How to Apply for Graduate Admission

• Step 1: Complete the Online Graduate Admissions Application

  Create an application account. You can save your application and come back and finish it later. You will need contact information for three recommenders, as well as a $75 fee* to submit the application. Once the application has been submitted, you will be sent an email with access to a portal where you can view a customized, real-time checklist of materials needed to complete your application.

  • *The $75 fee is waived for EOP/HEOP/SEEK applicants, as well as military-affiliated students.
  • Speech-language pathology applicants should complete the CSDCAS application (opens July 15, 2024). See program-specific requirements below.
  • If you are transferring graduate credit from another institution, or requesting credit evaluation for prior learning, visit the Transferring Graduate Credit webpage.

  Online Graduate Admissions Application

• Step 2: Submit Required Materials

  All programs require a statement of purpose, resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. (A 3.0 GPA is strongly encouraged for all programs.) Transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar’s office at previous institutions via electronic exchange service or mail. If you attended SUNY Plattsburgh, you do not need to request your transcript. The graduate admissions office will obtain your SUNY Plattsburgh transcript on your behalf.

  SUNY Plattsburgh is test optional for graduate admissions. If you have taken the GRE, GMAT, and/or MAT exams and think that the scores will strengthen your application, you may submit them.

  Some programs have specific requirements for admission and those can be found below.

• Step 3: Be Aware of Application Deadlines & Program Modalities

  Program	Start Term(s)	Deadline**	Modality
  Adolescence education, grades 7–12 M.S.T.*	Fall, winter, spring, summer	Rolling	Online
  Childhood education, grades 1–6 M.S.T.*	Fall, Winter, spring, summer	Rolling	Online
  Clinical mental health counseling M.S.	Fall	Feb. 1	On campus
  Data analytics M.S.	Summer	Rolling	On campus & Online
  Fitness and wellness leadership M.S.	Fall, winter, spring, summer	Rolling	Online
  Natural resources and ecology M.S.	Fall, spring	Rolling	On campus
  School building leader C.A.S.	Fall, winter, spring, summer	Rolling	Online
  School district leader certificate	Summer	Rolling	Online
  School psychology M.A./C.A.S.	Fall	Feb. 1	On campus
  Social work, M.S.W.	Summer, fall	Jan. 9 Priority Deadline	Hybrid
  Special education M.S.Ed.	Fall, winter, spring, summer	Rolling	On campus
  Special education grades 7–12 certificate	Fall, winter, spring, summer	Rolling	Online
  Speech language pathology M.A.	Fall	Feb. 1	On campus
  Teacher leadership certificate	Fall, spring, summer	Rolling	Online

  Notes:

  *Students who wish to begin the adolescence or childhood education programs full time should start in the fall.

  ** It is strongly recommended that applications for programs with rolling admissions deadlines be completed at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester.

  Priority Deadline: Applications completed by the priority deadline will receive full consideration. Following the priority deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as long as there is space available in the program. The application will close once all available spots have been filled.

• Step 4: Attend a Faculty Interview

  Interviews are required for admission to clinical mental health counseling, school psychology and speech language pathology. These interviews are scheduled following the Feb. 1 application deadline (mid-Feb to early March). Other graduate programs may schedule applicant interviews at the request of the faculty.

• Step 5: Check your Admissions Portal & Email for Updates

  You can check the status of your application any time in your admissions portal.

  Your portal will display a custom checklist of materials required to complete your application with a green check when an item has been received. Once a decision has been made, it will be displayed in your portal. You will also receive regular updates and notices via email.

  Your portal can also be used to upload materials, schedule an appointment with graduate admissions, ask your advisor a question or pay your $250 enrollment deposit.

For International Applicants

• Citizenship/Visa Status

  In compliance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, all international applicants must provide a copy of the biographical page of a current passport.

  International applicants currently in the United States under any type of visa are required to disclose that information and upload the following documents as part of their application materials in the application portal:

  • Copy of your I-94
  • Copy of your current I-20
  • Copy of your passport photo page
  • Copy of your visa page
  • An F-1 Student Sevis Record Transfer Form, to be completed by the immigration advisor at your current school.
• Proof of Finances

  In compliance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, all international applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds available for their studies.

