2015-2016 Catalog

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Admissions - Graduate

Admissions Policy

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, are also important. 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 dean responsible for that department. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, status as a special disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Vietnam Era veteran or any other veteran who served in active duty.

Admissions Requirements

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. Though many departments review applications on a continuing basis, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development and the School of Management require that all application materials be received by March 1 to ensure full acceptance to the fall term and by November 1 to ensure full acceptance to the spring term. The School Psychology program and Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development and the Master of Social Work program in the School of Social Work have one application deadline of February 1 to ensure full acceptance into the programs, which begin in the fall term. Information on admission requirements and deadlines can be found at www.ric.edu/academics/graduate.php.

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

  1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
  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, but not less than 2.00, 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. See specific programs for requirements.
  6. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s potential to do graduate work. Placement references are generally not applicable.
  7. Some programs have additional admission requirements. Please review requirements for individual programs. An interview may also 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.

International Student Admission

Rhode Island College encourages applications from prospective international students whose command of English is sufficient for graduate study. Applicants follow the normal graduate admissions procedures and requirements. In addition, applicants must submit

  1. Certified literal English translations and evaluations of applicant’s transcripts and academic records.
  2. Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language and other tests as required by the program.
  3. An affidavit of support detailing the funds available for the educational program.
  4. A complete Immunization Record.

International students should contact the international student advisor in the Office of Student Life for information concerning U.S. laws, regulations, and employment practices.

Health Requirements

All full-time graduate students and international students are required to meet immunization requirements mandated by the Rhode Island Department of Health. A completed Immunization Record, signed by a health care provider, must be returned to College Health Services before full-time graduate students are allowed to start classes. Forms are available at www.ric.edu/healthservices or may be entered through the Medicat Patient Portal found on the right sidebar of MyRIC.

Note: Certain departments have additional health requirements for admission to their programs.

Military Personnel and Veterans

Rhode Island College is a Servicemember’s Opportunity College. U.S. military personnel and veterans are invited to contact the appropriate dean or the RIC Veterans Resource Center for information on graduate degrees and courses or e-mail vrc@ric.edu.