Baylor University Graduate School
General Information
Overview
Baylor University Graduate School serves as the central office for graduate education at Baylor, supporting more than 5,000 students in over 100 academic programs. These programs span the humanities, arts, sciences, and professional fields, managed through the Graduate School’s administrative framework. Graduate students at Baylor are actively involved in research and scholarship: annually, they produce roughly 800 professional presentations and contribute over 600 research articles. Typically, more than 200 research doctorates are awarded each year.
Most doctoral graduates (over 95%) secure full-time employment in academic, research, or professional roles following graduation. The school has a strong legacy of partnership with the U.S. military: since the 1950s, Baylor has hosted “Army‑Baylor” programs in health science disciplines like nursing anesthesia, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and more. This blend of academic rigor, research opportunity, and community mission helps the Graduate School at Baylor maintain a distinctive identity as an R1 Christian research university.
Contact Information
Address: Baylor University Graduate School, Morrison Hall, Suite 200, One Bear Place #97264, Waco, Texas, USA
Phone Number: (254) 710‑3588
Email Address: GraduateAdmissions@baylor.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year (University) | Baylor University was founded in 1845 |
| Type | Private Christian Research University (Graduate School) |
| Motto | Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo (“For Church, For Texas, For the World”) |
| Student Body (Graduate) | Approximately 5,000–5,500 graduate students |
| Graduate Programs | Over 100 programs across master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels |
Baylor University Graduate School Rankings
| Region | Recognition / Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | Baylor’s Graduate School ranks in the top 10% nationally; in one ranking, Baylor placed #82 among doctorate degree–granting institutions |
| Global | Baylor’s graduate programs are not typically ranked in broad global university ranking systems, but its R1 research status underlines its strong research influence and academic quality |
Baylor University Graduate School Academics
Faculties / Departments
The Baylor Graduate School encompasses many academic divisions and departments across campus. While the Graduate School itself administers admissions, oversight, and funding, its students come from:
- Biology & Biochemistry
- Chemistry & Biophysics
- Physics & Astronomy
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Psychology & Neuroscience
- History, Philosophy & Religion
- English & Literary Studies
- Education & Human Sciences
- Business (Graduate programs)
- Social Work
- Health Professions (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Public Health)
- Engineering & Applied Science
- Music & Fine Arts
Courses and Programs / Majors
The Graduate School manages a wide variety of programs, including:
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in diverse liberal arts disciplines
- Master of Science (M.S.) in STEM fields
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in many disciplines
- Professional doctorates (e.g., DPT — Doctor of Physical Therapy)
- Graduate certificates in specialized topics
- Interdisciplinary and joint degree programs
Online Learning
Baylor’s Graduate School offers many online or hybrid programs to accommodate working professionals and distance learners. Several master’s programs are available fully online, while others blend in‑person and remote coursework. These online tracks maintain academic rigor while providing flexibility in delivery. Graduate students taking online programs may still have access to financial support, professional development, and advising via the Graduate School.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Benchmark / Requirement |
|---|---|
| GRE / GMAT | Baylor does not mandate a universal minimum GRE or GMAT score for all graduate programs; requirements vary by department and program |
| Undergraduate GPA | Baylor does not specify a single minimum GPA for all graduate applicants; admissions officers assess candidates holistically based on prior academic record and readiness for graduate study |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Baylor’s Graduate School maintains strong retention and completion metrics, thanks to full-time faculty engagement, robust professional development support, and research opportunities. Doctoral students benefit from generous funding packages, which contribute to high persistence. A large proportion of doctoral graduates go on to full-time employment in academia, research, or professional careers.
Baylor University Graduate School Admissions
GPA Range and Standardized Test Range
Admissions to Baylor’s Graduate School require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While there is no universal minimum GPA or test score cutoff, applicants are expected to present academic performance that predicts success in graduate coursework. GRE or GMAT requirements depend on specific programs; some departments require them, while others may waive them or emphasize other aspects of the application. For international applicants, degree equivalency may be required, and transcripts not in English must be translated.
Baylor University Graduate School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Overall Graduate School | Baylor’s graduate programs are moderately selective; specific acceptance rates vary widely by program and year |
Baylor University Graduate School Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed online application through Baylor’s Graduate School portal, provide official transcripts from all previous institutions, and supply proof of completed bachelor’s degree. Recommendation letters are required; applicants provide recommenders’ contact details in the application system, and the recommenders submit letters online. A personal statement describing academic goals, professional aspirations, and research interests is typically expected. For international applicants, official degree documentation and evaluation may be required.
