Application Process

Prospective students must submit a graduate application to the Office of Transfer and Graduate Admissions. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. Admissions decisions are mailed to applicants within three weeks after the application is complete.

The materials and credentials* to be submitted by each applicant for the master’s degree include:

Application and Application Fee: Complete and submit the online application with a $30.00 non-refundable application fee.

Transcripts: Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work must be submitted. An official transcript indicating receipt of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants currently in undergraduate programs will be required to submit an official transcript of final grades indicating completion of coursework and awarding of the degree within 30 days of the first semester of enrollment. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.00 are encouraged to schedule an appointment to meet with a graduate admissions counselor.

Note: St. John Fisher College alumni may indicate on their application permission to allow the Office of Transfer and Graduate Admissions to request their official transcript from the Registrar’s Office.

Personal Goals Statement: The admissions committee values a well-developed personal statement that speaks to an applicant’s specific professional plans and career objectives. The quality of the student’s statement is an indication of the ability to express thoughts clearly. Applicants should provide information about yourself, your goals and plans for the future, and reason for graduate study in your chosen field. The personal statement should be approximately 300-500 words in length.

Recommendations: Applicants for admission must submit recommendation forms. Recommendations should evaluate the applicant’s capacity to undertake a rigorous academic program. Applicants who are current students or recent graduates must submit at least one recommendation from a college instructor. The person making the recommendation should have knowledge of the requirements of graduate-level work. Recommendations from personal friends or family members will not be accepted.

The following programs have specific requirements for recommendations:

• M.S.Ed: Educational Leadership: The applicant must provide recommendations from certified school administrators familiar with the applicant’s potential to be successful as an educational leader.

• M.S. in Nursing: Two recommendations must be submitted by individuals who are qualified at the master’s or higher level and currently work with the applicant.

Current Résumé: A current résumé should be submitted.

Standardized Tests: Each graduate program has unique requirements with regard to standardized admission tests. Please refer to the individual program descriptions for details.

Certifications and Licenses:

• For students applying for education programs seeking professional certification, a copy of the teaching certificate is required
• For students applying to the M.S. in Nursing, a copy of the New York State R.N. license is required.

International Applicants: Refer to International Student Services page.

*Note: All documents submitted in support of an application for admission become the permanent possession of St. John Fisher College and cannot be returned to the applicant or forwarded to a third party.