Applying for Admissions
Applicants to the Graduate Division should refer to the appropriate department for specific admission requirements, including minimum hours of undergraduate preparation, submission of compositions and portfolios, or auditions.
Individuals also must show evidence of good character and those personal traits necessary to fulfill course and certification requirements. An interview, letters of recommendation, and prior academic records may be required.
The procedure for applying to the Graduate Division is self-managed. Complete instructions are below.
Applicants for Matriculation
All students applying for admission as master's matriculants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or the foreign equivalent, with an undergraduate record indicating good preparation for the proposed area of graduate study. Good preparation is generally interpreted to mean a minimum academic average of B in undergraduate work considered by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies to be relevant to the proposed area of study. If ten years have elapsed since completion of undergraduate work, additional undergraduate courses may be required as a condition of admission.
Applicants must submit an essay explaining their objectives in pursuing graduate study.
Where appropriate, the college will require students to submit medical reports attesting to their ability to enter and complete a program.
Applications for matriculated admission to the Graduate Division are considered on a semestral basis (some programs admit only in the fall semester). Applicants who fail to register in the semester they are admitted must reactivate their applications, which may be reviewed again. Admission to matriculation in one semester does not guarantee admission in a subsequent semester. Applicants who fail to register and subsequently are admitted and register in a later semester must fulfill the degree or certificate requirements in effect in the semester of registration.
A student whose undergraduate preparation is less than fully adequate may be admitted to matriculation with conditions, which take effect in the first semester of attendance. Unless otherwise indicated, these conditions must be removed within one year, or before proceeding beyond 12 credits of graduate work, whichever comes sooner. Under certain circumstances, students with an undergraduate average marginally below B may be matriculated with the condition of probation. A student admitted on probation must achieve a B (3.0) average in the first 12 credits of graduate work. Students admitted on probation who fail to attain fully matriculated status after completing 12 graduate credits will not be permitted to continue.
Application Fee
A check or U.S. Post Office Money Order, payable to Queens College, for $125 needs to be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions, with the Payment Voucher form, for your application. Write your address and Social Security number or CUNY ID number (if you have one) on the check or money order. The application fee is nonrefundable. Your application will not be processed without payment.
The $125 application fee is waived for Queens College graduates who are applying for the fall 2012 semester and have graduated from an undergraduate program between February 2012 and September 2012.
Transcripts
U.S. Institutions:
All transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, using the Transcript Request form, which is available in the application under Downloadable Forms in the online application. Transcript must be received from every previously attended post-secondary college/university. All transcripts must be official, and dated within the past six months.
International Institutions (Foreign Transcripts/Educational Credentials):
All transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, using the Marksheet Request form, which is available in the application under Downloadable Forms in the online application. Educational records must be received from every previously attended post-secondary institution(s)–universities, colleges, institutes, and/or polytechnics. All transcripts must be official, and dated within the past six months. It is your responsibility to have your educational records from abroad sent as soon as possible. This documentation must be sent directly from the foreign institution to the Queens College Graduate Admissions Office. Any university/college transcripts (grade reports/official attested university mark-sheets/releves des notes/index book/notas) that pass through a student's hands are not acceptable.
Essay
Applicants must write and submit a 500-word essay explaining their objectives in applying for graduate study and including a brief personal statement.
Exception: Applicants for the School Building Leader program must submit a 1,000-word essay.
Letters of Reference
Some departments/programs may require letters of reference. Please view the list of Graduate Degree Programs to see if the program you are applying to requires letters of reference and how many. The recommenders that will be submitting reference letters on your behalf may send their letters to our Graduate Admissions Office electronically through the online application or they may submit hard copies of their reference letter via post mail. For the recommenders who wish to submit a paper copy of their reference letter via mail, please download and print a copy of our reference form here.
Interview
Some departments/programs may require an admissions interview. Please view the list of Graduate Degree Programs to see if the program you are applying to requires an interview. The department you are applying to will contact you directly if an interview is necessary.
Test Scores
GRE and GMAT:
Some departments/programs may require the GRE or GMAT. Please view the list of Graduate Degree Programs to see if the program you are applying to requires GRE or GMAT score.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
Individuals whose native language is not English and whose post-secondary education was not in English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants who score below 600 on the paper-based exam or its equivalent on other TOEFL systems (IBT = 100; CBT = 250) will be required to register for the Graduate English as a Second Language (GESL) course during the first semester. Please view the list of Graduate Degree Programs to see the score required.
The following persons may be exempt from taking the TOEFL:
1. Applicants who have passed the Queens College ELI Final Exam, Level VI with a score of 100 or better and are applying to programs that require a minimum TOEFL score of 500. Exception: Applicants to programs that require a TOEFL score of 550 or higher are not exempt from the TOEFL.
