Language Requirements
Qualification Requirements
The following are required items that must be uploaded as part of the Graduate School application:
Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement
Each graduate degree includes additional instructions listed below.
R'sum
Provide a traditional resume describing your educational and professional history including research, work, volunteer, and other pertinent experience.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters are required for the Ph.D. program, while only two letters are required for the M.S. program. Ideally, choose individuals that are able to speak to important attributes mentioned in your personal statement (see additional program information below).
The references you list in the online application will be given directions for submitting their letters.
We will accept letters by mail in a sealed and signed envelope if your references choose not to submit their letters online.
Be sure to inform your letter writers that they must submit their letters by the application deadline.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for international students only
All international applicants (except for those from the list of exempt countries) must take and officially submit scores for the TOEFL or the IELTS.
A minimum overall score of 80 on the TOEFL is required, with a minimum score of 19 on the speaking section.
A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required.
Exception - international applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirements if they received a bachelor's or master's degree from a college or university in the United States.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test , Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60
Transcripts
A copy of your official transcripts from all institutions attended, both undergraduate and graduate should be uploaded.
Current Penn State students do not need to upload transcripts.
Unofficial transcripts are allowed until final official transcripts are available.