Admissions

Apply to the Graduate School at the College of Charleston where we're excited to offer a challenging, student-centered education through our master's degree programs and graduate certificates.

Here's how to get started:

  • Check the admissions requirements for the program in which you are interested.
  • Determine if a standardized test is required. If so, take a practice test so you know what areas you will need to focus on while studying. 
  • Set aside money for application fees, entrance exams, transcripts, etc.
  • If your native language is not English, complete one of the approved English language proficiency exams.
  • Solicit letters of recommendation.
  • Begin investigating sources of funding and complete your FAFSA.
  • Write your statement of purpose or goals.
  • Request transcripts from all academic institutions you have attended. Please note that if you are submitting transcripts from an institution that is located outside the USA, you will be required to have them evaluated.
  • Submit your application.

General admission requirements vary by program.  Check with the individual program for required materials for your degree or certificate program.

Apply Now

Application Deadlines

 *Specific application details may vary by program.  Please contact your program's leadership for more information.

 

Application
Term

 

Application
Open Date

Priority
Deadline

Final Day to
Submit Application

Final Day to
Pay Deposit

 Fall Domestic

August 1st

February 1st

July 1st  

 

July 31st

 

 Fall International

August 1st 

December 1st

March 1st

 

June 1st

 

 Summer Domestic 

June 1st 

December 1st

April 1st

 

May 1st

 

Summer International

 

June 1st

 

December 1st

February 1st

March 1st

Spring Domestic 

 

January 1st

 

October 1st

November 30th

December 15th

Spring International 

January 1st

September 1st

October 15th

 

November 15th

 

 

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition Information
Current and comprehensive tuition and fees can be found on the Treasurer's website here.

Assistantships
Students are encouraged to apply for the assistantships available in their graduate programs. Students who are awarded an assistantship are eligible for additional funding. You can find more information about the available assistantships here.

Scholarships
The Graduate School also offers scholarship and fellowship opportunities to degree-seeking applications. Details about the scholarships and their criteria can be found here.

International Applicant Information

Welcome international graduate students! Find essential information on required documentation, visa processes, and available financial aid options. We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey ensuring a smooth application process and providing resources to help you succeed at the College of Charleston.
  • Required Documentation

    Passport 

    • A copy of current, valid passport picture page must be uploaded with application

    US Visa

    • A copy of current US visa (H or J type) or residency card.
    • If you are seeking a student visa (F-1 type), the process will be managed by the Center for International Education. Contact them with questions at international@cofc.edu. 

    Undergraduate Transcripts

    • An official copy of undergraduate transcripts.
    • Non-US transcripts must be evaluated by one of the following credentialing services:
      • International Education Evaluations, Inc. - Applicants receive a discount for digital delivery
      • SpanTran
      • World Education Services, Inc.
      • Educational Perspectives
      • Educational Credential Evaluators

    Note: Applicants must priovide a course-by-course evaluation

     

    English Language Proficiency Exam

    • An official copy of test scores if English is not the native language
    • Test options and score minimums include:
      • TOEFL - minimum required score of 80
      • IELTS - minimum required score of 6.5
      • Duolingo English Test - minimum required score of 105

    Note: International applicants who earned a degree from a US university do not need to provide an English Language Proficiency test score.


    These documents are required by the Graduate School, but each program has additional admission requirements. Many programs also require that applicants submit a statement of goals, resume, or participate in interviews. Please see the individual programs for their specific admissions requirements.
  • Financial Aid

    Sister State Agreements
    The College of Charleston has an International Sister-State agreement program in which citizens of the following five locations are eligible for in-state tuition:

    • Rheinland Pfalz, Germany
    • Thuringen, Germany
    • Brandenburg, Germany
    • Queensland, Australia
    • Taiwan
    Students must prove citizenship, and in-state tuition would be applicable through all years of study. For any questions about the Sister-State Agreement Program, please contact international@cofc.edu. 

    Assistantships
    International students are encouraged to apply for the assistantships available in their graduate programs. Students who are awarded an assistantship may be eligible for additional funding. You can find more information about available assistantships here.

    Scholarships
    The Graduate School also offers scholarship and fellowship opportunities to degree-seeking applicants. Details about scholarships and their criteria can be found here.

  • Center for International Education

    International students admitted to the Graduate School work closely with the Center for International Education. They will help you navigate the visa process, financial documentation requirements, and health insurance options.  They will also make sure you feel welcome once you arrive in Charleston and at the College!

    Info for International Students