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.

Start Your Application

The Graduate Studies application is best completed on a laptop or desktop.

General Requirements

All Graduate Students

Due to the threat of COVID-19 and the difficulty prospective students will have scheduling testing, The W's Graduate Studies programs have waived GRE and GMAT requirements for all Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 applicants.

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, & Education

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 How to Apply to MFA

Educational Leadership, M.Ed.

Gifted Studies, M.Ed.

Reading & Literacy, M.Ed.

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.

Teaching, M.A.T.

Passing scores on the Praxis Core OR composite score of 21 on ACT
NOTE: This state licensure exam requirement is suspended now through December 31, 2021.
Passing scores on the Praxis II Subject Assessment
NOTE: This state licensure exam requirement is suspended now through December 31, 2021.

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)
Minimum score of 400 on the GMAT or scaled GRE examination (within five years prior to application)
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 Essay (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