Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Morgan State English requirements by level
From the undergraduate English language proficiency page and the School of Graduate Studies international application page. The undergraduate page gives an overall IELTS band only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 79 (or paper 550), Duolingo 115 |
| Graduate | No minimum published; department decides | TOEFL 550, Duolingo 115 |
Accepted tests and exemptions
The graduate page says Morgan does not accept any other English proficiency exam scores, so PTE is not an option there. The undergraduate page lists only TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo.
For graduate study, an official transcript showing a bachelor's or master's degree from a US college or university can serve as evidence of English proficiency. The graduate page also says testing is not required for applicants from the British Commonwealth, listing countries such as Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and South Africa, and links to a separate list of exempt countries.
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Before you apply
Because the graduate school leaves the sufficiency of a score to each department, ask your department what IELTS band it expects before you book. Neither page states a score validity period or a conditional admission route. Morgan's TOEFL institution code is 5416.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Morgan State programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Morgan 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 Morgan State University need?+
An overall band of 5.0 for undergraduate admission. Graduate departments decide whether a score is sufficient.
What Duolingo score does Morgan State need?+
Duolingo 115 for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Does Morgan State accept PTE?+
No. The graduate page says no other English exam scores are accepted beyond those listed, and PTE is not listed on either page.
Does a US degree waive the test at Morgan State?+
Yes, for graduate applicants. A transcript showing a US bachelor's or master's degree can serve as evidence.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- UMBC IELTS requirement
- Towson University IELTS requirement
- Loyola University Maryland IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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