Incoming Students

Welcome to Texas A&M University at Galveston! The Graduate Studies office will be an important resource for you throughout your time on our campus. Let us help you take the next critical steps on your journey to a graduate degree.





First Things First
  1. Claim your NetID
Your NetID is the username you will need to access many university resources such as your student email, student portal (Howdy), and Open Access Lab computers on campus. Learn how to activate your NetID to get started. *

*You will need your UIN, which was provided to you in your admissions offer letter, to claim your NetID. If you can’t locate your UIN, please email gradstudies@tamug.edu.

  1. Accept your admissions offer in Howdy

You must formally accept your admissions offer in the Howdy portal by the first class day of your entry semester to attend TAMUG.

  • In Howdy, under the Applicant tab, select Manage Applications
  • Under Active Applications you will see your graduate program. Click on Accept Offer to complete your formal acceptance of your admissions offer.
  • If you do not formally accept your admissions offer in Howdy by the first class day of your entry semester, we will decline your admissions offer on your behalf.
  • If you wish to defer your admission to a later semester, please email gradstudies@tamug.edu for assistance.
  1. Send official transcripts and test score reports to TAMUG

All new students must submit official transcripts to enroll. Students whose program requires GMAT or GRE scores and international students submitting English proficiency test scores must also submit official score reports. Click here for detailed instructions.

  1. Register for New Graduate Student Orientation

Orientation is designed to get you started on your graduate academic career. At Orientation, you will meet academic representatives, learn about graduate student policies and procedures, find out about student resources, and meet your new classmates. Both virtual and in-person session options are available.  Email invites will be sent to incoming graduate students. 

Spring 2025 New Graduate Student Orientation Dates
Format Date Time (Pending) 
In-person (lunch provided) January 7, 2025 9 am – 2:30 pm
Virtual (via Zoom) January 8, 2025 9 am – 12:30 pm

  1. Set up your TAMUG email account.

Your TAMUG email account is the only secure communication method the university will use to contact you. After orientation, the Graduate Studies office, faculty, and staff will only respond to emails from this account. Instructions for setting up your account are available here.

Before Orientation
  • Learn how to use Howdy
  • Register for classes.
    Research students should contact their faculty advisor for course advising. Non-thesis/professional track students will receive first semester course advising from Graduate Studies.
  • Read the Graduate Student Handbook
  • If attending New Graduate Student Orientation (in person session) you will need your campus parking permit or you can self pay at campus pay stations. 
    • See Preparing for Life as a Sea Aggie in the following tab below for parking permit information.
Preparing for Life as a Sea Aggie
International Students

In addition to sending official transcripts, please see the additional steps below to ensure a smooth transition to life at TAMUG.

  1. Satisfy English language proficiency verification requirements

If you were required to upload an unofficial IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE score report to your admissions application, then you must now order an official score report sent to TAMUG. In order to be considered official, score reports must be transmitted directly from the testing agency to TAMUG. Score reports submitted by students are not considered official and will not satisfy the requirement.

Be advised that you cannot request your immigration documents or register for classes until all official transcripts and test scores are received and processed. Please see Transcripts and Test Scores for ordering and delivery instructions. If you have questions about your transcripts and/or test scores, please email gradstudies@tamug.edu

  1. Obtain appropriate immigration documents

The Certificate of Eligibility Center (CEC) in the Office of International Student Services (ISS) will issue the appropriate documents needed to apply for a visa after you complete and submit several forms to their office. Important information about your arrival, including these forms, CEC contact information and an online immigration document tracking process, can be accessed at https://global.tamu.edu/isss/students/get-status

  1. Provide proof of tuberculosis screening

International students are required to submit proof of a negative tuberculosis screening before being allowed to register for classes. We strongly recommend that incoming international students get a tuberculosis screening before arrival in the United States as local testing and documentation processing can create long delays.

More information about the requirement and how to submit screening results is available on the Student Health Services website. Students can also reach out to international student liaison Danny Roe (roed@tamug.edu) with questions.

  1. Complete Online New International Student Orientation and check-in

It is recommended that new international students should complete the New Student & Scholar Orientation Click here. All newly admitted international students must also complete ISS check-in. Click here for more information.

  1. Satisfy English language proficiency certification requirements if on a teaching assistantship

Please be aware English Language Proficiency Verification requirements for enrollment are different from requirements for teaching assistantships. Students can satisfy the Certification requirement with appropriate test scores or by completing the English Language Proficiency Program administered by the Center for Teaching Excellence after arrival on campus.

Students on Assistantship

Please note that students who do not complete these items as required will not be allowed to work in an assistantship.

  • Read your offer letter carefully before signing and submitting it to Human Resources
  • Complete a background check
  • Register for Teaching Assistant Institute if on a teaching assistantship
  • If you are an international student, be advised that you will need to obtain a Social Security Card. Please check here for detailed instructions.
  • See our Graduate Assistantships page for more information
Texas A&M Maritime Academy Students

Please visit the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s Prospective Cadets page or contact their office for more details about these requirements.

Graduate students will need to:
1. Submit the Corps Application
2. Get a physical
3. Obtain a TWIC Card
4. Submit Additional Documents (e.g. passport)

Graduate students do not need to:
Graduate students are not required to attend Howdy Week & SALT Camp.