Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or the equivalent of a four-year degree at an international university that is evaluated by an approved agency. Most four-year degrees from accredited non-U.S. institutions are recognized as equivalent, but three-year bachelor’s degree programs from universities in India and some other Asian countries are not.

If you have a non-equivalent three-year degree, you will need to complete an additional year of undergraduate study, usually 18-to-24 credits at the 300-400 (advanced undergraduate) level.

Language Proficiency

Required scores on the Internet-based (iBT) and Computer-based TOEFL:

An overall score of 80 or above (82 for teaching assistantship consideration), AND Minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 19; Writing: 18; Listening: 17; Speaking: 18 (the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20).

Other scores that may be accepted in place of TOEFL scores (please check with your department):

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): All scores must be sent directly to URI. Required minimum score of 6.5, AND minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 6.5; Writing: 6.5; Listening: 6.5; Speaking: 6.5 (The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7).

Duolingo English Test: Required minimum score of 105 (Score of 110 for a teaching assistantship)

Pearson Test of English: Required minimum scores are Reading 53, Writing 59, Listening 47, and Speaking 47 (62 for international teaching assistants)

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Required minimum score of B2