Graduate Programs

Purdue University Graduate Degrees

1. Students must be seeking graduate degrees.

2. The graduate school does not have a general written English proficiency requirement. Departments, however, may establish specific written English requirements for their students to fulfill.

3. A minimal score of 550 on the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for admission to the graduate school for applicants whose native language is not English. Departments may set higher standards. Applicants in the Indianapolis area may substitute the IUPUI English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Examination for the TOEFL. A brochure about this test is available from the: Office of International Affairs
   Union Building 207
   620 Union Drive
   Indianapolis, IN 46202-5167
   telephone (317) 274-7294

4. Each student must file a plan of study. The plan of study shall include a primary area and may include a related area or areas that are chosen on the basis of the student’s interests and needs. A tentative plan of study should be drawn up in advance of registration for the first semester of graduate work. This should be done by the student and the individual graduate advisor. The formal plan of study should be submitted as soon as possible and before the final semester.

5. Students must meet the grade and grade point average requirements. Only grades of B or better are acceptable in fulfilling graduate school requirements in any plan of study. Specific cumulative grade point average requirements, if any, are up to the individual departments.

6. Students must complete the credit hours of work required, which may vary by department. Students must meet the graduate school’s resident study requirements.

7. Students must fulfill departmental requirements regarding oral and written examinations. The graduate school has no general requirement for oral and written examinations for the nonthesis master’s degree. In any department, the final examination may be waived if the student meets the minimum requirements of the department. In any event, a final examining committee is appointed for each candidate for the master’s degree. The committee must certify to the graduate school either that the student has passed the required examinations of the department in which the major graduate study has been taken or that the committee is satisfied with the accomplishment of the student as based on a committee conference.

Other regulations or requirements may be found in the Purdue University Graduate School Bulletin.

A student who has previously earned a bachelor’s degree may enroll in graduate courses without making formal application as a degree-seeking student. Application as a graduate nondegree student is, however, required and may be accomplished through the: