Admission to Utica College
Applying to graduate programs at Utica College is a comprehensive process that warrants thorough consideration and preparation. Each program’s faculty evaluates admissibility based on a broad package of application materials that includes not only test scores and grades, but also research interests, past employment, portfolios, recommendations, and a statement of goals. When preparing an application package, it is critical to carefully consider each component of the process in an effort to present the strongest application possible. Space in many of our programs is limited and, as a result, admission is highly competitive.
Utica College seeks to admit graduate students who show evidence of being able to succeed in and benefit from rigorous academic programs. To qualify for admission to a graduate degree, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution.
Admissions decisions are based on consideration of undergraduate academic record, admission test scores (if applicable), written personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
Each graduate department decides on the admissibility of its students. Each department may also consider admission by exception for a limited number of students who do not qualify for regular admission but have other strengths.
Students who are uncertain about the strength of their application are advised to contact the Graduate Admissions office for advisement at (315) 792-3010.
Application information is available by contacting the Office of Graduate Admissions at (315) 792-3010 or by e-mailing John Rowe, executive director of graduate admissions, at jrowe@utica.edu, or Lynn cope, assistant director of graduate admissions, at lcope@utica.edu. You can also submit your application for all graduate programs online by going to www.utica.edu/gradapp. DPT applicants need to apply through PTCAS at www.ptcas.org. MS in Occupational Therapy applicants need to apply through OTCAS at http://portal.otcas.org.
All applicants to graduate programs at Utica College must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and must complete the appropriate application forms. For non-native speakers of English, a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based examination, and a minimum TOEFL score of 213 on the computer-based examination is required. In addition, the individual programs have program-specific requirements (see below).
International Graduate Students
All Utica College graduate programs welcome applications from prospective international students.
International students should have all transcripts and degrees officially evaluated by a reputable accrediting agency such as WES (www.wes.org). Non-native speakers of English need to take the TOEFL test (www.ets.org) and earn a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based examination or a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based examination. Applicants can also take the IELTS exam, and need a B and a score of 5.5.
Prospective international students will also need to submit a proof of funds with an international student financial statement and third party verification. For more information about graduate study for international students, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (315) 792-3010 or e-mail John Rowe, graduate admissions director, at jrowe@utica.edu.
Transcript Evaluation Service
Utica College recognizes that many students with undergraduate degrees may want to look into graduate programs at Utica College that will prepare them for professional licensure in elementary and secondary education, occupational therapy or physical therapy. However, their undergraduate degree may not be in an area or subject that allows them to easily transition into one of these graduate programs and may require other coursework to be taken before applying.
The graduate admissions office works in conjunction with the faculty members of the education, occupational therapy and physical therapy departments and the MSLS committee to provide transcript evaluation of a prospective graduate student’s undergraduate transcripts in order to determine what other coursework is necessary to apply for the graduate programs that lead to professional licensure.
Prospective graduate students who want their transcripts evaluated for programs in these departments should contact the graduate admissions office at (315) 792-3010 or email gradadmissions@utica.edu.
A copy of an official transcript for initial review and advisement can be emailed to gradadmissions@utica.edu, faxed to (315) 223-2530 or mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Transcript Review Service
Utica College
1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, NY 13502
Graduate and Professional Examinations
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): For those degrees that require the Graduate Record Examinations, please go to their Web site at www.ets.org. The GRE is administered at various sites and locations at scheduled dates throughout the year.
- Miller Analogies Test (MAT): The graduate admissions office administers the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) on campus via online testing for those degree programs that accept it for admission.
The test, which is an hour long, can be taken anytime during normal business hours and is scored immediately after you take it. The fee is $75 (subject to change at any time). Please contact John Rowe, graduate admissions director at (315)792-3010 or e-mail him at jrowe@utica.edu to arrange for a time to take the test. Review materials for the Miller Analogies Test are available at no cost in the Graduate Admissions Office.
- New York State Teacher Certification Examinations: Many education graduate programs require the successful passage of the Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST) for admission. These examinations are given at set times at sites throughout New York state and the northeastern U.S. Be aware that it takes approximately one month for the results of these exams to be made available, so prospective students should plan ahead in taking them in order to meet application deadlines.
For fall applicants, the tests should be taken in September, December, or February before the next fall semester. For spring applicants, the tests should be taken in April, June, July, or August before the next spring semester. Those applicants interested in the apprenticeship program should take these examinations no later than September of the year before the start of the next year’s cohort (May). For more information on the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, please visit the website at www.nystce.nesinc.com.
