Graduate Studies and Research

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions. If you are here, it means you have chosen to apply to Central Washington University’s (CWU) Graduate School and you have some questions.

We are here and happy to help because you belong here. We see Central at the center of your better future.

You may have questions about the Graduate School, the Ellensburg community, and how to apply and we hope that you find your answers. However, should you have a question not listed below please contact us at masters@cwu.edu or (509) 963-3101.

Do I need to apply to the graduate school and the graduate program?

There is only one admission application. Some programs do require additional information. Checking the departmental web site will provide the most detailed information. Not all programs admit new students each quarter. Be sure to check with the department you are applying to in order to make sure you are applying to the correct term.

• Fall Quarter: February 1
• Winter Quarter: October 1
• Spring quarter: January 1
• Summer Quarter: April 8

Master of Arts for Teachers application deadlines are as follows:

• Summer Cohort: January 15
• Winter Cohort: July 15

Application materials include:

• Completed and submitted online graduate admission application
• Written statement of educational and professional objectives
• Resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Application Fee
• Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended - In order for a transcript to be official, it must come directly from the school that you attended or a provider such as Parchment or National Clearing House
• A writing sample is required by some programs. Visit the program's webpage to see if it does require a writing sample

International students - please review the application requirements found in the International Admission Application FAQs

Application Fee:

• $75.00 USD.

Application Fee Waiver

Application fee waiver forms are available by request to the Graduate School. To determine if you are eligible based on your MFI (income tax return) we use the information found on the Washington Student Achievement Council chart. If you are eligible, please email masters@cwu.edu and ask for the form.

• We need a copy of the first page of parent(s) income tax return showing Median Family Income (MFI)

• We need a copy of the first page of your income tax return showing Median Family Income (MFI) or applicable documentation.

Once you've completed the Fee Waiver Form, please submit the form along with a copy of the above mentioned documentation to the Graduate School address below or email to masters@cwu.edu removing your social security number from any documents.

School of Graduate Studies and Research
Central Washington University
400 E University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7510

After your fee waiver has been processed by the Graduate School you will be sent an email with instructions on your next steps.

Please note: your $75.00 USD application fee will not be refunded if you submit your application and fee before you receive your next set of instructions. Please contact masters@cwu.edu or 509-963-3101 should you have questions.

How are my recommendation providers notified?

You can add your recommendation providers contact information including email address to the recommendation provider section within the online application. Your online recommendation providers will receive an email with instructions on how to complete their recommendation online. Please remind your recommendation providers that the email will be sent from masters@cwu.eduduand to add this address to their safe sender list. If your recommendation provider prefers not to submit their recommendation online, you may ask them to provide a letter of recommendation by mailing it to the Graduate School. These confidential recommendations should be submitted in sealed envelopes signed by the referees across each flap. Only CWU officials may open these. Non-confidential letters of recommendation need not be submitted in signed and sealed envelopes, and can be provided via email.

How do I check on the status of my letter of recommendations?

You may check the status of your recommendations by logging into MyCWU and clicking on your student tab. Click on the Admissions dropdown menu found at the top left-hand navigation menu.

How do I change/add recommendation providers?

Once your application has been submitted, applicants are unable to update or change their applications. Please contact masters@cwu.edu to request a change in recommendation provider.

Neither the GRE nor GMAT tests are required currently. The Master of Arts for Teachers program requires the West B and West E test. These must be submitted directly to the department.

You may check the status of your application by logging into MyCWU and clicking on your To Do Items button to see if anything else is needed. You will receive a letter of admission or denial via email from the Graduate School once a decision has been made. If offered admission, you must then log in to accept or decline your offer of admission.

You may check your “to-do-list” in MyCWU. Your “to-do-list” will be updated manually as your application materials are received. In times of high volume processing of applications, it may take several days to be updated. Once completed, it will read “there are no more items on your to-do-list”.

Please send all correspondence to masters@cwu.edu Once admitted, the Graduate School will send all correspondence to your CWU email address.

Please login to MyCWU and click on your Admissions tab where you can find your pending application. Next, click on Accept or Decline your offer of admission. Please email the Graduate School (masters@cwu.edu) to advise us of your decision.

Please email your program’s graduate coordinator and the Graduate School (masters@cwu.edu) to request a deferral. You may defer your start quarter for up to one year and will not be required to reapply and pay another application fee. After one year, you must reapply to the program and pay a new application fee to be considered for the program.