Frequently Asked Questions

What is the initial step in the graduate school admissions process?

To initiate the admissions process, visit our Graduate School website at https://www.pvamu.edu/graduateschool/
Under the “Prospective Student” section, you will find a comprehensive list of programs and their specific admission criteria. We strongly encourage you to review this information carefully.

Undergraduate seniors at PVAMU who wish to apply for graduate school may utilize the Internal Application Form as an alternative to the ApplyTexas Application. However, all applicants are required to submit a $50 application fee. The Internal Application Form

Application submission deadlines for ApplyTexas are as follows:

• For Spring 2026 semester: November 1

• For Summer 2026 semester: April 1

• MBA, MSA, EMBA, and EDBA, Rolling Admission (no deadline) for domestic and international students.

• Juvenile Justice Ph.D., Priority Deadline: March 1

New Application Deadlines for Fall 2026 and After

Programs can have exceptions to these dates to allow flexibility in accommodating unique programmatic or departmental needs, for example, rolling admissions deadlines.

For Doctoral Fall Admissions: (priority- funding) February 1; (final deadline) March 1.
For Master’s Fall Admissions: April 15.
For Doctoral Spring admissions: (priority- funding) September 1; (final deadline) October 1.
For Master’s Spring admissions: October 1.
For Summer I Admissions: April 15.
For Summer II Admissions: May 15.

The $50 application fee can be paid through the Panthers Marketplace  To complete your payment, select “Product Categories,” then choose “PVAMU Graduate Admissions” to access the payment option.

Application fee waivers are not available.

If you accidentally submit the application fee twice, please contact the Cashier’s Office at 936-261-1890 for assistance.

The general admission requirements for graduate school are as follows:

  • Official Transcript: Submission of an official transcript is required.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation must be provided.

Additional Requirements (by Program):

  • For MBA, MSA, MSW, MSJJ, MS-NRES, MS in
    Nutrition, Chemistry, and Sociology programs, an essay is required.
  • For all Ph.D. programs, applicants must submit an official bachelor’s and master’s transcript, along with an essay, in addition to the general requirements listed above.

Some programs may have additional documentation requirements. It is recommended that applicants contact the Program Coordinator for specific program details and requirements.

Three letters of recommendation from non-family members are required. The recommendation form can be downloaded from the website at https://www.pvamu.edu/graduateschool/forms/

Ideally, recommendations should be provided by individuals who can attest to your academic abilities and potential for graduate-level study.

All application materials should be sent to gradadmissions@pvamu.edu

Please note that meeting the general admission requirements for the Graduate School does not guarantee admission, as applicants must also meet the specific requirements for their chosen program. It is essential to contact the program directly to ensure all program-specific requirements have been met.

The only program that requires GRE scores is the Ph.D. in Juvenile Justice. It is important to review the specific admission requirements for the program you are applying to, as they may vary.

Yes, there is still an opportunity for admission if your undergraduate GPA is low. Your GPA can be recalculated based on your last 60 credit hours. Additionally, it is recommended that you submit a brief statement explaining the factors that contributed to your low undergraduate GPA. This statement provides context and allows the admissions committee to better understand your academic potential.

Yes, a transcript evaluation is required if your degree was earned from a university outside of the United States, except for degrees obtained from universities in Jamaica.

The following transcript evaluation companies are recognized:

  • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
  • Global Credential Evaluators (GCE)
  • International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
  • Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A)
  • SDR Educational Consultants
  • SpanTran Educational Consultants
  • World Education Services (WES)

No, a transcript evaluation is required for degrees obtained from universities outside of the United States.

A course-by-course evaluation is required for transcript evaluations.

Yes, if you are from a non-English-speaking country, you are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of your application. Duolingo scores are also accepted as an alternative. All test scores must be sent directly to the university.

For information regarding the I-20 Certification of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) student status, please contact the International Student Services Team at (936) 261-1725 or via email at iss@pvamu.edu

Selecting the right graduate program involves careful consideration of several key factors, including:

  • Faculty Expertise: Assess the faculty’s research interests and areas of specialization.
  • Research Opportunities: Look for programs that offer opportunities for research, publications, and hands-on
  • Program Reputation: Consider the program’s academic standing, alumni success, and industry connections.
  • Location: Evaluate the program’s location in terms of cost of living, lifestyle, and proximity to industry hubs or employment opportunities.
  • Financial Aid Options: Research available scholarships, assistantships, and other funding opportunities.

