Graduate Application Procedures

The purpose of graduate education at Westfield State University is to allow the student to develop as a scholar, capable of original thinking and research in a professional career. A graduate degree represents more than a completion of a prescribed number of courses. It indicates that the student has performed successfully in a field of professional study and has developed specialized skills, independent judgment and scholarship necessary to be a Master in his or her respective discipline.

Applicants' qualifications are reviewed by individual departments as well as by the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Associate Vice President. Criteria used in weighing each application include: undergraduate grade point average, professional training, references, standardized test scores as well as the individuals narrative statement on professional goals and reasons for desiring graduate education.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Application to a graduate program must consist of the following:

1. Application and $50.00 fee (non-refundable)

2. Narrative Statement - Your narrative statement is read with great care and consideration.  It should be 2-3 pages and include statements about your professional goals, academic experience, factors which led you to consider graduate study and why you feel the University can support your future endeavors.

3. Official transcripts with college seals and in sealed envelopes of all college-level work. If you attended more than one college, submit one transcript from each institution. Please have transcripts sent directly from your former college or university to the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education; opened transcripts will not be accepted.

4. Three letters of professional reference (forms enclosed in application)

5. Official scores of either the Miller Analogies Test, the Graduate Record Examination or the GMAT (for Accountancy majors only); scores older than five years are not valid. Note: Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate, CAGS, and Homeland Security Certificate Applicants do not need to submit GRE or MAT Scores and people seeking a second master's do not need an entrance exam.

6. Where applicable, a copy of Classroom Teacher Licensure.

7. Where applicable, (including School Guidance & School Principal) a copy of a passing scores in Communication and Literacy Skills portions of the Massachusetts Educators Certification Tests.

8. International applicants (where applicable) must provide Official English translations and a Credential Evaluation of all secondary and post-secondary transcripts, an official copy of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with passing score, bank-notarized Certification of Finances Form, and a photocopy of the applicants current visa.

9. International applicants may obtain a credential evaluation of documents from:
   Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
   PO Box 231126
   Boston, MA 02123-1126
   (617) 338-7171
   (Applicants are responsible for processing fee.)

10. All Massachusetts residents must submit a Proof of Residency form.

APPLICATION

The application should be typewritten or printed. The $50.00 application fee, payable to Westfield State University, must accompany the application The fee is not refundable. All application materials are to be forwarded directly to the office of Graduate and Continuing Education.

All questions concerning the admission process should be directed to the Admissions Coordinator at (413) 572-8022.

The application deadline for Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Psychology degree programs is February 1st. All material must be received by the application deadline to be considered for admission. Applications to other programs are accepted on a rolling basis.

NARRATIVE STATEMENT

Your narrative statement is read with great care and consideration. It should include statements about your professional goals, academic experience, factors which led you to consider graduate study and why you feel the University can support your future endeavors.

There are two ways to apply...

Method 1:

Application for admission may be made to the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education by printing one the following forms:

• Advanced Graduate Studies
• Graduate Application
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Homeland Security Certificate
• Post Baccalaureate Application