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General Requirements

Applicants for graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and demonstrate the motivation, ability, and preparation to successfully pursue graduate study. A determination of this capacity will be made by the graduate program director and/or academic dean, based upon records of undergraduate achievement, prior graduate work (if appropriate), scores on required standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, etc.), letters of recommendation, and other supporting documentation where required. Official transcripts and test scores must be sent directly from the appropriate institutions to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

 

Process

Prospective applicants must submit a completed application for graduate study to the Graduate Admissions Office. This office handles the overall application process from the time of inquiry until the acceptance decision. Applicants should direct all application materials and questions regarding the process directly to this office. A representative of the Office of Graduate Admissions will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding program admission requirements or the decision process.

 

Standardized Admission Tests

Each of the master's degree programs has its own unique requirements with regard to standardized admissions tests. Please refer to the individual program descriptions for the appropriate tests, or call the Office of Graduate Admissions at (814)871-7474 for details.

Graduate Student Designations

Each graduate will be admitted with certain status depending upon the specifics of the application decision and the student's individual circumstance:

1. Degree Status
   Students who submit a complete portfolio and meet the program admission requirements qualify for degree status.

2. Provisional Status for Degree Seeking Students
   There are two general circumstances which lead to this designation:

   1. Provisional/Academic: If a student does not meet an admissions criteria (i.e., GPA, test scores, etc.) but shows potential in other areas, the student may be admitted with provisional/academic status. Continued enrollment is contingent upon demonstration of sufficient ability to do graduate work. Generally, to receive degree status, students must achieve a minimum cumulative average of 3.00 in 9-12 credits of graduate work. This is determined by the Program Director.

   2. Provisional/Administrative: This status applies to an applicant showing great promise but who has a missing component of information, such as a letter of recommendation or test score. This status allows students an initial semester to complete the admissions portfolio. Provisional students may not register for more than 12 credits. However, specific programs may have different limits.

      In either case, the responsibility is on the student to petition the Program Director by letter for a change to degree status as soon as the deficit has been alleviated. Generally, credits earned as a provisional student are fully applicable to graduate degrees and certificates.

3. Non-Matriculated Status
   This designation is reserved for students who are not pursuing a degree at Gannon. There are a variety of common reasons for this status, including students who are pursuing a course or two for professional development, certificate students, students from other graduate schools who are planning to transfer coursework back to their own institutions, or students who are attending workshops and institutes which offer graduate credit. In some cases, with the permission of a graduate program director, credits earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied toward a degree or certificate program at Gannon.