Graduate Admissions Requirements

From its inception, The Murphy Graduate School has been recommended forstudents whose aptitudes andinterests carry them beyond routine classroom experiences. Students are provided a variety of experiences through teaching, research, practicum, and laboratory instruction designed to develop their powers of logical and independent thought and to enable them to become familiar with research techniques.The Murphy Graduate School welcomes inquiries from prospective students who are interested in expanding their educational horizons or earning an advanced degree.

All degree-seeking students must submit items 1-5 before they may be considered for admission to The Murphy Graduate School

  1. An online application witha$25.00 non-refundable fee
  2. Statement of Purpose (A one page essay describing the purpose of entering TheMurphyGraduate School.)
  3. Test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) revised General and Subject Test for Biologyand Mathematics; GRE general test or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for Counseling (school and clinical), Educational Leadership, Policy and Law, History, Occupational Therapy,Rehabilitation Counseling, Physical Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, ALT-A programs, and Music; GRE general test or MAT for traditional educational programs. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for Master of Accountancy. Acceptable test scores are determined by the appropriate college/department; however, applicants are encouraged to review well for the test in order to make a representative score. Standardized test scores submitted must be within the last five years.
  4. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended with degrees posted as applicable.
  5. Three professional letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to evaluate an applicant's ability to do graduate-level work.
  6. A copy of a current Teaching Certificatefor traditional education students (Class B or A).
  7. For Alternative Fifth Year programs, applicants must submit proof of registration or a passing score on all three portions (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) Part I prior to being accepted. A passing score on all three portions must be received no later than the end of the first semester of study for individuals. Otherwise, registration for additional classes will not be allowed.
  8. If required, students must submit a passing score on the Alabama State University Graduate Writing Competency Test (GWCT) by the end of the first semester of study. The GWCT isscheduled twice each semester in the University Testing Center. Should an applicant fail to pass the GWCT by the end of the first semester of study, registration for additional classes will not be allowed. Proof of remediation must be obtained from the Writing Lab before the studentwill be allowed to retake the GWCT if unsuccessful in the first attempt.

Students who score at least 450 or 150 (revised GRE score) on the verbal portion of the GRE, a score of 3.5 or higher on the analytical writing portion of the GRE a scaled score of 385 on the MAT, or a 450 or above on the GMAT, or pass ASU's BWCT are exempt from the GWCT.

All of the above items should be submitted at the time of application. An applicant who meets the requirements for Writing Competency Test (GW), will be allowed toenroll for ONE SEMESTER ONLY. If a degree-seeking student's file is not completed by the end of the initial term of enrollment, registration for the next term will not be permitted. Online application is available on the website at www.alasu.edu.

To Apply to the Master of Science in Occupational TherapyProgram

The Alabama State University Department of Occupational Therapysubscribes to the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Applicants for the enteringclass(Fall only) should apply online using the OTCAS application. To get started, visit the OTCAS portal at https://portal.otcas.org/. Directions for document submission appear onthe OTCAS website. The application deadline is February 1; applications will not be accepted after the published date. All applications must go through OTCAS; paper applications will NOT be considered. If you have any questions about the application process, please call the program.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree (minimum 2.7 undergraduate grade point average [GPA] with official transcripts)
  • MAT or GRE score transcripts
  • ASU OT Program prerequisite courses -grade of "B" or better recommended in each
  • Three letters of recommendation, one from an occupational therapist
  • Early Determination(a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure) This document will be completed at the time of the Onsite Interview
  • Observation/Volunteer Hours (minimum of 40 hours in 2 facilities/settings dated/completed within 2312 months of application submission). These hours must be complete at the time of application.

Onsite Interview: Candidates selected for the required Onsite Interview will be notified in Early March. The required Onsite Interviews will be scheduled for Late Marchor orEarly April.

