Graduate Program Application Requirements

1. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Requirement:

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

How to Submit:

Electronic Submission (Recommended): Request directly from your previous institution(s) (fast and secure).

Niagara University Students: On your graduate application, select “Yes” when asked if you have ever attended or graduated from Niagara University. Complete the Graduate Contact Form so we can attach your NU transcript to your application (you do not need to request your transcript).

Degree Status:

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or provincially accredited college or university.
If your degree is in progress, submit your current official transcript; the final transcript will be required once your degree is conferred.

GPA Requirement:

The minimum GPA for admission is 3.0. Those with a GPA below 3.0 may, at the university’s discretion, be asked to participate in an interview to assess their preparedness for graduate study, career objectives, personal qualities, and decision-making abilities. Professional experience will also be considered.

2. References

Requirement: Minimum of two letters of recommendations from professional or academic references (Ph.D. program does NOT require references).

Accepted References: Current or former supervisor, professional colleague, mentor, professor, or academic advisor. Personal references (friends, family members, etc.) are not acceptable.

How it Works: Once reference contact information is entered in the application portal, the system will automatically email referees with further instructions.

3. Statement of Intent

For programs that require it, applicants must submit a written Statement of Intent through the application portal. The statement provides information about the applicant’s background, goals, and suitability for the program.

Your statement should be two pages in length, double-spaced, and typed. Please include your full name, graduate program, and anticipated entry term at the top of the document.

In your essay, we encourage you to:

Share your academic and/or research background.
Discuss your career goals and personal philosophy.
Explain how Niagara University’s program will help you achieve your objectives.

Tip: Be specific and authentic – this is your opportunity to show how your experiences connect to your future plans.

4. Resume Required

1. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Requirement:

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

How to Submit:

Electronic Submission (Recommended): Request directly from your previous institution(s) (fast and secure).

Degree Status:

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or provincially accredited college or university.
If your degree is in progress, submit your current official transcript; the final transcript will be required once your degree is conferred.

GPA Requirement:

The minimum GPA for admission is 3.0. Those with a GPA below 3.0 may, at the university’s discretion, be asked to participate in an interview to assess their preparedness for graduate study, career objectives, personal qualities, and decision-making abilities. Professional experience will also be considered.

2. References

Requirement: Minimum of two letters of recommendations from professional or academic references (Ph.D. program does NOT require references).

Accepted References: Current or former supervisor, professional colleague, mentor, professor, or academic advisor. Personal references (friends, family members, etc.) are not acceptable.

How it Works: Once reference contact information is entered in the application portal, the system will automatically email referees with further instructions.

3. Statement of Intent

Your statement should be two pages in length, double-spaced, and typed. Please include your full name, graduate program, and anticipated entry term at the top of the document.

In your essay, we encourage you to:

Share your academic and/or research background.
Discuss your career goals and personal philosophy.
Explain how Niagara University’s program will help you achieve your objectives.

Tip: Be specific and authentic – this is your opportunity to show how your experiences connect to your future plans.

4. Resume Required

Program Specific Testing Requirements

Applicants to Initial Teacher Education programs must either complete one of the examinations listed below or submit official documentation of qualifying test results taken within the past six years.

ACCUPLACER – Recommended option. The ACCUPLACER is a remotely proctored exam that can be taken on your home computer. The exam is very test-taker friendly, and includes questions related to basic skills including arithmetic, reading, and writing. All sections are multiple-choice and untimed, and individuals are able to schedule the exam 24/7 with the remote proctoring service.

Required Scores:

255 – Math
250 – Reading
250 – Writing

The Graduate Education Office will provide a voucher for the exam once the application is submitted. Practice materials can be found here.

A Graduate Admissions Test is not required for applicants who meet one of the following conditions:

Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Possess valid teacher certification
Have successfully passed the teacher certification examinations

Applicants who do not meet any of the above will be required to take one of the approved tests listed under Initial Teacher Education.

Program Specific Requirements

Candidates applying to the School Counseling, School Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or Ph.D. program must participate in an interview, which will be scheduled following a preliminary review of application materials.

International Student Specific Requirements

Transcript Evaluation Requirement: Applicants who earned a degree outside the United States or Canada must submit a degree evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or SpanTran.

Report type: Comprehensive course-by-course evaluation.

International Degree Equivalency: The foreign credential must be from an accredited and recognized institution and equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Language Requirement: Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a language proficiency exam. Requirement is waived for students scoring 600+ on the GMAT/GRE. Score requirements:

TOEFL Internet Based: 79-80
IELTS: 6.0
CET 6: 450

Please review the International Students page for further information on the procedures and requirements for studying at Niagara University.

Niagara University encourages all individuals whose aptitude and demonstrated achievement in university or college give evidence of their ability to successfully complete the various university programs to apply for admission. Consistent with our Catholic mission, Niagara University welcomes all students, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religious preference, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, or disability.

Graduate Application Requirements