2. Applicants who have received a bachelor's degree in the United States. (Other criteria may apply, as determined by academic departments or the Director of Graduate Admissions.)
Please note: TOEFL is also required of applicants from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Panama, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
General testing information:
Obtain applicable GRE or TOEFL test scores from the Educational Testing System (ETS), GMAT scores from the Graduate Management Admission Council and IELTS from the International English Language Testing System. For Information about those exams, click here
The Institutional Code Number for Queens College is 2750.
Visa and Immigration Status for International Students
Students Seeking Student Visa (F-1, F-2) and/or Scholar Visa (J-1, J-2)
International students, scholars, and their dependents are required to obtain or maintain the F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 U.S. Student and Scholar Visa and Immigration Status prior to enrolling at the college.
For procedures, please contact:
The Queens College International Students and Scholars Office
Student Union, Room 327,
65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367
718-997-4440 (phone)
718-997-4429 (fax)
iss@qc.cuny.edu
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, BY DEPARTMENT
Accounting
Individuals who hold a degree in Accounting from Queens College, and have an overall GPA and a major GPA of 3.2 or greater, will not be required to submit GMAT, letters of reference, or essay with their admissions package. Individuals who hold a degree in Accounting from another CUNY college and have an overall GPA and a major GPA of 3.2 or greater are exempt only from the GMAT.
Art Education, AC and MSEd
You must submit a 15-slide portfolio (in a plastic page) of your work. These must include at least two drawings. A CD Rom in JPEG format is also acceptable. On an accompanying page you must provide the following information for each slide:
- Title (if any)
- Size
- Medium
- Date
Include a self-addressed envelope stamped with sufficient postage for the material to be returned. Original artwork will not be accepted and will not be reviewed. Incomplete applications without a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be considered. These materials are due at the Graduate Admissions Office at the same time all other materials are submitted. Admission is competitive, and the submission dates will not be extended.
Art History
Applicants must describe their proficiency in reading foreign languages within the 500-word essay. The GRE score is not required for admission, but if desired by the applicant, the score may be submitted and will be considered as part of the admissions credentials.
Art Studio (MFA)
All applicants to the Master of Fine Arts program must submit a CD (or DVD) with creative work samples and an inventory list to the Art Department by the Graduate Admission deadline. You must include 15 work samples. If your work is primarily video, then submit one complete video (up to 30 minutes) along with four five-minute samplings of other video works.
Label your CD with your name. (Do not use adhesive labels.) Work sample files must be titled LastName_FirstName_TwoDigitNumber.jpg. (e.g., Doe_Jane_02.jpg) and should be 1024 x 768 pixels or no more than 1024 pixels in height or width. Videos must be presented in Quick Time format. An inventory list of the work samples must include your name and the title, size, medium and date of each work. This Word document file must be titled "LastName_FirstName_Inventory.doc". A URL with additional work samples for all candidates is optional and can be added to your inventory list.
A copy of the essay you submit in the online application as well as a copy of your resume should also be included on the CD or DVD you submit.
Checklist for contents of CD or DVD to send directly to the MFA Advisor by mail:
- work samples in JPG format
- inventory list of work samples
- copy of essay that was submitted online
- current resume
Send these materials directly to:
MFA Advisor, Art Department
Klapper Hall, Room 172
Queens College
65-30 Kissena Boulevard
Flushing, NY 11367-1597
Materials from accepted candidates will be retained for analysis and discussion. Others will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage.
Biology
Individuals who hold a degree in biology from Queens College, and have an overall GPA and a major GPA of 3.0 or greater, will not be required to submit GRE with their admissions package.
Educational Leadership
All candidates for the Educational Leadership program may enter as matriculated or nonmatriculated students for the Fall or Spring semester or Summer Session, provided that they meet all entrances requirements:
- A minimum of three years of successful full-time teaching experience (e.g., completion of probation, tenure, contract renewal).
- A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 from approved post-secondary institutions for both the bachelor's and master's degrees.
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation from supervisors and administrators attesting to the applicant's specific leadership skills and experiences (e.g., how the applicant has already contributed administrative or supervisory functions to his/her school, with examples).
- An essay of 1,000 words clearly expressing the candidate's reasons and supervisory potential for entrance into the program, detailing his/her skills, talents, knowledge, predispositions, administrative/supervisory experience, and contributions to current school.
- A formal interview with at least two members of the full-time faculty in the program.
English – Creative Writing
Students applying for an MFA in English–Creative Writing must submit a manuscript (at least 20 pages) of their original work to the Graduate Advisor, English Department, Klapper Hall, Room 607, by the application deadline.
