Admission Categories
- Degree-Seeking Students
A student who is enrolled in a master's program and working towards earning a degree. - Graduate Certificate Students
A certificate student is enrolled in one of the certificate programs. Graduate certificate students may have the option to apply courses taken in their certificate program to a future master's degree if they are admitted to a degree program and have the permission of the program director. - Non-Degree Seeking Students
A non-degree seeking student is enrolled in graduate-level courses, but is not a degree candidate. Depending upon the program, between six and 12 credit hours taken as a non-degree student may be applied toward degree requirements if the student is later admitted as a degree-seeking student. Please note some graduate programs and/or courses may be closed to non-degree or part-time students, as well as students currently enrolled in other graduate programs. - International Students
Any applicant who is a non-U.S. citizen wishing to attend the Graduate School as a degree- or non-degree seeking student is considered an international applicant. - 60+ Tuition Exemption Program
60+ Tuition Exemption Program
Participants in this program may apply to the Graduate School as either non-degree or degree-seeking students.
Applications and all required materials must adhere to program deadlines. Information on materials and deadlines can be found on the list of degree and certificate programs. All graduate applications are reviewed by the individual programs, whether degree- or non-degree seeking.
Those wishing to participate must be at least 60 years or older and submit the following to the Graduate School:
- An online application to the Graduate School and all admissions materials
- The status verification form
- Proof of age (valid S.C. driver's license) and U.S. citizenship
Successful applicants enrolling under this program must pay a $50 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses. The $60 application fee DOES NOT include the $50 registration fee.
Students approved for the reduced tuition status do not pay tuition, but may need purchase books and pay additional course fees. These fees can be paid online using the MyCharleston portal or in person at the Treasurer's Office (10 on any campus map).
Participants may not be simultaneously enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses. Participants can review further registration information, procedures, and dates on the Admission's website and the Registrar's website.
This program is legislated by the South Carolina General Assembly and made available to qualified students through the College of Charleston Office of Admissions.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
A non-degree student is one who enrolls in a graduate-level course, but is not a degree candidate. Depending upon the program, between six and 12 credit hours taken as a non-degree student may be applied toward degree requirements if you are later admitted to a degree program.
To apply as a non-degree student, simply submit an application, the application fee, and official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Please note that if you are a teacher applying as a non-degree student, please be sure to choose the Non-Degree in Education application from the application menu.
International Students
Any applicant who is a non-U.S. citizen wishing to attend the Graduate School as a degree- or non-degree seeking student is considered an international applicant.
All international applicants are required to have any transcripts from non-U.S. institutions evaluated by a credentialing service. All applications and fees must be submitted online through our secure site, and all remaining requirements can be submitted directly to the Graduate School.
Visa Information
Anyone who already has a US visa (H-type or J-type), or a Permanent Residency Card, must submit copies of these visa documents to the Graduate School as part of the application process. If an international applicant is seeking a student visa (F-1), the process for applying for this status will be handled by the Center for International Education. For more information about the F-1 student visa process, please visit the Center for International Education's website.
English Language Proficiency
All applicants whose primary language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
The minimum required total scores are:
- TOEFL min score of 80
- IELTS min score of 6.5
- Doulingo min total score of 105
Applicants who have an undergraduate degree from an accredited US institution are eligible to waive the language proficiency requirement. Program directors may also petition the Graduate School to waive this requirement on an individual basis.
