Admissions Criteria

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Admissions Criteria for Graduate Programs


Criteria for admission are specific to each program.

Graduate Admissions Criteria by Program


Learn more about individual Graduate Program Admissions Criteria.

  • Master of Business Administration

    Requirements for admission and matriculation into the Master of Business Administration Program at Molloy University include the following. Applicants must:

    • Possess an appropriate Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university. Students who do not have a Bachelor’s degree in business must complete the prerequisite courses listed under Programs of Study Leading to Master of Business Administration Degree. Students can satisfy the prerequisite requirements through CLEP exams, traditional coursework or Molloy School of Business approved proficiency exams, which can include self-paced learning modules.
    • Submit an official transcript of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate courses taken. Molloy University will accept a maximum of six content equivalent MBA graduate transfer credits having a grade of “B” or better from another accredited college or university. Credits completed more than five years ago will be reviewed. Foreign documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation and evaluation by WES or GLOBE. Students found to be deficient in the English language may be required to complete a University sponsored English placement exam prior to the start of their studies.
    • Complete the graduate degree program application, including a required essay.
    • Have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale overall grade point average in undergraduate work or submit the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). (Students having a GPA below 3.0 may be accepted on a provisional status. Completion of six graduate credits in this program with an average grade of “B” or better is required to stay in the program.)
    • Submit a letter of recommendation from former college professors and/or professional associates.
    • A resume providing evidence of appropriate experience.
    • Schedule a personal interview with the Graduate Program Director.
    • Students may complete the program in as little as one year, or as long as five years. A longer time period may be granted with permission of the Graduate Program Director or Dean.

    Note: The School of Business reserves the right to make necessary changes in programs and courses in response to regulations received from the New York State Education Department and/or New York State Office of the Professions. These changes become effective according to dates specified by New York State. Students are responsible for meeting all program requirements.

  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling


    • Application fee, $65.00 non-refundable
    • A Baccalaureate degree, with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher, from an accredited college or university, or successful completion of another master's degree, demonstrating prerequisite coursework
    • Official copies of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any colleges or universities attended
    • A current resume
    • A personal statement of not more than 500 words addressing the applicant's background, experiences, personal qualities and academic and career goals related to the field of mental health counseling.
    • Three academic or professional letters of recommendation from former faculty members or employment supervisors, attesting to the applicant's ability to be successful in graduate school and in the field of mental health counseling.
    • Prerequisite coursework: an undergraduate major in counseling or psychology or a related mental health field is preferred. However, students with another major who have completed three of the six following courses and obtained a 3.0 or higher GPA will be considered:- introduction to counseling or psychology- life-span development- evaluation/assessment in counseling or psychology - psychopathology or abnormal psychology- statistics in the behavioral sciences- experimental design in counseling or psychology.
    • If accepted to the program, the CMHC department remains the right to request additional course work to be completed beyond the three courses above. This request might occur in the event that a student is deemed in need of more coursework to be successful in our program.
    • A personal interview with the Program Director and/or other faculty member from the department
    • Experience in working with others in a volunteer or employment capacity.
    • A spontaneous writing sample at the time of interview that the applicant will have to pass.

  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice

    The applicant must possess an appropriate Baccalaureate Degree in the social sciences from an accredited college or university. Those who do not have an appropriate Baccalaureate degree will be required to take undergraduate classes as a prerequisite to admission. The required undergraduate-level classes will be determined by the Director after transcript evaluation and a personal interview. Students applying to the Criminal Justice Graduate Program should have some basic foundational classes in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and political science (at least 30 credits). Applicants with a social science background and no foundation in criminal justice may be required to take an undergraduate CRJ course, with permission from the Graduate Program Director to enter the program.

    Applicants must submit an official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work.

    Only credit from institutions that are accredited by their regional higher education body will be accepted for transfer into the Graduate Criminal Justice Program. No more than six hours of transfer credits are accepted at the Master's degree level, and the student must have attained a grade of "B" or better in those classes. There are no waivers of credit. No academic credit is awarded by the Criminal Justice Graduate Program for life experience or for military, police academy, or other professional training.

    Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 for matriculation. However, applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA may be admitted at the discretion of the Program Director on a probationary status. If the student cannot maintain a 3.0 for the first six (6) credits, the student will be dismissed from the Program.

    Applicants must submit at least three (3) letters of recommendation. Additionally, all applicants are required to participate in a personal interview with the Program Director.

    The maximum time to complete the Master's degree is five (5) years.

    Note: The Graduate Program in Criminal Justice reserves the right to make necessary changes in programs and courses in response to regulations received from the New York State Department of Education or other certification bodies. These changes will become effective according to dates specified by the New York State Education Department or by a certification body. Students are responsible for adhering to all program requirements.

  • Master's Degree in Education

    • Applicants for admission and matriculation are required to possess an appropriate Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university.
    • Candidates who wish to pursue a program leading to professional certification must possess initial New York State Teaching Certification and have the prerequisites required by New York State Education Department for the professional certification.
    • Candidates who are entering the teaching profession and seeking initial certification must have taken appropriate major courses in content areas and liberal arts concentration to satisfy the requirements of the New York State Education Department for teacher certification and earned a minimum grade of "C: in these courses. Any candidate who needs to complete prerequisite courses is required to do so as soon as possible, but definitely prior to completing 12 credits in the Graduate Program.
    • No credit is given for life experience.
    • A candidate who has been enrolled in and has failed to successfully complete the Molloy College Undergraduate Education Program cannot be admitted to the Graduate Education Program.

    In addition, applicants must:

    • Submit an official transcript of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate courses taken. Transcripts will be evaluated according to New York State Education Department regulations and upon approval of the Program Director, Molloy College will accept up to a maximum of six (6) graduate transfer credits having a grade of “B” or better from another accredited college or university. These credits must have been completed within the last five years and must correspond in content to courses offered in the Molloy College Graduate Education Program.
    • Complete the graduate degree program application including an essay regarding personal academic goals.
    • Have achieved a minimum of 3.0 overall grade point average in undergraduate work. (Candidates having a GPA between 2.8 and 3.00 may be accepted on probationary status.)
    • Possess computer skills related to application software, information processing and internet access.
    • Submit two letters of reference from former college professors and/or professional associates.
    • Participate in a personal interview with the Program Director and/or Coordinator of Graduate Programs.
    • Evidence appropriate dispositions necessary for becoming a professional educator who can successfully teach all students in inclusive classrooms. Applicants who lack necessary dispositions may be counseled to choose another profession.
    • Attend a mandatory orientation session.
    • Submit an acceptable writing-on-demand sample if requested by the Program Director or Coordinator of Graduate Programs. If the sample does not meet the acceptable criteria, the candidate is required to attend, at a minimum, four remedial sessions in the Writing Lab.
    • Provide proof of immunization. Candidates who have not fulfilled this requirement cannot be admitted to class.
    • Nine (9) credits per semester is considered full-time in graduate programs.

  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities

    Acceptance into the program is based on the following broad set of requirements:

    • Successful completion of a Master's degree in education or related field
    • 3.5 GPA in graduate studies
    • A minimum of three years of post-Master's employment
    • Professional goal statement 
    • Sample of scholarly writing such as Master's thesis, other academic paper or previous publications
    • Current teaching/administrative license or other comparable professional licensure in a related field (if applicable)
    • Recommendations from three professionals
    • An interview with the Doctoral Admissions Committee

  • Master of Science in Music Therapy

    Prospective students in the Master's degree programs are required to have the registrars of all colleges and universities previously attended send official transcripts directly to Molloy University. In addition, applicants must:

    • Complete the graduate degree program application.
    • If the student has completed a music degree, the following prerequisites must be completed: Abnormal Psychology and Developmental Psychology.
    • If the student has a degree in a related field that is not music, such as psychology, they may need to complete prerequisite music courses or fulfill competencies in the following areas: Music theory and sight singing, Harmony and Music History.
    • Have achieved a minimum of a 3.0 overall grade point average in undergraduate work. (Students having a GPA between 2.8 and 3.0 may be accepted on probationary status.)
    • Submit three (3) letters of reference from former college professors and/or professional associates.
    • Pass an audition for the Molloy University Music Department.
    • Participate in a personal interview with the Graduate Music Therapy faculty
    • New York State Law #2165 requires that all students born on or after January 1, 1957, have on file proof of immunity from measles, mumps, and rubella. These vaccinations must have been given on or after the first birthday. Therefore, students must submit poof of immunization signed by a physician or high school health official. Students must comply will all health policies relating to COVID-19. Students need to be vaccinated to do clinical fieldwork for this degree.