Music
Performance majors:
The Graduate Audition Request Form must be completed and sent directly to the School of Music before an audition can be scheduled. The form may be downloaded from the department website (http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/music/index.php?L=6&M=69&R=1#Auditions) or obtained by calling the music office (718-997-3800). Audition requirements for each instrument and voice can be found on the same web-page; see under "Prospective Students."
Applicants living overseas or at a considerable distance may send a recorded audition on CD or DVD. DVDs are preferred. Classical voice only: A live audition is required; no CDs or DVDs will be accepted.
Other music applicants:
All other music applicants should submit copies of their recent work: composition majors; send two or three recent compositions; theory majors, send one or two examples of music written in the traditional tonal system (e.g., fugue, a movement in sonata or rondo form, etc.), and a recent paper; history majors, send only a recent paper. These materials should be sent directly to:
Graduate Advisor, Aaron Copland School of Music
Queens College, CUNY
65-30 Kissena Boulevard
Flushing, NY 11367-1597
The GRE is required of applicants in music history and music theory. The GRE is not required of applicants in composition.
Music Education
Applicants seeking admission to New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Music Education are admitted only for the fall semester. All applicants must interview with the music education faculty prior to admission approval (typically in mid-May). Qualified applicants will be notified by the Music Education advisor about specific dates and times for interviews after the written application has been reviewed.
Psychology
Applicants for all master's programs in psychology must submit only the results of the general aptitude Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Please Note: The GRE is not required for the Applied Behavior Analysis Advanced Certificate program.
Psychology-Applied Behavior Analysis
Individuals who hold a master's degree will not be required to submit the GRE with their admissions package.
Risk Management
Individuals who hold a degree in economics, math, accounting, computer science, or BBA from a CUNY school, and have an overall GPA of 3.3 or greater, will not be required to submit GMAT, but are encouraged to do so.
Teacher Education
Applicants to Teacher Education Programs who hold teacher certification in New York State may apply to MSEd Programs in Education. These applicants must have completed a sequence of academic and professional courses appropriate to teacher certification in New York State, and must include with the application evidence (copies) of NYS provisional or initial certifications held. Those with insufficient background may be admitted under special circumstances. Applicants may consult with the graduate advisor from the individual program involved.
Applicants to Teacher Education programs who do not hold teacher certification in New York State may apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs in Education. The MAT programs are designed for students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than education who are interested in the teaching profession.
The MAT programs offer students the option of earning New York State initial certification in Early Childhood Education, B-2, Childhood Education, 1-6, or Dual Certification in Elementary and Special Education, 1-6.
Please note: The GRE is not required for the MSEd or MAT programs in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Applicants for the Special Education program are required to hold a provisional or permanent certification in general education in the age/grade range of the Special Education program for which they are applying [i.e., Early Childhood (Birth-Grad 2), Childhood (Grades 1-6), and Adolescence (Grades 7-12)]. Students applying for the Adolescence Special Education program must hold a certification in teaching within a content area (e.g., mathematics or science).
Applicants for the Physical Education program must have completed a bachelor's degree in physical education/teaching, including the completion of student teaching in physical education, and must hold an Initial Certificate in Physical Education (all grades). All other applicants must apply, meeting an early deadline, to the Initial Advanced Certificate Program/Physical Education which requires three letters of recommendation and the added requirement of a "Letter of Intent" as described in the Graduate Bulletin and on the department's web page.
Applicants for Non-Matriculation
A special application is required for admission as a nonmatriculated student. A nonrefundable $125 fee is payable at the time of filing the application. The application must be accompanied by proof of receipt of the bachelor's degree. The deadlines for fall and spring admission are five business days before registration.
Acceptance to nonmatriculated status does not guarantee admittance to courses. Class sections may be filled early during registration, many courses have prerequisites, and some courses and programs are not open to non-matriculants. Applicants for nonmatriculated status must confer with the appropriate graduate advisor prior to filing their applications for admission in order to determine their eligibility for the course, the likelihood of their being able to register for the course, and to get the advisor's signed approval on the admissions application.
Nonmatriculated students must obtain permission from the graduate advisor each semester before registering.
Graduate non-matriculants, except for those who have a master's or higher degree, or those who are cooperating teachers with tuition waivers, may take no more than 12 credits at Queens College in this status.
Non-matriculants who wish to matriculate must meet all requirements for admission to the particular program. Students should bear in mind that admission with nonmatriculated status does not guarantee subsequent acceptance for matriculation, nor that courses taken as a non-matriculant will be credited toward the degree.
Non-matriculants who have not achieved a B average after completing 12 credits will not be permitted to matriculate.
Please note: Applicants on student or exchange visitor visas (F-1 or J-1) are not eligible to apply for nonmatriculated status.
