Admissions

Students may apply for admission to graduate study under one of the following classifications:

  1. Degree Seeking
    1. Regular Status
    2. Conditional Status
  2. Graduate Certificate Seeking
  3. Transient
  4. Non-Degree Seeking

See “Graduate Student Admission Classifications” below for an explanation of these classifications.

Note: A student holding a baccalaureate or higher degree who intends to seek an additional bachelor’s degree or an additional undergraduate major or minor, or who intends to take undergraduate course work required for Texas public school teacher certification, should seek admission as a postbaccalaureate student. Postbaccalaureate students are exempt from graduate admission requirements and may enroll in undergraduate-level courses (numbered below 5000) only. For information on postbaccalaureate admission requirements, see the “Admissions” section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

Minimum Required Documents

Students seeking admission to the University for graduate study must forward all relevant application materials to:

Office of Recruitment and Admissions
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5774
Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5774
Telephone: 361-825-7024 or 1-800-4-TAMUCC (1.800.482.6822)

The following documents are required as part of the application process:

  1. A completed application for admission. (The application must be completed online through the following website: applytexas.org.) The completed application must include the applicant’s statement of educational and professional goals.
  2. A $50, nonrefundable, application fee. (For international applicants, the nonrefundable application fee is $70, paid in U.S. currency.)
  3. Official transcripts documenting all undergraduate and graduate coursework taken at any accredited college or university attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi from the granting institutions.
  4. Additional materials as required by the degree program to which the student is applying. Consult the section of the catalog pertaining to the specific degree program for a listing of additional requirements. Specific programs may require letters of recommendation, writing samples, portfolios, official test scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or other materials. If GRE or GMAT scores are required, they generally must be from a test date within five years of the date on which the application form was received. This recency requirement may be waived, e.g., if GRE records are on file from an earlier application, with the approval of the Graduate Dean.

Additional Documents for International Students

In addition to the documents listed above, international students must also submit the following as part of their applications:

  1. Official test scores (see below for minimum scores) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless:
  • The applicant completed a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. or Canadian institution of higher education, or
  • The applicant successfully completed two years of instruction (taught in the English language) at a U.S. or Canadian high school or college, or 
  • a minimum TOEFL IBT score of 73, or,
  • a minimum TOEFL Paper-Based score of 537, or,
  • a minimum TOEFL CBT score of 205, or,
  • a minimum PTE Academic score of 53, or,
  • A minimum IELTS Academic test score of 6.0 overall band for both undergraduate and graduate students {TAMUCC does not accept the IELTS General test), or,
  • a minimum ITEP score between 3.5 - 3.9 for graduate students, or,
  • Duolingo English Test and English3: TAMU-CC is temporarily accepting both the Duolingo English Test and English3 online assessments from applicants where TOEFL and IELTS exams are impacted due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Applicants from affected countries may submit Duolingo English Test scores of 100 (105 on Duolingo English3) to satisfy English proficiency requirements for fall 2022 admission only.
  • Cambridge Cl Advanced Proficiency Test (Cambridge CAE) of 175, or,
  • Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test {Cambridge CPE) of 180.

In addition, applicants native to one of the following countries whose official language is English will be exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS requirements:

  • American Samoa
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia 
  • Bahamas 
  • Barbados 
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • Cayman Islands 
  • Dominica
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland 
  • Jamaica
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Trinidad/Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United Kingdom 

    Test takers should provide the following address to have their official score sent to Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi:
    Office of Recruitment and Admissions
    Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
    6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5774
    Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5774
  1. Notarized Affidavit of Support (or I-34 form) certifying ability to finance study in the U.S. The Affidavit of Support must be completed with U.S. currency figures only.
  2. Copy of current visa. (For international applicants residing in the U. S.)
  3. Official transcripts and diplomas/degree certificates from international colleges and universities with either an original signature of a school official or an original school seal. If these are not provided in English by the institutions, official translations must be provided.
  4. All official foreign transcripts are evaluated by the Office of Recruitment & Admissions and, in some cases, may require an external evaluation.

