Applying for Graduate Studies

Graduate Applications

We offer this Web-based application in hopes that it will make our application process as easy and convenient as possible for you. You can get started right now and won't have to worry about documents getting lost in the mail. Applications are only accepted online at this time. To start your application, please click the link below:

If you are interested in taking classes as a non-matriculated student, please fill out the application below and submit it to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  Non-matriculated students may take up to 12 credits, and these credits may be used for personal or professional development, as prerequisites for advanced study, or be applied toward a degree in the future.  **Please note that students may not take non-matriculated classes in the Zarb School of Business, counseling masters, psychology PhD, or PsyD programs.

Application for Non-Matriculated Admission

Online Application Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the following FAQs for help with the Online Application

Online Application FAQ                                                  How to reduce the size of a file

Track Application

In addition, once your application has been submitted, you will be able to check its status through the various processing stages. To take advantage of this online feature, simply click on the "Track Application" link below.

Track Application

Degree Study

Applicants for graduate matriculation (approved study leading to an advanced degree, certificate or professional diploma) should submit a completed application with all required documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions on or before the deadline date established for the program in which the student wishes to matriculate. Complete information regarding deadlines, admission requirements and submission of standardized test scores may be obtained in the Office of Graduate Admissions. All applicants for graduate matriculation must submit official transcripts of all previous study, both undergraduate and graduate, from fully-accredited institutions. Applicants who fail to submit their applications in time may be admitted as nonmatricualted graduate students if they wish to register for no more than 12 semester hours of course work, which in some cases may be prerequisite to matriculation or creditable to degree requirements upon subsequent matriculation. This option is not available for students seeking admission in either the M.B.A., School/Community Psychology or the Clinical/School Psychology programs. M.B.A. prerequisite and business graduate courses are open only to matriculated M.B.A. students. The completed application will be reviewed by the Office of Graduate Admissions and the appropriate Graduate Coordinator for a decision. The applicant will receive official notification of the decision from the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Non-matriculated Study

Applicants who wish to take individual courses may study on a non-matriculated basis for a maximum of 12 semester hours. Applicants for nonmatriculated study are required to present evidence of a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a fully-accredited institution when they apply for admission. Permission to take courses as a nonmatriculated student does not constitute admission to a degree program. Non-matriculated students are encouraged to matriculate in order to obtain the advisement and registration benefits accorded matriculated students. Students who subsequently matriculate may apply credit earned in a non-matriculated status course numbered 200 or above toward a degree provided these courses fulfill requirements and are completed within the time limit set for the degree. M.B.A. business graduate courses are open only to matriculated M.B.A. students. Matriculation imposes no obligation to complete a stipulated amount of work each semester, but entails careful examination and evaluation of previous academic accomplishments, usually within the ultimate goal of acceptance into a degree, certificate, or diploma program.

Deadline for Admission

We admit graduate students in the Fall and Spring session. Some programs only receive applications in the Fall, while others will evaluate applications for Fall and Spring. For specific program requirements, please check with the Graduate Coordinator in each program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions are made 4-6 weeks after receiving the application. Some programs have specific deadlines.

Applying

Graduate applicants are required to present evidence of a bachelor's or master's degree from a fully accredited institution. Specific admission standards vary according to program . Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Admission Committee within the academic program. You can expect a decision within 4-6 weeks from the time that your application is complete for evaluation.

Admission

Applicants for matriculated or non-matriculated study are required to present evidence of a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a fully-accredited institution when they apply for admission. Admission to graduate study at Hofstra is obtained through general University requirements, and specific requirements, for the various programs and degrees offered. Students should also carefully check individual programs. Admission criteria are subject to change without notice.

Bulletin of First Matriculation

Graduate students are expected to satisfy those requirements specified in the Bulletin of their first matriculation in their graduate program at the University, as designated in the letter of acceptance from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Students who have no record of attendance at Hofstra University for a period of 15 months or more must follow the requirements sent forth in the Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted. Any student, however, may elect once during his or her graduate studies to follow all the requirements specified in a subsequent Bulletin, provided the Office of Graduate Academic Records is notified prior to the semester of graduation. No exceptions regarding the requirements set forth in any Bulletin may be made by the students or by the faculty without the written approval of the dean of the academic unit. Note: for specific requirements, see individual department for graduate programs.

Full- And Part-Time Graduate Student Status

Graduate students are considered full time if they are registered for a minimum of 9 semester hours and part time if they are registered for less than 9 semester hours per semester. Classroom activities, student teaching, internship and practica may be considered for verification of full-time status. Non-classroom activities that constitute an integral part of the student's program (e.g., independent study, internships, thesis/dissertation research, graduate assistantships, preparation for language qualifying examinations, etc.) may be considered as contributing toward verification of full-time or part-time status. Petitions for consideration of such activities for full or part-time status may be submitted by the student and his/her program advisor or coordinator to the Dean of the College or School. The student must be registered for class or maintaining matriculation.

Credit by Examination

Graduate students with a strong background in a particular field may attempt to earn course credit toward their degree by taking a special examination at Hofstra or through various outside organizations. They must obtain prior approval from the Credit by Examination Coordinator (located in the HCLAS Dean's Office). The academic chairperson of the department in which the course is given, the graduate program director and the appropriate academic dean. Check the current Bulletin for the listing of conditions of restriction.

Readmission

Master's and doctoral students who have no record of attendance at Hofstra for a period of 15 months or more after the last completed semester, including summer sessions, must follow the requirements set forth in the Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted. Students who are maintaining matriculation are considered to be in attendance.