Become a Graduate Student (2024)

Please review the application deadlines.

Graduate applications for admission are reviewed by the Graduate College and your graduate program faculty simultaneously. During the evaluation process, the Graduate College will process your online application, certify your transcripts and GPA, and ensure that you meet UNLV's minimum requirements for graduate admission. Your academic department will review all materials and submit their recommendation to the Graduate College; your final decision letter will be posted to your online application account by the Graduate College. To expedite the admissions process, it's extremely important that you submit a complete application and upload all required materials and documents.

Turn to the Graduate Catalog to learn more.

In most cases, the Graduate College and the academic departments require different documentation as part of your application. Please check admissions requirements for your graduate program of interest. Many (but not all) require that you upload various documents into your online application before submitting it. Some require additional materials be sent to them directly. For exact guidelines, please visit your program of interest's website or contact the department.

Turn to the Graduate Catalog to learn more.

1. Review Admission Requirements–Review requirements for advanced degree and certificate program applicants. Be sure to check your department of interest as well because departmental requirements vary.
2. Apply to the Graduate College–To apply to the Graduate College, submit the following admission materials for consideration:
   • A completed application. Complete the application online.
   • A nonrefundable admission application fee, payable check, money order, or online by credit card of $60 to the Board of Regents, UNLV.
     *Note: Applications and materials will not be processed until the application fee is received. Applicants to any UNLV graduate program must pay the admission application evaluation fee for each application filed. Denied applicants, who later seek admission to the same or other UNLV degree program, are required to pay an additional application fee.
   • All applicants are required to submit one transcript from all postsecondary institutions attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received.
     

     Unofficial transcripts will be accepted as part of the application process. However, if an applicant is admitted, official transcripts will be required by the date specified on the Certificate of Admission. Transfer credits posted on another institution’s transcript will not be accepted in lieu of the transcript itself. Only transcripts sent directly from the institution are considered official. Failure to disclose all coursework and/or degrees awarded will result in rescission of admission.

   • UNLV provides in-house credential evaluations of academic coursework. However, UNLV will accept a course-by-course evaluation from anyNACESmember agency in replacement of or in lieu of our in-house evaluation.
   • Transcripts must be provided in a PDF format and must include the institutional/grading key page.
   • Credentials not in English must be accompanied by a word-for-word English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Translations must bear the signature of the translator and be accompanied by original language documents.
   • The applicant will also be required to provide the grading scale of the foreign institution they attended. In the event the student cannot provide a grading scale, they must contactinternationalgrad@unlv.edu.
     • Credentials from China:Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of theirDegree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted.
       Credentials from India:Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of theirProvisional Certificate.
3. Additional Graduate College Application Materials–If needed, send any additional Graduate College admission materials (for example: your admission receipt with your check payment; your transcripts if you did not upload them into your online application; or your official transcripts upon admission; etc.) to:

   Office of Admissions
   University of Nevada, Las Vegas
   Mail Stop: 1021
   4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
   Las Vegas, NV 89154

   Mailing addresses for departments are available on department websites.

4. Additional Materials for your Department & Degree Program Application – Submit any additional admission materials required by your degree program to your department of interest, if you did not already upload them into your online application. Please check with your graduate program of interest in order to determine their specific admission requirements prior to submitting your online application.

   Refer to the Graduate Catalog to learn more.

While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College has set minimum standards for admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

1. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
2. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
3. Additional Factors – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you may be asked to submit for your application.
4. Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received.

   Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

   Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements set by The Graduate College. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive departmental review, using a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant work experience.

   Please review the Graduate Catalog to learn more.

5. Students requiring an F-1 visa to study in the United States, please visit Graduate International Admissions.

View frequently asked questionsabout admissions.