Admissions

Office of University Admissions
p – 516.877.3050

Overview

General admission is granted twice each year for fall and spring. Although the University operates on a rolling admissions system, freshmen applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by March 1 for the fall semester and November 30 for the spring semester; transfer applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by May 1 for the fall semester and by November 30 for the spring semester. (Please note that attendance at a summer session does not assure a student of admission to any of the schools or colleges of the University.)

Late applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis for admissions and financial assistance.

Applicants requesting consideration for on-campus housing must submit their tuition deposit, housing deposit and Housing Agreement Form prior to May 1 for the fall semester (these items must be received no later than May 1).

Students interested in obtaining admissions information should contact:

Office of University Admissions
One South Avenue
P.O. Box 701
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
p – 516.877.3050
1.800.ADELPHI (out-of-state)
e – admissions@adelphi.edu
w – admissions.adelphi.edu
w – adelphi.edu

Visiting the Campus

A personal interview is recommended as part of the admissions process. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus to interview with an admissions counselor, take a student-guided tour and sit in on a class. To arrange for an interview and campus visit, call the Office of Admissions or email tours@adelphi.edu. Interviews and tours of the campus are available, by appointment, Monday through Friday and selected Saturdays.

General Conditions of Admission

Applicants must be graduates of a recognized four-year high school or academy, or must offer acceptable evidence of official equivalent preparation. Adelphi prefers freshmen who have successfully completed a minimum of 16 academic units. Each applicant is considered, however, on the basis of his or her individual academic record, plus co-curricular activities. It is recommended that academic units include:

• English (4 units)
• Science (3 units)
• Mathematics (3 units)
• Foreign language (2–3 units)
• Additional units to be chosen from history, social studies and the above fields (4 units)

Deficiencies in some of these areas may be offset by superior qualifications in others. A “unit” represents the study of a college preparatory/Regents level subject for one year.

Admission Credentials for Freshman Admission

Admissions credentials that are required for a completed application include:

• Completed undergraduate application for admission (Adelphi Online Application or the Common Application)
• A non-refundable application fee of $40.
• A personal statement or essay. You may submit a report or paper you have written during this school year or, in 500 words or less, submit a response to one of the provided questions or a topic of your choice.
• Official high school transcripts.
• Official copies of your score on the SAT or the ACT with writing (SAT and ACT score reports will not be acceptable without a writing score). If these scores do not appear on the official high school transcript, you must arrange for us to receive them directly from the appropriate educational testing service. For students intending to enroll in the General Studies Learning Community and LearningResource Program, SAT scores are highly recommended and expected to be provided upon request.
• One or more letters of recommendation from a guidance/college counselor, teacher or school based administrator. Letters from other sources, such as a volunteer coordinator, may also be considered.

Students who have obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or who have been out of high school for one year or more will not be required to take the SAT or ACT (unless specifically requested to do so).

An admissions interview, strongly recommended for all students, is required for applicants to the Honors College, and may be arranged by the applicant or requested by the Office of University Admissions. Interviews may be waived due to distance or extenuating circumstances. All records of each applicant are given careful consideration. A final evaluation is based on the abilities, purposes and interests of the candidate. The University may also require additional information, or may exempt students from certain credentials.

Entrance Examinations

To assist the Admissions Committee in making a decision, the University requires candidates to take the ACT or SAT. Students who have lived in the United States less than three years and are from a non-English-speaking country may be required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, unless the student’s SAT critical reading and writing scores are higher than 450. International students from a non-English-speaking country are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score as well. This policy also applies to transfer students. The language requirement may also be fulfilled by successfully completing an approved English Language preparation program.

For students intending to enroll in the General Studies Learning Community, ACT or SAT scores are highly recommended. Students who seek admission at least one year after graduating from high school are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.

Admission to Off-Campus Centers
The Office of Admissions in Garden City, using the same criteria and procedures governing applicants to the main campus, handles admission to off-campus programs centrally.

Admission of Veterans

Adelphi welcomes the opportunity to assist qualified veterans in their academic plans and preparation for the future. The University considers, on an individual basis, the needs, interests and purposes of veterans who desire higher education. Please visit admissions.adelphi.edu/military/ for further details.

Admission of Transfer Students

Applicants must submit official college transcripts of all work, whether completed or in progress, from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants for admission must provide evidence of having achieved work of high quality in the institutions from which they transfer. Transfer students who have completed less than 30 college credits must submit an official high school transcript.