  • Master of Science in Nursing

    Requirements for matriculation and admission into the Master of Science Program in Nursing include:

    • Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a professionally accredited program. Applicants from non-accredited programs may be considered for admission on an individual basis.
    • *Undergraduate GPA 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale.
    • Current New York State license registration certificate.
    • One year of clinical nursing experience is required prior to specialization courses. Nurse Practitioner applicants are required to have a minimum of one year of recent clinical experience.
    • Three letters of recommendation. Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialty applicants’ letters must attest to clinical competency. One letter from a clinical manager.
    • Undergraduate statistics.
    • Undergraduate nursing research.
    • Undergraduate Basic Physical Assessment
    • A personal interview.
    • A completed application.
    • A current curriculum vitae
    • A professional goal statement.
    • For Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN) Programs:
      • Professional goal statement (400 to 800 words) addressing the following:
        • Discuss student's personal reasons for Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN) specialty.
        • Describe how student's past and/or ongoing work experience will enhance their experience in this program.
        • State student's goals/plans upon completion of the degree.
      • All applicants must have a minimum of one year adult acute care nursing experience prior to applying and have designated preceptors for clinical.

    *Applicants who do not have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 and show promise may be admitted with provisional academic status. These students must receive a minimum grade of "B" in the first six (6) credits taken in the graduate program. Upon completion of these six (6) credits, the student’s records will be reviewed. At this time the student will be accepted as matriculated or asked to withdraw from the program.

    h policies relating to COVID-19. Students need to be vaccinated to do clinical fieldwork for this degree.

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

    Admissions Criteria for the Post Baccalaureate to D.N.P. Program

    Program requirements for admission into the Post-Baccalaureate to DNP Program in Nursing include:

    • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
    • Undergraduate GPA 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Current New York state RN license registration certificate.
    • One year of recent clinical nursing experience is preferred. For Acute Care BS to DNP, recent inpatient acute care experience preferred.
    • Three letters of recommendation attesting to clinical competency.
    • A completed application with current curriculum vitae (professional resume).
    • Possess basic computer skills related to application software and information processing
    • Submission of transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate coursework.
    • Written essay pertaining to the reason student is pursuing a DNP degree.
    • Scholarly writing sample (publication or prior professional/academic writing).
    • Health and professional requirements as determined by the nursing program (see "Pre-Clinical/Practicum Requirements").
    • An interview with the Director of the DNP Program and faculty.
    Post-Master's and Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate to D.N.P. Program Admissions Criteria

    Program requirements for admission into the Post-Master's to D.N.P. Program and Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program to D.N.P. Program in Nursing include:

    • Undergraduate GPA 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and an overall minimum graduate GPA of 3.2.
    • Current New York State Registration as a Registered Nurse.
    • Current New York State Registration as a Nurse Practitioner or Adult CNS (for Post-Master's to D.N.P.).
    • One year of recent clinical nursing experience is required.
    • Three letters of recommendation attesting to clinical competency. One letter of recommendation must be from a manager.
    • A completed application with current curriculum vitae (professional resume).
    • Possess basic computer skills related to application software and information processing.
    • Submission of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
    • Written essay pertaining to the reason student is pursuing a D.N.P. degree.
    • Scholarly writing sample (publication or prior professional/academic writing).
    • Health and professional requirements as determined by the nursing program (see "Pre-Clinical/Practicum Requirements").
    • An interview with the Director of the DNP Program and Faculty of the D.N.P. Program.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

    The School of Nursing at Molloy University employs a "whole person" philosophy to evaluate candidates for admission to the doctoral program. A multifaceted assessment of the applicant’s potential for success includes the following:

