Graduate Admissions FAQ

Programs

What graduate programs does Porter offer?

Eight: the M.B.A.; the Ed.D. in Career & Technical Education Leadership; and M.S. degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Engineering Management, Manufacturing Engineering and School Counseling (Graduate School).

How long do they take?

Most are two years: the M.B.A. (36 credits), Cybersecurity (33), Data Science, Engineering Management and Manufacturing Engineering (30 each) are part-time, and School Counseling is two years (48). Clinical Mental Health Counseling takes three years (60), and the Ed.D. three to four years part-time (54).

Can I keep my job?

Most students do. Most programs run as evening or hybrid cohorts, and the M.B.A., Engineering Management, Manufacturing Engineering and Cybersecurity meet one evening a week for the whole program (graduate study at Porter).

Is there a doctorate?

Yes, one: the Ed.D. in Career & Technical Education Leadership, a practitioner doctorate for people who already run CTE programs.

Do you offer graduate certificates?

Yes. Certificates of 9 to 15 credits can stand alone or stack into the related master’s, with the certificate courses counting toward the degree.

How many graduate students are there?

In fall 2026, 702 master’s students, 41 doctoral students and 14 graduate non-degree students (fact book).

Requirements and applying

What are the minimum requirements?

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher minimum), a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation. A program may ask for a third.

How do I apply, and is there a fee?

Through the same online application as undergraduates; choose your graduate program from the list. There is no application fee.

Do I need a graduate entrance exam score?

No. Standardized test scores are not required for admission to any Porter graduate program. If an older page suggests otherwise, the Graduate School page is the policy of record.

Who makes the decision?

The program’s faculty. The Graduate School handles the mechanics and minimums, but fit with the program — and, for thesis work, with a faculty adviser — is what decides it (graduate admissions).

What else might my program ask for?

Official transcripts from every institution you attended, plus program items such as a résumé, a portfolio, a writing sample, prerequisite coursework or relevant licensure. The program page lists exactly what yours needs (applying to a Porter graduate program).

What makes a good statement of purpose?

Specifics: why this program, what you want to work on, and how your background prepares you. A generic statement is the most common weak spot; a specific one matters more here than anywhere in undergraduate admission.

My bachelor’s is in a different field. Can I still apply?

Yes. A program may admit you conditionally, with undergraduate prerequisites to finish (at a minimum grade) before or during your first year. Ask what would be required before you apply.

When are applications due?

Each program sets its own dates on its program page, and they are firmer than undergraduate deadlines. Apply early: assistantship decisions often come weeks before admission decisions, and most assistantships are filled by early summer for a fall start.

Funding and cost

Are there assistantships?

A limited number, mainly in the M.S. programs with a thesis track: teaching, research and administrative positions of 10 to 20 hours a week, with a stipend and tuition remission. Say you want to be considered when you apply (graduate assistantships).

What does an assistantship pay?

A stipend over the academic year plus tuition remission — often full for a 20-hour appointment and partial for 10 hours — and eligibility for the graduate health plan. The stipend is taxable, and segregated fees, books and summer are often not covered (graduate funding).

How is graduate tuition charged?

Per credit at the graduate rate, resident or non-resident, with no separate program fee. Current rates are on tuition and costs.

Can I get financial aid?

Yes, federal graduate loans: file the FAFSA with school code 009399. There is no undergraduate-style grant aid at the graduate level, so loans, assistantships, scholarships and employer help make up the package.

My employer will pay. How does billing work?

Bring your employer’s tuition policy to Student Accounts before the first due date. Porter provides itemized invoices and enrollment verification on your employer’s timeline, and a deferred-payment option waits for the reimbursement.

I am a veteran. Do my benefits work for a graduate degree?

Yes. The Veteran Resource Center certifies graduate enrollment, and the Yellow Ribbon Program can close a gap between graduate charges and the GI Bill; see the veterans FAQ.

International, non-degree and visits

What do international applicants add?

English-proficiency results from an approved exam, a course-by-course credential evaluation and financial documentation for the I-20, which is issued after admission. Allow extra weeks for all three (international admission requirements).

Can I take a graduate course without applying to a degree?

For many programs, yes. Graduate non-degree study is handled through the Graduate School, and those credits can often apply if you are admitted later (non-degree and guest students).

Should I contact faculty before applying?

For a thesis track, yes — email a faculty member whose work matches yours. For a course-based program, contact the program director listed on the program page.

Can I visit?

Each college holds a graduate visit day every fall and spring with faculty meetings, lab tours and a funding overview. It is free, though travel is not covered, and programs will set up a video meeting if you cannot come (graduate visit days).

Can international students hold an assistantship?

Yes. A half-time appointment counts as full-time enrollment for visa purposes even with fewer credits, but confirm work-hour limits with International Programs before you accept one (assistantship basics).

After you are admitted

How do I accept or decline?

Respond through the applicant portal and send a short email to the program director by the response deadline, so a spot and any funding can go to the next applicant if you decline.

What is the first year like?

Smaller classes, more independence and a closer relationship with an adviser. The Graduate Student Association and being a first-year graduate student are good starting points.

Do the counseling programs include supervised practice?

Yes. Clinical Mental Health Counseling builds in the 700 supervised clinical hours that licensure requires, and School Counseling includes a full-year supervised internship split between an elementary and a secondary setting.

When is the graduate hooding ceremony?

Friday, May 14, 2027, the day before spring commencement; see the graduation FAQ.

What if I become a parent during my program?

Request a parental accommodation through the Graduate School with your adviser’s acknowledgement, ideally before the birth or placement. It commonly gives six weeks of relief from coursework and assistantship duties while your stipend, health coverage and milestone clocks are protected (graduate parental accommodation).

How do I work well with my adviser?

Hold a regular meeting, send a short written update and agenda ahead, and confirm decisions in writing. If the relationship is not working, name the pattern early, then go to the program director or the Graduate School (the graduate adviser relationship).