Interviews may be required for transfer students interested in social work. All requests for advanced standing credit must be made at the time of the student’s admission and before registering for courses at Adelphi, and must be supported by official transcripts. Admitted students will have their transcripts evaluated on a course-by-course basis and sent to the Office of the University Registrar, where it is recorded on the permanent Adelphi University record.

Adelphi requires that the last 30 hours of college work be completed in residence. Some majors require that students complete a greater percentage of their work at Adelphi. The maximum number of credits a student may receive from Advanced Placement tests offered by the College Board is 30 credits. Transfer students entering the University with 60 credits or more are required to declare a major at the time of matriculation. Students must consult with an academic adviser in the appropriate academic unit to determine if their transfer credits will be applicable to their major.

Credit may be granted for appropriate courses taken under the direction of the United States Armed Forces Institute, but only if such courses were given under the supervision of a regionally accredited or NYS Board of Regents accredited, two- or four-year, degree-granting college or university. For veterans enrolled in University College, credit may be granted for courses completed in service schools if the content of such courses is applicable to the degree requirements of the University and if the individual’s record of accomplishment in such courses has been properly authenticated. In general, the recommendations of the American Council on Education, as published in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, are followed where appropriate in the evaluation of service training for students in University College’s baccalaureate program.

General Transfer Credit Policy

The Office of Admissions, in consultation with the appropriate academic departments, is responsible for awarding transfer credit. During your transfer to Adelphi, your transcript will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a transfer admissions counselor to determine course equivalencies, as well as exemptions from the general education requirements. Adelphi will consider courses from regionally accredited or NYS Board of Regents accredited institutions. We will accept:

• Up to 64 college credits from a regionally accredited or NYS Board of Regents accredited community or junior college, including online courses. Credits completed at a recognized community or junior college (or equivalent) outside of the United States will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• A maximum of 90 credits from a regionally accredited or NYS Board of Regents accredited senior college or university (including online courses), with the exception of those senior college credits previously applied toward a two-year program or an associate degree. Credits completed at a recognized senior college (or equivalent) outside of the United States will be evaluated on an individual basis..
• A grade of C- or above for any course transferred toward a bachelor’s degree
• A maximum of 90 credits toward a second degree for students who have earned one bachelor’s degree and who are interested in pursuing a second degree at Adelphi
• All appropriate and comparable courses, including online courses, undertaken by transfer students in the past 10 years at an accredited junior or senior college and for which grades of A, B or C were earned—college credit earned more than 10 years ago will be evaluated on an individual basis. Please note: Grade points for courses are not transferred to the permanent Adelphi University record, nor are they included in the cumulative Adelphi GPA.
• Classes taken at the time of application or acceptance—forward an updated transcript to the Office of Transfer Admissions once your grades are posted for additional credit evaluation.
• We will not accept remedial or vocational courses.

Admission of International Students*

Adelphi encourages applications from students of diverse backgrounds who add to the international dimension of the University. It is recommended that applications for admission from international students be received by the Office of Admissions by May 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case and space-available basis. For students interested in living on campus it is recommended that you submit your application by March 1. Admission of international students is based on evidence of superior academic achievement and demonstrated proficiency in English.

The cost of attending Adelphi University is the full responsibility of international students and their families or sponsors.

Further instructions on the admissions process and application requirements may be obtained at admissions.adelphi.edu/international. Interested students can also contact the Office of Admissions at intladmissions@adelphi.edu or submit an inquiry form at admissions.adelphi.edu/contact-us/request-info to request the International Student Handbook.

*The Office of Admissions has the right to waive a requirement or request additional material.

Early Admission

Adelphi University offers two early admission plans to qualified students who want to enter college prior to graduating from high school. Students in either of these categories will attend as non-degree students and will not be eligible for financial aid.

Plan I: Full-Time Study at Adelphi

Plan I permits currently enrolled high school students who do not yet have high school diplomas to enroll directly as full-time undergraduate students at Adelphi University in order to complete their high school graduation requirements.

Plan II: Concurrent Students

Plan II permits students to attend Adelphi University concurrently with high school enrollment. Generally, students under this plan will be limited to afternoon and evening courses, and will attend high school courses in the morning.

To be considered for either of the Early Admission programs detailed above, a student must submit a letter of recommendation/support from their high school, along with their official high school transcript and a non-degree application. For further information concerning these early admission plans, contact the Office of Admissions.

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement with credit is awarded to entering students if required scores are achieved in an Advanced Placement Examination of the College Board. For more information regarding acceptable scores please visit admissions.adelphi.edu/freshman/how-to-apply/advanced-placement.