Application Process
- Submit the Baylor Graduate School online application and pay the application fee
- Provide official transcripts for all previous academic work and proof of degree
- Submit recommendation letters via the application system
- Write and upload a personal statement or statement of purpose that outlines academic and career goals
- Wait for departmental review and decision notification
Baylor University Graduate School Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline | Event |
|---|---|
| Varies by Program | Each graduate program (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.) has its own application deadlines; applicants should check specific program pages for dates |
| Rolling Admission | Some master’s programs offer rolling admission; others may have fixed deadlines in fall or spring cycles |
Essay Prompt
Graduate programs generally require a statement of purpose or personal essay. Applicants should articulate their reasons for pursuing graduate study at Baylor, describe their professional or research interests, outline long-term career goals, and reflect on how their values and past experiences align with Baylor’s mission. Strong essays often highlight scholarly curiosity, leadership potential, and relevance of proposed graduate work.
Baylor University Graduate School Scholarships
Baylor offers generous financial support for graduate students. Nearly all incoming Ph.D. students receive full tuition remission, multi-year teaching or research assistantships, and health insurance assistance (80% coverage). Many master’s students also receive partial or full tuition waivers, stipends, or assistantship opportunities.
Baylor University Graduate School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Graduate Tuition (per semester hour) | Approximately $1,856 per credit hour |
| Application Fee | $50 for most graduate programs |
Baylor University Graduate School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Baylor’s graduate student population reflects a majority-female cohort, with about 62% women and 38% men among graduate students. The age range spans from younger post-baccalaureate students to mature learners in professional programs. Racial and ethnic diversity includes a significant portion (around 32.3%) of students identifying as members of minority groups.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Publicly detailed data on the percentage of low-income or disabled graduate students specifically within Baylor’s Graduate School is limited. However, Baylor provides financial aid, assistantships, and support services—including health insurance subsidies and tuition remission—which help make graduate education accessible.
Student Body Breakdown
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Graduate Enrollment | ~5,496 graduate students |
| Female Graduate Students | ~62% of graduate population |
| Racial / Ethnic Minorities | ~32.3% of graduate students |
| Online‑Only Graduate Students | ~2,849 students enrolled exclusively online |
University Diversity
The Graduate School at Baylor University embraces its role as a Christian research institution by promoting inclusivity and community among its graduate students. With a significant portion of its students coming from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, Baylor creates spaces for diverse perspectives in scholarship and faith-driven inquiry. The substantial online graduate cohort further broadens access, enabling students from various geographic regions and life stages to pursue advanced degrees. Baylor’s commitment to fellowship, service, and academic excellence resonates with students who value both intellectual challenge and Christian character formation. Graduate students benefit from a supportive environment where faculty-student relationships are nurtured, and students are encouraged to integrate their faith with rigorous research and professional growth.
Average Earnings
Baylor Graduate School alumni pursue a wide range of careers in academia, industry, research, education, public service, and professional practice. Doctoral graduates often secure faculty or research positions, contributing to scholarly work, teaching, and innovation. Many master’s-level graduates enter professional roles in business, education, healthcare, or the nonprofit sector. The generous funding available to Ph.D. students—such as assistantships and full tuition remission—helps minimize debt for many, and a significant portion of fully funded doctoral students complete their programs with little to no student loan burden.
Baylor University Graduate School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Baylor Graduate School is supported by a large faculty of research-active professors, educators, and administrators across the various academic departments. These faculty members mentor graduate students, guide research projects, teach advanced courses, and oversee theses and dissertations. The Graduate School’s administrative staff handles admissions, funding, professional development, and graduate student services, ensuring that students receive support throughout their academic journey.
Faculty Profiles
Graduate faculty at Baylor include scholars with expertise in fields such as biomedical sciences, engineering, education, psychology, theology, and business. Many hold significant research funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and lead interdisciplinary centers. Doctoral advisors frequently guide students in groundbreaking investigations, while teaching faculty incorporate Baylor’s Christian mission into advanced instruction. Professors also secure external grants, support student travel to conferences, and contribute to Baylor’s identity as an R1 research institution.
Baylor University Graduate School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Graduate students at Baylor primarily live in or around the university’s Waco campus, which features housing options for on-campus living. There are on-campus residence hall rates per semester, including options for single or double rooms, with various cost structures. Living on campus places graduate students in close proximity to research labs, libraries, and academic buildings, fostering a tight-knit graduate community. Graduate students also participate in Baylor’s broader campus life, including faith-based initiatives, student organizations, and professional development events.
Transportation
Waco is a mid‑sized city, and Baylor’s campus is integrated into its urban fabric, making local transportation accessible. Graduate students can use campus parking, pedestrian pathways, and local transit to navigate between housing, campus facilities, and off-campus research or work sites. For students commuting or running errands, Waco’s road network and public transport options facilitate mobility. The university also coordinates with transportation services when graduate students need to travel for conferences, outreach, or fieldwork.