Graduate Studies
Frequently Asked Questions - Admission
How do I apply?
Apply online at wiu.edu/grad/apply. Create an account, fill out the required information, and submit the application.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $30 nonrefundable application fee that may be paid via credit card or you may choose to send in a check or money order. The fee is valid for two years if you do not begin coursework the semester for which you initially applied.
Is there an application deadline?
The School of Graduate Studies accepts applications on a rolling basis. However, some departments give priority consideration for fall admission to complete applications received prior to the following dates:
January 15 - College Student Personnel: Student Affairs, Counseling, Speech Pathology
February 1 - Psychology
April 5 - College Student Personnel: Higher Education Leadership
Are transcripts required to be sent?
Applicants applying to a graduate degree program or for a post-baccalaureate certificate must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended. Faxed transcripts are not accepted. The School of Graduate Studies calculates your cumulative undergraduate GPA based on all hours attempted.
Applicants applying as a non-degree graduate student must request an official transcript or statement of degree from the institution granting your highest degree.
Applicants who attended WIU as an undergraduate do not need to request transcripts to be sent from WIU or any institutions where transfer credit was accepted into WIU.
Where do I send transcripts or any other admission documents that were not uploaded with my online application?
All admission materials may be sent to the School of Graduate Studies, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Sherman Hall 116, Macomb, IL 61455.
Do you accept electronic transcripts?
Yes, we accept official electronic transcripts sent directly to us by the credit-granting institution or a company who provides such service for the institution. Electronic transcripts should be emailed to Grad-Office@wiu.edu. Faxed copies are not accepted.
What are the admission requirements to my program? Are GRE/GMAT scores required?
The admission requirements for each graduate program may be found here.
Where do I find information about the GRE?
General information about the test can be found at gre.org. Sample questions can be found at greprephelp.com. GRE Prep Course Reviews can be found at reviews.com/gre-prep-courses/.
Where do I find information about the GMAT?
General information about the test can be found at gmac.com and mba.com.
Are there waivers for the GMAT/GRE?
The MBA program does provide a GMAT waiver to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Visit their website (wiu.edu/mba) or contact the Director of the MBA program at 309/298-2442 to find out if you are eligible.
Some programs may consider a waiver if you were an undergraduate major in the field of study and meet certain GPA requirements. Visit their websites to learn more. However, most programs do not typically offer a waiver of this admission requirement but you may contact the academic department to inquire if you have a special or extenuating situation.
What graduate degree programs may be completed entirely online?
Master's degrees:
Applied Statistics & Decision Analytics
Business Administration (MBA)
Instructional Design and Technology
Music (Music Education emphasis only)
Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (Masters' Practitioner Option)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates:
Community Engagement and Public Safety Leadership
Health Services Administration
Instructional Design and Technology
Police Executive Administration
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
What courses are offered online?
You can do a course search by selecting the ‘Go’ button next to ‘Course Search.’ You can then select other criteria to customize your search such as term, department, course level, etc. Be sure to select ‘Hybrid/Online’ in the ‘Location’ drop-down box.
How is my GPA calculated? Why doesn’t it match the GPA on my degree transcript?
Your cumulative GPA calculation is based on all hours attempted (transfer hours included) prior to earning a bachelor’s degree. If a course was initially failed and then repeated, both grades are used in the calculation. If a letter grade is posted on the transcript, it is included. Grades are calculated as A, B, C, D, F, only; plus/minus distinctions are not considered. If you attended an institution using AB, BC, CD grades, those are calculated as AB=B, BC=C, and CD=D.
How am I removed from probationary status?
Students admitted on probationary status must complete at least 6 s.h. of graduate coursework with a B or better to be fully admitted. Some programs may have additional hours or requirements that need to be met before students are removed from probationary status. See a full list of programs and the requirements here.
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