Upon taking the examination, the student should direct the College Board to send the test score report to Adelphi University, Office of Admissions. The maximum number of credits a student may receive from Advanced Placement tests and/or college level work completed prior to high school graduation is 30.

Students may also receive advanced placement with credit by earning an acceptable grade on selected tests including the:

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examinations
• Cambridge “A” Level Examinations.

If a student successfully completes a course for which advanced placement credit has been awarded, only the Adelphi course will apply toward satisfying graduation requirements and the University reserves the right to remove advanced placement credit from the student’s record.

Freshman Decision Policy

Adelphi University subscribes to a rolling admissions policy. The Office of Admissions makes every effort to notify candidates of their admission decision approximately three weeks after receiving a completed application. Adelphi also subscribes to an Early Action admissions program, whereby the Office of Admissions prioritizes the review of Early Action candidates who have completed applications, including all supporting material, submitted by December 1. The Office of Admissions makes every effort to notify Early Action candidates of their admissions decision by December 31. In some cases, the Admissions Committee may defer making a final decision until it has received a report of the candidate’s midterm grades, additional scores or until a personal interview takes place.

Candidates’ Reply Date

Adelphi University subscribes to the May 1 Candidates’ Reply Date for freshmen. This procedure has been established to provide ample time for students to reach a decision on their college choices. On this date, admitted students should notify the University of their intent with regard to enrollment. Commitments received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis for enrollment and housing.

Non-Degree Applications

Nondegree Candidates: In order to register for classes as a nondegree candidate, applicants are required to complete a nondegree application and submit an application fee with the appropriate materials. Nondegree candidates will be considered on an individual basis.

Visiting Student: (taking courses at Adelphi with the intention of having them transferred back to the degree-granting institution) A letter from the college from which the student will receive a degree must be submitted each semester recommending which courses can be taken at Adelphi. This letter must also state that the credits earned from these courses will be accepted in transfer by the degree-granting institution.

Graduate Student: (taking undergraduate prerequisite courses) Applicants must submit proof of baccalaureate degree by official transcript or copy of diploma. (Students intending to pursue a master’s degree at Adelphi University after completing undergraduate prerequisite courses at Adelphi should contact the Office of University Admissions for the appropriate application.)

Special Student: Proof of high school graduation must be submitted. Applicants must have graduated at least one year before applying as a nondegree candidate. Permission to attend will be considered on an individual basis.

Non-degree applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon review, the Office of Admissions reserves the right to waive requirement or request additional information.

Application for University Housing

Residence hall housing is available through the Office of Residential Life and Housing (housing.adelphi.edu). Admitted students are encouraged to apply for housing in one of Adelphi’s seven residence halls. Those interested in University housing should indicate their interest on the application for admission and must submit their tuition and housing deposits and “Housing Agreement Form” by the established deadlines.

Housing in the community is also available. For additional information, please contact the Office of Commuter Student Affairs at (516) 877-6667. Enrolled students can go to the message board on eCampus (ecampus.adelphi.edu) and review the classifieds section for the thread “available housing.”

Graduation and Retention Rates

Under the Student Right-to-Know Act, the Campus Security Act and other education laws, colleges and universities must make available retention and graduation rates for full-time undergraduate students admitted to degree programs beginning July 1, 1991. Retention and graduation rates for student athletes receiving aid must also be made available. This information may be obtained at adelphi.edu/disclosure or from the Office of the Provost.

Program-Specific Admissions Policies

In addition to the University’s general requirements, schools and special programs may have specific requirements for admission.

Joint Degree/Early Assurance Programs

Please refer to the Pre-Professional Preparation section of the Bulletin.

Learning Resource Program

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the program and the University must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

1. Completed admission application, together with a nonrefundable fee of $40. (Check the box on the application marked Learning Resource Program. Checking this box will not affect the admission decision.)
2. An official high school transcript.
3. Official transcripts from any colleges attended.
4. An essay. (See application instructions.)
5. SAT scores are highly recommended, but not required.
6. Freshman applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation. (See application instructions.)

Admission Criteria

The Learning Resource Program conducts a highly individualized assessment of each candidate’s application and documentation. Criteria for admission include:

• Primary diagnosis of specific learning disability or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Other diagnoses will not be considered.
• Average to superior intelligence as measured by the WAIS-IV.
• Candidates will be socially mature and have demonstrated motivation to participate in the Program and to meet the intellectual challenges and responsibilities of university life. These qualities are assessed in interviews with the professional staff and through recommendations.
• Applicants will have succeeded in college preparatory courses and shown progress in their academic careers.
• Two letters of recommendation by professionals in the field (learning specialists, tutors, teachers, educational psychologists).

