AIU Admissions Process: Graduate Students
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1. Connect with an AIU Admissions Advisor.
The advisor will:
- Ask about your goals and interests
- Guide you through the admissions process
- Assist with answering your questions
- Provide information to help you choose a degree program
- Describe what to expect from your classes
- Explain the next steps to take
Call 855-377-1888, , or Request Information to take the first step.
AIU does not do business in the European Union (EU) and does not accept applications from residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of New York, or the European Union (EU).
2. Complete the online application.
The online application is designed to be quick, and easy and there is no application fee. It takes 10-15 minutes to complete and our admissions advisors can guide you through the process if needed.
Be ready to tell us:
- Basic information about yourself
- Where you’ve gone to high school and/or college
- What degree program you’re interested in
Don’t forget to create an account, so you can save your progress. You can start now and return later to finish if necessary.
3. Submit your undergraduate transcripts.
Graduate students must submit an official undergraduate transcript verifying an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum CGPA of 2.0.
College GPA
Your undergraduate transcript must show a GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. AIU will verify your college GPA prior to your official acceptance into your Master’s degree program of study.
Non-Matriculating Graduate Admissions
You can take graduate-level AIU courses as a non-matriculating student for one session while your official baccalaureate transcript is pending. Once we verify your documentation, you’ll be given regular student status.
See the University Catalog for more information.
College Accreditation
Your bachelor’s degree must have been earned at one of the following:
- An institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education
- An internationally-recognized foreign institution of higher education
International Transcripts
International students must have transcripts or academic records translated into English, at your own cost. Most U.S. Embassies and consulates can facilitate the process by evaluating your documents for U.S. equivalency.
Where to Send Transcripts b>
Send transcripts directly to AIU's Admissions office:
American Intercontinental University231 Martingale Rd
6th Floor
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Hardware and Software Requirements
Once you're enrolled at AIU, as an online student, you’ll be required to use a computer as part of your studies. Having reliable access to computer and internet are required to be successful in your program. Please view our Hardware and Software Requirements for more details. It's time to get ready for classes to start. Here are your next steps.
4. Apply for financial aid.
There are a variety of options available for eligible students to help fund your education, including federal loans, scholarships and institutional grants.
Start your financial aid application as soon as possible so you can be ready when the new term begins.
Resources to Get You Started
For help, contact Student Finance at 877-221-5800, Option 4.
5. Check for possible transfer credits.
Graduate students may transfer in up to 12 course credits. While you prepare for classes to begin, one of our prior learning assessment evaluators will review what credits you may be eligible to receive toward your degree program requirements.
Eligible credits may be accepted from any accredited U.S. institution.
Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

6. Online Students: Get to know the Virtual Campus.
This is the hub for all your online AIU classes, so take some time to explore its features before classes start. You’ll receive login information once your AIU admissions documentation is complete.
Call 855-377-1888 for assistance.
7. New Student Orientation.
Online
Your new student orientation will take place before your first session begins. In it, you can:
- Learn how to use the Virtual Campus
- Explore the online classroom
- Submit sample assignments
- Begin your time-management routine
- Learn how to use AIU’s online tools and resources
Be sure to:
- Check that your Virtual Campus login works.
- Plan for access to a backup computer, if possible, in case you need it.
- Complete your orientation assignments
- Familiarize yourself with intellipath®, our adaptive learning technology that customizes lessons to you
- Bookmark the Virtual Campus in your browser.
Atlanta and Houston Campuses
In the orientation, you will:
- Learn about the AIU education process
- Get to know the campus
- Meet with the Program Chair
- Get your photo ID
- Visit the campus bookstore
- Meet your fellow students
- Explore our Support Services area
- Scope out your classroom
- Verify your class schedule
8. Get ready to start your classes.
Online
Visit the Virtual Campus to stay up-to-date about your upcoming courses. Block out time on your calendar for school and homework, and let your friends and family know you’re pursuing your degree so they can provide encouragement and support.
Atlanta and Houston Campuses
- Stock up on basic school supplies: pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, sticky notes and a backpack or other carrying case. (Other supplies might be needed, based on your courses.)
- Set up a home work environment where you can read, write, research, study and concentrate without clutter or distractions.
- Even though computers are available for use on campus, we recommend that students have a personal computer with internet access and Microsoft Office or similar software.
- Block out time on your calendar for school and homework, and let your friends and family know you’re pursuing your degree so they can provide encouragement and support.
You can also check out these helpful resources to get prepared to go back to school:
Take the next step. Classes Start March 29, 2023
Complete this form and an AIU Admissions Advisor will contact you and provide further assistance.
Classes Start March 29, 2023