General Graduate / Master’s Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution is required. 

Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions. 

GPA requirement: many programs require a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate work. 

Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.) may be required, though many programs allow waivers. 

Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose / personal essay, and résumé / CV are often required. 

English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS) for international applicants, unless waiver criteria are met (e.g. degree done in English etc.). 

Program-specific prerequisites: certain graduate programs impose additional requirements. Example: Dedman College’s MA in Economics requires undergraduate economics courses, statistics, calculus, and if GPA < 3.0 then GRE scores. 

For Specific Schools (Example):

SMU Simmons (Education / Teacher Education): For master’s degree programs, international applicants must submit test scores: IELTS minimum 6.5, TOEFL iBT minimum 92, or Duolingo 115. Course transcripts must be evaluated. 

SMU’s Public Administration (MPP / MPA) online: requires official transcripts of all prior higher education where at least 9 credits were earned.