How to Apply

Master's Degree

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00 for graduate (Consult graduate department for exception to this requirement)
  • Minimum number of credits - 30
  • Submission of a thesis in partial fulfilment of requirement for many departments

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00 for graduate (Consult graduate department for exception to this requirement)
  • Minimum of 72 credits beyond the bachelor's degree
  • At least four semesters of residence and full-time study (9 credit hours per semesters) in the Graduate School
  • Passage of a comprehensive examination (not applicable to all departments)
  • Submission of a dissertation in partial fulfilment of requirement for the degree
  • Passage of the final oral examination

NOTE: Additional requirements for the Master's and PhD. degrees include the passing of the Expository Writing Examination and completion of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) workshop. These programs are held each semester of the academic year and are requirements for degree candidacy.

For more information click the Program for Academic Support Services (PASS) link or call: 202-806-7636.

Admission Requirements

The application for the Graduate School at Howard University requires the following documents:

  • Statement of Academic Interest & Professional Goals
  • Autobiographical Sketch
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation (minimum)          
  • Official transcripts from each university or college attended 

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing scores reported to Howard University School Code (5297) 

*Note: In response to COVID-19, the Graduate School has made temporary changes to the GRE requirement. For the 2021-22 academic year, the requirement has been waived for all programs in the Graduate School. Applicants will be evaluated holistically: GPA, letters of recommendation, statement of academic interests and professional goals, and an autobiographical statement that foregrounds your research interests. Interviews via Zoom may also be required. For program specific information, visit the department's website and/or contact the appropriate Graduate Program Director. 

Please consult with the department regarding detailed requirements.

International Applicants Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed above, all international applicants MUST include in their application packet the following:

  • Official transcripts, final certificates and/or mark/grade sheets must be sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions (photocopies or transcripts in the applicant's possession are not acceptable)
  • If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by an official translated copy.

  • An academic evaluation by a NACES member is required from all international students who have studied outside of the United States. All transcripts from non-US post secondary educational institutions must be sent directly to the evaluation agency by the issuing institution. This is a requirement before full admission can be granted. The academic evaluation requirement cannot be waived. Moreover, if your transcript is in a foreign language, an official English translation is required. We highly encourage you to select a NACES member with electronic delivery. We are currently able to receive evaluations electronically via IEE, ECE and WES (ICAP). If you have recently requested an academic evaluation to be delivered to our office via mail, please contact us at hugsadmission@howard.edu. Evaluations will not be accepted via email/fax. 

  • All documents must bear the same name that appears on the admissions application unless an official document so submitted indicating a change of name.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants from countries in whih English is not the official language. The TOEFL test is not required if you received a degree in the U.S.
  • Additional Program Requirements (PDF)