In addition, all international students are required to be covered by The Texas A&M University System’s Student Health Insurance Plan or to have equivalent insurance coverage. Students without insurance will not be permitted to register for classes. For information, contact the Coordinator, International Student Admissions in the Office of International Education.

International students are required prior to the first day of classes or move-in to campus housing, whichever occurs first, to provide documentation from a U.S. health care provider of a negative TB skin test (Mantoux tuberculin test) or negative chest X-ray. The report should be submitted directly to the University Health Center. In accordance with the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, USA, a skin test is required even if the student has had a BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine. A chest x-ray is recommended for persons with a history of positive TB skin tests.

University Graduate Admission Criteria

The following guidelines apply to degree seeking and certificate seeking applicants to graduate study.

To be admitted to graduate studies, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (or an equivalent foreign institution).1 The applicant must show promise of success in graduate studies. Decisions regarding admission to graduate study will be based on a review of all application materials. Factors that may be considered include the student’s grade point average (GPA), the relevancy of previous course work, the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to the field of study, and other criteria identified by the degree program. The overall strength of the record will be used to accept or deny an individual.

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The requirement to hold a bachelor’s degree does not apply to students enrolled in the RN-MSN option in Nursing.

In order to be considered for a graduate program, a minimum last 60 hour GPA of 2.5 is required. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements; review specific program information elsewhere in this catalog for additional GPA requirements. The GPA calculation is normally based on the last 60 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of undergraduate work and any previous work in a graduate or professional school. The GPA is calculated for the most recent 60 semester hours completed at the time of application. Grades for the entire semester within which the 60th hour appears on the transcript will also be included in the calculation, even if the hours total more than 60. Some programs may also consider the overall undergraduate or graduate degree GPA. For more information, see the catalog section for the specific program.

Students who are near the completion of the initial graduate degree may apply to begin a subsequent graduate degree. However, students may not be concurrently admitted to or enrolled in more than one graduate degree program at a time.

Right to an Academic Fresh Start Legislation

The “Right to an Academic Fresh Start” legislation (Section 51.931 of the Texas Education Code) entitles residents of this state to seek admission to public institutions of higher education as undergraduate students without consideration of courses undertaken ten or more years prior to enrollment. If an individual has earned a baccalaureate degree under the “academic fresh start” law and applies for admission to a postgraduate or professional program, the University, in evaluating the applicant for admission to a graduate program, will consider only the applicant’s grade point average established by the course work completed under this law, along with other standard admissions criteria discussed in this catalog.

(For information on the Right to an Academic Fresh Start, as it applies to undergraduates, see the “Admissions” section of the Undergraduate Catalog or contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions.)

Degree Program Admission Criteria

In addition to the University requirements described above, individual graduate degree programs may have higher or alternate requirements. See the graduate program section of the catalog for descriptions of the specific entrance requirements. Admission decisions to the various graduate programs are made by the college offering the program.

Graduate Student Admission Classifications

Graduate students are admitted in one of the following graduate classifications:

