About the Graduate School
Established in 1910, the Graduate School at The University of Texas at Austin oversees nearly 12,100 students enrolled in over 115 fields of study. This count includes approximately 2,000 students who are enrolled in non-formula-funded degree programs and stackable graduate certificates.
Nearly 900 doctoral degrees and more than 2,100 master’s degrees are awarded each year, making the University’s graduate programs among the largest in the United States. The university is among the top producers of doctoral degrees in the United States (National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2013) and is one of three southwestern members of the Association of American Universities.
The Graduate School is dedicated to excellence in research and champions the values of learning, innovation and creativity throughout the graduate and postdoctoral student experience.
Mission
As an active community of scholars in academic programs dedicated to excellence in original research, teaching, creative expression and intellectual leadership, we cultivate individuals who work together to bring knowledge, innovation and best practices to meet the great and small challenges of our time.
Your Support Structure while in Graduate School
While your department will provide much of what you need while a student here, the Graduate School also plays an important role in your time at the university.
Support From Your Home Department
During your graduate studies, you will spend the majority of your time in your home department, where the faculty, resources and services integral to your academic program reside. These resources include:
Admission and Graduate Coordinators
These staff members may be your most important contacts and administrative liaisons.
Graduate Advisers
These are faculty who have been appointed by the department or program to advise current students on issues related to degree programs.
Graduate Studies Committee (GSC)
Each program offering a graduate degree has a Graduate Studies Committee (GSC). The GSC reviews students for admission to the program, sets program-specific requirements for their graduate degrees and approves students for admission to candidacy for degrees.
Support From The Graduate School
In addition to granting your degree at convocation and administering the rules and regulations of the university governing compliance and degree completion, the Graduate School:
Provides Academic Services
From understanding policies to conducting research to writing your thesis or dissertation, the Graduate School's academic policies are designed to help you attain your educational and career goals.
Administers Fellowships
The Graduate School provides a number of fellowships and editorial assistantships in addition to coordinating many externally funded fellowships and awarding college and departmental fellowships based on nominations from departments.
Works to promote graduate education at the university and beyond
Our staff includes the Dean of Graduate Studies, dean’s executive staff (associate and assistant deans), dean’s administrative staff and student services administrative staff.
We look forward to offering our support to enhance your graduate experience and to help you successfully complete your program.