Prospective Students | Application Information | Domestic

An applicant to the Graduate School must hold a baccalaureate degree earned in the United States or a comparable non-U.S. degree/diploma before being allowed to enroll in any graduate program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

An applicant may apply to more than one graduate program simultaneously, but must present duplicate credentials and materials - separate application fees, multiple GRE/GMAT score reports, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.

Since admissions requirements differ between graduate programs, click here for specific requirements for your desired program.

The Application also represents an application for an assistantship/fellowship; no separate application is required. For information about need-based funding click here.

Send All Application Material Directly To:
Graduate Admissions Office
530 Goodell Building
University of Massachusetts
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9333

Materials/Credentials Required in Submitting a Completed Application

1. Application: When completing the paper application be sure that you type or print clearly.

2. Application Fee: For Massachusetts residents the fee is $40. For other U.S. citizens and permanent residents the fee is $50. For international residents, the fee is $65. The application fee in non-refundable and can not be deferred. The fee is waived only for U.S. applicants who qualify to receive a GRE fee waiver and submit appropriate documentation. The fee or waiver documentation must accompany the application; otherwise the application will NOT be processed or considered.

3. Personal Statement: Begin the Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose on the second page of the paper Application and continue it onto subsequent pages, if necessary. One can also print their entire Statement on separate sheets of paper, thereby allowing the applicant to use word processing packages in preparation of the document. Be sure that your name appears at the beginning along with the name of your desired program. If you are completing the on-line application, you have the option of submitting your Personal Statement at that time or mailing it via surface mail within two days of the electronic submission of the application.

4. Residency Statement: All applicants applying for Massachusetts residency status must complete and sign a Residency Statement for that application to be fully processed.

5. Transcripts: Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where 6 or more credits were taken are required. We would prefer them submitted in sealed envelopes submitted with the application but will accept them mailed directly from the college/university. If the official transcripts and/or degree certificate(s) are not in English, notarized English translations in duplicate must accompany them. Do not list colleges/universities where 5 or fewer credits were taken.

6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Tests: Official score reports must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Institutional Code for the University of Massachusetts Amherst is 3917. Most graduate programs require the GRE General Test and a few require a Subject Test in addition to the General Test. Click here for those requirements. Test scores are valid for five years from the date of anticipated entrance.

7. Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): All applicants to Management; Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration; and Sport Studies must submit an official copy of their GMAT scores. The institutional code for the University of Massachusetts Amherst is 3917. GMAT scores are valid for five years from date of anticipated entrance.

8. Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of two (Psychology and Sociology require three) letters of recommendation are required from individuals best suited to assess the applicant’s quality of academic performance and ability to perform scholarly research. Although the use of our Recommendation Form is not necessary, we do however ask that the applicant complete the top portion of the form and give it to the referee so that it can be used as a cover page for that recommendation letter. All recommendations will be considered non-confidential unless the applicant waives his/her right of access.

9. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The University of Massachusetts does not require TOEFL from U.S. citizens. For permanent residents whose undergraduate institution is outside of the United States and not from an English speaking country, they will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency by sitting for TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score as set by the Graduate Council is 550 (computer based test is 213), although for most graduate programs their minimum may be as high as 600, particularly if financial assistance is required. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from anticipated date of entrance. The Institutional Code for the University of Massachusetts Amherst is 3917.