West Virginia University

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• Admissions
  • Q:   How can I get an application to apply for admission to West Virginia University?
  • A:   If you would like to apply online, simply click on the "Apply" link at the top of this page. If you prefer to complete a paper application you can download an application form at http://www.arc.wvu.edu/admissions/pdf_forms.html.
    
    
  • Q:   What is the deadline for my application for admission?
  • A:   Please check with the department or school you applying to for the exact application deadline.
    
    
  • Q:   What are the requirements if I want to transfer to WVU?
  • A:   A student wishing to apply credit earned at another accredited institution of higher education to a master's degree at WVU must obtain a Transfer of Graduate Credit Form from the Office of Admissions and Records. This form requires the signature of the student's unit chairperson or designee. The student must also have an official transcript from the other institution sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. Only credit earned at accredited institutions at the graduate level may be transferred. Non-degree graduate students are not permitted to transfer credit to WVU from another institution.
    
    
  • Q:   I have a disability. What information do I need to submit?
  • A:   Upon being admitted to WVU you should contact the Office of Disability Services for an appointment. More information and contact information is available on the Office of Disability Services Web site.
    
    
  • Q:   Do I have to take the GRE?
  • A:   Most graduate programs at WVU require either the graduate record examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores from all applicants. Some programs require both the general and the appropriate advanced tests before considering an applicant for admission. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is required by all of the business graduate programs, although the Master of Science in Industrial Relations will accept the GRE and the Economics programs require the GRE. Students should take the tests required for their prospective graduate majors before enrollment in and preferably before filing an application for admission. For more information visit Graduate Education .
    
    
  • Q:   I am applying as an international student. Do I have to take the TOEFL test?
  • A:   All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU uses the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as measures of English language proficiency. A score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is the minimum required of all such applicants. For more information visit Graduate Education.
    
    
  • Q:   What is the cost of attendance?
  • A:   For a detailed list of costs, please go to http://www.arc.wvu.edu/admissions/costs.html.
    
    
  • Q:   What is the address for submitting my transcript?
  • A:   Request that your official transcript(s) be sent to:
            Admissions and Records
            West Virginia University
            PO Box 6009
            Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
    
    
  • Q:   Do I have to apply online?
  • A:   No. If you wish to complete a paper application, just download a copy of the graduate application.
    
    
  • Q:   How many students are enrolled at WVU?
  • A:   Fall 2007 enrollment is 28,113. More quick facts about WVU
    
    
  • Q:   How can I get a copy of the graduate course catalog?
  • A:   WVU’s graduate course catalog is available online at http://coursecatalog.wvu.edu.
    
    
  • Q:   Does WVU award graduate assistantships?
  • A:   WVU annually awards approximately 1,500 graduate assistantships supported from state appropriations, federal funds, private grants, and contracts. For more information, please go to http://www.wvu.edu/~graduate/assistantships.html.
    
    
  • Q:   Does WVU offer online graduate degree programs?
  • A:   WVU offers several graduate programs that are entirely Web-based, as well as programs that require minimal time in Morgantown. WVU also offers distance education programs at off-campus locations around the state. For more information about online and distance education degree programs, see http://www.elearn.wvu.edu.
    
    
  • Q:   Are there any special scholarships/fellowship programs for graduate students?
  • A:   WVU offers several scholarship and fellowship programs specifically for graduate students:
    
    W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowships are a means of advancing diversity among graduate and professional students on the WVU campus. For more information, see http://www.wvu.edu/~graduate/duBois.html.
    
    Arlen G. and Louise Stone Swiger Doctoral Fellowships are open to students either beginning their doctoral (Ph.D., D.M.A, Ed.D.) study or those in their first year of doctoral study. Swiger Fellows are required to contribute teaching time to support the WVU Honors Program in the candidate's college or be given another similar assignment that capitalizes on the Swiger Fellow's academic talent. For more information, see http://www.wvu.edu/~graduate/swiger.html.
    
    African Training for Leadership and Advanced Skills (ATLAS) is a program whereby African students are placed into U.S. university graduate programs. WVU has participated in this program for several years, offering up to two full graduate tuition waivers to ATLAS scholars on this campus at any one time. Detailed information concerning these awards is available through the International Division of the Office of Admissions and Records.
    
    The Southern Regional Education Board's Doctoral Scholars Program works to increase the number of minority faculty in the 16-state SREB region by encouraging ethnic minorities to pursue doctoral degrees and become college-level teachers. WVU’s program offers each scholar a waiver of tuition and fees, an annual stipend of $15,000, $500 annually for books and materials, and expenses associated with the Minority Doctoral Scholars Program annual meeting. For more information, go to http://www.wvu.edu/~graduate/sreb.html.
    
    
  • Q:   How can I contact the Graduate Admission Unit at WVU?
  • A:   For additional information regarding graduate study at WVU, you can contact:
            Graduate Admission
            Office of Admissions and Records
            West Virginia University
            P.O. Box 6009
            Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
            1-800-344-WVU1
    
    
  • Q:   What kind of library facilities does WVU offer?
  • A:   At WVU Libraries, you will find all of the resources of a major research university in a comfortable, student-friendly environment. Students can access 1.7 million volumes in our on-campus libraries and 26 million through a book-sharing consortium. For more information about the WVU library system, see http://www.libraries.wvu.edu.
    
  
  
  
  • Q:   What is WVU's GRE and TOEFL code?
  • A:   Use code 5904 for both exams.