(See also the note at the beginning of the "Application Procedures" section earlier in this chapter for information specifically for international applicants applying from abroad.)
It is the policy of Georgia State University to encourage the enrollment of students from other countries. The institution subscribes to the principles of international education and to the basic concept that only through education and understanding can mutual respect, appreciation, and tolerance of others be accomplished. The recognition of the values of cultural exchange is inherent in our philosophy of education and is predicated on an awareness of the need to foster better cooperation, friendship, and understanding among the peoples of the world. In this regard, we welcome international students to our campus, because we believe in a cultural exchange program which will be beneficial to our own student body, to the international students involved, and to metropolitan Atlanta.
English Proficiency
In addition to meeting the regular admission requirements, an international applicant whose native language is other than English must submit official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before admission can be considered. The college's code number for master's-level programs is 5251; the college's department code number is 02 (Exception: The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have received a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.)
Georgia State University also requires that all accepted international applicants whose native language is not English, including those exempt from the TOEFL, demonstrate proficiency in English when they arrive on campus. This testing will be conducted during the international student orientation program which is held each semester before classes begin. Orientation is mandatory.
An accepted international applicant whose test results indicate a lack of proficiency in English will be required to enroll in and satisfactorily complete English courses deemed appropriate by the Department of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language and the Robinson College of Business. Any English courses needed as a result of this testing become a formal part of the international student's degree requirements and must be given first priority in registering for courses. Detailed information on the English proficiency requirements for graduate students in the Robinson College of Business is available from the Office of Academic Assistance.
Academic Credentials
Each applicant must present "official" credentials attesting to academic achievement as to level and performance. "Official" documents will vary from country to country, but should be original documents with authoritative signatures, seals, stamps, etc. Whenever possible, these should be sent by the institution responsible for issuing such documents. In cases where it is impossible for an applicant to have these credentials sent from such institutions, the applicant should forward a duly "notarized" or "attested to" copy. The notarization should be done by a proper government official or proper representative of the American Embassy in the country.
When the documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by translations. These translations must be the original form and contain acceptable notarization as described above for a copy of the original documents. Translations should be made by the American Embassy, the home country Embassy, or an appropriate government official. As a general rule, documents translated by the Office of the American Friends of the Middle East (AFME) and the Institute of International Education (IIE) will be acceptable.
Applicants who completed all or part of their education abroad may be required to have their foreign credentials evaluated by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. If this evaluation is needed, the applicant will be notified by the Office of Academic Assistance and Master's Admissions.
