Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply directly to a Ph.D. program, or must I apply to the master's degree first?

It is important that you indicate the highest degree you are seeking from Duke University. Many of our departments admit only those students whose ultimate goal is the Ph.D. In some departments you will earn the master's enroute to the Ph.D.; in others this is not considered necessary. Departments also vary in the availability of financial aid for master's-only students.

In the departmental description under the Departments and Programs section, we have indicated the degree(s) for which you may apply. If you have any questions about how individual departments handle this aspect of their programs, you should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the department of interest for clarification. If you wish to earn only the master's degree, this is indicated by selecting either "terminal A.M." or "terminal M.S." on the application form.

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Can I apply to more than one department?

We advise against applying to more than one department. Usually by the time you apply for graduate study, your areas of interest should be well defined; application to more than one program may indicate a lack of focus rather than the breadth of your interests. However, if you feel that it is appropriate to seek admission to more than one department, you may do so under the following conditions:

  1. There is a $75 application fee for each department to which you apply.
  2. You must submit separate application forms and supporting documents (except for GRE and TOEFL scores, which need only be requested once from ETS) for each application. Each application is processed separately and should be a unique file geared specifically to that particular department. (NOTE: The Graduate Enrollment Services Office will NOT photocopy materials for a duplicate file, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide official supporting documents for additional applications.)

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Can I apply for either spring or fall admission?

Most departments prefer students to matriculate in the fall semester, though some will consider applications for spring. The departmental descriptions in the Departments and Programs section indicate whether or not spring admission is possible. Keep in mind that because most financial aid awards are made to students who matriculate in the fall term, funds may not be available to support spring matriculants. [The Graduate School operates on the semester system, with instruction offered during the academic year in two terms -- fall (generally late August through December) and spring (January through late April) -- and in two summer sessions.]

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What if I want to start in the summer?

In general, the number of actual courses offered during the summer is limited. However, some departments do provide summer research work for credit. If you wish to begin graduate course work during the summer, you must apply to the Graduate School according to the fall deadline schedule since your file will be reviewed along with others who plan to begin in late August.

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I may have some documents sent to Duke before I submit the application forms. What will happen to them?

It is always our preference that your application be self-contained, i.e., all required supporting documents (except, of course, the electronic application form and official test scores) should be included in the same envelope. This ensures the fastest processing of your file. However, should any documents arrive before the application forms, we will hold them in a pending file until the completed application forms and application fee are submitted. (Pending file items are held for one year and then destroyed.)

REMEMBER: Materials submitted in support of an application are not released for other purposes and cannot be returned to the recipient. International applicants should read carefully the information provided about the submission of transcripts and other academic records in the Requirements section.

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What are the minimum test scores and minimum grade point average (GPA) required for admission?

Although the Duke University Graduate School does not have minimum required GPA, GRE, TOEFL/IETLS scores, you should understand that to be competitive with other applicants in the pool, your application must be strong in its entirety. To review statistical information about our applicant pool (including mean GPAs and test scores) click here. Select the program in which you're interested and use the links at the bottom of the program page to access the application/enrollment statistics.

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If I am an international student but have studied in the United States, am I still required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores?

All international applications whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of an English language proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS). Study in the U.S. does not exempt you from reporting this score. If you have studied or worked in an English-speaking country and feel that your English skills are strong, you may request a waiver of the submission of the TOEFL/IELTS at the time that you submit your application. Please note that no action is taken on waiver requests until all application materials have been received and a review of your English skills evaluated.

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What if my test scores will expire shortly before I apply for admission? Are they still acceptable?

Test scores that expire prior to July 1 of the application deadline for a specific term are not valid and will not be considered. If your test scores have expired, it will be necessary for you to re-take the test and submit valid and unexpired scores.

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To what institutional and departmental codes should I have Educational Testing Service (ETS) send my test scores?

The institutional code for the Duke University Graduate School is 5156 for both the GRE and TOEFL. No departmental code is necessary since all test scores come to the Graduate School and are distributed to the appropriate departments. For applicants to the Ph.D. program in Business Administration who submit GMAT scores in lieu of the GRE the department code is QB.LX.66.

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If I do not have all required documents quite ready and the deadline is at hand, what should I do?

Send in what you have ready. Meeting the deadline is of paramount importance. However, there is no guarantee of review of your file until the missing items have been received. And, if the department has filled its class before your application is complete, there is no guarantee that your application will be considered.

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What will happen to my application if I miss the deadline?

If your application is submitted after the deadline, it will not be processed until all on-time applications have been processed. Obviously the late arrival of your application reduces considerably your chances for admission and aid. Remember, the Graduate School does not accept responsibilty for postal or courier service delays.

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What if I am unable to pay the application fee?

The application fee is required of all applicants regardless of circumstances, and payment of the fee cannot be deferred until the time of enrollment. Applications are processed only when the application fee has been received. If you are unable to pay the fee, we recommend that you explore the possibility of having a relative or friend pay the fee on your behalf.

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If I am not admitted, or if I am admitted but cannot come, can I be reconsidered for another term?

Admission may not be deferred from one term to another. An admission offer is only for the semester and program specified in the letter of admission. There are certain procedures required to reactivate your file for consideration at a later term. First of all, there is a separate application fee for each term to which you seek admission; thus a new application fee must be paid. Second, you must fill out new application forms. You may request, in writing, that supporting documents used in your first application be used again, eliminating the need for resubmitting transcripts, recommendations, etc. However, you should update your application with any materials that will make it more current: transcripts showing any further academic work; perhaps an additional recommendation; revised personal statement; and new GRE/TOEFL scores, should you decide to retake these exams. Furthermore, bear in mind that we only keep inactive files for one year beyond the original term of admission you have requested.

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How do I apply for financial aid?

The application forms for admissions are also the application forms for merit-based financial aid. Most important to your request for financial assistance is to get your application in by the deadline for the fall semester. Applications that are late cannot be considered for awards until decisions have been made on all complete, on-time applications.

NOTE: Because most financial aid awards are made to students who matriculate in the fall term, funds may not be available to support spring matriculants. Also, financial aid through Duke is not available to part-time students, and it is less generally available for master's-only students. Financial aid is being handled through the department, and inquiries about the available funds should be addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies in the department of interest.

For more information, see the Financial Support section.

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Are there English language requirements I need to meet?
Yes. The Duke University Graduate School requires that any applicants whose native language is not English submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), regardless of whether or not you have attended another U.S. institution. For more information, click here. In addition, new international students are required to take an English writing and speaking exam administered by the EIS Program when you arrive. These tests are typically given during Orientation Week for fall matriculates and in the week before classes begin for spring matriculates. These tests are used to place students appropriately into our classes.

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What if I have other questions?

Questions not answered here may be directed to our email at grad-admissions@duke.edu.

When communicating with the Graduate School by email, PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME OF YOUR DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM IN THE SUBJECT LINE. Make your message as brief and concise as possible, and write only when necessary. It may be difficult for the Enrollment Services Office to respond to lengthy, multiple messages during the busy admissions season.

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