Required Documentation

Students are required to submit the following to the office of the Learning Resource Program:

• A recent psycho-educational evaluation that provides clear evidence of a specific learning disability and/or AD/HD. Suggested reasonable accommodations must be included.
• The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV), including index scores. The WASI (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) is not acceptable.  We also accept the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJ-IV). 
• Achievement: The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV) or the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT). Either must be accompanied by a thorough interpretive report.
• The applicant’s most recent Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
• A completed application to the Learning Resource Program (in addition to the separate Admissions Application to the University).
• Two letters of recommendation by professionals in the field of learning disabilities.
• Transfer students must submit a high school transcript.
• Appropriate candidates will require a personal interview.

The Learning Resource Program will conduct a comprehensive and individualized evaluation of each candidate’s application and interview. Judgment of the professional staff will determine eligibility for the Program. Admission to the Learning Disabilities Program is limited. For priority consideration, applications must be received by March 1. For information about admission to the Learning Disabilities Program call (516) 877-4710, or visit learning-resource.adelphi.edu.

School-Specific Admissions Policies

College of Arts and Sciences

Applicants to the Art, Dance, Music and Theatre majors are required to complete an audition or portfolio review before their application will be considered for admission. Please visit the individual department’s website for further information on the audition/portfolio requirements and procedures.

Please see general University admission requirements for all other majors.

Robert B. Willumstad School of Business

Special Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer students are required to meet the same standards and criteria established for other students entering the upper division of the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. If a student has not transferred the courses in the specified sequence as outlined for entering freshmen, the student will be required to complete those courses to establish eligibility to enroll in the upper division. The student must maintain a GPA of 2.3 or better at Adelphi. Students transferring to Adelphi University from a regionally accredited institution should examine the business and liberal arts requirements of the degree programs offered to undergraduates. Some of the credits accepted by the Office of Admissions for transfer may not satisfy the degree requirements in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business.

Consult the Business Undergraduate Programs Office in Hagedorn Hall Rm 121 (phone 516.877.4600) for further information.

Gordon F. Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies

Please see general University admission requirements.

Honors College

Admission Requirements

Prospective students with superior high school records and standardized test scores of who seek admission to the Honors College should complete the Honors portion of the admission form, supply the requested evidence of their best academic or creative writing, and visit the Adelphi campus for an interview with a member of the Honors College administration or faculty. (If distance or expense prohibits a visit to campus, an interview will be conducted by telephone.) Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of a wide range of criteria, qualitative as well as quantitative. Acceptance is based on intellectual potential as well as on past achievement.

Transfer Students

Transfer students with 56 credits or more to complete at Adelphi and with a GPA of 3.5 or better are invited to petition the Dean of the Honors College for admission. Students should be prepared to provide letters of recommendation from college professors and examples of recent work.

Current Adelphi Students

All undergraduates enrolled at the University may request consideration for admission to the Honors College by petitioning the Dean. Such petitions will be evaluated in accordance with the standards for freshman admission, but greater weight will be given to the student’s record of achievement at Adelphi.

For more information, go to honors.adelphi.edu/admissions.

College of Education and Health Sciences

Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP)

Students applying to STEP should indicate their interest on application for admission and should select a major from the College of Arts and Sciences or the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. To be considered for admission to STEP, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum SAT score of 1500 combined critical reading, math and writing. Transfer students must have at least a 2.75 GPA.

Please see general University admission requirements for all other majors/programs.

College of Nursing and Public Health

Admission Requirements for Freshman Students

Please see general University admission requirements at the beginning of this chapter.

Transfer Students—Basic Program

Students wishing to transfer into the baccalaureate nursing program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, have no more than one prerequisite science grade lower than C+ and have successfully passed the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), Version V. For more information on the TEAS, please visit nursing.adelphi.edu/admissions/transfer/teas. The acceptable grade for a transfer of science credits is a C+ or better. Science courses must not be more than 10 years old if they are to be used as prerequisites for the nursing program. The University’s admission committee will evaluate transfer credit. Because of the number of applicants and the limitations on available clinical spaces, it is recommended that applicants who have attended other institutions of higher education submit applications for transfer to the University Admissions Office by March 1 (for September entrance) or November 1 (for January entrance). Secondary school transcripts will be required of applicants who have completed less than 30 college credits. All transfer students are required to take the TEAS exam, which is designed to assess the general academic preparedness of students entering a nursing program in the areas of Science, Math, Reading and English. Students must achieve a minimum score as decided by the College of Nursing and Public Health for entrance to the nursing program.