Students who score at least 450 or 150 (revised GRE score) on the verbal portion of the GRE, a score of 3.5 or higher on the analytical writing portion of the GRE, a scaledscore of 385 on the MAT, or a 450 or above on the GMAT, or pass ASU's BWCT are exempt from the GWCT.

All of the above items should be submitted at the time of application.An applicant who meets the requirements for admission to a degree program, but who lacks the Graduate Writing Competency Test (GWCT), will be allowed to enroll for ONE SEMESTER ONLY. If a degree-seeking student's file is not completed by the end of the initial term of enrollment, registration for the next term will not be permitted. Online application is available on the website at www.alasu.edu.

Categories of Admission

  1. Special (non-degree): This classification is assigned to students who would like to take advantage of graduate course offerings for purposes of personal enrichment or professional development (certification or recertification, for example), or those awaiting departmental evaluation. Candidates may take up to 12 semester hours, but no more than nine semester hours of approved course work taken in this category may be later applied to a degree program

    Special non-degree students must satisfy all admission requirements before they can be reclassified to degree-seeking status. All non-degree students, including those pursuingcertification or recertification, will be advised by the dean of The Murphy Graduate School.

  2. Regular: A regular student is one who has satisfied all Graduate School admission requirements but who has not been accepted as a degree candidate. Admissionto Candidacy forms is availablein The Murphy Graduate School. Admission to The Murphy Graduate School in any of the above categories is not a substitute for admission as a degree candidate in a specific college or school.

Admissions Decisions

Decisions to admit students to The Murphy Graduate School are made by the academic program faculty and graduate school. Admissions decisions will be reported in writing to each applicant by the dean of The Murphy Graduate School. Students have one year in which to enroll after which time their files will be discarded if matriculation does not occur. After completion of 12 semester hours and successful completion of all required tests, students apply for candidacy (except Alternative A). Decisions to admit students to candidacy are made at the academic program level and The Murphy Graduate School.

Non-Degree and Graduate Certificate Programs

Non-Degree seeking students, those who wish to take advantage of graduate course offerings without earning an advanced degree(e.g., individuals seeking personal enrichment, certification in a new subject field, or recertification to validate an expired teaching certificate,) need only submit a completed online application with $25.00 non-refundable fee and an official transcript to be considered for admission.

Master's Programs

Prospective students with a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university and a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible for regular admission. A 2.75 GPA is required of all applicants to theAlternative Fifth Year M.Ed. (ALTA)and Traditional Master's programs in Education. Students whodo not have undergraduate education degrees or teaching certification that wish to pursuea master's degreein education must enter the Alternative Fifth Year Program (ALTA). The Alternative Program consists of graduate courses that will lead to a master's degree in the selected teaching field with accompanying teaching certification. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (undergraduate) and 3.0 (graduate) or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is required of all applicants to the Master of Accountancyprogram. For Occupational Therapy, a cumulative GPA of 2.70 (on a 4.0 point scale) andfor Rehabilitation Counseling aGPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 point scale)isrequiredfor all applicants.

Educational Specialist DegreePrograms

Admission for the Educational Specialist Degree(Ed.S.)or AA certification programs in education require a 3.25graduate GPA, appropriate valid Class A certification in approved areas and approval from the major department.

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership,Policy and Law, Ed.D.

To apply for admission to the Educational Leadership, Policy and Law doctoral program, prospective students must submit an online application, supporting documents,and a $25.00 non-refundable application fee before the deadline of March 1. Students admitted to the Ed.D. program must be accepted to TheMurphyGraduate School, possess a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, have an acceptable undergraduate GPA and a graduate GPA of 3.5, and competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Millers Analogies Test (MAT). Applicants must also submit the following with their application.

  1. A professional resume or vita outlining their experiences, personal achievements and the professional objectives that will be supported through doctoral study
  2. Three letters of reference from individuals who have worked with themin a supervisory capacity.
  3. Statement of Purpose (A one-page essay describing the purpose of entering TheMurphy GraduateSchool.)