Business Administration
Applicants to the MBA in Economic Crime and Fraud Management program:
Applicants are required to have a BS degree with a 3.0 or better GPA. Those applicants with a BS degree in other than business may be required to complete up to 12 hours of prerequisite classes in addition to the 30-hour program. Applicants with BA degrees must present evidence through previous study of math skills equivalent to those contained in a BS degree, as well as completing up to 12 hours of prerequisites. A GMAT score may be required, at the discretion of the MBA program director, for applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Applicants to the MBA in Professional Accountancy program:
Applicants are required to have a BS degree in Accounting or a BS degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting with an overall 3.0 or better undergraduate GPA for admission. Applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA may be asked, at the discretion of the MBA program director, to submit a GMAT score. Applicants with limited accounting experience should have an undergraduate record that indicates a high potential to be successful on professional exams, such as the CPA, CMA, or CFE. Applicants with limited undergraduate course work in accounting may need to satisfy accounting prerequisites. Applicants whose previous academic record shows areas of weakness may be required to submit a GMAT exam score prior to the final admission decision.
Cybersecurity
Applicants to the MS in Cybersecurity :
Applicants are required to have a BS degree with a 3.0 or better overall GPA. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. Those applicants with a BS degree in a discipline other than Cybersecurity, Intelligence, or Computer Forensics may be required to complete up to 12 hours of prerequisite online classes at Utica College or accredited institution in addition to the 30-hour program. Applicants with BA degrees must present evidence through previous study of math and computer skills equivalent to those contained in a Utica College BS degree, as well as potentially completing up to 12 hours of prerequisites. A GMAT score may be required, at the discretion of the MS Cybersecurity program chair, for applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Candidates who do not possess the above necessary background knowledge will still be considered for conditional admission to the program if they possess unique or more extensive experience or certifications recognized in the field.
Economic Crime Management
Applicants to the Economic Crime Management program must have:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- 3 years of fraud-related experience from areas in both the private and public sectors such as fraud investigation & detection, law enforcement, loss prevention, auditing, compliance.
- A letter of support from applicant’s employer.
- 2 letters of recommendation.
A GMAT score may be required at the discretion of the ECM Program Director for those candidates with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Education
Applicants to the Childhood and Special Education Program:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A major or major equivalent in an appropriate liberal arts area.
- Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). (ALST is preferred).
Additional requirements, which may be satisfied at the graduate or undergraduate level:
6 credits in each of the following areas: English, science, math, history; and
- One year of college level study in a language other than English;
- One course in the fine arts.
Applicants to Adolescence Education and Adolescence and Students with Disabilities Grades 7-12 Generalist :
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A major or major equivalent in the subject area in which they wish to teach.
- Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). (ALST is preferred).
Additional requirements, which may be satisfied at the graduate or undergraduate level:
- One year of college level study in a language other than English.
Applicants to the Special Education Teacher Certification Program:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Must hold initial certification in Childhood Grades 1-6
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
Applicants to the Leadership and Instruction for Inclusive Classrooms Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
Internal transfers within the Education department:
Students who are enrolled in the education department and who wish to leave one education program and matriculate into another must complete the appropriate application forms and must meet all admissions requirements for the new program. Candidates will be reviewed on the same basis as any new applicant to the College. When a candidate is admitted into a new program within the education department, Utica College courses that were completed as part of the old program will automatically transfer to the new program. When calculating cumulative GPA all courses taken at Utica College will apply.
Health Care Administration
Applicants to the Health Care Administration program must have:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- An essay detailing the potential student’s intellectual goals.
- Three years of experience in a health care and/or management position.
Liberal Studies
Applicants to the Liberal Studies program must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An essay detailing the potential student’s intellectual goals and his or her understanding of liberal education.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- GRE or Miller Analogies scores may be required.
Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the graduate liberal studies committee if the student’s activities since college demonstrate the ability to succeed in graduate study. Students admitted who do not meet the minimum requirements will be on probationary status. After the completion of three classes (9 credits), the student must have a 3.0 GPA to remain in the program.
Occupational Therapy
Utica College participates in the OTCAS centralized application service. All graduate OT applicants must apply through OTCAS. Please go to https://portal.otcas.org. The application period for the Fall 2015 MS OT cohort, both day and weekend programs, runs from July 17, 2014 through January 15, 2015.
Applicants to the Occupational Therapy program must have:
- A bachelor’s degree with a “B” average (GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited institution.
- Successful completion of designated prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C.
