Application and Registration Overview

Please Note: The University is upgrading the Student Administration system. Due to the upgrade, the online web application will be unavailable during the following timeframe:

November 23rd at 8:00 p.m. – December 2nd at 7:00 a.m. (Eastern Time, US)

If you are unable to complete the application at this time, a downloadable PDF Application will be available during the system downtime.

Overview

Admission to graduate programs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is limited and competitive. Please apply early and make sure that all application materials will be received by the application deadline.

Applicants should contact the appropriate graduate coordinator to get additional information about the program of studies, financial aid possibilities and any additional requirements, standards or deadlines.

Admission to a graduate program is contingent upon successful completion of the applicant’s baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree. An official transcript indicating that the degree has been or will soon be awarded must be filed with the Office of Graduate Admissions by the end of the student’s first semester at UMass Lowell.

You may send the required application materials together or separately. All required items must be submitted to the

Office of Graduate Admissions
883 Broadway, Suite 110
Lowell, MA 01854-5130

All required materials must arrive before the application package can be evaluated. Generally, the Office of Graduate Admissions holds application materials for two years from the date of application. 

Be sure to see additional information about official transcripts in Requirements for All Applicants.
      
All materials received by the Office of Graduate Admissions become the property of the Office of Graduate Admissions and in no case will be given to the student or a third party.

The Office of Graduate Admissions has the authority to approve or deny admission and approve credit transfers. Commitments either expressed or implicit (verbal or written) from any other source are not official and will not be honored.

Admission Standards
General admissions standards are outlined in the graduate catalog.  Also, be sure to review the program description carefully for any admissions standards set specifically for your program.  

However, neither the Office of Graduate Admissions nor the Graduate Coordinator for each program publish numerical admissions standards such as minimum scores for standardized tests. Coordinators have consistently chosen successful graduate candidates when they have had the flexibility to review all elements of a student’s application and make their admission decision on each student’s strengths.

Standardized Tests
All Doctoral and Master’s Degree programs at UMass Lowell require the Graduate Record Examinations’ (GRE) General Test except:
the Master of Business Administration (MBA) requires the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT).

Please confirm all requirements by reviewing information in the department’s program description and the guidelines in the graduate catalog to determine what standardized tests may be required for entrance into the program that interests you. Requirements vary by program.

Specific information about standardized tests may be obtained from: 

Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL):
      Educational Testing Service
      Box 6151
      Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
      www.ets.org
      Tel: 609-771-7100

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE):
      Educational Testing Service
      Box 6000
      Princeton, NJ 08541-7670
      www.ets.org
      Tel: 609-771-7670

Pearson VUE -Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)  
      5601 Green Valley Drive
      Suite 300
      Bloomington, MN 55437
      www.mba.com
      Tel: 800-717-GMAT (4628)

Application Deadlines
The Office of Graduate Admissions does not set application deadlines.  Please note, that some departments DO have preferred application deadlines.  Check with the department when submitting an application. (Also, see information for International Students and the note that follows for Accelerated Program applicants.) Check the description of your program carefully. In all circumstances, it is recommended that prospective students apply early.

Earlier applicants may be better positioned to receive TA/RA money, which can be completely allocated by the department as top candidates are accepted, leaving limited resources for later applicants. Students who apply early will have an advantage in having adequate time to choose courses and set up email accounts, etc.

Deadline Information for Accelerated Programs Applicants: Students must be accepted into the graduate program before they graduate with their bachelor’s degree.  Students who apply during their junior year will be better able to benefit from the combined program. In some cases, students can take graduate courses as an undergraduate, and may be able to count graduate credits toward their bachelor’s degree.

Classes as a Non-Degree Student
Students with Bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions may be eligible to enroll as non degree students for a total of 12 credits prior to matriculating into formal graduate degree programs. Generally, students must formally apply to graduate certificate programs before enrolling in graduate courses intended for specific certificate programs.

Note: In some cases, a student may take only six credits prior to matriculating into a formal graduate degree program.  Check program descriptions or contact your graduate coordinators for more information. 

UMass Lowell Graduate Admissions - 883 Broadway Street, Dugan Hall, Lowell, MA 01854-5104
Phone: 978-934-2390; 800-656-GRAD Fax: 978-934-4058 Contact Us
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM