Graduate
admissions

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Graduate Study at Westfield State University

Graduate students at Westfield State University include working professionals, career changers, recent college graduates, and adult learners returning to school after time away. Whether you want to earn a master’s degree, complete a graduate certificate, or pursue teaching licensure, Westfield State offers flexible pathways designed to help you continue your education while balancing the realities of work and life.

With evening courses, some fully online options, year-round scheduling, small class sizes, and access to long-term career support, graduate study at Westfield State is built to be both practical and professionally meaningful.
 

Preferred Application Deadlines

  • June 1 - Fall start
  • November 1 - Spring start
  • April 1 - Summer start

Graduate Degrees, Certificates, and Licensure Pathways

Westfield State University offers several ways for students to continue their education, depending on their goals and background.

Students who want a full graduate credential can pursue a master’s degree through one of the university’s graduate degree programs. Those who already have a degree and want specialized training in a focused area can explore graduate certificates. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become certified as teachers in Massachusetts, or add an additional licensure area, can explore teaching licensure pathways.

Flexible Graduate Study for Adult Learners

Westfield State University’s graduate programs are designed to work within the realities of adult life. Students can take classes after 4 PM, and some programs include fully online options. The university also offers both full- and part-time study year-round, allowing students to move through their programs in a way that fits their schedule and responsibilities.

This flexibility is paired with small class sizes, the ability to transfer up to 6 graduate credits, and lifetime career counseling support. Together, these features create a graduate experience that is both academically rigorous and realistically manageable for working adults.

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Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate admission requirements at Westfield State University can vary by program, so applicants are encouraged to work closely with an Outreach Specialist as they prepare their materials. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials 4–6 weeks before the beginning of the semester in which they plan to enroll. Some cohort-based programs follow different timelines. 

A complete application

All applicants must submit an online graduate application.

International applicants must also complete the International Student Information Form.

Application fee

Applicants must submit the $50 application fee along with their application. This fee is waived for applicants who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces.

Official transcript(s)

Applicants must submit all official electronic or sealed transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.

International students must request a credential evaluation of all transcripts from outside the United States.

Recommended evaluation agencies include:

All international transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation completed and sent directly from the agency to Westfield State University at graduate@westfield.ma.edu.  

Evidence of fraudulent evaluations will result in an immediate withdrawal of any application to the University.

English proficiency test score

International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency to Westfield State University at graduate@westfield.ma.edu.

Westfield State University requires the following scores for each test:

  • TOEFL: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 110

Students may submit proof of Conditional Recommendation and Competency in Level B2 of the Intensive English Program at the International Language Institute (ili.edu) in Northampton, MA.

This requirement may be waived if the language of instruction in high school or college was English for the last three years, or if students are enrolling from a country where English is one of the primary languages.

Additional supporting documents

Depending on your desired program, the following items may also be required to support your application:

  • A personal narrative statement
  • Letters of recommendation (check program requirements)
  • A copy of professional licenses of test scores (e.g., Massachusetts teaching license or MTELscores)
  • A professional resume.

International applicants must submit the following to obtain an I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa:

An I-20 will not be issued until the Certification of Finances is completed and verified by the University.  

For questions about the I-20 process, please contact the International Programs Office at ipo@westfield.ma.edu.

Graduate Tuition, Financial Aid, and Affordability

Our graduate programs are a fraction of the cost of private institutions with no difference in tuition for in-and out-of-state students. Financial Aid is available through FAFSA.

Female student in white ball cap smiling at friend as they work in the Ely library

Graduate Assistantships

Westfield State University offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each year through Graduate and Continuing Education. These assistantships are highly competitive and are awarded to students with strong academic records who are matriculated in a graduate degree program.

Campus Resources for Graduate Students

Graduate students at Westfield State University have access to campus resources designed to support academic success and everyday life.

Dining commons staff serving lunch to student

Veteran and Military Support

Westfield State University is a military- and veteran-friendly school with a designated Office of Veteran and Military Services. Graduate students who are veterans, active-duty service members, or military-affiliated learners can use this support structure as they navigate admissions, academic planning, and campus life.

Ethan Lichwan, class of 2025. He is in the Veteran and Military office on campus, and wears a gray shirt with a blue "WSU" print on the front. He has close-cropped hair. Colored flags are blurred in the background and he is sitting on a green couch.
Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduate Admissions

Who are Westfield State University’s graduate programs designed for?

Westfield State University’s graduate programs are designed for adult learners, working professionals, recent college graduates, and students returning to school after time away.

Are there evening or online options for graduate students?

Yes. Graduate students can take classes offered after 4 PM, and some programs are fully online. Full-time and part-time options are available year-round.

Can I transfer graduate credits into a Westfield State University program?

Yes. Students may transfer up to 6 graduate credits into an eligible Westfield State University graduate program.

Does Westfield State University offer graduate certificates?

Yes. Westfield State University offers graduate certificates for students who want specialized study or additional credentials beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Is financial aid available for graduate students?

Yes. Financial aid is available for graduate students through FAFSA.

Are graduate assistantships available?

Yes. Westfield State University offers a limited number of highly competitive graduate assistantships each year for matriculated graduate students with strong academic records.

What campus resources are available to graduate students?

Graduate students have access to campus resources including dining, wellness centers, the Career Center, the library, technology services, and student accessibility services.

Does Westfield State University support veteran and military students?

Yes. Westfield State University is a military- and veteran-friendly institution and provides support through the Office of Veteran and Military Services.

Can I complete a Westfield State University graduate program while working full-time?

Yes. Many graduate programs are designed for working professionals and offer flexible scheduling, including evening classes, some online options, and full-time or part-time pathways.

What types of graduate pathways does Westfield State University offer?

Westfield State University offers graduate degrees, graduate certificates, and teaching licensure pathways for students with different academic and professional goals.

Are Westfield State University graduate programs designed for adult learners?

Yes. Westfield State University’s graduate programs are designed to support adult learners, including students who are returning to school while balancing work and other responsibilities.

Does Westfield State University offer support beyond the classroom for graduate students?

Yes. Graduate students have access to academic, career, wellness, library, technology, and accessibility resources that support success throughout their program.