Include information about your degree(s), employment experience, and specialized skills, training, and/or certification(s).

In this essential component of the application, explain your reasons for seeking this graduate program. Include any information that will advance your candidacy, such as personal and professional attributes and goals, volunteer and professional experiences related to the program to which you are applying, and other related life experiences. Describe your future academic plans and anticipated contributions to the specific profession for which this program will prepare you.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected. If you did not meet that minimum or if you did not have a B average in your major field, you also must address each of the following in your professional statement:

1. Explain why your grades were below Nazareth's minimum expectations.
2. Explain your potential to positively contribute to the teaching profession.
3. Describe relevant experiences and/or activities that demonstrate your ability to successfully complete graduate work at Nazareth University.
4. Outline specific procedures you will follow to successfully navigate and meet the rigorous requirements of graduate study.

• Submit these through the online application. If you would like to provide additional letters of recommendation, email the Office of Graduate Admissions, gradadmissions@naz.edu.
• Or you can use a credential file for this requirement if the letters were submitted for the purpose of graduate study, not for employment. If you have this type of file, have your college send it to Nazareth’s Graduate Admissions office.
• These recommendations are used only for admission to a graduate program at Nazareth University. Graduate Admissions will dispose of all letters of recommendation following the admissions review process.

• If you attended Nazareth, the Office of Graduate Admissions will obtain your transcript upon receipt of your application packet.
• If you didn't attend Nazareth, ask your previous college(s) to send your transcript directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. International applicants: Submit English-translated transcripts, including bachelor's or higher degree equivalency through a NACES-certified evaluation service such as World Education Service, Educational Credential Evaluations, or Josef Silny & Associates. (The evaluation is at the expense of the student.) Also see international admissions requirements.

For Prospective Students Holding Initial NYS Certification

The audition should be 10–15 minutes in length representing at least two different composers and styles. A variety of tempos is suggested. Vocalists should include music in three languages, including English and will be provided an accompanist for the audition. Following the audition a short interview with program faculty will occur.

For questions about the application or audition process, please contact Program Director Keith Koster, Ph.D., kkoster8@naz.edu.

For Prospective Students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music but no Teacher Certification

The audition should be 10 to 15 minutes long, representing at least two different composers and styles. A variety of tempos is suggested. Vocalists should include music in three languages, including English, and will be provided an accompanist for the audition.

In addition to performing on your major instrument, you will complete a comprehensive musicianship skills evaluation administered by the Music Education faculty. Dr. Keith Koster, the program director, will email a study guide to you.

Following the audition and interview, a thorough transcript evaluation will be completed by the Graduate Admissions committee to determine which, if any, undergraduate deficiencies are identified. Upon acceptance, you will be asked to interview with the graduate program director to review the proposed program of study.

For questions about the application or audition process, please contact the Program Director Keith Koster, Ph.D., kkoster8@naz.edu.

• Proof of teacher certification from the NYS Teach system. This can be a screenshot that shows your certification has been issued or pending. 
• If you have not yet applied for certification (pending undergraduate program completion), you must provide proof of certification within your first term of study.

• All initial certification programs require an evaluation of prerequisite liberal arts and sciences coursework for New York state teacher certification. Outstanding prerequisite coursework needs to be completed before you can begin your student teaching semester and be recommended by Nazareth University for certification. 
• If you have questions about your prerequisite coursework or required tests for certification, please contact Ms. Tracey Britton, Director of Academic Support Services, and Certification Officer, Nazareth University School of Education, 585-389-2051, or email tbritto3@naz.edu.