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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. 
  • 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.

A student who has completed secondary education and has taken or attempted coursework at another college or university may apply as a transfer student to Clark Atlanta University.

CAU offers admission to applicants whose records demonstrate the highest potential and promise for substantial contribution to both their academic professions and to a diverse, global society.

Interested applicants should submit a complete application package which includes the following:

Application Form/Fee

  • Application Form:

Submit a completed and signed Admissions Application Form.

  • Application Fee: Non-refundable $35.00 application fee made payable (to Clark Atlanta University) by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted.

Academic Records

  • Transcript(s): An official transcript from all previously attended post-secondary institutions of higher education. 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

  • Catalogs: Descriptions of all courses included in the official transcript from each of the previously attended post-secondary institutions of higher education.

Additional Documents

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 the applicant attended an institution within the last two years.

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)-880-8667
3049 Thomas W. Cole Jr. Research Center
223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314
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.

2022-2023 Tour Schedule 

Individual & Family Tours

  • Friday, September 9th, 2022 – April 29th, 2023
  • Tour Time: 10:00 a.m.

Blackout Dates

  • October 14th
  • October 21st
  • October 28th
  • November 25th
  • December 2nd -30th
  • January 6th -20th
  • March 10th and 17th
  • April 7th

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! 

Graduate Resource Center (GRC)
The Dr. Bettye M. Clark Graduate Resource Center (GRC)

Kresge Hall, 1st Floor
(404) 880-8699 
grc@cau.edu 

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Dr. Bettye M. Clark Graduate Resource Center (GRC) supports graduate and professional student learning and provides supplemental services tailored to graduate students’ needs. The GRC offers:

  • Writing tutorial services
  • Conceptual paper, thesis, or dissertation formatting assistance
  • Editing services for small writing projects (less than 5 double-spaced pages)
  • Technology, printing, and copying access
  • Academic and professional development seminars, trainings, and workshops 

Conveniently located in Kresge Hall (1st floor), the GRC offers a central meeting place for graduate students to interact, research, plan events, share ideas, network, and develop friendly relationships outside of their degree programs. The GRC also houses an Apple Computer Lab, a PC Writing and Study Lab, a Graduate Student Lounge, a Conference Room, and a small Resource Library.

All enrolled CAU graduate and professional students may enter the GRC at any time via Panther ID Card swipe access during fall and spring semester operational hours, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Summer session hours follow the University’s normal operational business hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

 “The GRC has what you need to help you succeed!”

Follow us @CAUgradprograms  

Graduate Education

Graduate Education Mission Statement:

The Mission of Graduate Programs is to facilitate and support graduate programs and enable diverse learners to matriculate and graduate by collaborating with the various Schools to assist students in attaining mastery in knowledge, scholarly research, and creative skills critical to advance in their academic and professional careers. 


Graduate Education Vision Statement:
 
Graduate Programs, in collaboration with graduate academic programs, will improve and enhance student recruitment, retention, and graduation by providing educational services and support to develop graduates who will serve society and be recognized for excellence in global engagement and intellectual contributions.

Application Deadlines
 
Fall Semester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 1
Spring Semester (Extended) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 30
Summer Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 1 
 
 

The Clark Atlanta University’s Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work Dissertation Oral Defense Hearings currently scheduled for November 2022 are as follows:
 
Ms. Arlesia Malone
Dissertation Title: A Study of Mentorship Program Participation and Leadership Activism and Leadership Efficacy Among Young African American Girls
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Gerry White
Location: Thayer Hall Conference Room
Link: https://cauonline.zoom.us/j/94136629434
Defense Date: November 17, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Ms. Beverly Westbrooks
Dissertation Title: The Impact of College Career and Technical Programs on Juvenile Justice Involved Youth
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shadonna Davis
Location: Thayer Hall Conference Room
Link: https://cauonline.zoom.us/j/92366302730
Defense Date: November 21, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Ms. Fese Elonge
Dissertation Title: An Examination of the Healthcare Access Experiences of African-born Immigrants in Metropolitan Atlanta During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Gerry White
Location: Thayer Hall Conference Room
Link: https://cauonline.zoom.us/j/91813068312
Defense Date: November 22, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
Ms. Natasha Davis-Williams
Dissertation Title: Exploratory Study on Students’ Perception of Campus Climate and Cultural Norms Influence on Sexual Assault Disclosure
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Corrine Warrener
Location: Thayer Hall Conference Room
Link: https://cauonline.zoom.us/j/96766778918
Defense Date: November 22, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Ms. Sparkles Ransom
Dissertation Title: An Exploratory Study of Barriers Hospital Social Workers Experience Accessing Treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patients Since the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shonda Lawrence
Location: Thayer Hall Conference Room
Link: https://cauonline.zoom.us/j/96645574789
Defense Date: November 23, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
 
In Solidarity and Service,
 
John E. Smith, Jr., Ed.D.
Associate Dean of Graduate Education/Director of Graduate Programs
Kresge Hall | Room 100
Clark Atlanta University|223 James P. Brawley Drive SW| Atlanta, GA 30314
Email: jsmith@cau.edu | Office: 404-880-8178 | Mobile: 470-501-1410
 
“Providing Exceptional Service and Exceptional Experiences for Exceptional Students”