An admission interview may be requested of transfer applicants. Applicants will be contacted by the College of Nursing and Public Health to make arrangements if necessary. The final decision on a transfer student’s application is based on the applicant’s previous academic achievement, TEAS scores, science grades, motivation and personal characteristics necessary for success in nursing.

Admission of Students Holding Degrees in Other Majors

Individuals holding a baccalaureate or master’s degree in a major other than nursing are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. University policies governing the admission of transfer nursing students apply to them, including a minimum GPA of 3.3 and passing scores on the TEAS exam.  If accepted, applicants may be given a maximum of 90 credits for their previous degree.  In most instances, this means that students will be held responsible for the professional courses and those science, math and business courses that they lack from their previous degree.

The College of Nursing and Public Health is also pleased to offer a 14 month accelerated second degree B.S. program. For more details please visit nursing.adelphi.edu/academics/nursing-programs/accelerated-degree.

Admission Policies for Registered Nurses

Licensure as a registered nurse in the State of New York or eligibility for licensure endorsement is required.

Transfer students are required to have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA from all the institutions from which they transfer. Transcripts from high school, the school of nursing attended and any subsequent institutions of higher education must be submitted at the time of application. (See application instructions for detailed requirements).

Registered Nurse Transfer Students

Graduates from associate degree programs will have their transcripts evaluated for transfer credit; however, 64 is the maximum number of credits an associate degree graduate may apply to the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Diploma graduates may obtain the required nursing credits by a combination of Excelsior credits and college courses. Students who have received an A.A. or A.S. degree from an accredited institution, prior to their transfer to Adelphi, will be exempt from all General Education requirements.

School of Social Work

Admission Requirements

Criteria for admission to the upper-level social work program include:

• 60 approved college credits with concentration in liberal arts.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
• Demonstrated motivation and capacity to work with people, and personal values congruent with the N.A.S.W. Code of Ethics.
• Experience in the human services (highly desirable).
• Two professional or academic references.
• A personal essay outlining the applicant’s interest in a career in social work.

Procedures for All Social Work Applicants

Students officially enter the Social Work program in their junior year. Students may enter the major following their sophomore year at Adelphi, or upon transfer with an associate’s degree from a community college.

Students who have declared social work as their major during their freshman or sophomore years at Adelphi must meet with the director of the undergraduate program to review their academic progress as well as their motivation to pursue a career in social work. Based upon this review, the director will advise students regarding their academic and career goal. Students transferring to Adelphi for the purpose of pursuing social work must follow the procedures outlined below.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must submit their application to the Admissions Office at Adelphi University. The Admissions Office will determine acceptance and evaluate the applicant’s academic record to decide which courses are acceptable and which General Education courses still need to be taken.

Social work courses taken at another college or university may be considered as electives if approved with a grade of “C” or better, but are not accepted as the equivalent of Adelphi’s social work courses. Students who expect to transfer from other colleges or universities should concentrate on earning credits in the humanities—particularly language, literature and the arts—and in the natural sciences. No more than 64 credits earned at a two-year college may be transferred at Adelphi. Students planning to transfer to the ANSWER program should contact the program director for specific information on liberal arts requirements. Courses taken through social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education are evaluated to determine equivalency to Adelphi’s social work courses on an individual basis. Applicants may be asked to submit college bulletins, course syllabi and other relevant materials.

University College

Admission to programs in University College is based upon the ability to do college-level work. Although past academic records are required and reviewed, University College is more concerned with a potential student’s present motivation to earn a degree than in that student’s previous academic performance.

Adults interested in University College programs are required to:

• Submit a completed University College application, including an essay that demonstrates both intellectual promise and the motivation to engage in college-level work.
• Pay a nonrefundable application fee of $40.
• Provide high school and all previous college transcripts. (High school transcripts are only required for students who have not completed a minimum of 30 college credits.)

An SAT score is not required for University College applicants.

Once a completed application, including all supporting documentation, has been received, the student will be notified as to their admission status. The Office of University Admissions makes every effort to notify candidates of their admission decision approximately three weeks after receiving a completed application. An admitted student may be permitted to register for classes and to earn college credit pending receipt of official supporting application materials.