Once applications are initially evaluated by program faculty, acceptable candidates will be invited for an interview with the program faculty and asked to complete a writing sample.

Final admissions to the doctoral program will be based on thefollowing criteria that include, but are not limited to (1) scores on the GRE or MAT tests, (2) undergraduate and graduate GPA, (3) a writing sample, (4) professional background and experiences, (5) at least two letters of recommendation and (6) a programfaculty interview.

Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, DPT

Applicants to the DPT program must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a4.0 scale, and be accepted to TheMurphyGraduate School.

Applicants must submit a completed Graduate School Appli-cation, a $25 non-refundable application fee, and a completed Physical Therapy Application Packagethrough PTCAS.org. To be admitted to the Physical Therapy Program, an applicant must submit by December 1 the following items:

  1. A Physical Therapy Applicationthrough PTCAS.org.
  2. Proof of a minimum of 80 hours of volunteer or paid service in physical therapy under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist at a hospital,nursing home, rehabilitation center, outpatient clinic, or community center. Work should be in two or more different areas of physical therapy.
  3. Three letters of recommendation: one from a physical therapist documenting the applicant's exposure to a physical therapy clinical setting; the other from an instructor, academic advisor, or recent employer who can evaluate the applicant's academic abilities and character.
  4. Completion of required essays available through PTCAS.org.
  5. Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Please note that applicants must be accepted to The Murphy Graduate School and the Physical Therapy Department. Prerequisite course requirements are listed under the Physical Therapy heading

Doctoral Program in Microbiology, Ph.D.

Applicants for admission to the program inmicrobiology must meet the minimum admission requirements of the graduate program. Candidates must hold a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution in a discipline relevant to microbiology or biology. Applicants should complete and submit a graduate application with $25.00 non-refundable fee, along with following documents before March 15:

  1. All official transcripts
  2. GRE revised General and Subject Test scores
  3. Three letters of recommendation
  4. Current curriculum vita
  5. A personal statement and research philosophy (Statement of Purpose)

An appropriate minimum TOEFL score is required for all international students. The TSE spoken English test may also be required. The microbiology graduate admissions committee makes admissions recommendations on all applications based upon a structured set of criteria for assessment of potential for successful program completion. In addition to the prescribed minimum criteria for admission (GRE/TOEFL scores, curriculum requirements, grade point average), the graduate admissions committee holistically assesses each applicant based on criteria such as previous research experience, applicant's personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other indicators of potential for successful program completion. Based on recommendations from the graduate admissions committee, program administrators (program director and department chair) render final departmental approval, and submit admission decisions to the dean of The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School.

International Students

The University cooperates with agencies that support international student study and welcomes inquiries or applications from individual students.

In addition to meeting the regular admission requirements, international students must submit the following:

  1. Satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).A minimum acceptable score of500-paper-based, 173-computer based, or 61-internet based examination. In addition, the English language requirement maybe met upon completion of Level 112 at a Language Center.
  2. An official original copy of the student's college transcript (in English).
  3. A competitive score on the GRE or MAT.
  4. An affidavit of financial support documenting that the student, parents or sponsoring agencies will provide funds for all expenses.

Students whose native language is not English must enroll in and satisfactorily complete English 131 during the first term of enrollment.

Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program

The State Department of Education (SDE) requires all students who are applying for an initial professional educator certificate to complete the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP). These students must be in an Alternative Fifth-Year teacher education program approved by the state of Alabama. Information on the AECTP should be obtained from the College of Education or www.act.org/alabamapttp.

