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Standardized Tests: Most graduate programs require applicants to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The "Graduate Program Application Information" section of the application outlines admission requirements for each program.  All international students whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  Read the section in the application instructions describing special admission tests for further information about the TOEFL and the GRE.

Full-Time Status: Students must register for 12 credits or more to qualify for full-time status at Syracuse University. Some academic programs may define full-time status differently, but the Graduate School cannot certify a student as full time if he or she is taking fewer than 12 credits. The only exceptions are University Fellows; graduate assistants; graduate associates; students working on a thesis or dissertation (and registered for zero dissertation credits or for degree in progress); students studying for preliminary, qualifying, or comprehensive examinations; and students studying for language or tool requirements. In every exception listed, the student’s academic unit and the Graduate School must approve full-time status.

International Credentials: Applicants from the United States must earn at least a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university before beginning graduate study at Syracuse University. Applicants who did not attend a U.S. college or university must have a degree or diploma that is at least equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree. International credentials are judged in terms of the educational system and standards of the country, the type of institution attended, and the level of study completed before the date of enrollment at Syracuse University. Students who do not have an appropriate academic background will not be considered for graduate admission regardless of the name of any degree that they hold. Generally, applicants must have reached a level of study that qualifies them for acceptance to university graduate programs in the countries where they earned their undergraduate degrees.

The following are some specific guidelines for equivalents to a U.S. bachelor’s degree:

• Canada. A three-year bachelor’s degree from Quebec or a four year bachelor’s degree from the other provinces.

• Latin America. A university degree requiring four years of study.

• United Kingdom and countries following the British pattern. A bachelor’s degree with honors.

• France and countries following the French pattern. A degree or diploma requiring four years of study after the baccalaureate, usually the Maitrise.

• Germany. Completion of the diploma.

• Other European countries. A university degree requiring a minimum of four years of study.

• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a master’s degree in any other field.

• Other Asian countries. A university degree requiring four years of study.

Only students with outstanding records can be considered for admission to doctoral programs. International applicants must be graduates of a college or university that is recognized by the national educational authorities of their home country.

Transfer Credits: Upon the recommendation of a student’s academic department, a maximum of 30 percent of the credits counted toward a master’s degree at Syracuse may be transferred from another institution. At least 50 percent of the coursework counted toward a doctoral degree (excluding dissertation credits) must be completed through Syracuse University as residence credit.

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This page current as of: July 7, 2005