Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Admissions FAQs 

 

Contacts 

 

Q: How do I contact someone in the College of Graduate Studies?

A: We can be reached by telephone or email, Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. Phone: (330) 941-3091. Email us at gradcollege@ysu.edu. We can also be contacted via online chat on our website: https://ysu.edu/academics/college-graduate-studies


Q: Where can I find you on social media?

A: Instagram @ysugradcollege

Twitter @ysugradcollege

Facebook @YSUGradstudies

LinkedIn Group: Youngstown State University College of Graduate Studies


Q: What graduate programs are available?

A: To view a list of graduate programs, admission requirements, program, and course information, please visit the Graduate Catalog: https://catalog.ysu.edu/graduate/. For on campus programs offered for international students, please visit https://ysu.edu/international-programs-office/graduate-programs

 

Application Questions


Q: I am interested in going to graduate school, how do I apply ? 

A: To apply for a graduate program please visit the College of Graduate Studies website and click on the "Apply Now" button on the homepage. You will be redirected to our online application system.  The first step would be to “Create an Account” using an email address you frequently use. Then, you will be able to start an application.


Q: What is required for admission besides the online application?

A: For all our programs, we require transcripts from your current or former colleges/universities. Additionally, each of our programs has their own unique set of requirements. We recommend looking at the program’s specific admission requirements on their website. Those students with below a 2.7 cumulative undergraduate GPA (Grade Point Average) will be asked to take the GRE or the MAT (Miller Analogies Test) per our Graduate School policy unless their program of interest has an alternative testing/GPA requirement.


Q: Do I need to submit all my transcripts from every college or university I have attended?

A: No! You only need to submit transcripts where a degree is earned or expected to be earned, post-baccalaureate work that was earned, and any graduate-level courses that were attempted or completed. We are currently accepting unofficial transcripts for admission. However, we will need to obtain an official transcript by the end of the first semester attended, or further registration will not be permitted. *Please note that the official transcripts either must be sent directly from the university or college attended, or must be still in a sealed envelope from the former college/university, if sent by applicant, to remain official. *


Q: Can I submit unofficial transcripts for my application?

A: We are currently accepting unofficial transcripts uploaded to your application portal for admission. However, if admitted, we will need to obtain an official transcript by the end of the first semester attended. Please note future registration beyond your first semester will not be permitted until official transcripts are received.


Q: Where can my college/university send my official transcripts?

A: Electronic official transcripts can be sent to us at gradcollege@ysu.edu. Please note that the international transcripts must be sent to us via post (and will not be accepted electronically) or must still be in a sealed envelope from the former college/university (if sent by applicant) to remain official. Official transcripts can be sent to us via post to the following address:

Youngstown State University

College of Graduate Studies

Coffelt Hall

One University Plaza

Youngstown, OH 44555


Q: What are the application deadlines?

A: The general deadlines for application and materials for the College of Graduate Studies are as follows. Please check your program’s specific deadline, as many do not fall under our general deadlines. For the deadlines for our Accelerated Online programs please visit https://online.ysu.edu/.

General International
Fall - July 15th& Fall- April 15th
Spring- December 15th

Spring- October 1st

Summer- April 15th Intl students can attend in the Summer for MAT & DPT (check with the department for others)


Q: Should I send recommendation letters in hard copy or electronically? &

A: To request an electronic recommendation from your reference providers, please log into Your Account Login. Upon logging into your account, click the "Apply Online" link towards to the top of the page to get to your application listing.  Click the "View" link in the Supplemental Items column of your application. Next, click “Start” in the Action column where the Letter of Recommendation Request is listed. You will then be able to enter your reference provider’s information and submit the request. Please note this must be done after submission of the application.

*Reference providers should check their spam or junk folder as the request may be sent there. If there are any questions, you can email us at gradcollege@ysu.edu.


Q: What is the application fee?&

A: The application fee is $45 and is paid upon submission of the application. International students and those who attend foreign institutions will be required to pay an additional $45 credential evaluation fee (totaling $90 upon submission of the application).


Q: How do I pay the application fee?

A: For those that did not pay application fees upon submission of the application, you may use the link to our online marketplace: online marketplace.


Q: How can I defer my application?

A: Applications can be deferred one time within one year without paying the application fee again. Please email us at gradcollege@ysu.edu to request deferral instructions. International applicants who defer more than once will be required to pay the $45 application fee again, but not the $45 Credential Evaluation Fee.


Q: I am locked out of my account. What do I do?

A: Contact us! Please feel free to call, email or chat live with us. Let us know if you are locked out of your account and we will unlock it for you. We will give you a temporary password for you to use when logging back in for the first time. After this, you will be prompted to create a new password for your account.


Q: How can I check the status of my application?

A: You can call, email or chat live with us if you have any questions regarding the status of your application. We are in the office from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Note that you will receive an email each time we receive a supplemental item on your application, as well as any updates on the status.


