Admissions Checklist

• Completed online application.
• Additional program requirements.  This may include an essay, writing sample, letter of recommendation, and/or other required items.
• Statement of willingness from financial sponsor(s).  Please submit a signed letter from your sponsor(s), including family members, indicating their intent to financially support the pursuit of your graduate degree
• Official bank statement or bank letter documenting funding for the first year, or the duration of the program if less than a year.  This document should be on official paper or letterhead with an original signature and/or bank seal and be less than one year old.  Please contact the Office of Global Education to determine the level of funding that must be documented.
• Proof of English proficiency.  Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate language proficiency with recommended test scores of TOEFL (80ibt), IELTS (6.5), or Duolingo (105).
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. 
• Credential Evaluation for coursework complete outside of the U.S.  For undergraduate education that was completed outside of the United States, a sealed, official course-by-course evaluation is required. There are several evaluation services available but WES (World Education Services) and Josef Silny & Assoc are highly recommended. Evaluations can take considerable time to process, so students are encouraged to submit the evaluation request as soon as possible.
• Copy of the biographical page(s) of your passport.  Please ensure that your city of birth is noted.

Exemptions:

• Students who have received a diploma or certificate from a secondary/high school where English is the primary language of instruction or who have received a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. based institution may be exempt from a credential evaluation.
• Applicants who can demonstrate a minimum of five years of successful work experience within the United States may be exempt from certain application requirements. 

Studying in the United States in F-1 Status

Goucher College can issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20) only after all necessary documents have been received.  International students are allowed to remain in the U.S. only while they are engaged in coursework that requires their presence on campus.

Students in the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Education programs are able to attend classes in-person and remain in the U.S. throughout their programs.  These students are eligible for available graduate assistantships and may be able to benefit from 12 months of work authorization through Optional Practical Training.

Students in the low residency programs are allowed to remain in the U.S. in F-1 status during the residency portion of the programs only (plus a grace period before and after the residency).  Residencies typically take place for approximately 10 days each summer and winter.  Students are expected to return to their home state or country to complete the online portion of the program under the supervision of the faculty.  International students in F-1 status must communicate with the Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies and submit updated financial statements (if necessary) prior to each residency for a new Form I-20.  Students will need to apply for a new visa for each residency as well as pay the I-901 SEVIS fee each time.  Students will not be able to work off campus in the U.S. during or upon completion of their studies.