    • A baccalaureate degree in nursing and/or a master's degrees in nursing (or equivalent) from accredited programs.
    • Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale from applicant’s master's program.
    • Complete official transcripts from all university programs and courses.
    • Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States and eligible for New York State licensure.
    • A written statement of career goals and proposed area of research.
    • Three letters of reference from professionals in the field that speak to the potential of the applicant as a scholar, to include at least one from a former faculty and at least one from a recent employer.
    • A current curriculum vitae (professional résumé.)
    • A copy of a recent scholarly paper, research report, or publication.
    • An interview with the Doctoral Program Director  and faculty of the Doctoral Program with concurrent completion of an on-site brief writing sample evaluated by a designated Ph.D. admission committee.

  • Master of Social Work

    Application information:

    • Applications may be submitted online to the Fordham University School of Social Service Office of Admissions, Lincoln Center. The application may be completed online at www.fordham.edu/gss.
    • Applicants must have earned the baccalaureate degree, with liberal art content, from a regionally accredited college. It is expected that an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale will have been achieved. Since an applicant may have had a successful experience in social work practice, or may have demonstrated a capacity for graduate work by virtue of study in other areas related to social work, the GPA is reviewed within the context of the total application.

    The following forms and supporting materials are required:

    • The online application.
    • A personal statement (An outline is provided for the statement).
    • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. Undergraduate transcripts that total fewer than 20 credits are not required.
    • Resume.
    • One letter of reference. This reference can represent a number of areas of interest for the applicant. Some examples of qualified references would be employers, community leaders, teachers, or supervisors of volunteer activities. This reference is submitted online.
    • A $60 application fee.

    Tips for Application to FUGSS at Molloy University:

    • Contact the Fordham/Molloy Graduate Social Work Program Director on the Molloy Campus 516.323.3884 to arrange an initial meeting regarding the application process.
    • Flexible plans of study.
    • Classes at suburban Molloy Campus, Lincoln Center or online.

    Exceptions to the Basic Requirements:

    • Applicants with a B.S.W. degree from Molloy University may apply for advanced standing. These applicants must submit a copy of their interim or final fieldwork evaluation of their undergraduate social work internship.
    • Applicants applying for status as transfer students must submit a copy of their final fieldwork evaluation for their foundation internship in their accredited M.S.W. program at another school. Additionally, one of the applicant’s letters of recommendation must be from the faculty advisor, and should include a review of the applicant’s academic and field achievements, as well as specific recommendation for continuing M.S.W. studies at another institution.
    • Applicants for the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioner program will receive a form for their employers to complete in making the commitment to the EESSP placement arrangements.

    Note: Each application will be reviewed by Fordham's Admissions Committee when all required materials have been received and the applicant will be notified as to the decision of the committee.

    The MSW degree is granted by Fordham University (in compliance with the accreditation standards of CSWE, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, NY State Department of Education).

  • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

    Application Deadline: February 15 (Extened for Fall 24 only)

    The requirements for admission to the program are:

    • Three (3) letters of reference (professors preferred)
    • Professional goals statement
    • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
    • A personal interview
    • Submit prerequisite coursework

    Pre-requisite Courses Include:

    • Three (3) credits in biological sciences
    • Three (3) credits in physics/ chemistry
    • Three (3) credits in statistics
    • Six (6) credits in behavioral and/or social sciences
    • Twelve (12) credits in basic communication processes, including at least one course in each of the following: anatomy and physiology, the physics of sound, language development, phonetics
    • Six (6) credits of introductory courses in Speech-Language Pathology (These courses generally have a content focus in developmental and acquired communication disorders.)
    • Three (3) credits of introductory courses in audiology.

    Students must complete a minimum of 56 hours of graduate coursework to be eligible for a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

    While the Molloy University M.S. SLP program is no longer requiring the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as a requirement for admission, New York State (NYS) does require the GRE for certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). While you may be admitted to the Molloy M.S. SLP program without GRE scores, under current NYS requirements you will need to complete the GRE requirement prior to our submission of your TSSLD recommendation to NYS. Other U.S. states and municipalities may have similar requirements.

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