Welcome to Admission Policies
Required Background for Admission
- Applicants for the Master of Arts degree must hold an earned Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must give promise of meeting the standards set by the School. A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.67 is strongly recommended.
- Applicants for the Certificate of Advanced Study must hold an earned Master's degree from an accredited college or university, completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
- Additionally, individual departments may set specific requirements concerning interviews, adequate scores on tests, course waivers, computer literacy and major and distribution of undergraduate coursework.
Types of Admissions and Procedures
There are three types of admissions to GSEAP:
- Formal admission
- Non-matriculated status
- Permanent non-degree status
Formal admission is necessary to pursue a complete degree or certification program.
Under our Non-Matriculated Status option, qualified students may begin studies before completing the formal application process or gaining admission to a degree or certification program. This option provides a wonderful opportunity for qualified students to explore degree options and to confirm personal goals and readiness for graduate study. Qualifications to be considered include a Bachelor's degree (required) and other qualifications related to your preparedness for graduate-level studies in the field of interest to you.
Students who already have earned an advanced degree (at least a master's degree) and who will not be seeking a degree but who want to take courses for their professional development or to complete their certification or licensure requirements may apply for admission as Permanent Non-Degree students.
Application for Formal Admission or Apply Online
Formal admission is necessary to pursue a complete degree or certification program or to become a permanent non-degree student. Those seeking formal admission to a degree program must submit the following documents to the Graduate Admissions Office located in the Kelley Administrative Center:
1. A completed formal application, and supplemental application (pdf) if required, along with a non-refundable fee of $60.
2. All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
3. At least two recommendations (on available forms). Suggested recommenders include your undergraduate or graduate professors; your major advisor; your work supervisor; or a professional in the field that you wish to study who knows you.
4. Proof of immunity to measles and rubella if you were born after December 31, 1956.
5. Applicants for all state certification programs must also:
- Fulfill the Essential Skills requirement in mathematics, reading and writing by passing the PRAXIS I (PPST) tests or waiving this requirement with appropriate SAT, ACT or PAA scores. Your official ETS Score Report or your Praxis I Waiver Letter from the Connecticut State Department of Education must be submitted. Praxis I Information and Waiver Applications are available online. The Praxis I waiver application is available from the Connecticut Department of Education (pdf) and Praxis registration and testing information is available here.
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.67 (B-) or above. Waiving of this minimum GPA requirement is on a case by case basis by departmental approval. Minimum GPA Waiver Process Form
- Pass an Admissions Interview
Download Formal Common Admission Application
Application for Non-Matriculated Status 
The non-matriculated application process is simple and involves the following steps:
1. Obtain a copy (official or unofficial) of your undergraduate transcript that shows the undergraduate degree you earned. You will need to bring this transcript and a check for $60 made out to Fairfield University for the non-refundable application fee with you to the University.
2. Meet with the Assistant Dean or a faculty advisor in the program that interests you to determine whether you qualify for non-matriculated student status, to decide on courses, and to complete and sign your Non-Matriculated Student Status Application. Your transcript will be reviewed during this meeting.
3. Complete the first two pages of the formal application form so that your process of applying for formal admission can begin.
4. Deliver your completed non-matriculated student status application, your completed first tow pages of the formal common admission application form, and your $60 check to the Dean's Office (Canisius 102) for on-the-spot processing.
5. Once your non-matriculated student application is processed by the Dean's office, you may register for courses at the Registrar's Office (Kelley Administrative Center, ground floor).
6. No recommendations are needed at this time.
Non-matriculated status students may take a total of six credits in certification programs or nine credits in non-certification programs prior to formal matriculation. Courses will count toward degree or certification requirements with formal admission; however, successful completion of coursework does not automatically guarantee formal admission.
Download Non-Matriculated Student Status Application
Application for Admission Permanent Non-Degree Status
Applicants who hold advanced degrees (at least a master's degree) and who are interested in taking courses for professional and personal continuing education may be admitted as Permanent Non-Degree students. Courses taken under this status may not be considered toward fulfillment of degree requirements. Students seeking admission must submit the same application and documentation as those seeking formal admission.