Apply for Graduate Studies
Like what you see? Your next step is to apply to the program of your choice!
We now have one online form for all graduate programs. You will enter your contact information, then select your program.
The Graduate Studies application is best completed on a laptop or desktop.
General Requirements
All Graduate Students
- Transcripts from every undergraduate or graduate institution attended
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (unless specified below)
- Resume or CV (optional if not listed as required below)
- A nonrefundable $25 charge is required for each graduate application submitted in order to cover processing service fees.
International Graduate Students
- TOEFL scores or degree from an English-language university
- Proof of two (2) vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, and a chest X-ray
Graduate Programs and Requirements
College of Arts & Sciences
Creative Writing, M.F.A.
- Letter of Intent
- 10-30 page Writing Sample
- (both may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before you apply)
Guide for MFA Applicants (.PDF) How to Apply to MFA Creative Writing MFA
Theatre Education, M.F.A.
- A 1-2 page Letter of Intent, describing why you are interested in this program, your background as an artist and/or educator and your goals for the future.
- Three letters of recommendation: one letter of recommendation should come from a colleague or mentor who has some experience in theatre or a related field. This can be at the professional, college, K-12 or community level.
- A certificate/license to teach at the K-12 level is recommended, but not required. Lack of a certificate does not automatically disqualify a candidate from being chosen for the program.
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for admission into this program.
Women's Leadership, M.A.
- Women's Leadership Essay
College of Business & Professional Studies
Business Administration, M.B.A.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework (the GPA on the last sixty (60) hours bears no additional consideration)
- Resume
- Earn a C or above in the following coursework: Principles of Economics I (or II), Principles of Accounting I, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Management, Information Technology course
- Submit three recommendations with an overall recommendation of "Recommend" or higher. Recommendations should attest to applicant's academic ability, work experience, and character
- Graduate Business Essays (Three essays related to student’s statement of purpose, ability to think critically, and ability to think creatively)
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Nursing, M.S.N.
- No Test Required
- Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an academic institution with national and regional accreditation
- Credit in undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of "C"
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, with one being from an undergraduate instructor/advisor.
- Unencumbered MS RN license or have unencumbered authority to practice as a RN via the Multi-state Licensure Compact
- Practice experience of at least two years as a registered nurse
- Evidence of professional leadership and foundational research skills
- Advanced Pathophysiology is a prerequisite course offered on the MUW campus during Spring semester only. You must pass this course with a minimum grade of "B"
- Pass a nationwide background check and drug screen (9 panel)
- A personal interview with graduate nursing faculty
Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program
Post-Graduate Certificate (RN to FNP Option)
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Unencumbered MS nursing license
- Practice experience of at least two years as a registered nurse
- Three written letters of reference (one should be from an undergraduate nursing instructor/faculty member)
- Pass a nationwide background check and drug screening (9 panel)
- A personal interview with graduate nursing faculty
- No Test Required
Nursing, Post-Graduate Certificate (MSN APRN to FNP Option)
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Unencumbered MS nursing license
- Practice experience of at least two years as a registered nurse
- Evidence of current national board certification
- Three written letters of reference (one should be from an undergraduate nursing instructor/faculty member)
- Pass a nationwide background check and drug screen (9 panel)
- A personal interview with graduate nursing faculty
- No Test Required
Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
- No Test Required
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an academic institution with national and regional accreditation and official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from each institution attended.
- Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered nursing license and national certification as a nurse practitioner and certification in a state as a nurse practitioner is required.
- All candidates must have a criminal background check with no disqualifying events as mandated by the State of Mississippi and must pass a drug screen (9 panel or higher)
- The following courses must be completed (with a grade of B or better) prior to admission to DNP courses: Graduate research and graduate inferential statistics.
- Three letters of professional recommendation are required. The letters must state the applicant's qualifications for graduate work from persons (excluding family members) who have personal knowledge of the applicant's academic or work performance.
- Admission interviews are an important part of the application process. Invitations to interview are sent after a preliminary review of applications in each round. Candidates chosen to interview receive an e-mail with instructions on how to schedule an interview. Interviews take place on the MUW campus.
- Applicants must enclose a one-to two-page current resume describing all chronological work experience and education since becoming an RN.
- The applicant must include full legal name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address with the resume.
- The required essay allows the admissions committee to learn about the applicant, his/her accomplishments and professional aspirations. The required essay requires the applicant to describe their career goals and explain how a DNP from MUW will help them accomplish those goals.
- Questions include reasons for seeking admission to the DNP program; areas of planned research; goals while in the program; long-range career plans; qualifications and readiness for the program; and mentorship by program faculty.
Public Health, M.P.H.
- Health Education Essay
- Current Resume
- Skype Interview (scheduled after application is received and reviewed)
Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.
- Students who have an undergraduate degree in an area other than speech-language pathology, communicative disorders, etc., must complete seven prerequisite courses. These courses are:
- SPA 201 Phonetics
- SPA 209 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- SPA 210 Development of Normal Speech and Language
- SPA 303 Introduction to Audiology
- SPA 313 Speech and Hearing Science (Prereq: SPA 209)
- SPA 403 Strategies in Therapy for the Hearing Impaired (Prereq: SPA 303)
- SPA 449 Neurology
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- Three (3) letters of recommendation which include information regarding the applicant’s qualifications for graduate work and from persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s prior academic performance.
- One-page purpose statement
MS Speech-Language Pathology Program
School of Education
Education, M.Ed.
- Online application
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Teaching License
- Satisfactory grade point average (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale)
- Professional recommendations from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's academic/work performance
- $25 application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Statement of Purpose essay
Students not meeting these criteria may be considered on an individual basis for conditional admission.
Teaching, M.A.T.
- Online application
- Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Satisfactory grade point average (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) *
- Professional recommendations from individuals who have knowledge of the student's academic/work performance
- $25.00 application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Passing scores on the Praxis II Subject Area Assessment
Meeting the above requirements, provides candidates with admission to complete the initial 12-hours of the MAT program required for educator licensure. To continue to the Master of Arts in Teaching degree program, candidates must complete the following:
- Statement of purpose essay
- 3.0 GPA on initial MAT coursework
* NOTE: An overall GPA of 3.0 or greater for coursework earned prior to admission to the MAT program at The W is required of all new students. This requirement is not negotiable. Applicants with an overall GPA lower than 3.0 will not be considered for admission to the MAT program at The W.
