ADMISSION TO GRADUATE STUDY
Students interested in applying for admission to graduate programs
at Francis Marion University should write or call the Graduate Office
for information and an application packet, which contains necessary
forms and instructions for applicants.
The University encourages all qualified students to apply. Equal
educational opportunities are offered to students regardless of
race, religion, color, national origin, sex, physical disability,
sexual orientation or age.
For information on specific admission requirements, please consult
the information provided with each graduate program in this section
of the catalog.
LEGAL RESIDENT DEFINED
Charges for tuition and fees depend upon the student's status as
a resident or non-resident of South Carolina. A non-resident pays
a higher rate of tuition and fees than a legal resident of South
Carolina.
For fee purposes, the state's Code of Laws defines South Carolina
residents as independent persons who reside in and have been domiciled
in South Carolina for a period of no less than 12 months with the
intention of making a permanent home therein, and their dependents.
Those who meet these criteria may be considered eligible to pay
general university fees at state-supported higher education institutions
at in-state rates. Eligibility begins with the next academic semester
after expiration of the required 12 months.
Exceptions to the 12-month requirement may be made for independent
persons and their dependents who locate in South Carolina for full-time
employment and for military personnel and their dependents. A student
who believes he/she meets the state criteria should contact the
Admissions Office at least two weeks prior to registration.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International graduate students must have a proficiency in the
English language that will enable them to succeed in their studies
at Francis Marion University. The measure of that proficiency will
be the successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) at a score of 550 or higher (paper and pencil version)
or 213 (computer version).
International students must also submit a financial statement indicating
proof of ability to pay all expenses while attending Francis Marion
University for a year as well as transportation expenses to and
from their home country.
The University requires an official statement from a bank, employer,
sponsor, or some other official affidavit of support. Applicants
can expect to use one-half the total each semester. Financial certification
should come directly from the source. No facsimiles will be accepted.
TRANSIENT STUDENTS
Degree-seeking students enrolled in graduate studies at institutions
other than Francis Marion University who wish to take graduate courses
at Francis Marion University must complete the following requirements:
- Submit a Graduate Application for Admission and pay the nonrefundable
Graduate Application Fee.
- Submit a transient permission form from the Academic Officer
or Registrar of that institution.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Applicants 60 years or older wanting to take graduate courses for
credit or personal enrichment (audit status) need to contact the
Office of Financial Assistance for the requirements for being classified
as a senior citizen. Although general University fees are waived
for eligible senior citizens, all other fees must be paid.