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ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions

Top-performing undergraduate students who are graduating from ASU may be offered admission to select master’s degree programs without having to apply

About ASU's Personalized Graduate Admissions

ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions is a streamlined opportunity for ASU undergraduate students to continue their studies at ASU to pursue a graduate degree. We review the academic achievements of qualified ASU undergraduate students and offer them admission into participating master’s degree programs. Students do not need to apply.

Admission invitations are emailed to highly qualified ASU undergraduate students each semester. Students can accept or decline their customized offer using a personalized link in their email.

Participating programs

More than 100 on-campus and online ASU master’s degree programs offer admission through Personalized Graduate Admissions. Programs that do not participate include highly competitive programs, programs with admission requirements that cannot be evaluated without reviewing application materials and doctoral programs. Admission availability varies by program, campus and semester. If you are interested in a program that does not offer Personalized Graduate Admissions, you are encouraged to apply using the graduate admissions process.

The value of a master’s degree

Entry-level jobs requiring master’s degrees are expected to grow by 17% through 2026, the fastest of any educational level.

A master’s degree is a valuable investment in one’s future. It can help advance a career, earn a higher salary and gain new skills and knowledge. With a master’s degree, a person can better understand our society’s challenges, connect with like-minded changemakers and make a difference in the world.

Higher salary

Wages tend to increase with education

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for those with a master’s degree was around $81,848 in 2021, compared to bachelor’s degree holders who earned about $69,368. This difference accumulates over a lifetime.

However, it’s important to remember these are averages; a master’s degree doesn’t guarantee a higher salary.

Two seated medical professionals discussing their work

Career advancement

Some careers require a master’s degree for entry-level positions.

Overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Among the other fastest-growing occupations that require a master’s degree are computer scientists, data scientists and statisticians.

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Advanced knowledge

A master’s degree benefits all citizens, not just those who hold the diploma and are vital to the health, safety and growth of our communities.

A master’s degree can open new doors to help you better understand our society’s challenges, connect with like-minded changemakers, and make a difference in the world.

Deciding to attend graduate school

The decision to pursue a graduate degree is significant and should not be taken lightly. It's crucial to weigh various factors in your decision-making process, such as career outlook, financial implications, program reputation, personal interests and family obligations.

You may have been accepted to more than one graduate program through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions or could be considering a master’s or doctoral program that does not currently offer that type of admission. It is important to conduct thorough research to find the program that aligns with your goals and aspirations. One valuable resource is Degree search, where you can search by degree, keyword and campus location. It provides additional information about each program’s requirements, courses and career outcomes.

Don't hesitate to contact your academic advisor or directly contact the graduate program(s) you’ve been admitted to. They are there to assist you in making the best decision for your future.

ASU offers hundreds of master’s degree programs. We encourage you to look into what’s available so you can make the best academic and financial decisions.

Cost of attendance

Tuition for master’s degree programs is different than undergraduate tuition.

Use the standard cost of attendance tool to find the average amount students can expect to pay for tuition and fees, housing and food, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, and personal expenses. These are averages and vary depending on factors like personal expenses, but they can help you estimate your costs for the year.

Also, refer to the FAQ section "Cost of attendance and funding" for more information about tuition and financial support.

Frequently Asked Questions

About ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions

What is ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions?

ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions is a streamlined entryway for ASU undergraduate students to pursue an ASU graduate degree. Offers of admission are extended to qualified ASU undergraduate students, allowing highly qualified students to enroll in an ASU master’s degree program without applying.

Why does ASU offer personalized admission to graduate programs?

Admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions is a streamlined opportunity for ASU students to pursue a graduate degree, which is mutually beneficial for the student and the university. It removes barriers to admission for high-achieving students, recognizes the academic achievements of our best students, and keeps alumni engaged in lifelong learning at ASU. By encouraging more students to become “double devils” (alumni who have earned two degrees at ASU), we offer new opportunities to our graduates while improving the quality of our graduate student population.

Who is eligible?

Admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions may be offered to ASU undergraduate students who meet the following criteria:

Enrolled in the final undergraduate semester.
Cumulative ASU GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Applied to graduate from their undergraduate program.
Not in an accelerated master’s degree program or admitted to any ASU graduate program.
No administrative hold by student affairs.

What are the admission requirements?

Beyond general eligibility, academic units establish specific criteria for each master's program offering admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions. Some programs require a cumulative ASU GPA higher than 3.0. In some cases, admission criteria may be higher than the regular graduate admission requirements because students are not required to complete the graduate application or submit supplemental information. Admission criteria for Personalized Graduate Admissions may vary by program, campus and semester.

Which graduate degree programs offer Personalized Graduate Admissions?

ASU does not offer Personalized Graduate Admissions to all graduate degree programs. Only select master’s degree programs offer admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions. Some highly competitive programs, programs with admission requirements that cannot be evaluated without reviewing application materials, and doctoral programs do not participate. Admission availability varies by program, campus and semester. If you are interested in a program that does not offer admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions, you are encouraged to apply using the graduate admissions process.

My admission offer

What if I meet the eligibility criteria but have yet to receive an admission offer?

Check your ASU email inbox for an offer letter. If you meet the criteria outlined above, but did not receive an offer via email, reach out to ASUPGA@asu.edu with your ASU ID number to inquire about your eligibility for ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions.

How is it determined which master’s degree program(s) are offered?

ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions uniformly reviews the academic records of ASU undergraduate students. Qualified undergraduate students are then offered admission to one or more master’s programs. Your major, GPA, foundational coursework, Barrett Honors status, other academic qualifiers and master's program capacity determine which programs will be included in your Personalized Graduate Admissions offer.

Will I be offered ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions again in the future?

Currently, offers for ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions are only sent to qualified ASU undergraduate students in the final semester. If you decide to pursue a graduate degree in the future, apply using the graduate admissions process.

If I am pursuing concurrent bachelor’s degrees, will ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions offer consider both of my majors?

Yes, both majors will be considered to determine your eligibility.

Evaluating your admission offer

What resources are available to help me choose a program?

In addition to the program descriptions included in your offer, a list of all ASU master’s and doctoral degree programs is available in degree search. Degree search allows you to search by program name, keyword, and campus location. It provides additional information about each program’s requirements, courses, and career outcomes.

If you have questions about a specific degree program, contact the program’s graduate support staff using the contact information linked at the bottom of the program’s page in degree search.

What should I consider when determining whether to pursue a master’s degree?

There are many different master's degree programs available at ASU, and you may have been offered admission to more than one program. Or, you may be considering a master’s or doctoral program that does not offer admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions. It's important to do your research and find the program that's right for you. Consider your interests, career goals and finances when deciding your next steps.

Why should I pursue a master’s degree?

A master's degree can be a valuable investment in your future. It can help you advance your career, gain new skills and knowledge, or earn a higher salary. Entry-level jobs requiring master’s degrees are expected to grow by 17% through 2026, the fastest of any educational level.

Master’s degrees also benefit all citizens, not just those who hold them and are vital to the health, safety and growth of our communities. A master’s degree can open new doors to help you better understand our society's challenges, connect with like-minded changemakers, and make a difference in the world.

I’m interested in another program at ASU for which I was not offered admission through the Personalized Graduate Admissions. Can I still apply?

Many programs at ASU may still be accepting applications. Use degree search to explore all master’s and doctoral programs at ASU. Each program page outlines the admission requirements and application deadlines.

Are there any additional prerequisite courses I will be required to complete before enrolling in the master’s program?

You may have noticed that your invitation letter states that some degree programs require certain foundational courses to be successful. If you have questions about whether you will be assigned additional courses to complete with your master’s degree, contact the graduate support staff linked at the bottom of the program page. Courses to meet additional admissions requirements vary by master’s program, so you may need to contact more than one graduate support staff if you are considering multiple programs.

Why isn't a specific program participating in ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions?