  • We require a current bank statement (dated within the past two months) showing enough funds to cover the cost of attendance for one year, which will be available in the admissions portal. Evidence of value in non liquid assets (property, investments) do not satisfy this requirement.
  • Statement must be issued on bank letterhead
  • Statement must include the name of the account holder/financial sponsor and currency, clearly indicated in English
  • If the financial sponsor is not you or your parent, you will need to provide a letter written in English from that individual stating his or her relationship to you and intention to financially support your education
  • An Affidavit of Support cannot be used in place of a bank statement.
  • If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend finding a translator through the American Translators Association: https://www.atanet.org/directory/
• International Credential Evaluation

  Regardless of the applicant’s citizenship, any application containing transcripts showing undergraduate credits from any institution that is not within the United States may require review by an external international credential evaluation body such as WES or ECE. These determinations will be made after initial review of the transcripts by graduate admissions staff. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for admission consideration, however in all cases official transcripts sent directly to SUNY Plattsburgh from the institution or credentialing body are required prior to formal acceptance and I-20 issuance, if required.

• English Proficiency

  International applicants who do not come from an English speaking country or have recently earned their bachelor’s degree from an undergraduate institution where the primary language is English must also provide proof of English proficiency.

  For details, see the recommended scores applicable to your graduate program of interest below.

  Data Analytics M.S.
  Natural Resources and Ecology M.S.

  TOEFL: IBT 76/PBT 540
  IELTS: 6.0
  PTE: 50
  DET: 110

  All Other Programs:

  TOEFL: IBT 80/PBT 550
  IELTS: 6.5
  PTE: 53
  DET: 120

• STEM-Eligible Programs

  For information on programs eligible for STEM-OPT extensions, please visit Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extensions

Alphabetical Directory of Graduate Forms

• Forms A-Z

  C

  • Continuation of Graduate Study Form
  • Course Summary Form — Data Analytics

  D

  • Deferral Application

  G

  • Graduate Assistant Reduced Course Load Request

  I

  • Intent to Return to Graduate Study Form

  M

  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Biology
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Chemistry
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Earth Science
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) English
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) French
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Mathematics
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Physics
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Social Studies
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Spanish
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Childhood Education (1–6)

  R

  • Resume

  S

  • Statement of Purpose

  W

  • Graduate Studies Withdrawal Form

Program-Specific Requirements

• Adolescence Education, Grades 7–12 M.S.T.

  The adolescence education M.S.T. has specific requirements for prerequisite coursework. Complete the appropriate preparatory worksheet for your desired program of study prior to admission review.

  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Biology
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Chemistry
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Earth Science
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) English
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) French
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Mathematics
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Physics
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Social Studies
  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Adolescence Education (7–12) Spanish
• Childhood Education, Grades 1–6 M.S.T.

  The childhood education M.S.T. has specific requirements for prerequisite coursework. The following preparatory worksheet must be submitted prior to admission review.

  • M.S.T. Preparatory Worksheet in Childhood Education (1–6)

   

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.

  Degree Requirement: Clinical mental health counseling requires at least 12 credits in a human service or related field.

  Applicants to this program must also attend a faculty interview to be requested and scheduled by program coordinator.

• Data Analytics M.S.

  Applicants to the data analytics M.S. must complete the following course summary preparatory form:

  • Course Summary Form — Data Analytics
• Natural Resources & Ecology M.S.

  Degree requirement: The natural resources and ecology M.S. requires a bachelor’s degree in science.

• School Building Leader C.A.S.

  Degree requirement: The school building leader program requires a master’s degree.

  Additional unique application requirements are:

  • NYS permanent or professional teacher or pupil personnel service certification — you may upload a screenshot of the certificate on TEACH to the admissions portal.
  • Two letters of recommendation; one must be from your building principal
• School District Leader Certificate

  Degree requirement: The school district leader program requires a master’s degree and requires completion of an accredited school building leader program.

  Additional unique application requirements are:

  • Proof of teacher certification — you may upload a screenshot of the certificate on TEACH to the admissions portal.
  • Two letters of recommendation; one must be from your superintendent
• School Psychology M.A./C.A.S.

  Applicants to this program must attend a faculty interview to be requested and scheduled by program coordinator. In addition, school psychology M.A./C.A.S. prerequisites include:

  • Undergraduate coursework in experimental psychology or research methods, statistical analysis, clinical/abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology and human development.
  • An undergraduate course in psychological assessment or tests and measurement is recommended but not required.
  • Evidence of experience working with school populations through job experience, volunteer work, course assignments, tutoring, teaching or other appropriate experiences.
  • Three letters of recommendation; two must come from former or current professors.
• Social Work, M.S.W.

