Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Clayton State English requirements by level
Undergraduate figures are from the undergraduate catalog; graduate figures are from the graduate international applicants page and the MS in Data Science admissions page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5 total | TOEFL iBT 75, TOEFL paper 540, Cambridge C1 180, PTE 58, MET 59, EIKEN Pre-1 |
| Graduate (general) | 6.0 total | TOEFL iBT 69 (79 recommended), TOEFL paper 550 |
| MS in Data Science | 6.0 total | TOEFL iBT 78, Duolingo 100, approved USG intensive ESL programme |
Other ways to meet the requirement
Undergraduates can also use an approved University System of Georgia intensive ESL programme, college English composition at a regionally accredited US college with a C, two years of US high school English with a C, or UK GCSE, A-level or IGCSE English results.
At graduate level only applicants whose native language or college language of instruction was not English must test. If your bachelor's was taught in English, your registrar can send Graduate Admissions a letter confirming it.
Free test: are you at Clayton State University's score yet?
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Scores and how to check
The undergraduate catalog says official scores must come directly from the testing source, with no photocopies, scans or email attachments. The MS in Data Science asks for a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Clayton State programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Clayton State University publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does Clayton State require?+
IELTS 6.5 total for undergraduates and 6.0 total for graduate applicants.
Does Clayton State accept Duolingo for the MS in Data Science?+
Yes, with a minimum score of 100.
Can I use an English-medium degree instead of IELTS at Clayton State?+
Yes, for graduate admission, if your registrar sends a letter confirming the language of instruction was English.
What TOEFL score does Clayton State need for graduate study?+
A minimum total of 69, with 79 recommended, on the TOEFL iBT.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Columbus State University IELTS requirement
- Kennesaw State University IELTS requirement
- Georgia State University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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