Some highly competitive programs, programs with admission requirements that can only be evaluated by reviewing application materials, programs with limited enrollment capacity, programs with enrollment requirements mandated by accrediting bodies and doctoral programs do not offer admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions. Admission availability varies by program, campus and semester. If you are interested in a program that does not offer Personalized Graduate Admissions, you are encouraged to apply using the graduate admissions process.

Can I do this while working part-time or full-time?

Some programs are designed for working professionals. Each master’s degree program has different course requirements and expectations. Contact each graduate program to determine whether you can complete the master’s degree while working part-time or full-time.

What if I have a job waiting for me upon graduation?

Some master’s programs can be completed while working. Contact the graduate support staff in your program of interest to determine whether you can complete the master’s degree while working part- or full-time. If you accept your admissions offer, but find that you cannot begin the master’s degree program while working, you may be able to defer your start semester.

Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. Check with your employer’s human resources office to inquire whether these benefits are included in your job.

What if I don’t have the required coursework to be successful for the master’s degree to which I have been admitted?

Some degree programs require certain foundational courses to be successful. If you have questions about whether you will be assigned additional courses to complete with your master’s degree, contact the graduate support staff linked at the bottom of the program page. Courses to meet additional admissions requirements vary by master’s program, so you may need to contact more than one graduate support staff if you are considering multiple programs.

Accepting your admission offer

Will I need to submit an application or pay an application fee?

No! You do not need to submit an application or pay an application fee. That’s a huge benefit of ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions! Once you accept your admission offer using the form sent to your email, your new master’s degree program will appear in My ASU within 24-48 hours.

If I already applied to an ASU graduate program, will I receive an application fee refund?

No, application fees are non-refundable.

Do I need to submit a personal statement, writing sample, resume, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores or similar documents?

No! You do not need to apply or pay the application fee or submit any application materials. Once you accept your admission offer using the link in your email, your new master’s degree program will appear in My ASU within 24-48 hours.

What is the deadline to accept my offer for admission?

You must accept your ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions offer by June 3, 2024.

Can I accept admission into more than one degree?

At this time, you may only accept one master’s degree program at ASU through Personalized Graduate Admissions. If you want to pursue more than one graduate degree program at ASU, you must apply to the other graduate program. Please refer to the Graduate College Policy Manual for more information about “Completing Degree Programs Concurrently.”

When can I begin the master’s degree program?

Admission through ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions may be offered for fall, spring, or summer based on when each degree program begins. Your offer is valid for the upcoming semester and may include additional semesters in the next calendar year, if they are available. Many master's degree programs only admit students for the fall semester.

Will it negatively impact me if I don’t accept my ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions offer?

No! Pursuing a master’s degree right now isn’t the best path for everyone. We encourage you to apply later if pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree fits your needs in the future.

Cost of attendance and funding

How much is the tuition for a master’s degree?

The ASU tuition estimator is an easy-to-use tool that shows you what you can expect to pay.

You can also determine your cost of attendance, which includes the average amount you can expect to pay for tuition and fees, housing and food, books, course materials, supplies, and equipment, transportation, and personal expenses.

What funding opportunities are available for master’s degree students?

The list below includes a variety of resources for funding your graduate studies. We also encourage you to reach out to your academic department to learn more about additional funding opportunities that may be available.

ASU Graduate College
ASU Financial Aid
ASU Scholarship Portal
ASU Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
National/international Competitive Awards
Student Employment
ASU Employment (search for "management intern")

If I am graduating with my bachelor’s degree in fewer than eight semesters, can I use my New American University Scholarship toward a master’s degree?

If you have a New American University Scholarship at the National Scholar, President’s, Provost’s, or Dean’s level and you complete your undergraduate degree in fewer than eight semesters, any remaining semester scholarship amount may be applied to an ASU campus-immersion graduate degree program. Additional details may be found on the Merit Award Commitment FAQs.

To remain eligible, you must be admitted and enrolled full-time in an ASU campus-immersion graduate degree program immediately following your undergraduate degree completion.
There must be no gap in enrollment.
The New American University Scholarship may not exceed eight semesters total.

Is a master’s degree worth it?

