recommendation at the same time?

No. You are welcome to submit these materials in any order.

How do I submit my personal statement?

Log in to the application and click the "personal statement" item on your checklist.

How do I submit letters of recommendation?

Recommendations may be submitted by email to graduatedmission@udayton.edu or mailed to:

Office of Graduate Admission
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1670

For certain programs, applicants may be asked not to send letters directly but to provide contact information for their references. If you choose this option, we will contact your recommendation providers with information on how to submit their recommendations.

What application materials have been submitted?

You can login to your Admission Account see what documents we have received and what is still needed to complete your application.

Can I edit or update my application once it has been submitted?

Some, but not all, information on your application may be edited through your Admission Account.

What happens if my transcripts and recommendation letters are not sent at the same time?

All of your documents will be linked to your student record, regardless of when they are received.

Can I submit an application to more than one academic program at a time?

Yes. Within your Admission Account, you can click on the "create new application" link and begin a new application. However, you may only enroll in a single academic program, so you will need to choose which program you want to pursue once you are admitted.

Can I change my program of study after I have submitted my application?

If you wish to apply to a different program, please review the program's requirements. If you are certain you wish to change your program, login to your Admission Account and click the "create new application" link to begin a new program. You may only enroll in a single academic program, so you will need to choose which program you want to pursue once you are admitted.


International Admission

What if I only have a three-year degree?

An international student seeking admission to any graduate program must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. International degree awarding institutions must be officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of that country as degree-granting institutions.

An official credential evaluation is required for all credentials from outside the United States.

Who can help me understand the requirements for international admission?

The staff of the international admission office will be available to help throughout the process. They understand the differences in educational systems throughout the world, and they will identify the documents required to complete your application.

You may contact the staff by phone at 855-664-5623 (toll-free) or 937-229-1850, or by email at goglobalgraduate@udayton.edu.

What are the English Language Proficiency requirements?

Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English proficiency by providing official scores that meet the minimum for TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE, ELS, Cambridge (C1 Advanced). .

Does UD have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

Yes, the Intensive English Program (IEP) can help if you need to enhance your English skills before starting your degree program. Located in the center of campus, IEP offers an intensive program to prepare you for graduate study at the University of Dayton.

What are the admission deadlines for international students?

Different admission deadlines exist for international students because of the time it takes to process international documents and complete a credential evaluation. We will continue to process complete applications received after the deadline. However, we cannot guarantee an admission decision will be reached in time to begin the desired term. We will send you a letter once a decision has been made. All pending applications will automatically be considered for the next available term.

What support services are available?

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services offers assistance with areas such as immigration issues, counseling, personal advising, social and extracurricular activities and emergencies. The friendly and experienced staff will assist you throughout your stay.

Am I required to submit a credential evaluation?

Applicants who have completed or are in the process of completing an undergraduate or graduate degree at institutions outside of the United States are required to submit academic records to complete their credential evaluation.

Evaluations are a required component since they determine how your academics are graded compared to the U.S. education system. Be sure to list the University of Dayton as the recipient for the completed evaluation.

If your credential evaluation was based on in-progress study, a follow-up course-by-course evaluation showing the complete academic record and degree conferral may be required. Applicants are responsible for paying all fees for such evaluations, upgrades, as well as making arrangements to send and receive their documents.

International applicants must have all transcripts officially translated into English. Both the unofficial and the English translated version must be submitted. Must credential evaluation companies do not offer translation services.

The University of Dayton only accepts credential evaluations from current NACES member organizations.

What if I want to transfer from another U.S. institution?

Because you are attending another institution and are in the United States, you will need to complete an updated online application. Please include information regarding your current program of study. In order to transfer, you will need to maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at your current place of study. You need to have an official transcript from your current program sent to us at the end of the academic term. In addition, please submit the following to our office:

  1. Any documents indicated in your letter of acceptance
  2. A new bank statement with account balance and sponsor letter

If you are accepted as a transfer student, you will need to contact the International Student Coordinator at your current institution to begin the transfer process in SEVIS.

What is needed to issue a SEVIS I-20?

Current proof of financial support is required to issue immigration documents. This proof may take a variety of forms, including bank statements, scholarship letters or assistantship contacts. The most common form of proof is a bank statement that should show the account number and balance. We cannot accept solvency certificates for the purposes of issuing an I-20. If the funds are from an account other than your own, we must also have an Affidavit of Support from the person(s) providing the funds indicating the extent and length of support. All financial statements must be on original stationery and less than six months old.

Can I defer my admission to the University of Dayton?

Your admission decision is good for one academic year (two semesters). If you plan to attend another school prior to coming to the University of Dayton, please submit an updated application to our office. The following is required to issue you a new I-20:

  1. Submit any documents indicated in your letter of acceptance (i.e. final transcripts, degree certificate)
  2. Submit new financial documents, including a current bank statement and sponsor letter

I am a permanent resident or U.S. citizen, but my credentials are from outside the U.S. Am I a domestic applicant or international applicant?

While you are considered a domestic applicant, you must submit an official credential evaluation for your degrees from outside the U.S. The University of Dayton only accepts credential evaluations from current NACES member organizations.


Financial Aid

What financial aid is available for graduate students?

Many financial aid opportunities exist to help you pay for the cost of higher education, including scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships.

How do I apply for financial aid?

If you are interested in applying for assistantships or fellowships, please contact the department in which you plan to enroll or are enrolled.

For loan and grant consideration, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit this form to the processing agency and list the University of Dayton (CODE #003127) to receive the results.

Are financial aid counselors available?

Contact the Office of Recruitment and Admission at 800-837-7433 or admission@udayton.edu.

What does it cost to attend UD?

Tuition varies by program and degree.



Contact Graduate Academic Affairs
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1626
937-229-2390 email