The Office of Graduate Admissions is ready to assist you throughout the admissions process. Candidates are admitted on a rolling basis: applicants who have met the requirements for admission are admitted as long as space is available. Semesters begin in the fall, spring, and summer.
If you are interested in taking a course prior to applying to a degree program, you may contact the appropriate graduate advisor to register for a course. You must complete the application process prior to the completion of 12 credits.
To begin your application process, call (603) 897-8219 to speak to a representative in our Office of Graduate Admissions. You may also download a graduate application or apply online.
GENERAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
In order to complete the application process, the following general requirements must be met. See below for a detailed list of requirements for each academic area.
All applicants must submit:
- A completed application
- Official undergraduate transcript indicating degree and date conferred. Candidates for acceptance are expected to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
- Official copies of any and all other post-secondary academic transcripts
- Include a typewritten personal statement, at least one page, but no longer than two pages, with your application. Please give your reasons for deciding to do graduate work in the field you have chosen. We are particularly concerned that you cover these points: What previous experiences and commitments have brought you to consider applying for graduate training? What are your chief objectives in applying now? How do you think Rivier University's graduate program will help you in the pursuit of your objectives?
Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require one letter of recommendation. See below for specific requirements for the area of study you are interested in.
Test Scores
GRE (Graduate Record Exams) and/or MAT (Miller Aptitude Tests) are only required for our graduate nursing programs. Other programs do not require these exams.
International Students
In addition to the general requirements and specific requirements for each area of study, International Students should submit results of TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency, if native language is other than English. (Exception: Student has received a U.S. degree or studied in U.S. for at least two years.) Click here for more information on International Requirements.
Business
- One letter of recommendation
- An interview with department chairperson or program director is recommended
Computer Science
- One letter of recommendation
- An interview with department chairperson or program director is recommended
English
- An interview in-person or over the telephone with the department chairperson or program director. M.A.. and M.A.T. candidates must interview in person before official acceptance into the program.
- One letter of recommendation
- Writing sample (submit one piece or several short pieces)
Education
- One letter of recommendation
- An interview with department chairperson or program director is recommended
- Writing sample (Social Studies M.A.T.; English M.A.T. only)
Nursing
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an individual in a nursing leadership position
- A completed Graduate Nursing Program Choice form.
- Copy of active RN license(s), both MA and NH are required
- Resume
- Evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course
- Professional portfolio is required of RN-MS candidates
- Nursing education track candidates must show evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate health assessment course
- An in-person interview with a member of the Nursing Admissions Committee at the conclusion of the application process
- Results of the GRE or MAT