These courses include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- General Psychology
- Statistics
- Research Methods
- Introduction to Sociology or Diversity
- Human Development
- Upper level sociology or anthropology course exploring multi-cultural perspectives of health
- Upper level anatomy course such as Gross Anatomy or Neuroanatomy
- Abnormal psychology
- Biomechanics such as Kinesiology
- Medical conditions and terminology
- Two personal recommendations (one from a currently practicing occupational therapist and one from an academic professor).
- Knowledge of the profession through work or volunteer experience. Applicants should complete 25 hours of volunteer/observation experience with an occupational therapy practitioner in at least two different practice settings and write a reflective summary of those experiences.
- A physical health examination, completion of designated health requirements, and accident and health insurance.
- CPR certification for adult/child/infant.
- The following prerequisite courses need to have been taken within seven years of the date of application: Applied Anatomy/Neuroanatomy, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Medical Conditions.
For more information, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (315) 792-3010 Email gradadmissions@utica.edu.
Note for Canadian Applicants: If you choose to do clinicals in Canada, there is an additional fee charged by National Field Placement Services for students who attend programs in the US. You will be responsible for paying this fee as it is not part of your tuition.
For more information:
National Field Placement Services
Ann Hamilton, Fieldwork Placement Coordinator
Ph: 1-866-294-5160
email: ann@nfps.ca
Questions about field placements should be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions at (315) 792-3010 or by email to gradadmissions@utica.edu.
Information for Canadian Students who wish to attend Utica College’s M.S. OT program and then return to Canada to practice can be found by going to the CAOT website (www.caot.ca) or calling 1-800-434-2268.
Entry Level Physical Therapy (DPT)
Utica College participates in the centralized Application process for PT (PTCAS). To apply, please go to their website at www.ptcas.org. The application period for the Summer 2015 DPT cohort runs from July 1, 2014 through January 15, 2015.
Applicants to the graduate physical therapy program (DPT) must have:
- A bachelor’s degree with a “B” average (3.0 or higher) from an accredited institution.
- Two personal recommendations (one from a currently practicing physical therapist and one from an academic professor).
- For non-native speakers of English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based examination, and a minimum TOEFL score of 213 on the computer-based examination, 79 on the internet-based examination (minimum of 25 on the speaking portion required).
- Knowledge of the profession through work or volunteer experience. A broad overview of the profession is preferable to experience in a limited area. More than one experience is required (total 40 hours). Complete a Clinical Observation Sheet for each experience. Complete at least 10 hours of this experience in an acute care/hospital setting with the remainder of the experience in one or more other settings.
- An academic history that includes the courses listed below. All courses should have been taken through the appropriate departments, e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology. All prerequisite courses must have been completed prior to the start of the Physical Therapy Program. All science courses must have been taken within 10 years prior to applying. Students must earn grades of “B” or better in the following science courses:
- Biological Sciences: two courses (anatomy/physiology course with laboratory meet this requirement).
- Upper Level Science: one upper level course (300-400) of at least 3 credits with a biology focus. This course can be taken through another department such as Exercise Science or Kinesiology but preferably should be taken through the biology department. Examples of courses that would fulfill the requirement are: Neuroscience, Principles of Motor Control, and Biology of Aging.
- Physical Sciences: four courses, two courses in general chemistry with laboratory (equivalent to 8 semesters hours) and two courses in physics with laboratory (equivalent to 8 semester hours).
Students must earn grades of “C” of better in the following:
- Psychology: three courses, one being general or introductory psychology.
- Statistics: one course. (Content should include descriptive statistics, differences between two means, correlation, and beginning concepts of analysis of variance.)
Note for Canadian Applicants: All Canadian applicants to Utica College need to review and understand the requirements of the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators regarding credentialing in Canada for “internationally educated applicants.” Please go to www.alliancept.org for more information.
Post-Professional (Transitional) Doctor of Physical Therapy
Applicants who are licensed physical therapists in the United States and are applying to the post-professional transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program must provide copies of proof of licensure including the dates obtained, or be deemed license-eligible by the State of New York. Applicants working in countries other than the United States must hold a physical therapy license/certification in their country of practice, and provide copies of proof of licensure.
For non-native speakers of English, please refer to the following information: Non-native speakers of English must meet one of the following conditions for general admission.
- TOEFL score minimum score
- Computer based - 213
- Internet based - 79-80
- Paper based - 550
- IELTS score minimum score - 5.5
- Citizenship of a country where English is an official language and the language of instruction in higher education.
- Hold a post-secondary degree from a US college which required completion of written and oral materials in English.
- Post-professional transitional DPT applications are reviewed, on a rolling basis, for three separate entry cohorts (January, May and August). For more information, visit the graduate website at www.utica.edu/admissions-grad.
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