Application Process for Degree and Certificate Programs

STEP 1: Select Your Program of Study

Refer to the Graduate Programs page for program descriptions and admission requirements. You may apply to most programs at any time; however, certain programs have firm deadlines and require additional application materials.

If you are interested in taking graduate courses without committing to a degree or certificate, go to the Continuing Education page.

STEP 2: Apply or Re-enter the Graduate School

You must apply if you have never taken a graduate class at UW-River Falls. There is a $45 application fee which is non-refundable and is not applicable to other university fees or tuition. You must also request one official transcript from all institutions you have attended as an undergraduate or graduate student (See Transferring Graduate Credits).

Additional application materials, if required, should be mailed to the Graduate Studies office. ALL application materials must be postmarked on or before any applicable program deadlines in order to be considered.

You must re-enter if you have previously taken any graduate classes at UW-River Falls and your last class was before Fall 2003. There is no additional fee required unless you are changing programs as described below.

Graduate School Application (external link) Select UW-River Falls campus. You may pay the $45 application fee electronically.

Graduate School Application (PDF) Complete application and mail with a check for $45 to the Graduate Studies office.

Graduate School Re-entry Complete re-entry form online.

NOTE: If you are enrolled as a “Temporary Graduate Student” and wish to switch into a degree program, simply notify the Graduate Studies office in writing, submit the $45 application fee and provide one official transcript from all institutions you have attended as an undergraduate or graduate student. See Transferring Graduate Credits for more information.

Step 3: Activating Your Student Account

Upon receiving these materials, we will notify you of the status of your application and/or mail registration materials to you. Follow the instructions provided to activate your student account and register for classes.

You can take classes for one term before being formally admitted to the Graduate School. After one term, students who have not yet been admitted will not be permitted to enroll in any further classes until admissions requirements have been satisfied.

Step 4: Meet with Your Advisor and Submit a Tentative Degree Plan

When you have been admitted, you may be instructed to meet with your department chairperson or program coordinator, who will appoint your advisor and review possible transfer of credits (see Transferring Graduate Credits).

During your first term, meet with your academic advisor to plan your academic program. With your advisor, complete a tentative degree plan and submit it to the Graduate Office for approval. If this is not approved by the Director of Graduate Studies during your first semester, you will not be able to register for further classes.

Special Admission Requirements

If the graduate degree program you have selected allows you to obtain an initial teaching certification, you will need to pass the PRAXIS II exam and apply for certification through the College of Education and Professional Studies, Teacher Education Department. Go to the college Web site for more details.

For more information about applying as an international student, refer to Graduate Admissions for International Students.

Transferring Graduate Credits

You may transfer no more than nine graduate credits. These credits must be approved by your advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Some programs have different policies regarding transfer credits. Check with the department chairperson or program coordinator for specific information.

Action on transfer of credits is not automatic. An official transcript bearing the course must be on file in the Graduate Studies office. Probationary status may not be changed by transfer of credit. Distance-learning credits are eligible for transfer only if the course is accepted for a graduate degree program at the institution giving the credit.

Appeals Procedure

If you feel that an error has been made in your admissions status or denial of admission, you may present an appeal to the Appeals Committee of the Graduate Council. Refer to Graduate Studies Appeal Procedures for more details.