Arizona State University admission requirements and GRE policy for graduate applicants

Arizona State University (ASU) sets graduate admission requirements at the program level, so exact criteria depend on the college and degree. In general, applicants should expect to submit official transcripts, proof of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any program-specific materials such as portfolios or writing samples. GRE and other standardized test policies vary by program. Prospective master’s and PhD applicants should confirm requirements and deadlines on the specific program page and with the ASU Graduate College.

Program and admissions overview

ASU operates multiple colleges and schools that award graduate degrees, including the Graduate College, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, W. P. Carey School of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, School of Sustainability, and others. Each academic unit manages admissions for its graduate programs, so admissions expectations and procedures differ across departments.

Common graduate degree types at ASU include:

• Master of Arts and Master of Science, typically coursework and sometimes a thesis
• Professional master’s, such as MBA or MS in engineering specialties, often focused on applied skills
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), research-focused with coursework, qualifying exams, and dissertation
• Specialized doctorates in some fields where applicable

Admissions decisions are usually made by departmental committees, often with input from faculty who would supervise graduate research. Departments evaluate academic preparation, fit with research areas, letters of recommendation, and other components holistically.

Current GRE policy

ASU does not maintain a single, university-wide policy that covers GRE requirements for all graduate programs. GRE expectations vary by program and can be one of the following:

• GRE Required, where applicants must submit valid GRE scores
• GRE Recommended, where scores strengthen the application but are not mandatory
• GRE Optional, where applicants may submit scores but programs will consider applications without them
• GRE Not Considered, where programs explicitly state they do not review GRE scores

Because policies change and differ by department, applicants should check the graduate program webpage for the program they plan to apply to. If a program’s GRE policy is unclear on its website, contact the departmental graduate program coordinator to confirm whether scores are required, recommended, optional, or not considered.

Arizona State University Graduate Program Guides

Graduate admissions requirements vary significantly by department.
For detailed program-specific guidance, see the following resources:

• Arizona State University Computer Science GRE Requirements
• Arizona State University Artificial Intelligence GRE Requirements
• Arizona State University Cybersecurity GRE Requirements
• Arizona State University Civil Engineering GRE Requirements
• Arizona State University Electrical Engineering GRE Requirements
• Arizona State University Economics GRE Requirements

Academic requirements

Degree credential

Most ASU graduate programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution. Departments expect transcripts showing completed coursework relevant to the intended graduate program.

Transcripts and credential evaluation

Applicants must submit official transcripts as specified by the program. For international transcripts, departments commonly require course-by-course credential evaluation or institutional evaluations depending on the program’s rules. Check the specific program page and the ASU Graduate Admissions instructions for acceptable evaluation services and documentation format.

GPA and academic preparation

Programs may state minimum GPA requirements on their admissions pages. When a minimum is not published, departments evaluate undergraduate performance in relevant coursework. If you believe your GPA does not fully reflect your potential, use your statement of purpose and letters of recommendation to explain strengths, recent coursework, or professional experience that support readiness for graduate study.

Program-specific expectations

Admissions expectations differ substantially by field. Below are illustrative program areas and the types of materials or qualifications they commonly emphasize. These are general patterns and not program promises. Verify details with each department.

Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

• Emphasize undergraduate coursework in math, physics, and discipline-specific engineering classes
• Research experience and faculty alignment are especially important for PhD applicants
• Some engineering master’s programs may require GRE scores, others do not

W. P. Carey School of Business

• Professional programs like the MBA weigh work experience, resume, and personal statement
• Standardized test policies vary across business programs; check the specific MBA or MS program page

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Humanities and social science programs may request writing samples or research statements
• Faculty match and clearly articulated research interests are critical for PhD applicants

Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

• Portfolios, creative work samples, and interview components are common for arts and design programs
• Admissions committees assess both technical skill and conceptual rigor

When researching program-specific expectations consider:

• Faculty research areas and whether your interests align
• Whether the program is coursework-based, research-based, or a hybrid
• Any required prerequisite coursework or certifications

Required application materials

Competitiveness and applicant profile

Admissions competitiveness at ASU varies by program. Use the following qualitative categories when assessing likely competitiveness:

• Highly competitive, for programs with limited spots, strong research focus, or high applicant volume
• Competitive, for established programs with moderate selectivity
• Moderately competitive, for programs with broader intake or professional orientation

Factors departments commonly consider include:

• Alignment between your academic or professional background and the program’s focus
• Fit with faculty research interests for PhD applicants
• Strength and relevance of letters of recommendation
• Evidence of research or professional experience
• Statement of purpose quality and clarity about goals

Because admissions are typically holistic, a weaker element such as a lower undergraduate GPA may be mitigated by strong research experience, publications, professional achievements, or exceptional letters of recommendation.

Funding, assistantships, and financial considerations

Funding models vary by program and degree level. Many PhD programs across U.S. universities provide opportunities for assistantships, fellowships, or tuition support, but specific funding offers and structures are determined by departments. Master’s funding at public universities is more variable and commonly limited in professional programs.

Do not assume funding is automatic. Check each program’s admissions and financial support pages to learn whether admitted students are routinely offered assistantships, how to apply for funding, and whether there are separate application deadlines or processes for funding consideration.

International applicant considerations

International applicants should pay attention to these items:

• English proficiency, typically measured by TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent tests unless the program or Graduate College grants a waiver. Check the program page for acceptable tests and whether waivers are available.
• Credential evaluation, some programs require third-party credential evaluations for degrees completed outside the United States. Confirm whether this is required for your program.
• Transcripts, submit official translated transcripts when originals are not in English, and follow ASU’s instructions for acceptable documentation.
• Visa and financial documentation, admitted students who require an F-1 or J-1 visa must provide financial proof and follow Graduate College timelines for immigration documents.
• Application timing, international processing times can be longer, so apply early and verify deadlines specific to international applicants.

Frequently asked questions

Is the GRE required for all ASU graduate programs?

No. GRE policy varies by program. Some programs require it, some recommend it, and others do not consider it. Verify the requirement on your program’s graduate admissions page or contact the departmental graduate coordinator.

Where can I find specific program requirements and deadlines?

Program pages on ASU’s website list required materials and deadlines. The ASU Graduate College provides centralized guidance, but department pages contain program-specific details such as faculty interests, required prerequisites, and any supplemental application components.

Does ASU accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application?

Policies vary by program. Many departments accept unofficial transcripts for initial review but require official transcripts for admission and enrollment. Check the program instructions for explicit guidance on acceptable transcript formats during application and upon admission.

How important is fit with faculty for PhD applications?

Faculty fit is a central factor for PhD admissions. Demonstrating how your research interests align with specific faculty members and how you could contribute to their research strengthens applications. If possible, contact potential advisors before applying if the program encourages that outreach.

Can professional work experience substitute for GRE or academic prerequisites?

Some professional master’s programs place significant weight on work experience. Departments that recommend or require standardized tests may consider professional experience in context, but this varies by program. Review the program’s admissions policies to understand how work experience is evaluated.

Final thoughts

Arizona State University’s graduate admissions requirements are set at the program level, so the most reliable source of information is the specific graduate program page and the ASU Graduate College. Confirm whether the GRE or other standardized tests are required, what materials the department expects, and how funding is handled. Focus your application on academic fit, relevant preparation, and clear research or professional goals. When in doubt, contact the program’s graduate coordinator to clarify requirements, acceptable documentation for international credentials, and any department-specific deadlines.