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Application Packet

All Graduate School applicants are encouraged to complete an online application which must be followed by an
Application Packet.

An application is NOT
COMPLETE without an
Application Packet.

The Application Packet
must contain
the following:

Documents submitted
in unsealed envelopes
will be returned.

These requirements do not
preclude the additional
requirements established by
the respective degree programs. 

 

 

 
Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions

Message from the Interim Dean

 


Thank you for your interest in the Howard University Graduate School. Graduate Education has been an important part of the University's mission since its founding in 1867. Today, Howard offers master's and Ph.D. programs in more than 30 disciplines and 100 specializations. Our graduates comprise the world's largest grouping of on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients
.

Howard's excellent multicultural faculty and student body are a microcosm of cultures, ethnicities, and racial groups. They help to make Howard an institution of global diversity and perspective that complements its historical tradition and mission. Moreover, the University's location in the nation's capital provides exceptional opportunities for research and study that complement a first-class graduate education.

Howard University's legacy is that of an institution, which prepares its graduates to seek truth and provide service to communities around the world. I invite you to become a part of that legacy. Please contact us if you have questions or need additional information.

 

Gary Harris
Interim Dean
Howard University Graduate School
gharris@howard.edu







Admission Policy

The mission of Howard University includes the provision of quality education for any student, but with emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities for those students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to acquire an education of the type provided at Howard. In fulfilling its mission, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or handicap in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other University administered programs and employment.

Howard University is committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of its relations with faculty, students, and staff members, without regard to race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, or handicap. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs and activities extends to employment therein and admission therein.

 

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How to Apply

We strongly recommend that you read the instructions below before
proceeding with the application process..

The following instructions will guide you through completing the graduate application and will answer potential questions. We recommend that you print this instructions page to have available as you complete the application.

The application requirements for each category of student may be different. Please review the appropriate student classification of either Domestic Graduate, International Graduate, Graduate Former Student Returning, Graduate Unclassified Student.

Applying to Howard University is simple and uncomplicated. Here's how to get started.



 

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Student Classifications

The application requirements for each student category of student below are different. Please review the appropriate student classification.


Domestic Graduate: To complete the application process, you mustsignand return the signature page found at the end of the on-line applicationas part of yourapplication packet, the $45 application fee, statement of interest, autobiographical sketch, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, and GRE scores. If you are interested in being considered for graduate assistantships and fellowships, enclose a letter with your materials and send one directly to the department.

The Graduate School at Howard University announces the requirement of the Educational Testing Service (ETS)® Personal Potential Index (PPI) for fall 2013 applications in 12 departments (see below).


International Graduate
: To complete the application process, you mustsignand return the signature page found at the end of the on-line applicationas part of yourapplication packet, the $45 application fee, statement of interest, autobiographical sketch, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts (not photocopies) from ALL colleges and universities attended sent directly from the Registrar's Office, GRE scores, TOEFL scores, and a statement of financial resources.

The Graduate School at Howard University announces the requirement of the Educational Testing Service (ETS)® Personal Potential Index (PPI) for fall 2013 applications in 12 departments (see below).


Graduate Former Student Returning
: If you have lapsed enrollment as a graduate student for more than one semester, then you are considered a former student returning. To re-apply, you must submit a graduate application and an official copy of your most current Howard transcript , 90 days before registration, to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions.


Graduate Unclassified Student
: If you plan to enroll as a non-degree or non-matriculated student for one semester, then you are considered an unclassified student. To complete the application process, you must return the signature page found at the end of the on-line application, the $45 application fee, statement of interest, autobiographical sketch, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, and GRE scores.


Note: The $45.00 application fees must be submitted by money order, cashier’s check (made payable to Howard University). The application fee is valid for two continuous semesters only and is non-refundable. Credit Card payments cannot be accepted at this time.

 

 

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International Applicants Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed above, all international applicants MUST include in their application packet the following:

    • Official transcripts, final certificates and/or mark/grade sheets must be sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions (photocopies or transcripts in the applicant's possession are not acceptable)
    • If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by an official translated copy.
    • All International transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Service (WES) or American Association of Collegiate Registrar and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).
    • All documents must bear the same name that appears on the admissions application unless an official document so submitted indicating a change of name.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants from countries in whih English is not the official language. The TOEFL test is not required if you received a degree in the U.S.
    • Statement of Financial Resources Form ( click here ) – A completed form that verifies proof of financial support (sufficient funds to cover expenses for one full year in US dollars only) and supporting financial documentation indicating sources of funds while attending Howard University (such as a certified bank statement dated within three months of registration).

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Application Deadlines

The deadline date for receipt of applications for the fall semester is January 15th, except for the Clinical Psychology program (Department of psychology)  which is January 1st and Counseling Psychology (School of Education) doctoral program deadline which is January 1st.

**Some graduate programs only admit in the fall semester. Please review the Graduate Programs to see the department website for additional information.

 

Exceptions

 

Department or Program Application Exceptions
Education  
  • Counseling Psychology
Ph.D. - fall Only - January 1st
  • Educational Psychology *
Ph.D. - fall Only
  • School Psychology
Ph.D - Fall Only

Genetics

MS/Ph.D - fall Only

Microbiology

fall Only

Pharmaceutical Sciences

fall Only

Political Science (MA & Ph.D.)

fall Only

Psychology (Ph.D only)

fall Only
*Clinical Psychology - January 1st
Biopsychology
Clinical *
Developmental
Experimental
Neuropsychology
Personality
Social
Social Work    (Ph.D only) fall Only

 

 

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Online Application Process
  1. Once you have read the instructions below, click Apply for Admission and follow the instructions.

