When applying to the Graduate School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, be certain you understand which type of admission applies to your situation.
Degree Admission
Admission to a degree program requires that a person meet the minimum Graduate School requirements and any additional program requirements. Refer to the appropriate department for specific requirements for admission to the degree program.
An applicant may not be admitted simultaneously to more than one degree program. Two or more applications cannot be considered concurrently. Joint degree programs as listed in the graduate catalog require only one application.
Non-Degree Admission
Applicants may apply for non-degree status if:
- they need additional time to fulfill application requirements for a degree program, or
- they do not wish to pursue a degree program.
Minimum graduate school admission requirements must be met for admission to non-degree status. Some departments do not permit non-degree students to register for graduate courses. A major academic discipline must be declared if the intent is to seek an advanced degree.
International applicants on a student visa must pursue an on-campus degree program. An international student on a student visa may not enroll as a non-degree student, except for students admitted through a reciprocal exchange program.
Graduate Certificate
Admission to a graduate certificate program requires that a person meet the minimum admission requirements and any additional program requirements. Refer to the appropriate department for specific requirements for admission to the certificate program.
Admission to a graduate certificate program does not constitute admission to a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree program. Certificate and degree programs are awarded independently and an applicant must apply to each separately.
Learn more about applying for a graduate certificate.
Transient Admission
A student who is enrolled in good standing in a graduate degree program at another institution and who wishes to take courses for transfer to that institution may be admitted after submitting a completed online Graduate Application for Admission. Only one semester or a maximum of 12 hours of coursework can be taken in transient status.
Post-Doctoral Admission
Persons who hold an earned doctoral degree and desire to take graduate courses may be admitted with a postdoctoral status. A completed online Graduate Application for Admission and confirmation of the doctorate are required for admission. Admission in the postdoctoral status does not constitute admission to a degree program. A student who seeks to enter a degree program must meet all admission requirements and be recommended by the program.
Readmission
Graduate students at UT Knoxville with an interruption in enrollment must seek readmission. An interruption in enrollment is defined as any of the following:
- completion of a graduate degree without graduate enrollment in the semester following graduation
- interruption of enrollment for at least one semester (excluding summer) when last enrolled as a graduate student
- withdrawal from the university when last enrolled as a graduate student