Educational Specialist Programs

The Ed.S. degree is offered in the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • History
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Library Education Media
  • Mathematics
  • School Counseling
  • Social Science
  • Teacher Leader

The curricula patterns of the AA certificate programs and theEd.S. degree both providea greater depth of specialization thanthe master's level. Both programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond the master's degree. Students seeking admission to a sixth-year program follow the same procedures as applicants for admission to other graduate programs. To be considered for admission to a ClassAA certificate program, an applicant must have a 3.00 GPA in all graduate work attempted and hold Alabama Class B and A professional certification in the proposed area of studyexcept as prescribed below:

  1. An applicant with a valid bachelor's-level professional educator certificate in early childhood education and a valid master's-level professional educator certificate in reading may be admitted to a Class AA / Ed.S. program in early childhood education.
  2. An applicant with a validbachelor's-level professional educator certificate in elementary education and a validmaster's-level professional educator certificate in reading may be admitted to a Class AA / Ed.S. degree program in elementary education.
  3. Anapplicant with a validbachelor's-level professional educator certificate in any teaching field and a valid master's-level professionaleducator certificate in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) may be admitted to a Class AA/ Ed.S.degree program in the same teaching field for which the teacher holds a validbachelor's-level professional educator certificate.
  4. Anapplicant with a valid bachelor's-level professional educator certificate in English language arts and a validmaster's-level professional educator certificate in reading may be admitted to a Class AA/ Ed.S program in English language arts.
  5. An applicant with a validmaster's level professional educator certificate in any teaching field may be admitted to a Class AA/ Ed.S program in special education.

The Alabama State Department of Education grants a Class AA Professional Certification to students who complete theapproved graduate program of at least 30 semester hours beyond the master's degree and pass a comprehensive examination. No courses used to satisfy a Class A master's certificate can be used for AA credit.

Students seeking admission to the Educational Specialist Degreeprogram must have a grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) in their master's degree program anda satisfactory admission test score. No applicant will be admitted, however, without the approval ofthe major advisor. The academic program faculty in thespecific areas may use other criteria appropriate to the field of specialization. If the student's previous work has not provided a proper base of general and specialized preparation for the sixth year of study, additional course work will be required.

Aminimum grade point average of 3.25 in the master's degree program is requiredto complete the Ed.S degree program. A maximum of nine hours of graduate credit earned in other approved graduate schoolsmay be transferred; however, all such work must be approved by the student's advisory committee and must carry a grade of B or better. Credit earned more than eight years prior to completion of degree work may not be used to fulfill degree requirements. No credit earned through correspondence, or workshops or used in obtaining another degree may be used to satisfy degree requirements. All courses must be taken at the 500 or 600 level, and at least two-thirds of the program must include 600-level courses. No coursework used to earn a Class A certificate may be applied to the AA or Ed.S. program.

Each program includes courses in foundation fields, the area of specialization, internship or practicum, when applicable, as well as the thesis. Six semester hours of credit are requiredfor the Ed.S. thesis. The thesis should reflect the student's ability to, conductsystematic research.

Certification

All persons who complete approved Teacher Education Programs at the master's and sixth-year levels are eligible for certification (A, AA respectively), provided that they meet all Alabama State Department of Education requirements.

Individuals seeking to add new subject endorsements at the A or AA levels must already be A or AA certified and have completed an approved master's or AA program. (except for programs in collaborative education, instructional leadership, library media, and reading specialist. These individuals must hold only initial certification in a subject area.) The approved program being added must be met in full; however, courses completed in satisfying the requirements of another program at the same level do not have to be repeated. Individuals should consult an adviser in the College of Education before registering for classes. A written comprehensive examination is required.

Graduate-level courses used to obtain Class B certification cannot be used again toward Class A certification. Courses used to obtain Class A certification may not be used to add on Class AA certification.

Recertification

An expired teaching certificate may be renewed by enrolling in approved undergraduate or graduate courses, usually nine semester hours. Since renewal requirements vary widely according to the type of certificate held, number of years of teaching experienceand area of endorsement, individuals are urged to contact the Alabama State Department of Education before enrolling in courses.

Individuals completing degree programs in education at ASU or adding new subject endorsements must apply for and be recommended for certification. Contact the certification officer in the College of Education.