Graduate FAQ

About applying

Is there a fee to apply?

No, except for the physician assistant program.

How will I know if my application is complete?

When you apply to your grad program online, you will receive information about how to set up and log into your NazNet online account. You can monitor there whether your application is complete.

What is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary by program. Some programs have strict application deadlines, while others process applications on a rolling basis (as received). All deadlines are detailed on each program's how-to-apply webpage.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Graduate programs require two letters of recommendation. See the how-to-apply details for your program.

How do I submit recommendation letters?

Four options:

  1. Submit via your online application
  2. Mail them to Graduate Admissions
  3. Email them to gradadmissions@naz.edu
  4. The recommender can fax directly to Graduate Admissions at 585-389-2817
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?

No. None of our programs require the GRE or GMAT.

If my undergrad GPA is less than a 3.0, is it possible to be admitted?

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 are welcome to apply, but you should explain the lower GPA in your required professional statement. Describe specific procedures you will follow to meet the rigorous requirements of graduate study, and describe relevant experiences and/or activities that demonstrate your ability to do graduate-level work at Nazareth.

Can I meet with someone for more information and/or take a tour before I apply?

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    Cost

    How much is tuition?

    Graduate tuition varies by program. See Graduate Tuition & Costs ≫

    What financial aid or scholarships are available for grad students?

    Many graduate students finance their education through student loans. However, there are graduate assistantship opportunities available.

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      Education degrees

      Can I have a transcript evaluation before I apply, to know where I stand with the 60 liberal arts credits needed for initial certification?

      Transcripts are evaluated when students apply. However, we are happy to perform a courtesy review for prospective graduate students upon request.

      Please note that courtesy review transcript evaluations can take up to a month to complete, so it is usually faster to apply. Send your courtesy review request to Tracey Britton, tbritto3@naz.edu, or 585-389-2051 in the School of Education, specify the program you're interested in, and include unofficial copies of transcripts for all colleges you attended.

      I wasn't an education major but want to become a teacher. Do you offer a program for me?

      Yes, we offer multiple initial certification programs for graduate students who want teaching certification and don't have an academic background in education.

      At the end of each master's degree program, students are eligible for "initial" or "professional" certification in their chosen program.

      You can use our decision tool to match your background and interests to the right teaching program for you.

      Learn more about our graduate programs

      Do you offer programs in special education?

      The certification earned in one of our inclusive education programs is "teaching students with disabilities," which equates to the previous language of "special education."

      Learn more about our graduate programs

      After you’ve applied

      When will I find out if I am admitted?

      For competitive programs with a high volume of applications, applicants are typically notified between 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.

      For programs with "rolling" deadlines, notifications are typically sent within two weeks of when all parts of an application are complete.

      After being admitted, what do I need to do?

      Celebrate! And see the Admitted Graduate Students webpage.

      What does it mean to be waitlisted?

      Waitlisted means your graduate application for admission has been reviewed and you meet the academic criteria for a program, but the program is full.

      You will be asked to indicate whether you want to remain on the wait list for the current term. If you reply "no" to the waitlist, you are declining the offer to be on the wait list, and you will no longer be considered for the program.

      What if I am admitted to a program but cannot attend?

      You can defer your admission for up to one year without needing to reapply. Requests to defer admission to the art therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology programs must be approved by the graduate program director.

      If I am denied, can I reapply?

      If denied admission to a graduate program, you may resubmit your application for review in a future term.

      Being a grad student

      Do you accept transfer credits?

      Yes, up to six graduate credits may be transferred into a graduate program pending the approval of the program director. Transfer credit requests will be considered once a student has been accepted to, and enrolled in, a graduate program at Nazareth. The Transfer Credit Approval form is on the Graduate Student Forms webpage.

      What's considered full-time? Can I be part-time?

      Program requirements vary. The definition of full-time is 9 credits.

      Graduate students may take a maximum of 12 credits per semester.

      Programs such as art therapy and physical therapy require primarily full-time enrollment. However, in art therapy there are occasional openings for part-time status.

      Our School of Business and Leadership programs are geared mainly for part-time study.

      How do I find graduate student housing?

      On-campus housing is offered when space is available. Check Naz Residential Life's Transfer & Graduate Student Housing information page.

      You can connect with other Nazareth graduate students and find roommates through Nazareth's graduate students group on ZeeMee.

      Non-degree options

      Can I take grad classes if I'm not enrolled in a grad degree program?

      These programs will allow you to take several courses without being matriculated, usually as you are in the process of applying to a graduate program:

      • certain school of business and leadership programs
      • certain school of education programs

      For all other programs, students need to apply and be accepted to take courses. 

      I already have a master’s degree. Can I take graduate courses at Nazareth?

      In most cases, yes, if space is available in the course. Contact the Registration & Records office, 585-389-2800, for guidelines on taking courses as a non-matriculated graduate student.

      Still have questions?