Application Information

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Application

1. How do I apply?

Ohio University accepts both on-line and paper applications.  The Office of Graduate Studies website, www.ohio.edu/graduate, provides access to the on-line application and letters of recommendation, downloadable forms or to request an application by mail.

In addition, the Center for International Studies requires specific documents for application.  The Center's requirements and application checklist can be found at www.internationalstudies.ohio.edu/app-info/index.htm.  All requested application documents must be received for an applicant to be given a full review for admission and financial aid.

2.  How do I pay the application fee?

A credit card payment is required when completing the on-line application.

If you are submitting a paper application, include a check or money order, in US dollars, made payable to Ohio University.  If a second party submits your application fee, he or she needs to include your name on the check or money order.

Applications will not be processed without full payment of the application fee.  Application fees cannot be waived.

3.  As an international applicant, do I need to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores to have my application reviewed?

Most international students are required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores with their application.  Generally, you do not need to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores if: 

• you received a bachelor or advanced degree from a US accredited university within the past two years; OR
• you completed at least three years of full-time study at a university in a country where English is the primary language of instruction and commerce within the past two years; OR
• English is your native language. 

For more specific details, go to the Graduate Studies' site on English Proficiency, www.ohio.edu/graduate/international/iengprof.cfm.

Upon arrival at Ohio University, all international students who did not submit TOEFL/IELTS scores or whose submitted scores fell below the Center's minimum requirements (TOEFL: 550/213/79-80 or IELTS: 6.5) will be required to take a TOEFL placement test with the exception of native English speakers.

4.  When should I submit my Financial Support Form with documentation?

You can submit the form and supporting documents with your application.  Many international students delay submission of the form until they receive results of admission and financial aid.  Even, if you choose to delay submission of the form, you should begin to arrange your financial backing as soon as you submit your application.

5.  How do I apply for financial aid?

The Center's Programs only require you to check the appropriate boxes under Financial Assistance/Department-based Funding on the graduate application to indicate your intention to be considered for available financial aid.  The types of financial aid available from the Center's Programs can be viewed at www.internationalstudies.ohio.edu/app-info/financial-aid.htm.

If you are applying for a FLAS fellowship (US and permanent residence status only), you must complete the FLAS application separately from your graduate application.

6.  Can I fax copies of my letters of recommendation?

No, we do not accept faxed or scanned copies of letters of recommendation.

There are several ways to submit the required three letters of recommendation: 

• if you submit an on-line application, you can use the on-line recommendation system, just follow the prompts provided on-line;  OR
• you can mail a recommendation form to each of your recommenders, following the directions provided on the form;  OR
• your recommender can submit the recommendation on his/her official or professional stationary. 

If your recommender will be mailing the recommendation directly, the address is:

Program Director (list the program you will be applying to)
Center for International Studies
Ohio University
56 E. Union St.
Athens, OH 45701

If you will be submitting the recommendations with your application packet, have your recommender place the recommendation in a sealed envelope with the signature written across the seal.

7.  Do I need to submit GRE scores?

No, the Center's Programs do not require submission of GRE scores.

Admission

1.  When will I know my admission status?

Each of the five Programs has an established review committee and review process.  In general, applications are reviewed over a four to five week period.  When a decision is made on your application, you will receive a letter or email from the Director of the Program that you have applied to.  You should expect this notification to arrive before April 15th.  Most US graduate schools recognize April 15 as the official date for response to an admission and financial aid offer.

Within a few weeks of your initial notification, you will receive an official letter of determination on your application from the Office of Graduate Studies.

2.  When will financial aid awards be announced?

In most cases, the Programs inform applicants of a financial aid award in the initial letter or email.

3.  When will I receive my I-20?

An international student will receive his/her I-20 following admission into one of the Center's Programs and successful submission of the Financial Support Form with valid documentation.  If you have questions regarding your I-20, you should direct those questions to the Office of Graduate Studies by contacting either:

• Susan Spence, spences@ohio.edu (last/family name beginning with A to L), OR
• Traci Fetherolf, fetherol@ohio.edu (last/family name beginning with M to Z)

4.  What are my chances for being admitted and receiving financial aid?

The Center receives approximately 300 US and international graduate applications to its five Programs and admits between 65 and 80 students for the fall term.  Most, but not all, of those admitted receive some form of financial aid from the Center's five Programs.

5.  When do I register for class?

In July, you will receive an email from your Program Director and the Center Director providing information on orientation, registration, housing, and transportation that will assist you in transitioning into becoming a graduate student at Ohio University.

6.  What are the professional or academic prospects for a student receiving a Master of Arts degree from the Center for International Studies?

Many of our graduates use the skills acquired through the Center's Programs to obtain positions within government agencies, US and international NGOs, or to seek positions in academia or the private sector.   Some graduates prefer to continue their education and either seek an additional MA or an MBA degree, or pursue a PhD or a JD.

Likewise, the Center's alumni offer networking opportunities for current students.  From the tip of South Africa to Mongolia to the hinterlands of Belize and throughout the US, the Center's graduates continuously add to an alumni organization that offers a broad global base in research and professional activities.