  2. The next page requires a login identification number (Login ID) and personal identification number (PIN). You can select your own Login ID or it will be selected automatically. It is recommended that you select a Login ID and PIN that is a mixture of alpha and numeric characters that only you will remember. Your PIN must be at least 6 characters. Once you have selected a Login ID and PIN Click Login.

  3. You will be asked to re-enter your PIN to verify that it is correct.

  4. The next screen allows you to select an action. Are you completing a new application, updating an application or would you like to display the application you have entered? You must select one. Note, once you have submitted a completed application, you can no longer make changes to the document. You may submit amendments/changes to the Admission Office along with your supporting information. Please do not re-enter an application.

  5. Follow the instructions on each page.

  6. You must complete all appropriate fields. If you do not enter all required information, when you attempt to proceed to the next page, the system will prompt you to enter the information required.

  7. As you complete each page, you must click update and you will automatically return to the main menu. At the main menu, you should enter information on the remaining forms in the following order:


    1. Name: If you are a Graduate Former Student Returning and were known by a previous last name when previously enrolled at Howard University, please enter your previous last name so that your original record is located.

    2. First Address and Phone: You should enter your current mailing address and phone number

    3. Second Address and Phone: You should enter your permanent mailing address and phone number

    4.  Personal Information: Please respond “yes” or "no" if you do not want any personal information shared with any institution or person not affiliated with Howard University.  It is required that you complete the question specifying gender and birth date.

    5. Planned Course of Study: You should enter your primary course of study (your desired major). If you are uncertain of the appropriate School or College for your intended major, please contact the office of Graduate Recruitment & Admissions.

    6. International Information: Please provide us with the necessary information.

    7. Previous College: You are required to submit previous college information.

    8. Test Scores: Please submit your official test scores with the remaining documents
      to complete your application for admission.

    9. Statement of Interest: Please provide a statement of your academic and research interests.

    10. Autobiographical Sketch: Please provide a brief personal biography.

    11. Additional Information: If you reply yes to questions 3 through 8, please provide a written description of the events with your supplemental application materials.

 

To submit your application, after all questions are answered, you must check the “application is complete” box to submit your application.

**Note, if you must make changes to the application, please do not submit a new application on-line. You can submit any changes with the supplemental material required to complete the application.

Once you have completed the on-line application and submitted all information to complete your application packet, you may verify the status of your application by returning to Banner Web admission and clicking on Display Application. You will then click on term, and a status box will appear. Go to the status section and you can view your admission status.



Click here
to APPLY FOR ADMISSION

 

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Degree Requirements

Master's Degree

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00 for graduate (Consult graduate department for exception to this requirement)
  • Minimum number of credits - 30
  • Submission of a thesis in partial fulfilment of requirement for many departments

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00 for graduate (Consult graduate department for exception to this requirement)
  • Minimum of 72 credits beyond the bachelor's degree
  • At least four semesters of residence and full-time study (9 credit hours per semesters) in the Graduate School
  • Passage of a comprehensive examination (not applicable to all departments)
  • Submission of a dissertation in partial fulfilment of requirement for the degree
  • Passage of the final oral examination

NOTE: Additional requirements for the Master's and PhD. degrees include the passing of the Expository Writing Examination and completion of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) workshop. These programs are held each semester of the academic year and are requirements for degree candidacy.

For more information click here or call: 202-806-7277.

 

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Readmission Policy

Former Students Returning  (students who are not enrolled for at least one semester and want to return to complete the degree) FSRs must submit an application following the appropriate application deadlines, and an official copy of their most recent  Howard University transcript.  These documents should be submitted in one complete application packet.

A non-refundable application fee of $45 is required only if you are changing your degree program

Some department admission committees may request a re-evaluation of the student’s academic records. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies in your department regarding re-admission criteria.

You will receive notification once the Office of Educational Affairs evaluates the Department's recommendation.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Admission:

Phone: (202) 806-4676
Email: hugsadmission@howard.edu

FSR’s readmitted to the University must be cleared by the following offices:

Office of the Bursar
(202) 806-2610

Office of Register

(202) 806-2712

Office of Special Student Services
(202) 238-2420

 

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Personal Potential Index (PPI)

The PPI measurement is designed to evaluate a prospective student’s potential for graduate study based on six (6) non-cognitive characteristics. The PPI allows applicants the opportunity to provide an enhanced range of attributes often valued as indications of success in graduate school. The applicant may select three (3) faculty recommenders to submit PPI evaluations for review by the prospective program.


If you are currently registered with the ETS for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), you may designate the three (3) PPI evaluations at no additional cost. To submit the PPI reports to the Graduate School at Howard University, visit the ETS website at

https://ppi.ets.org/ppi/applicant

The programs that are reviewing ETS/PPI evaluations as part of the fall 2013 admissions review are listed below:

African Studies
Communication and Media Studies
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Chemistry
Economics
English
Genetics and Human Genetics
History
Sociology
Mechanical Engineering
Pharmaceutical Science
Physiology

For more information, please call 202.806.4676.ps://ppi.ets.org/ppi/applicant

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Caution to Prospective Students

The Board of Trustees of Howard University on September 24, 1983, adopted the following policy statement regarding applications for admission: "Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials and accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission. Enrolled students who as applicants failed to submit accurate and complete credentials or accurate and complete information on their application for admission shall be subject to dismissal when the same is made known, regardless of classification."

All credentials must be sent to:

 
Howard University Graduate School
Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
4th and College Streets, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20059

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