These are the basic steps for an application to a degree program for students who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents of the U.S. Your application materials are reviewed by both Graduate Studies and the graduate committee of your intended degree program.

1. Submission of Application and Materials

   Submit materials required by Graduate Studies and by your department as described on your department's graduate program summary.

   Upload transcripts to MyRED; see Transcripts for requirements and instructions.
   
   Additionally, many of our graduate programs use GAMES (the Graduate Admissions Management and Evaluation System) for online submission of departmental application requirements.
2. Preliminary Graduate Studies Review

   Once we have your online application, $50 application fee, and uploaded transcripts, an admissions evaluator will review your file. You will be contacted if additional information is needed by Graduate Studies. Once the preliminary review is complete, we will notify your academic department of your eligibility for admission. You can monitor your application's progress in MyRED under UNL Admissions.

   Once all materials have been received, allow 3 to 5 business days for this step.
3. Departmental Review

   Each department has a Graduate Admissions Committee who decides if a student will be accepted into their program. You should be aware of and understand application deadlines. Your application will be reviewed only after you have submitted all required program-specific application materials. We recommend verifying receipt of all materials before the department's stated deadline — via GAMES if your program uses GAMES, otherwise by contacting your department directly.

   The frequency with which department graduate committees meet varies; contact your academic department for information regarding your application status.
4. Final Graduate Studies Review

   As soon as the academic department notifies Graduate Studies of their admission recommendation, admissions evaluators will conduct a final review of your file.

   If all materials have been received, allow 2 to 3 business days for this step.
5. Admission

   If you are admitted into the degree program, Graduate Studies will notify you by email and mail your Certificate of Admission along with other important information for incoming students.

   You will be eligible to enroll for the entry term indicated on your Certificate of Admission. Enrollment beyond the first term requires submission of official transcripts. The deadline for submitting official transcripts is the end of the first week of classes. Admission may be rescinded if discrepancies exist between unofficial and official documents.

   Register for classes through MyRED. Consult the Academic Calendar for registration dates, the Graduate Bulletin for course descriptions, and the Schedule of Classes for course times and locations. Our Arriving on Campus and Relocating to Lincoln may also help you prepare for your journey.