Visiting campuses or attending virtual information sessions can provide valuable insight into the program’s environment and culture, helping you make an informed decision.

Yes, you can apply to multiple graduate programs simultaneously. However, each application typically requires a separate application fee and a distinct set of application materials. It is recommended that you tailor your application materials, such as your statement of purpose, to align with the specific requirements and focus areas of each program.

The typical length of a graduate program varies by degree type:

  • Master’s Programs: Generally, master’s programs take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the field of study and the student’s course load.
  • Doctoral Programs: Typically, doctoral programs require 3 to 5 years of full-time study to complete, depending on the discipline, the research requirements, and the individual student’s progress.

To apply for the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, submit your application and required documents through the website at https://businesscas.org/apply/

A personal statement should include the following key elements:

  • Academic Background: Highlight your educational achievements and relevant coursework that prepared you for graduate study.
  • Research Interests: Discuss your specific areas of interest and how they align with the program’s focus or faculty
  • Career Goals: Outline your short-term and long-term career objectives and how the program will help you achieve them.
  • Reasons for Choosing the Program: Explain why you selected this specific program, referencing unique features, faculty, or resources that appeal to you.

Be sure to customize your statement for each program to demonstrate a clear alignment with its values and goals.

Yes, admission deferrals are permitted, typically for up to one (1) year. If you need to request a deferral, it is important to contact the Admissions Office as early as possible to discuss your options and ensure proper processing of your request.

During an admissions interview, you can expect to be asked about the following topics:

  • Academic Background: Discuss your educational experiences, coursework, and relevant academic
  • Research Experience: Highlight any prior research projects, publications, or hands-on experience related to your field of study.
  • Career Goals: Articulate your short-term and long-term career objectives and how the program aligns with these

Additionally, be prepared to discuss your application materials, such as your statement and resume. This is also an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the program, faculty, and available resources to demonstrate your genuine interest and preparation.

Once all required documentation has been received and verified, your application will be forwarded to the respective department for review. The department will then decide on your admission. The timeline for receiving a decision may vary depending on the program and the volume of applications being processed. At most, this could take 45 days.

You will receive an admission decision letter via the email address provided in your ApplyTexas application. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder in case the message is filtered there. Please note that if you are applying as a non-degree-seeking applicant or pursuing a certification, you will not receive an admission letter.

If a decision has not been indicated in Banner, it is recommended that you contact the Program Coordinator for the program you applied to for an update on your application status.

To submit an academic appeal, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Graduate School website and navigate to the “Graduate School Forms” section.
  2. Download the two forms listed under “Academic Dismissal Appeal.”
  3. Obtain signatures from both the Program Coordinator and the student on the completed forms.
  4. Submit the signed forms to the Graduate School for review.

For additional guidance, consider reaching out to the Graduate School or your Program Coordinator.

If you are unable to access your PV Place account, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance with password resets. You can reach them via email at helpdesk@pvamu.edu or by phone at (936) 261- 2525.

To obtain your PIN for class registration, contact your department or Pauline Walker at pmwalker@pvamu.edu

Several funding options are available for graduate students, including:

  • Scholarships: Merit-based awards that do not require
  • Fellowships: Competitive, often research-based funding opportunities that provide financial support without work
  • Assistantships: Paid positions that offer stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative work
  • Grants: Need-based financial aid that does not require

It is recommended to apply early and contact the Financial Aid Office at https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/

for information on specific opportunities and application deadlines.

To find information on available scholarship and assistantship opportunities, you can:

  • Visit the Graduate School website to explore available scholarship opportunities.
  • Check the Careers Section for assistantship
  • Contact the Program Coordinator for your major to inquire about potential scholarships and assistantship opportunities that may not be listed online. Staying proactive and reaching out directly to program coordinators can help you discover additional funding options.

For further inquiries regarding the admissions process, please contact (936) 261-3518 or email gradadmissions@pvamu.edu. A member of the Graduate School team will be happy to assist you.

The contact information for program coordinators for each graduate program can be found on the Graduate School webpage at the following link: https://www.pvamu.edu/graduateschool/graduate-program-coordinators/

*For more specific information, it is recommended to visit the admissions page of the Graduate School or the specific program of your choice.