Application process: step by step
- Create an online account using a personal email address you will have access to for at least 6 months. You will receive a PIN by email to complete setup. (Current UCA students: this account is separate from your MyUCA account.)
- Select the Graduate School application option.
- Complete and submit the application.
- Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee.
- After paying, upload all required documents on the applicant status page.
- Send official transcripts to the Graduate School (see address in the Requirements section below).
*Chrome is the recommended browser for the online application.
International students
Create an online account, complete the application, and pay the $50 Center for Global Learning & Engagement application fee. Fee waivers are not available for international students. A debit or credit card is required. A copy of the biographical page of your passport is also required. For full requirements and deadlines, visit the international admissions website.
Admissions requirements
Degree
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
GPA
Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.70, or at least 3.00 in the last 60 hours. Minimum 3.00 on any prior graduate coursework. Program standards may be higher.
Test scores
Most programs do not require standardized test scores. If your program requires GRE or GMAT, scores must be less than five years old. UCA’s GRE institution code is 6012. See the Graduate Bulletin for program-specific requirements.
Program-specific
Requirements vary by program and may include test scores, interviews, or other materials. Check the Graduate Bulletin for details.
CAS application programs
The programs below use a separate CAS application system. Apply to the Graduate School only after you have applied through CAS, been accepted, and been instructed to do so by your department.
Transfer coursework
With coordinator approval, certain programs may accept transfer of graduate-level coursework from other accredited institutions. Students must first gain admission, then submit the course syllabus for evaluation.
Transcripts
Send official transcripts to:
University of Central Arkansas
Graduate School
201 Donaghey Ave, Torreyson West, Suite 328
Conway, AR 72035
ucagradschool@uca.edu
Current or former UCA students do not need to send UCA transcripts.
Application deadlines
We recommend submitting your application at least one month before your intended start semester — three months is preferable. Some programs have deadlines up to one year before the entry term, so always verify with your program.
Priority Deadlines by Program
Find the application deadlines for your program here.
Application fee waivers
Fee waivers are available for veterans and dependents of veterans. Submit a DD-214 (Member 4-copy showing Honorable status) with your application. Active duty service members must provide a letter from their Commanding Officer. Fee waivers are not available for international students.
Immunization records
Students attending UCA must provide proof of immunizations compliant with Arkansas Department of Health regulations. The only exception is for fully online students who will never visit campus. Without an approved record, students cannot attend events, use facilities, or participate in graduation. Submit records to Student Health.
Non-degree seeking
Non-degree seeking students may take up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level courses without admission to a specific program. This is a good option for students exploring programs, upgrading professional skills, or preparing to transfer. Courses completed with a C or better can apply toward degree requirements upon later admission.
Before applying: check the schedule of classes to confirm the course is available, and contact the department to verify space.
Dual enrollment options for undergraduates
UCA undergraduate seniors in good standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA may take graduate courses counting toward both their bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Students may request up to 8 hours of graduate coursework for undergraduate credit (5000-level courses only). Total semester load may not exceed 15 credit hours.
Apply at least six weeks before the start of registration.
BBA Computer Information Systems or BS Applied Data Analytics 4+1
May register for graduate credit in the last 12 months before completing the baccalaureate. Requirements:
- Admitted and in good standing in BBA-CIS or BS-ADA
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
- At least 50% of required 3000-level core courses completed (no Ds)
- Within 12 months of completing the undergraduate program
- No more than 18 combined credit hours per semester
- Maintain at least 3.0 GPA each combined semester
Computer Science or Cybersecurity 4+1
May register for graduate credit in the last 12 months before completing the baccalaureate. Requirements:
- Admitted and in good standing in BS Computer Science or Cybersecurity
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
- At least 75% of required 3000-level CSCI/CSEC courses completed (no Ds)
- Within 12 months of completing the BS program
- No more than 18 combined credit hours per semester
- Maintain at least 3.0 GPA each combined semester
Concurrent enrollment
Undergraduate seniors in their last term who are otherwise fully qualified for graduate study may be admitted to concurrent status. Concurrent enrollment courses count on the graduate transcript only, are not financial aid eligible, and credit is only received if the bachelor’s degree is completed in the same term. Total semester load may not exceed 15 credit hours. Not available for education, nursing, occupational therapy, or computer science students.
Concurrent enrollment does not constitute admission to graduate study and requires approval from the program coordinator, department chair, and Graduate Dean.
How to apply for dual or concurrent enrollment
Complete the Graduate School online application. On the Field of Study page, select Undergraduate Enrollment as the program type, then:
- Dual enrollment (4+1): choose your degree program and answer Yes to the BS/MS question. There is no application fee.
- Concurrent enrollment: choose Concurrent/Dual Enrollment as the degree program.
Contact your department’s Graduate Program Coordinator before the semester you wish to enroll. Not all programs participate.
Have questions? ucagradschool@uca.edu