It is the responsibility of all admitted students to have all official transcripts sent directly to the Office of University Admissions, Levermore Hall, Room 114, Adelphi University, One South Avenue, P.O. Box 701, Garden City, New York 11530-0701, either prior to or within 30 days of the date of the official letter of acceptance.

Accepted students will not receive full admission status until all official transcripts have been received and evaluated. When official transcripts have been received and evaluated, written notification of the number of accepted transfer credits will be sent to accepted students by the Office of Admissions. Admitted students who do not comply with the above will be unable to register for future terms. Administrative withdrawal may be reversed once the outstanding transcripts are received.

Graduate Study Admissions

General Requirements for Admission*

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must present evidence of their qualifications for advanced study.

The following supporting documents should be submitted to the Office of University Graduate Admissions:

• Completed application for admission and $50 application fee.
• An official transcript for all previous college and university work.
• Appropriate test scores (check with your school and/or department).
• Completed recommendation forms.
• Students who have lived in the United States less than three years and are from a non-English-speaking country need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The language requirement may also be fulfilled by successfully completing an approved English Language preparation program.

Besides these general requirements, particular programs may specify additional requirements. Applicants should review the statement on admission that appears within the section of this Bulletin for each school.

For further information, call or write:

Office of University Graduate Admissions
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY 11530
p – 516.877.3050

Or you can begin your application online at admissions.adelphi.edu/apply-now.

* The Office of Admissions, in consultation with the academic program, has the right to waive a requirement or request additional material.

Admission to Graduate Standing

To be admitted to candidacy in any graduate program leading to a master’s or doctoral degree, applicants must possess a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university and must present evidence of their qualifications for advanced study.

In addition to these general requirements, the specific prerequisites for admission to a particular graduate program should be carefully noted. Applicants who are otherwise acceptable for candidacy but who lack special course prerequisites may be admitted as nonmatriculants. When they have satisfactorily fulfilled such background requirements, they are automatically accorded the status of matriculated degree candidates. (See also the additional requirements of individual schools.)

Provisional Admission

Applicants for degree candidacy who show promise for advanced study but have some deficiencies in their scholarly credentials may be admitted on a provisional basis. Such status must be approved by the school in which the student seeks candidacy.

A student admitted on a provisional basis is given the opportunity to meet the required academic criteria established by the specific program or department. In qualifying for status as degree candidates, provisional students are required to obtain grades of “B “or better in each course or a 3.25 grade-point average during an initial 12-credit probationary period. Students who fail to achieve at this level are disallowed from pursuing further course work in the degree program.

Admission of Nondegree Students

Students who wish to undertake graduate study but who do not intend to become candidates for a degree are classified as Nondegree Students. This classification includes those who wish to take selected courses to earn credit for personal or professional benefit and those who enroll as summer visitors. In order to gain admission as a Nondegree Student during the academic year, such students must file a nondegree application form and present evidence of a baccalaureate degree.

Nondegree Students are permitted to enroll in only those courses that have been specifically designated by departments as being available to such students. Individual exceptions require special permission by the coordinator of the program in which the student wishes to enroll and/or by the appropriate dean.

Nondegree Students are limited to a maximum of 12 credits in courses regularly applicable to a graduate degree. Waiver of this limitation requires the appropriate dean’s approval.

Visiting Students

A student who is a degree candidate at a university other than Adelphi and who wishes to take courses at Adelphi for transfer to the university in which he or she is a degree candidate may do so by making regular application as a Nondegree Student to the Office of Graduate Admissions. At the end of the semester in which he or she is enrolled, the student must file with the Registrar of Adelphi University a formal request that a record of grades be sent to the home university.

International Students

The following documents should be submitted by all international applicants:

• International application for admission.
• Certified English translations of all prior academic records.
• Official or certified transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
• Total of 80 or better (95 for Master’s degree in Social Work) on the Internet-based Test (IBT) of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the completion of ELS Language Center’s Level 112. The IELTS (with a score of 6.5) may also be accepted in lieu of the TOEFL exam.
• Translated descriptions or syllabi of courses taken (if requested).

Additional items may be requested by the Office of International Student Services. Besides these general requirements, particular programs may specify additional requirements. Applicants should review the statement on admission that appears within the section of the Bulletin for each school.

Admission to Off-Campus Centers

The Office of Admissions in Garden City, using the same criteria and procedures governing applicants to the main campus, handles admission to off-campus programs.

Admission of Veterans

Adelphi welcomes the opportunity to assist qualified veterans in their academic plans and preparations for the future. The University considers, on an individual basis, the needs, interests and purposes of veterans who desire higher education.