Graduate Admissions

Getting Started

We accept graduate candidates on a rolling basis and new terms begin in the fall, spring, and summer. Please ensure that there is enough time for our Admissions team to review your application before your start term begins. Normal processing time is two-to-four weeks from when your application material is completed.

Want to try out a program before you fully commit to enrolling? You can take up to four courses (12 credits) before you officially apply to a degree program. If you decide to enroll after any of the four courses, all the credits you earned will count toward your degree. You can view a full list of available courses here.

Advance to the Next Level

Watch our video to learn more about the University, its graduate and doctoral programs, and the benefits of a Rivier education.

Information Sessions

Information Sessions offer a great chance to have an admissions counselor answer your questions about Rivier in a small group setting. You can get answers to questions about our academic programs, faculty, financial aid programs, and more.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Virtual Information Sessions | Various Times

• February 11, 2025
• March 11, 2025
• April 15, 2025
• May 13, 2025

Register for a session, contact an Admissions counselor at (603) 897-8507 or book a one-on-one virtual meeting today.

MBA Programs | Virtual Information Sessions | Various Times

• February 13, 2025
• April 17, 2025

Register for a session, contact an Admissions counselor at (603) 897-8507 or book a one-on-one virtual meeting today.

Master of Education | Virtual Information Session | Various Times

• March 19, 2025
• May 13, 2025

Register for a session, contact an Admissions counselor at (603) 897-8507 or book a one-on-one virtual meeting today.

Master of Public Health  | Virtual Information Sessions | Various Times

• February 11, 2025
• March 11, 2025
• April 15, 2025
• May 13, 2025

Register for a session, contact an Admissions counselor at (603) 897-8507 or book a one-on-one virtual meeting today.

Graduate Counseling & School Psychology Programs | Virtual Information Sessions | Various Times

• February 19, 2025

Register for a session, contact an Admissions counselor at (603) 897-8507 or book a one-on-one virtual meeting today.

M.S. in Computer Information Systems & M.S. Computer Science | Virtual Information Sessions | Various Times

• March 4, 2025
• April 6, 2025

Register for a session, contact an Admissions counselor at (603) 897-8507 or book a one-on-one virtual meeting today.

Admissions Requirements

International applicants: Please refer to International Admissions for additional requirements.

• Application for admission
• Official transcript(s) from undergraduate study. All applicants must submit transcripts indicating completion of your undergraduate degree and the date conferred.  A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 is expected for acceptance into our graduate programs.
• Post-secondary academic transcripts. All applicants must submit official copies of all other post-secondary transcripts.
• Transcript evaluation. Transcripts from schools, colleges, and universities outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an agency approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluators or the Association of International Credential Evaluators. Full course-by-course evaluations are required.
• Statement of Purpose. Most programs require a Statement of Purpose. A Statement of Purpose is an essay of at least one typed 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 request that you cover these points:
  • What previous experiences and commitments have brought you to consider applying for graduate training?
  • How do you think Rivier University’s graduate program will help you in the pursuit of your objectives?
  • Why did you select your specific program of study?
  • What are your most important objectives in applying now?
  • A Statement of Purpose is not required for Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, and MBA applicants.
• Letter of recommendation. Most programs require one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be sent by the author/recommender directly. Letters do not require a specific form or format and can be submitted to admissions@rivier.edu to be included with your application.
• Test scores. Rivier University master’s degree programs do not require G.R.E., G.M.A.T., or M.A.T. results for entry.

Additional Requirements by Area of Study

Nursing

• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an RN in a leadership position
  • Post-Master’s Certificate programs (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education) require only one letter of recommendation
• A completed Course of Study Choice Form
• A completed Practicum Form
• Verification of active, unencumbered RN license(s)
• Resume
• Evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course
• Two years (full-time or equivalent) RN experience

A professional portfolio is required of RN-MS applicants who are seeking to enter the program as experienced registered nurses with associate degree preparation. The professional portfolio must document mastery of Bachelor of Science competencies. Please reach out to the Admissions Office (admissions@rivier.edu) for additional information regarding the professional portfolio requirement.

Rivier University does not discriminate in its application process. Read our non-discrimination policy.