Apply to the Graduate School
Join a community of scholars.
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? The Graduate School offers a rigorous and supportive environment to help you achieve your professional and educational goals. Whether you’re pursuing a doctoral or master’s degree, graduate certificate, or continuing education program, we’re here to guide you through the application process.
Applying to the Graduate School is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.
What You Need to Apply
When you are ready to apply, you will complete the entire process online.
The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is incomplete until all documents have been submitted by the student and processed by the university. Review will not begin until the application file is complete.
Choose your program.
Explore our graduate and certificate programs to find the best fit for your academic and career goals. Each program may have specific admission requirements, so be sure to review them carefully before applying.
Start your application.
Create an account in the application portal and select the appropriate application. You do not need to complete the application in one sitting.
Which Application Do I Use?
General Graduate School Application: Use this application unless your desired degree program is in one of the schools listed below.
School of Business: Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)*; Business Administration (MBA); Executive Business Administration (EMBA); Accountancy (MS)
School of Education: Learning and Inquiry in Practice (Ed.D.); Early Childhood Education (MAT); Elemenatary Education (MAT); Languages (M.Ed.); Multilingual Learners (MAT); Performing Arts (MAT); Teaching, Learning and Advocacy (M.Ed.); Gifted and Talented Education (Certificate); Multilingual Learners (Certificate); Special Education (Certificate)
Upload required materials into the application.
- Transcript(s) with university-level coursework
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for admission consideration.**
- Standardized test scores (if required)
- Self-reported test scores must be accompanied by an unofficial student score report submitted in the application or an official score report sent directly to the university.**
Submit all required materials as early as possible to allow time for documents to be received and processed by the deadline.
Received documents are not returnable or transferable.
Upload supplemental documents.
Your program may require additional documents of interest, including a resume, cover letter, personal statement, letters of recommendation, creative work, writing sample, or a video assessment. Refer to the respective program's website for more details.
International Students
Additional documents are required to determine academic eligibility, English proficiency, and visa status. Refer to the international students page to learn more.
Submit the online application and application fee.
All applications must be submitted through our online application portal. A non-refundable application fee is required to submit your application.
Check your application status.
After submitting your application, you can track its status through the application portal. Our admissions team will notify you of any missing documents or next steps.
Receive your admissions decision.
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an official admission decision via email. If admitted, you’ll receive instructions on accepting your offer and completing the enrollment process.
If you have any questions about the application process, our admissions team is here to help. Email GradAdmissions@charleston.edu .
** *The Doctorate of Business Administration, DBA, is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).
** If admitted, students must provide all official transcripts and test scores directly from the university or test agency.