graduate frequently asked questions
1. Who should write my letters of recommendation?
The letters of recommendation may be professional or educational. Many students have been out of school a while and may not be in touch with former professors so it is fine to submit recommendations from colleagues who may attest to your work ethic, professionalism, and other attributes. When you submit the application for the Graduate School it will ask you for the email addresses of your references and they will receive a hyperlink so that they may upload a confidential recommendation directly.
2. How much time will courses take?
The general guideline is that if a student registers for a 3 hour course they will spend 3 hours per week over the course of a normal 15-week fall/spring semester in class. While outside of class the rule of thumb is that the student would spend 2 hours reading/studying/completing homework for every 1 hour spent in class. If applying to the distance program note that online classes have pre-recorded lectures, discussions, case studies, etc. for "in" class time; however, distances classes don't typically meet and content is available at the beginning of the semester.
3. How much will it cost?
Tuition rates may be found http://cost.ua.edu/. Financial assistance opportunities can be found here. In addition to a reliable computer, a Texas Instruments BAII+ financial calculator, and text books can be included in the list of necessary equipment. Textbook information may be found at http://www.universitysupplystore.com.
Distance learners do not pay out-of-state tuition rates or student activity fees. A distance student may purchase the Activity/Recreation/Athletic privileges as well as Health Center services for the semester. Distance students also need a headset microphone and a web camera.
4. When are applications due?
Our enrollment starts with spring, summer, or fall semester. See the Academic Calendar for start dates.
Application deadline: April 15 for summer, July 1 for fall, and November 1 for spring.
Students applying for graduate assistantship to work on campus contact the department.
5. How can I check on my admission status?
The best way to check the status of your official application process with the Graduate School is to follow the instructions listed at https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/apply-now/. Once your application reaches the Consumer Sciences department, the review will be completed as quickly as possible and the recommendation reported to The Graduate School. The CSM Graduate Admission committee typically meets twice monthly during the normal academic year. The Graduate School ultimately makes the admission decision and will send an initial admission notification letter which is then followed by advising from the department.
6. What should I say in my statement of purpose?
Prospective students should carefully craft the statement of purpose indicating why admission to this specialization is being sought. The narrative should describe the student's goals and how the skills and knowledge acquired in this program might fit into the student's career path. This statement of purpose also serves as a sample of writing for possible admission to the program.
7. What do I need to score on the graduate admissions exam if applicable? Details regarding graduate admission examinations may be found in the Graduate Catalog.