  1. Degree Seeking.
    1. Regular Status (admitted without conditions)
      This classification includes students who have met all University and degree-specific admission requirements and have been unconditionally admitted to a graduate degree program by the program offering the degree.
    2. Conditional Status
      This classification includes students who have been admitted into a particular degree program but only conditionally since they have not yet met all admission requirements. Reasons for conditional status may include:
      1. application not complete.
      2. preparatory or foundational coursework not yet taken.
      3. other program criteria not yet satisfied.
        A student in a conditional status normally can take no more than nine graduate hours in the program. The time that the student has to complete unmet admissions requirements is set by individual programs not to exceed 2 continuous long semesters. The student in a conditional status will be notified of the specific conditions by the graduate program advisor at the time of admission.
  2. Graduate Certificate Seeking. A certificate student may enroll in certain graduate courses that lead to licensing or certification. Students admitted under this classification may register for only those graduate courses specified by the certificate program or licensing body. A minimum of 9 credit hours at the graduate level is required for a graduate certificate.
  3. Transient. A  student who provides proof of enrollment in good standing in a graduate degree program at another university may enroll at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for graduate coursework to be transferred to the student’s home university. The student is not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. (International students cannot be admitted in Transient status.) Permission from the appropriate college is required.
  4. Non-Degree Seeking. Non-degree status is designed for the student who wants to enroll in graduate coursework to meet personal or career goals that do not lead to a graduate degree or certification. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or an equivalent degree from another country). The applicant is not required to submit GRE scores. Some individual graduate degree programs do not have a non-degree seeking admission classification. Consult the section of the catalog pertaining to the specific degree program for additional information.
    A student may petition to apply credits earned while in non-degree status, certificate-seeking status, or previous master’s seeking status toward a graduate degree if the student applies to and is admitted to a graduate degree program at a later date and subsequent to meeting all of the usual admissions requirements, (see program-specific admissions requirements.) However, no more than twelve semester hours of courses taken in non-degree seeking, certificate-seeking, or previous master’s seeking status may be applied to any master’s degree and no more than one-fourth of the credit hours required may be applied to any doctoral degree. (International students cannot be admitted in Non-degree status.)

Immunization and Related Requirements

Recommended Vaccinations

Students are encouraged to submit immunization records voluntarily in order to assure the availability of a more complete medical record while a student at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.  Student Health Services strongly recommends that every student, and their family members, review our updated list of immunizations most appropriate for university students. This list of recommended vaccines was compiled by the American College Health Association (ACHA) with assistance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  See Recommended Immunizations.

Tuberculosis Screening Procedure

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially life-threatening disease that has the ability to spread quickly in the close confines of classrooms and student residences on a university campus. Nearly one-third of the world’s population has the disease. Students from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis (as designated by the World Health Organization) and other students who have had extended visits to those countries are at a greater risk for carrying the disease. Of those with the disease, most have the latent form. Even so, on a college campus, it is important to take precautionary measures.

TB Testing Procedure for Newly Admitted International Students

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), in consideration of the recommendations from the American College Health Association (April 2016), has developed a procedure for mandatory TB screening of newly admitted international students from countries where there is a high incidence of tuberculosis (as designated by the World Health Organization). 

All international students who apply to TAMU-CC will be asked screening questions during the application process. If a student is identified as someone who is at high risk for exposure to TB, a hold will be placed on their account and they will be contacted via email by the TAMU-CC Health Center so that they may begin a TB testing process, as outlined below. The student may enroll in the first semester of classes while being tested for TB but must comply with the procedure below in order to enroll in a second semester of classes.

  • A newly admitted international student who is identified as in need of a PPD skin test will be required to provide proof of a skin test and reading to TAMU-CC Health Center (located in Sandpiper building) by the 8th day of class.
    • Students can take the PPD test at the TAMU-CC Health Center for a cost of $101 or at the Nueces County Health Department for $151. The test can also be taken at many pharmacies and physicians’ offices at the student’s expense.
    • The PPD skin test must be taken in the United States no more than six months prior to the start of the semester but after the visit or residency in the high-incidence country.
    • If the skin test is negative, the student is cleared and the TB Hold is removed from the student’s account.
  • If the PPD skin test is positive, the student must have a chest X-ray and provide proof of the X-ray to the TAMU-CC Health Center by the 12th day of class.
    • In Corpus Christi, X-rays can be done as a walk-in patient at Radiology Associates, 5742 Spohn Drive (begins with Route 37 on the RTA bus from campus; involves transfers), or Radiology & Imaging of South Texas, 3226 S. Alameda Street (Route 5 on the RTA bus from campus; no transfers). Students can pay in cash for the X-rays (around $301 at RA and $651 at R&I) or present their insurance cards.
    • If the X-ray is negative, the student is cleared and the TB Hold is removed from the student’s account.
  • If the X-ray is positive, the student must make immediate contact with the Nueces County Health Department at 361-826-7247 for further testing. The Health Department is located at 1702 Horne Road (begins with Route 5 on the RTA bus from campus; involves transfers).

