How to Apply

You're about to start something big. Whether you're advancing your skills in a familiar field or diving into something new, we're excited to cheer you on! The following steps will help guide you through the application process.

If you have questions at any point in the process, please reach out to our Graduate Admissions team at grad@cmich.edu. This is an exciting time, and we're here to support you!

Start my graduate application

    Most of our graduate programs require you to have the following:

    • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
    • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7.

    Some programs have additional requirements, such as a higher GPA, prerequisite courses or test scores.

    Are you looking for program-specific application materials?
    Open your application portal and fill out the Enrollment Information section. Then, jump ahead to the Program Specific Materials section and your program-specific application requirements will populate.

    It’s important to realize that your program’s beginning-level courses may not be available every semester. While it is possible to take courses out of order for some programs, students generally find more success when they take courses in the order prescribed by the curriculum.

    Where can I find course availability?

    You'll be able to access course date offerings after your enrollment is completed. While you can choose your preferred semester to start, please note that the availability of introductory courses may vary by semester.

    Reach out to your advisor if you have questions about course availability.

    Some programs have unique dates, but the general application deadlines are May 15 to start in a Fall Semester and Oct. 1 to start in a Spring Semester.

    Check your program's application deadlines by visiting your program in the bulletin, or contacting the program director directly.

    Step 1: Find your program

    As you get started, it's helpful to note that different graduate programs have different requirements for their applications, like test scores, résumés or portfolios of work. With these materials, your program will be better prepared to assess your skills for your chosen program.

    To view specific requirements for your graduate program, find your program in the bulletin, or contact the program director directly.

    Find my program requirements

    Applying to the College of Health Professions

    You'll need to apply through a specific application portal for the following programs:

    • Athletic Training (MSAT)
    • Audiology (Au.D.)
    • Physician Assistant (M.S.)
    • Physical Therapy (DPT) 
    • Speech Language Pathology (M.A.)

    Questions? Please call 989-774-1730 or email the College of Health Professions Graduate Admissions at chpgradadm@cmich.edu to connect.

    If you are interested in applying to the College of Medicine, view the CMED website for more information.

    Step 2: Submit your application

    Here's what you can expect:

    • Complete your graduate application: This will include information like your address, contact info, citizenship, identity, background and military experience. You will also identify where, when and what you plan to study.
    • Pay your application fee: Domestic applicants will need to submit a $55 non-refundable application fee along with the application.

      All U.S. military veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members are eligible to have their application fee waived. You must provide one of the following to CMU with your application:

    • DD-214 form verifying your service.
    • Service verification letter from your command indicating your current duty station.
    • Active military ID, if you are applying in person at a CMU satellite location.
    • VA Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

      • Step 3: Send in your official transcripts

      To have your previous courses considered for credit by Central Michigan University, you'll need to request official transcripts from your previous school(s). Transcripts must be sent electronically to apply@cmich.edu or mailed to: 

      Central Michigan University
      Transcript Department
      802 Industrial Drive
      Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

      Step 4: Upload your application materials

      Once you're inside the application portal, you’ll find a description of each required material and a path to upload your documents. Some programs require letters of recommendation, essays, proof of past exams or other information.

      Step 5: Track your application

      You're almost there! It's time to officially submit your graduate application. The most common mistake students make is submitting an incomplete application, so be sure to double-check that you have done everything! Then, click submit and breathe a sigh of relief. You did it! Great things are coming your way.

      You can use the Track My App function to check on your application status. Please contact Application Processing at apply@cmich.edu if you are still waiting to hear back within a month.

      Did you know that the FAFSA is available for graduate students?
      Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see what aid may be available to you. Check out financial aid for graduate students for more resources!

      Types of graduate admissions

      When you are admitted to graduate studies at CMU, you are admitted through one of several categories. Below is an explanation of what some of these categories mean. If you’re not sure which type of admission applies to you, please email us at grad@cmich.edu, and we'll help clear things up.

        If you meet all university and program requirements for admission and are selected by faculty for admission into our graduate programs, you qualify for regular admission.

        Regular admission with stipulations

        If the faculty think you will succeed in a graduate program even though you may not meet all the requirements for regular admission, you may be admitted with stipulations. In this case, you will have to meet specific requirements to gain regular admission, such as:

        • Completion of undergraduate prerequisites.
        • Demonstration of English language proficiency.
        • Successful completion of graduate coursework.

        To earn a degree or graduate certificate, you need to obtain regular admission status.

        Concurrent admission enables you to begin graduate coursework before completing your undergraduate degree, if you meet the following conditions:

        • You are in your final semester of undergraduate studies.
        • You have 12 or fewer undergraduate credits left for your degree.
        • You have an acceptable undergraduate grade point average.

          Refer to the Concurrent Process Guide for details.

          Our accelerated graduate degree programs allow qualifying CMU undergraduates to take graduate-level courses while finishing your undergraduate degree. These courses will count toward both your bachelor's and master's degree saving you time and money. To qualify, you need to:

          • Have a strong academic background.
          • Plan to complete your graduate degree at CMU.

          Refer to the Accelerated Graduate Program for details.

          You may be granted non-degree status if you are not admitted into a specific graduate program. You should apply for non-degree status if you:

          • Are not interested in earning a graduate degree or graduate certificate.
          • Are undecided about your program.
          • Do not meet the specific requirements of a program.

          You will need to apply for regular admission at a later date if you want your graduate coursework to count toward a graduate certificate or degree.