Admission Requirements

The admissions committee will consider several factors when evaluating candidates for admission to the University including undergraduate grade point average, work experience, statement of purpose or intent, goals and achievements and TOEFL scores, when applicable. 

Some programs have additional requirements. See additional admission requirements for each program below. International students should review international admissions requirements.

Applications are reviewed and evaluated and admission decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Space is limited in some graduate programs, so early submission of application materials is advised.

Requirements

• Completed application: Apply online!
  MS in Education and Teaching Credential Program, apply online here!
• Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• Official transcript of course work from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate). Transcripts must be in a sealed envelope sent directly from the college or the university.
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required for the last 60 units of graded undergraduate or graduate course work. (Admissions decisions are made by faculty representatives specific to each graduate and teaching credential program. The faculty reserve the right to consider exceptions to this 3.0 GPA requirement.)
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional and on letterhead).
• Resume—Professional and/or personal.
• Statement of Purpose or Intent—a brief essay (500 words) describing professional and or personal goals and reasons for obtaining a graduate degree. (Some programs have additional requirements. Please see program specifics listed below.)
• Interview with the admissions committee.
  
  

NOTE: Scores on the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are not required, but will be considered in the evaluation of an applicant's admissibility.

Additional Requirements

MS in Humanities

• Emphasis in Creative Writing: bachelor's degree in English or creative writing. If the applicant's degree is in another subject area, please submit a portfolio of creative writing

• Emphasis in Applied Music: bachelor's degree in music or equivalent coursework in music and audition with the director of the Music Department

MBA Programs

• Statement of Purpose or Intent—a brief essay (3-5) pages describing professional and/or personal goals and reasons for obtaining a graduate degree.

MS in Biological Sciences

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning

• An official copy of General Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Satisfied following requirements: 2 semesters calculus, 2 semesters physics, 2 semesters organic chemistry, 2 semesters biochemistry, and 1 semester statistics.
  Completion of the above subjects may be demonstrated by either completion of college course with a grade of "B" (3.), successfully testing out of a course through challenge exams, or completion of Dominican core competency courses.

MS in Counseling Psychology

• Submit an autobiography that tells of your life up to now and includes a description of those how have been of significant influence in your life. Include experiences you believe are related to your interest in counseling, your desire to be a counselor, and your ability to understand and help others. Maximum 5 types, double-spaces pages.
• Submit a description of what you believe might be happening in the following situation and how you might handle it.
  
  Someone has recently moved into your neighborhood and has become very friendly with you, sharing personal feelings and problems. She tells you of a very strained relationship with her husband and difficulties she's having with her teenage daughter who she feels like is taking drugs. She seeks your advice and lets you know how much she depends on you. One day she calls you on the phone to say that she is thinking about committing suicide.

MS in Education, Teaching Credential Programs

• Requirements for this program are very different from other graduate programs. Review the requirements here.

MS in Occupational Therapy

• Starting fall 2011, the GRE will be required for admission to the program
• 40 hours of volunteer work in a human service setting within the last year
  Download the Documentation and Evaluation of Volunteer Experience form.
• Completed prerequisites: Human Anatomy (4 units, with lab, within the last 5 years); Human Physiology (4 units, with lab, withing the last 5 years); Lifespan Human Development (3 units); Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (3 units); Medical Terminology (1-2 units, pass or place out); Introduction to Psychology (3 units); Abnormal Psychology (3 units); Descriptive Physics (3 units, no lab); Three Dimensional Art (3 units, i.e. ceramics); Statistics (3 units, math or psychology); Total units: 30-31
  
  These requirements are for entry-level master's students. All courses must be taken at an accredited institution of higher learning, such as a junior college. The student must receive a grade of "C" or higher. Courses may be taken for upper or lower division credit.
  
  

MS in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader

• Photocopy of current California RN license
• Completed courses in both statistics and research, within the past 5 years, with a grade of "B" (3.0) or higher, or proof of mastery

For more information, please contact us toll free at 888-323-6763 or send an e-mail to graduateprograms@dominican.edu.