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, personal statements and standardized test scores, are also part of the consideration. 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. Applicants should apply online at https://www.applyweb.com/ricg/index.ftl

Admissions Requirements

Graduate study is offered through the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Business, the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work. Most programs have deadlines for the submission of all application materials for full acceptance to the fall or spring term, though some programs review applications on a continuing basis.

For all degree programs, the materials listed below are required.

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 and may include an interview. Please review requirements for individual programs.

The dean responsible for the program to which the candidate is applying will inform the candidate of the decision regarding admission. Complete information on deadlines and admission requirements can be found at https://www.ric.edu/admissions-financial-aid/graduate/admission-requirements-all-graduate-degree-programs

Provisional Admissions:

An applicant for a Master’s program who does not meet the program’s admission standards but who demonstrates the potential to successfully complete graduate work may be considered for provisional admission, when this option is available in the department of application. The provisionally admitted student will be matriculated into the program and must earn at least a 3.0 GPA in the first 9 credits. The student’s coursework for these 9 credits is drawn from the Plan of Study for the graduate degree. Individual programs may have additional retention standards. Details of provisional admission will be specifically outlined at the time a Plan of Study is developed. Failure to meet the provisional admission requirements is sufficient cause for dismissal from the program.

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 for students whose undergraduate education was not in the English language
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 International, Immigrant, Undocumented, DACAmented & Refugee Student Services for information concerning U.S. laws and regulations.

Health Requirements

All full-time students and international students are required to meet immunization requirements mandated by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Students living on campus, participating in the athletic program or enrolled in the nursing program are also required to have a physical examination on file at Health Services.

All health related information should be entered into the secure Medicat Patient Portal located 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 Military Resource Center for information on graduate degrees and courses or e-mail mrc@ric.edu.