Graduate Studies Admission
Master's Degree Programs | Ph.D. Program | Certificate of Graduate Studies | Non-Matriculated Status | Apply Online
Master's Degree Programs
Who May Apply
Men and women with bachelor's degrees from regionally accredited institutions of higher learning or an equivalent degree from an internationally accredited college or university, considered to have the ability to pursue graduate study and who show a desire for personal development, are admitted without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran's status, disability or age.
How To Apply
The following materials must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office, Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island 02840:
- Completed graduate application form;
- Non-refundable application fee;
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty and/or work. supervisors who can attest to an applicant's ability to be successful in graduate studies;
- Test scores no more than five years old from one of the following:
- Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
Application files must be completed within one year of initial submission or individuals may be required to resubmit materials. All application materials become a permanent and confidential part of university records and are not returned.
International applicants should also refer to the segment on "International Students" later in this section of the catalog for additional application information and requirements.
Admissions Criteria
Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. An applicant to graduate studies must:
- possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States. Documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.
- have a cumulative grade point average and an undergraduate record that reflects ability to be successful in graduate studies.
- provide a personal statement that demonstrates solid writing skills and motivation for graduate studies.
- submit two letters of recommendation that support the ability to engage in graduate studies.
- demonstrate through scores on any one of the following exams that he or she has the potential to do well in graduate studies: MAT, GRE, and GMAT. This examination requirement may be waived for students whose portfolio indicates an ability to do graduate work.
Educational Plan
Upon acceptance into a master's program, students are required to contact the program director. The purpose of the contact is to establish a tentative educational plan and to evaluate graduate credits from other institutions for applicability to the proposed course of study. Students in master's degree programs will not be permitted to register for a fourth course until they have made this contact.
The dean of graduate studies will provide students a copy of their educational plan. Program directors establish advising schedules for matriculated students that continue throughout the program.
Thesis Option
In some programs, students may decide to write a six-credit thesis under appropriate faculty direction. Details are established prior to registration and in consultation with the thesis supervisor and the program director.
Dual-Degree Master's Program
The dual-degree master's program can be designed and based on career interests and appropriateness of educational goals. Applicants are required to meet with the program directors and the dean to discuss this option. The dual-degree program offers a common set of core courses, making it possible to earn two degrees with fewer credits than if earned separately.
Second Master's Degree
Students who complete courses in research and in ethics (such as HUM500 and MGT540) in a master's degree at Salve Regina and return for a second master's program need not repeat the same courses. In such cases, the graduation requirement for the second degree is a minimum of 30 credits. However, if either of the two courses is repeated in the second master's program, the requirement increases accordingly. A second master's degree must be initiated within three years of the first master's degree.
Ph.D. Program
Who May Apply
Individuals with a master's degree and high motivation are encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
The first step in the admissions process is a personal interview with the program director to discuss a proposed area of concentration, to examine prerequisites, and to compose an on-site writing sample.
The following materials must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI 02840 by March 15 for September admission, September 15 for January admission, and January 15 for June admission:
- Completed graduate application form;
- Non-refundable application fee;
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts from accredited degree-granting institutions including proof of an approved master's degree with a GPA of 3.3 or higher;
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who have taught the applicant, that address the applicant's ability to succeed in doctoral studies;
- GRE test scores no more than five years old;
- A 15-page paper completed for a master's degree course;
- A current resume.
Application files must be completed within one year of initial submission or individuals may be required to resubmit materials. All application materials become a permanent and confidential part of university records and are not returned.
International applicants should also refer to the segment on International Students for additional application information and requirements.
Admissions Criteria
Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. An applicant to the doctoral program must:
- Possess both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States. Documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.
- Have a cumulative grade point average in the master's degree or 3.3 or higher.
- Submit three letters of recommendation that support the ability to engage in doctoral studies.
- Demonstrate through scores on the GRE that he/she has potential to do well in doctoral studies.
- Provide evidence of quality research and writing skills on a paper submission from previous master's degree coursework.
- Show evidence through an interview with the program director that he/she understands the theme of the doctoral program and is motivated to do research relating humanities and technology.
- Through an on-site writing sample show an understanding of humanities that suggests an adequate foundation for doctoral studies in this program.
Educational Plan
Upon acceptance into the doctoral program, students are required to meet with the program director. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a tentative educational plan and to evaluate graduate credits from other institutions for applicability to the proposed course of study. Students in the Ph.D. program are required to meet with the program director again following their fifth course.
The dean of graduate studies will provide students a copy of their educational plan. The program director establishes advising schedules for matriculated students that continue throughout the program.
Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS)
The Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) may be earned by students with baccalaureate degrees from accredited institutions or master's degrees from accredited institutions in related areas to the field of study. This certificate program requires 12 to 15 credits of graduate study approved by the program director. It is designed for those students who wish to pursue graduate study but may not be interested in obtaining a degree at the beginning of their studies. Students are encouraged to contact the program director prior to enrolling in graduate certificate courses to assure the appropriate selection of courses. Should a student desire to continue beyond the certificate by entering the master's program, he/she must complete the application process, and if accepted, the courses already completed will be applied to the master's degree.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) is designed for those students who have completed a master's degree at Salve Regina University or an equivalent master's degree from another accredited institution and who are seeking advanced knowledge within their field of study. Students should consult with the program director regarding the appropriate CAGS for their career interests.
How To Apply for the CGS or CAGS Program
The following materials must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI 02840:
- Completed application form;
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended;
- Non-refundable application fee;
- One letter of recommendation from a person able to evaluate the candidate's academic potential.
Non-Matriculated Status
Those with baccalaureate degrees who want to continue formal education for professional or personal enrichment, but who do not want to earn a degree, may enroll with permission of the dean of graduate studies as non-matriculated special students for no more than three courses. Non-matriculated students may not enroll in a fourth course unless they have been accepted into a graduate program or are enrolled for a graduate certificate.
Apply Online
To apply online, click here to fill out the secure, online Graduate Application form.
After filling out the form, please remember to send the following supporting materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions: official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended; two letters of recommendation (three for Ph.D. applicants) from individuals who can attest to your academic ability and motivation to obtain a graduate degree; and relevant test scores. International students are required to submit a transcript evaluation in addition to official transcripts. Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by WES (www.wes.org) or an equivalent evaluation service.
