Graduate Admissions

The primary factor in decisions for admission to graduate studies at Rhode Island College is a candidate's academic record, although other factors, such as recommendations and standardized test scores, do play an important role in most cases. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to all graduate programs. Final acceptance is based on the combined decision of the appropriate academic department and the academic dean responsible for that department.

Graduate study is offered through the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Management, the School of Nursing, and the School of Social Work. Applications may be obtained from these schools.

Though many departments review applications on a continuing basis, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the School of Management require that all application materials be received by April 1 to ensure full acceptance to the fall term and by November 1 to ensure full acceptance to the spring term. The application deadline for graduate student assistantships and scholarships is also April 1.

The Feinstein School of Education and Human Development requires that all application materials be received by March 15 to ensure full acceptance to the fall term.

Applicants to the School of Social Work's M.S.W. program should click here for appropriate admission procedures and deadlines.

For all degree programs, the materials listed below should be submitted to the academic dean responsible for that program.

1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Forms may be obtained from the office of the academic dean responsible for the program to which the student is applying.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records. The dean's office will obtain any Rhode Island College transcripts.
3. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate course work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs less than 3.00, may be admitted to degree candidacy upon the submission of other evidence of academic potential, for example, satisfactory performance in postbaccalaureate work, professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation, and / or high scores on the standardized tests.
4. A copy of candidate's teaching certificate (when applicable).
5. An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for most programs.
6. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate's potential to do graduate work. Placement references are generally not applicable.
7. An interview may be required.

The dean responsible for the program to which the candidate is applying will inform the candidate of the decision regarding his or her admission.