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Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions

About

Clark Atlanta University serves a diverse graduate student body Clark Atlanta University offers advanced degree and non-degree certificate programs through our four schools:

These schools are focused on leadership development, professional ethics, and the highest caliber of instruction and research excellence. 

Graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University dates back to the 1865 beginnings of one of its founding institutions, Atlanta University— the nation’s oldest private graduate institution serving a predominantly African American student body.

This 150-year legacy continues as CAU prepares graduate students for distinguished careers in research, teaching, and as experts in the public and private sectors.

Students seeking admission to Clark Atlanta University must submit an application for admission to the University. Completing the application form online will activate your admissions file. 

  • Completed and signed application.
  • Application fee in the amount of $40. The application fee for an international applicant is $55 U.S. dollars. The application fee will not be waived and is non-refundable.
  • An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from the institution’s Office of the Registrar. A transcript which has been “issued to the student” will not be accepted.
  • As of September 16th 2020, the GRE and GMAT are no longer a requirement.
  • Three recommendation letters: two from former instructors and one from an employer or supervisor. If the applicant has not attended school for two years then all three recommendations may come from an employer or supervisor. The letters of recommendation can be submitted by email to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu
  • Resume, which can be submitted by email to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu.
    • A letter of intent which discusses career goals, reasons for applying to Clark Atlanta University, and qualifications for admission. Contact the program office of your intended area of study for additional details. The letter of intent can be submitted by email to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu.
    • For MA in African American Studies, Africana Women’s Studies, History, English & Languages and Ph.D. in Humanities the following is required: a 10-page writing sample that demonstrates your academic preparation for graduate studies. The essay should be a scholarly example, preferably from a prior course, that reflects the content and structure of your research interest in the degree area to which you are applying. Must include bibliography and citations.
      School of Arts and Sciences Only:
School of Education Only:
  • A letter of intent which discusses career goals, reasons for applying to Clark Atlanta University, and qualifications for admission. Contact the program office of your intended area of study for additional details. The letter of intent can be submitted by email to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu.

School of Social Work Only:

  • Autobiographical statement which discusses personal data and family profile, education, career choice and concentration focus area. The statement should be between 3 to 5 pages. Contact the program for additional details. The autobiography can be submitted by email to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu.

Use only your correct legal name at the time of application to the University (no nicknames please). If your name or address changes prior to the time of registration, please notify the Office of Admissions in writing.

  • Application Form:

Submit a completed and signed Graduate Admissions Application Form.

  • Application Fee: Non-refundable $40 application fee made payable (to Clark Atlanta University) by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted. 
  • International Fee: $55
  • Transcript(s): An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution the applicant attended. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from the Office of the Registrar at the applicant’s previous institution(s).

A transcript which has been “issued to the student” will not be accepted

  • Standardized Test Results: An official GRE Report of Scores or GMAT Report (if applicable) from the Educational Testing Service.

Test requirements will not be deferred or waived.

Test scores more than five years old are not acceptable.

The applicant will need a total of (3) letters of recommendation:

  • Instructor Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from (2) former instructors. 
  • Employer/Supervisor Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from an employer or supervisor.

If the applicant has not attended school for two years, then all three recommendations may come from an employer or supervisor. 

The letters of recommendation can be submitted by email to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu

The administrative officer in charge of disciplinary records at the applicant’s previous institution, must complete this form and mail it directly to the CAU Office of Graduate Admissions.

This Form is only required if applicant attended an institution within the last two years.

Admission Requirements 

Admission decisions are based on many factors, such as the quality of the applicant’s prior academic degree and record of accomplishment, letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant’s academic work, and performance in aptitude and achievement tests.

CAU considers GRE scores and GMAT, alongside several other factors during the application review process. CAU also considers relevant work experience, preparation in the proposed field of study, and the connection of the applicant’s academic goals with the faculty’s research interests.

  • Official Transcripts
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement

Graduate Studies programs may also warrant additional requirements. 

Always check with the program you are applying to, to make sure you understand all requirements.

How to Apply 

Applicants for Graduate Studies Programs at CAU should complete and submit an Application Package.

International Graduate Student

An international graduate student applicant is defined as an individual who is submitting a graduate application for a master’s or doctoral degree program at Clark Atlanta University on a temporary visa, and who is not an immigrant (permanent resident with an I-51 or Green Card), or an undocumented immigrant, or a refugee.

We welcome our international students to apply for admission to the University and you will receive assistance from the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions while you are applying up until you are admitted, but afterward, you will also work closely with the Office of International Programs in helping secure your I-20 and maintaining your visa status.

In order to process foreign transcripts, you must have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or by a NACES member (https://www.naces.org/members) organization.

CAU welcomes international students and recognizes that a diverse scholarly community contributes significantly to graduate education.

International Student Services

International Student Services acts as a liaison between non-immigrant visa holders and the University. Through International Student Services, international students can receive information on changes in immigration regulations, tax laws, social security requirements affecting non-immigrants, social activities on campus and within the Atlanta community, and notice of upcoming events of interest to the international community.

All new graduate students MUST be financially confirmed by the Graduate Admissions Office before moving forward in the enrollment process.  To be financially confirmed ALL new students must do at least ONE (a, b, c) of the following. Please be sure to connect with your assigned recruiter or graduateadmissions@cau.edu once you have completed this step or if you have any questions or need assistance.

 

a) Immediately complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

b) You have been offered and accepted an institutional tuition scholarship.

c) You can confirm and verify another funding source.

Graduate Admissions

Phone: (404) 880-8483
Email: Graduateadmissions@cau.edu
Upcoming Events
Graduate Admissions News
Schedule Graduate Student Tour

Clark Atlanta University is pleased to welcome you on the Graduate Student Tour!

Note: Graduate student tours are for students who are currently attending college or have earned a college degree.

Tour Accommodation Guidelines 

Individuals/families tours are limited to three visitors per reservation (one prospective student and two guests).
Your tour will be facilitated by one of our professional Admissions Representative.
Visitors are not allowed inside the cafeteria. 
The bookstore and restrooms in the Student Center will be open for guest.
Masks are required ~ Guests must also provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test within 48-hours of the visit.

Campus Tour Contact Information

Clark Atlanta University
Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
E-Mail: tjones1@cau.edu
Phone: 404-880-8318


We request that all guests plan to arrive at least 15-minutes prior to the scheduled tour time
to avoid any cancellation of tours due to late arrival.

By registering for a campus visit, you are agreeing to abide by the community standards and expectations related to COVID-19 safety guidelines 

Schedule your campus visit below now! 

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