  Admission Requirements for the Social Work, M.S.W.

  • Transcripts — Candidates for admission must possess an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. 
    
    • If a candidate is in their final year of their bachelor’s degree, an offer of admission will be dependent upon submission and review of their final transcript.
  • GPA — The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission to both the two-year and advanced standing programs.
    
    • Candidates are expected to submit official transcript(s) from all colleges and (if applicable) graduate schools they have attended.
    • Candidates with a GPA between at or above 3.0 but below 3.2 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be required to interview.  
  • Letters of Recommendation — Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals in an academic or professional setting .
    
    • If the applicant is currently in college, one reference is required from a faculty member or advisor.
    • If the applicant is currently working, one letter is required from someone who can discuss the candidates’ work skills/experiences.
    • Recommenders can be invited to submit their recommendation letter directly through the SUNY Plattsburgh online application system .
    • Letters of recommendation are waived for applicants that are currently enrolled as undergraduate social work majors at SUNY Plattsburgh.
    • For applicants who are not required to submit letters of recommendation they must submit the field evaluation form that is completed for field practicum.
  • Personal Statement — Applicants submit a personal statement of purpose that should demonstrate their writing skills and present their rationale for entering the field of social work.
    
    • Guidelines are provided to the candidates to address:
      • how social work fits with their career goals;
      • personal qualities or experiences that have influenced their decision to pursue social work; 
      • how they will manage the rigorous demands of coursework, field placements, family, and/or jobs;
      • prior academic challenges they may have experienced. 
  • Resume — A resume is also required.
  • Field Evaluations — Advanced standing applicants are required to submit their mid-year field evaluation (if a current student) and acceptance will be conditional pending submission of their final transcript and final field evaluation. Applicants who are not currently in their B.S.W. program are required to submit their final field evaluation from the senior year.
• Special Education Grades 7–12 Graduate Certificate

  The special education certificate program requires proof of teacher certification. You may upload a screenshot of the certificate on TEACH to the admissions portal.

  Applicants are required to have the following prerequisites: 6 credits of English, 6 credits of math, 6 credits of social studies and 7 credits of science (1 course with a lab).

• Special Education M.S.Ed.

  The 7–12 special education M.S.Ed. program does not require proof of initial teacher certification. Students applying for 7–12 M.S.Ed. are required to have the following prerequisites: six credits of English, six credits of math, six credits of science and six credits of social science.

  The B–2, B–6, or 1–6 special education M.S.Ed. programs require proof of initial teacher certification. You may upload a screenshot of the certificate on TEACH to the admissions portal.

• Speech-Language Pathology M.A.

  Students who wish to apply to SUNY Plattsburgh’s speech-language pathology M.A. program will need to apply using the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). CSDCAS is utilized by nearly 80% of all communication sciences and disorders programs in the U.S., so applicants will be able to submit this one application for most programs.

  SUNY Plattsburgh’s online graduate admissions application cannot be submitted for speech-language pathology. 

  1. Submit the CSDCAS application (opens July 15) and all required materials by the deadline of February 1. CSDCAS charges $150 for the first program you apply to and $60 for each additional program.
  2. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be sent to CSDCAS. A bachelor’s degree is required with a 3.0+ GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
  3. Three of the following 4 courses are required for the application to be reviewed:
     1. Biological sciences (3 credits)
     2. Psychology or sociology (3 credits)
     3. Physical sciences (chemistry, physics) (3 credits)
     4. Statistics (3 credits)
  4. All 5 of the following courses are required:
     1. Anatomy and physiology of the speech/hearing mechanism
     2. Speech and/or hearing science
     3. Language development
     4. Phonetics
     5. Audiology
  5. Three evaluations (letters of recommendation) must be sent via CSDCAS
  6. A statement of purpose will be submitted via CSDCAS
  7. Resume submitted via CSDCAS
  8. Interview will be scheduled for qualified candidates following the Feb. 1 application deadline
• Teacher Leadership Certificate

  Degree requirement: The teacher leadership program requires a master’s degree.

  Additional requirement: NYS permanent or professional teaching certificate