Phone: (330) 941-3091

Email: gradcollege@ysu.edu

Live chat: https://ysu.edu/academics/college-graduate-studies


Q: I need more information about the Accelerated Online Programs. Who can I talk to?

A: We have an enrollment team that specializes in these programs to help guide you through the AOP application process! If you head over to https://online.ysu.edu/, you can see more information there! If you would like to speak to an enrollment specialist, please call 1-877-513-0093.


Q: I am currently applying to YSU's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Do I need to send my documents to PTCAS or YSU?

A: Please submit all your documentation directly to PTCAS.  If any additional documentation is needed later for our office, we will be sure to reach out to you.  Please note that you also must apply to the College of Graduate Studies. If you have program specific questions, please Mrs. Ashley Shilot at amshilot@ysu.edu.


Q: I am applying for the Master’s in Public Health. Where do I submit my documentation?

A: Please submit all your documentation directly to SOPHAS. If any additional documentation is needed, our office will reach out to you. Please note that you also must apply to the College of Graduate Studies. If you have program specific questions, please contact program director Dr. Nicolette Powe at nwpowe@ysu.edu. If you are coming from the 4+1 accelerated program at YSU, you only need to fill out the accelerated application through the College of Graduate Studies and send all documentation directly to us.


Q: I am applying for the Master’s in Creative Writing. Where do I submit my documentation?

A: Creative writing applicants apply to YSU and submit all their materials to the NEOMFA program (neomfa.applicants@gmail.com). Copies of letters of recommendation are submitted to both YSU and NEOMFA. Full instructions are on the NEOMFA website. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Mr. Chris Barzak at cmbarzak@ysu.edu or Dr. Steven Reese at screese@ysu.edu.


Q: I am applying for the Master’s in Athletic Training. Where do I submit my application?

A: Please submit all your documentation directly to ATCAS. If any additional documentation is needed, our office will reach out to you. Please note that you also must apply to the College of Graduate Studies. If you are coming from the 4+1 accelerated program at YSU, you only need to fill out the accelerated application through the College of Graduate Studies and send all documentation directly to us. To obtain more information on the program, please reach out to Dr. Matthew Campbell at Mjcampbell05@ysu.edu.


Q: Who offers the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)?

A: The GRE is offered at Sylvan Learning Centers across the United States. Additionally, most countries now offer at-home testing of the GRE. Please visit http://www.ets.org/gre.html for more information.


Q: What is the YSU school code for the GRE?

A: 1975


Q: How long does it take for GRE test scores to be received after they have been sent?

A: Typically, it takes 10-15 business days for the scores to be received.


Q: How long are GRE, MAT and GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) test scores good for?

A: Test scores are good for 5 years.


Q: I have questions about Graduate Assistantships, who can I speak to?

A: For any questions regarding graduate assistantships, please contact Linda Hulburt-Blosser at 330-941-3093 or at lahulburtblosser@ysu.edu.


Q: How can I apply for a graduate assistantship?

A: The assistantship application is in the same portal where you completed your admissions application at https://ysu.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply. If you have not yet completed an admissions application, there is a question on the application that asks “Will you be seeking a Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship?” If you answer “Yes” an assistantship application will be started for you in your portal after submission of the admissions application.

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS


Q: Where can I find information about admission for international students?

A: For general information about international graduate admission, please visit: https://ysu.edu/international-programs-office/apply-now/quick-menu/international-graduate-admissions. Please note international student admission is not available for summer term unless the program specifies.


Q: Am I required to take an English Language Test?

A: Applicants from specific countries will not be required to take an English Language exam. To view the list of countries, please visit: https://ysu.edu/international-programs-office/apply-now/quick-menu/more-information/english-proficiency-requirements. Additionally, applicants who have studied 24 semester hours of college-level coursework from an accredited English-medium college in the United States or another country where English is an official language will not be required to take an English Language exam.


Q: What English Language tests are acceptable?

A: International applicants that are required to take an English Language exam have the choice to take either the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam. Acceptable scores can be found at https://ysu.edu/international-programs-office/apply-now/quick-menu/international-graduate-admissions.


Q: My application says that I am missing an IPO? What is that?

A: The IPO evaluation is an evaluation of your foreign transcripts into US standards. After you upload your unofficial transcripts our team member will begin the evaluation.


Q: Why is the application fee for international students $90?&

A: The fee for international students is increased due to the credential evaluation that we conduct once unofficial transcripts are received. $45 for application and $45 for credential evaluation.


Q: If I already have a credential evaluation completed by an outside agency, do I need an IPO evaluation?

A: To find out which credential evaluations we accept, please reach out to us at gradcollege@ysu.edu.


Q: I have visa questions, who can I speak to?

A: Please contact our International Programs Office 330-941-2336 or at intgrad@ysu.edu.


Q: I need to submit my post admission documentation (copy of passport, financial affidavit, etc.), where do I send this information to?

A: After receiving your admission decision email, you should have received an email with the instructions on uploading the required post admission documents to your application. Please log into your application portal to upload these documents and contact intgrad@ysu.edu with any further questions.