Whether to invest in a master’s degree depends on several factors that vary for each student. Consider the following when making your decision:

Average projected salary of your desired career field
Total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses
Financial support available, including scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans
Availability of graduate school loans and the interest rates
Amount of debt you incurred as an undergraduate student
Estimated student loan payments after graduation

Can I qualify for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)?

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) is coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WICHE) and provides a reduction in non-resident graduate tuition. WRGP is intended for students who can prove residency in a qualified WRGP/WICHE state and are admitted to an approved program. A list of qualified states and approved programs is available on the WRGP webpage.

Undergraduate students enrolled in a WUE program must verify the eligibility of graduate programs for WRGP and apply by the deadline. WICHE benefits do not automatically continue when transitioning from a bachelor’s degree program to a graduate degree program.

Graduate student success

Who will help me as a master’s student?

Just like your undergraduate advisor, you will have a graduate advisor to assist you with policies and procedures to help you navigate graduate school successfully. Advisors can answer questions related to satisfactory academic progress, maintaining continuous enrollment, academic transactions, completing your iPOS, and scheduling defenses. Your advisor can help you identify courses that align with your interests and position you for career success. Faculty advisors play a key role in a student’s culminating experience (e.g., thesis, capstone project, or applied project).

Where can I learn more about graduate student policies?

The Graduate College Policy Manual covers policies like academic integrity, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, keeping your GPA up, maintaining continuous enrollment, maximum limits on your time in your degree program, and the policy on disestablished programs. Graduate students should also refer to their program handbook for program- and school-specific processes and information.

Is there a graduate student government?

The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) at Arizona State University is the official graduate student government dedicated to supporting the success of all ASU graduate and professional students. They advocate for students at both university and government levels, offering a range of services and resources to empower students throughout their academic and professional journey. Committed to inclusion, diversity, and recognition of talent, GPSA ensures student representation through various programs. From travel grants to research grants and professional development initiatives, they enhance the graduate student experience. Visit https://eoss.asu.edu/gpsa for more information and follow them on social media to stay informed of real-time events and resources.

Requesting program changes

Can I defer the start term of the master’s degree that I accept?

You may defer your start term if you need to start your program after accepting your admission offer. Graduate students may request a deferral of their initial semester of admission to the next semester for which the degree program is admitting students. More information about how to defer your start term is available here.

What if I change my mind and can no longer enroll in the master’s degree?

You may cancel your graduate admission by emailing gograd@asu.edu. If you have already registered for graduate classes, you will need to withdraw from your classes before canceling your admission. More information about canceling graduate admission is available here.

Can I add a concentration to the master’s degree that I accept?

A concentration is an official area of focus within your degree program. Concentrations appear in the degree program name and are printed on the transcript and diploma. If the master’s degree you select has a concentration that you would like to pursue, contact your graduate support staff to inquire about adding the concentration after accepting your admission.

Can I change the campus of the master’s degree that I accept?

Possibly. Contact your graduate support staff to inquire whether you can pursue your master’s degree online or at a different campus.

International students

I’m an international student. Do I need to update my I-20?

Yes! A new I-20 is required when you complete a degree program and begin another degree program. Please review the ISSC webpage and then submit a Change of Degree Level eForm via the ISSC eForm Portal to apply for your new I-20. If there will be a semester break (excluding summer) before you start your graduate degree program, please join ISSC’s Drop-In Immigration Advising to speak with an ISSC advisor about your options.

I’m an ASU Online undergraduate student, but I want to pursue an on-campus graduate degree. What immigration documentation is needed?

You will need to request a New Initial I-20 from the International Students and Scholars Center before applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy. Review this webpage for more information and email the ISSC at issc@asu.edu for further support.

As an international student, can I live in the United States while enrolled in an online master's degree?

Students on an F-1 visa may not pursue an online degree from inside the U.S. If you are currently an F-1 student, you must depart the U.S. or change to a different immigration status to complete an online degree while inside the U.S.

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Contact

If you have questions about a specific graduate degree program, reach out to the graduate support staff in that program using the “Contact information” at the bottom of the program webpage in degree search.

For questions regarding ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions, email ASUPGA@asu.edu .