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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider Emporia State University for my post-graduate education? 
Emporia State University offers you the intimacy and student orientation of a small college while offering the graduate student all the amenities of a large university.  As ESU’s graduate school is primarily a Master’s granting institution, master’s candidates have opportunities to work one-on-one with graduate faculty doing research and teaching that would in larger schools be accorded to doctoral candidates.  Our faculty and staff are outstanding, and extremely student-centered.   Our degree programs are on the leading edge and enjoy excellent reputations.

What degrees does the Graduate School offer?
Emporia State University offers programs in numerous disciplines leading to MA, MAT, MBA, MLM, MLS, MM and MS degrees.  We also have an outstanding Specialist in Education (Ed. S.) program, and a cutting-edge Ph. D. in Library and Information Management. 

Must I be working toward a degree to attend classes?
Students wishing to take graduate classes for reasons other than obtaining a degree are welcome.  Non-degree seeking students need not be “fully” accepted into the graduate program in order to attend classes.  Call us at 1-800-950-GRAD for more information.  Please note that the Graduate Faculty reserves the right to decide whether or not any credit earned in courses enrolled in while a non-degree student will apply towards a degree program, should you decide to pursue one. 

Are there opportunities to attend professional conferences or seminars?
We strongly encourage students to attend conferences and seminars related to their professional fields.  So far this academic year, graduate students have attended conferences all over the United States and abroad, including England and Bulgaria.  Monies to help offset travel and conference fees are provided jointly or individually by the department, the school, and the Office of Graduate Studies.

As a graduate student, do I have a “voice” on campus?
The Graduate Student Advisory Council represents graduate students from every department and two representatives also serve on the Graduate Council.  The Dean of the Graduate School is always available to discuss graduate issues.  Graduate students do have a strong voice at ESU; fully one-third of the degrees granted by ESU every year are graduate degrees

Do I have to take classes on campus, or are there “distance learning” options?

Courses offered through the Office of Off-Site and Distance Education at Emporia State University provide educational opportunities for students in alternate formats, at off-campus sites and via mediated delivery systems.  Students do not need to be admitted to a graduate degree program at ESU to take courses offered through Off-Site and Distance Education; however, students who plan to seek admission to a graduate degree program are encouraged to apply no later than the second semester of enrollment.  Please note that some courses are limited to students who are pursuing a graduate degree program.  Call Off-Site and Distance Education at 1-877-332-4249 or check out our website for more information.

What are the entry requirements for ESU’s graduate programs?
Entry requirements will vary by program.  Generally, applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a GPA of not less than 2.5 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study, or not less than 3.0 for a completed master’s degree in another field.  Some programs require higher GPA’s.  Depending upon the program, an applicant must have satisfactory scores on the entrance examination (GRE, GMAT, MAT etc.) required by the major department.

Are Graduate Assistantships available to help pay for my graduate degree?
ESU offers numerous graduate assistantships to master's/doctoral seeking students.  All full-time graduate assistants receive a stipend and tuition waiver.  “Full-time” (20 hours per week) graduate teaching and research assistants are eligible for low-cost health insurance, a portion of the premium for which is paid by the university.  Call the Human Resource office (1-620-341-5379) for additional information.

What about student loans?
ESU has an outstanding Financial Aid Office.  Staff there can help you identify a number of financing opportunities.  Ask your major department about scholarships that may be available.

What about part-time or internship work opportunities?
A number of opportunities for part-time or full-time work (other than assistantships) are available either through ESU or in the city of Emporia.  While many internship positions are non-paid, there are some that do pay a salary or stipend.  The best source of information about internships in your field is your specific major department office.

How can I learn more?
ESU offers an outstanding value in graduate education.  A virtual tour is available, but the very best way to make an informed decision about something as important as your graduate education is to visit the campus.  Please call us at 1-800-950-GRAD to arrange a visit; we will be happy to help you schedule meetings with key graduate faculty and current students from your intended area of study.  It will be our pleasure to show you first-hand what ESU has to offer!

How do I apply?
In general, to apply to the graduate school you will complete the admission forms.  Note that some programs require additional admissions information.  Please check with your department to find out what, if any, additional information is required.  Remember to order official transcripts from all schools at which you did previous graduate or undergraduate work.  An “official” transcript is one that we receive from your previous college or university in an official, sealed envelope.  Copies of transcripts provided by you are, unfortunately, not acceptable. 

IMPORTANT!  To ensure a place in your desired program, and to ensure that you have the best competitive opportunity for an assistantship (if you desire one), please apply at your earliest convenience.

Couldn't find what you were looking for? Please feel free to call the Graduate Office at 1-800-950-GRAD.  We look forward to talking with you!