Non-compliance with the above TB Testing Procedure can:

  • Cause serious illness and death.
  • Result in disenrollment from the university.
  • Affect a student’s ability to stay in the US on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
  • Require intervention by a university official.

TB Testing Recommendations for Continuing Students and Faculty

It is recommended that students and faculty who travel to countries with high incidence of tuberculosis discuss their specific travel circumstances before the trip with a health care provider who can determine the appropriate evaluation. If a month or more is spent in the country, it is recommended that a TB skin test be conducted 4-6 weeks after returning to the US.

For More Information about TB

Appeals

Appeals can be made to the associate vice president for Academic Affairs by calling 361-825-3060.

Campus Contact

For additional information on this procedure, please contact the TAMU-CC Health Center by calling 361-825-2601. 

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Prices are subject to change.

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Policy

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1107 (amended by SB 62, effective October 1, 2013), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will require all new students under the age of 22 to provide certified proof from a health practitioner that they have received a valid bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster within the last five years. Students must submit their proof of vaccination or a booster at least 10 days prior to the first day of class for the intended term of enrollment.

A new entering student includes a first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a transfer student, or a student who previously attended an institution of higher education before January 1, 2012, and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.

Students are strongly encouraged to obtain the bacterial meningitis vaccination before entering the United States or moving to the Corpus Christi area. A list of U.S. approved meningococcal vaccines is available in English, Español

Important Facts about Bacterial Meningitis

Students who fail to submit certified proof of vaccination or a valid booster within the required time frame will be unable to register for their intended term. Please note, vaccinations older than 5 years will require a booster and all bacterial meningitis vaccinations and boosters must be administered by a health practitioner authorized by law to administer an immunization.

Valid Proof of Vaccination

  1. A complete Evidence of Vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis Form. Use this form if you plan to obtain your vaccination somewhere other than your personal physician’s office.
  2. A document bearing the signature or stamp of the physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).
  3. An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).
  4. An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).

Valid Proof of Vaccination Exemption

  1. An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.
  2. Conscientious Objection Form: An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) must be used and can be downloaded from the following link: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES FORM. Please complete following the instructions provided on the conscientious exemption form. Please allow several weeks for delivery.

Other Vaccination Exemptions

A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis, or a booster dose, if:

  1. The student is 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester; or
  2. The student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses; or
  3. The student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training; or
  4. The student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus; or
  5. The student is incarcerated in a Texas prison.

Students are encouraged to visit their primary care provider prior to enrollment. The cost of the bacterial meningitis vaccination may be cheaper in a student’s home country or through the student’s primary care provider. Students may also obtain the Meningitis vaccination or booster from their local County Public Health Department or other local pharmacies.

For medical questions concerning the meningitis vaccination or booster, students may contact the University Health Center Nurse Line at 361.825.5735. For questions regarding document submission and approval, students should contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at 361.825.2624. 

All new students must receive the bacterial meningitis vaccination at least 10 days prior to the start of the intended term of enrollment.

How to Submit Evidence of Vaccination or an Affidavit to Decline Vaccination

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi has partnered with Med+Proctor for the submission of bacterial meningitis vaccination records. Please watch the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Med+Proctor video for more information. Compliance with this policy will be required prior to you being eligible to register for your classes. For medical questions concerning the meningitis vaccination or booster, students may contact the University Health Center Nurse Line at 361.825.5735. For questions regarding document submission and approval, students should contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at 361.825.7024.