Interested in graduate studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at Lehigh? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. For additional information, please connect with us.
All application files must include:
- Online application form
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Essay/Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- English language proficiency (please review the full language proficiency policy here)
Please review program-specific application requirements here.
Your documents should be uploaded through the application portal. If you need to email a document to be added to your file, then please send it to the graduate programs office at incasgrd@lehigh.edu.
Yes, we have a limited number of need-based fee waivers. Please contact the graduate programs office at incasgrd@lehigh.edu for more information.
An interview is not part of our formal admissions process, but you may be invited or request to have an informal conversation with the graduate director of the prospective department and/or the graduate recruitment manager. We appreciate these conversations as mutual exchanges of information; however, we do not make admissions decisions based on the outcomes.
Yes, and it is important for all applicants to carefully read our English language proficiency policy to make sure you submit any required documents with your application. Please find the full policy here).
For the 2025-26 admissions cycle, the GRE is optional/not required for most programs. Please refer to your prospective department for specific application requirements.
Yes, we will accept self-reported scores, but we need to receive a copy of your score report that clearly shows your full name, date of test, and scores. We will not accept scores included on your application form without a copy of the report.
Please note that, if you are offered admission and enroll in CAS, then you will be required to submit your official scores.
Please refer to the Graduate Tuition & Fees Schedule for detailed information. In general, cost of attendance for full-time students includes:
- $14,310 fall semester, 9 credits @ $1545 per credit hour
- $14,310 spring semester, 9 credit hours
- $220 annual wellness fee
- $100 MS orientation fee
- $2,509 student health insurance (Lehigh provides an 80% subsidy of this cost. Please carefully review health insurance details here.)
Financial aid may be available for regular graduate students in the forms of teaching or research assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about loans.
It depends! The master’s degree is awarded to qualified students who satisfactorily complete at least two full semesters of advanced work. Students complete 30-33 credit hours, and have six years to complete their program. Most master’s students complete their programs in 1-2 years.
A doctoral degree is awarded to candidates who have devoted 3+ years to graduate study. Students complete a minimum of either 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree or 48 credits beyond the master’s degree. All post-master’s work must be completed in 7 years, and post-baccalaureate work toward the doctorate must be completed within 10 years. Most PhD candidates complete their programs in 5-6 years.
Yes, but it depends on the program. Please consult with the graduate director of your prospective department to learn about enrollment options. You should also be aware that full-time enrollment may be important for eligibility of financial aid and deferment of student loans. It is required for international student visa compliance.
Yes, master’s students can transfer up to 9 graduate-level credits taken at another institution. You must have earned a minimum grade of B, submit a credit transfer petition, and have the recommendation of the department chair. Please review the full policy in our Graduate Student Handbook.
Each program in the college manages its own admissions cycle, so the timelines vary. To find out more information regarding your application decision timeline, you can reach out to the graduate director in your prospective department.
There are many resources that will give you a taste of life at Lehigh! Here are a few:
- The Office of Graduate Education and Life provides academic and personal resources and is the hub for our grad student community.
- The Center for Career & Professional Development supports students through their career development journeys.
- Bethlehem and surrounding Lehigh Valley provide students with rich experiences off campus.
- Our current graduate students are great resources. If you would like to talk with someone, please contact the graduate programs office and we will connect you.
Yes, there are both on- and off-campus housing options. Learn more here.
No, we do not require an enrollment deposit.
You can learn more about Lehigh’s history and establishment here.
You can view an interactive map of the campus here.
Contact us at incasgrd@lehigh.edu! We’ll be happy to get you the answers you need.