Applicants to graduate programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Science are admitted wholly on individual merit. Villanova University does not discriminate against anyone seeking admission on the basis of their race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, or sex.
Applicants should review the general admissions policies below and explore the web pages of the program of interest for further information about application deadlines, admissions criteria, curriculum requirements, course offerings, resources for students and other discipline-specific details. Please also review application deadlines for each program.
The Office of Graduate Studies also offers additional resources for current teachers, military and veterans, and international students.
General Admissions Policies
Bachelor’s Degree
All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies prior to enrollment in our graduate degree and certificate programs.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended and earned 10 or more credits (or the equivalent, if your institution's standard courses are not 3 credits each) are required at time of application. Official transcripts are required after an admission decision has been rendered and before a student can enroll in classes.
If the applicant has completed any program for which a transcript is required, the transcript must list the conferred degree and the conferral date.
Any applicant in their last year of undergraduate study at the time of application should provide a transcript of all courses completed to date including any in-progress courses ahead of graduation.
If admitted and intending to enroll, final official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office listing the degree received and the date the degree was conferred.
Pre-Requisites
All applicants must have completed the undergraduate prerequisites for graduate study in their proposed program. These prerequisites are detailed on each program’s admission requirements page.
Non-Matriculated and Visitor Applications
Applicants who wish to apply as non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) or visiting students must contact the Office of Graduate Studies to request the application link. Please email gradinformation@villanova.edu in order to apply. See more information on Student Status Categories.
VU Staff Admissions
VU staff are welcome to apply for our degrees and certificates! HR offers tuition remission to employees for graduate-level education, so take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
Application Requirement Waiver Requests
You will find a waiver request form in your application. Keep in mind that all waivers are subject to review and approval by Office of Graduate Studies admissions staff and internal waiver criteria.
We do not accept or approve Credential Evaluation waivers for international applicants.
Deadlines
View updated admission deadline dates.
Deferral Requests
Admitted students who cannot enroll in the admission cycle in which they were admitted, for whatever reason, may request a deferral via form submission. Applicants may defer once and subsequently extend that deferral once for a maximum of two admission cycles. No additional deferrals will be granted, but we are happy to support reapplication to the program.
NOTE: If you wish to change to a later term within the same calendar year (e.g., spring 2027 to summer 2027), reach out to the admissions counselor in your application portal.
NOTE: This policy only applies to applicants who never officially started the program. For policy related to students who were previously enrolled, see Readmission.
Deferred Enrollment Confirmation
Applicants must confirm with the Office of Graduate Studies that they are prepared to enroll in their chosen deferral term at least two months prior to the start of that semester by completing our Deferred Enrollment Confirmation form. This form will be made available as the semester approaches.
Applicants deferring to the fall semester who would like to be considered for funding must complete the Deferred Enrollment Confirmation form in advance of the funding deadline for their specific program.
Readmission/Reinstatement
See full policy.
International Applicant Admission Requirements and Policies
See full policy.
Enrollment and Onboarding
See full policy.
Application Requirements by Program
Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE is optional
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- GRE is strongly recommended for applicants who meet any of the following criteria:
- Applying for funding
- Undergraduate/graduate degree(s) is/are from outside of the United States and Canada
- Undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- 2 recommendation letters (3 encouraged for funding consideration)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Prerequisite Courses:
- Multivariable calculus
- Matrix/linear algebra
Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Statistics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Prerequisite Courses:
- Multivariable calculus
- Matrix/linear algebra
Master of Science in Biology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters
- Personal Statement (400 words): Prompt: Please tell us about your background. Consider both your academic and personal journeys so far.
- Funding Essays, 200 words each:
- Work experience: Briefly describe jobs you have held that required punctuality, independence, getting along with coworkers and bosses.
- Teaching Experience: Briefly describe any experience you have that may be relevant to teaching. This may include experience as teaching assistant, laboratory assistant, tutor, instructor in any capacity, etc.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- NOTE: The admissions committee in the Department of Biology will evaluate applicants holistically by considering GREs, GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statements for admission as well as potential departmental funding.
Prerequisite Courses:
- 24 credit hours of undergraduate biology (including genetics)
- 1 year each of physics, chemistry, organic chemistry and calculus (or calculus plus statistics)
Master of Arts in Biology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Personal Statement (400 words): Prompt: Please tell us about your background. Consider both your academic and personal journeys so far.
- Statement of Purpose for MA (200 words each):
- Why do you want to pursue a Master of Arts in Biology? What are your career goals, and how will pursuing an MA in Biology at Villanova facilitate your pursuit of those goals? (200 words)
- What kinds of experiences (e.g., research, course, or others) have been most influential in shaping your career goals? (200 words)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- NOTE: The admissions committee in the Department of Biology will evaluate applicants holistically by considering GREs, GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statements for admission.
Prerequisite Courses:
- 24 credit hours of undergraduate biology (including genetics)
- 1 year each of physics, chemistry, organic chemistry and calculus (or calculus plus statistics)
Certificates in Biology
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (Pre-Master's and Post-Master's)
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (Pre-Master's and Post Master's)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Chemistry
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters
- GRE is optional for graduates of accredited U.S. undergraduate institutions
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- Statement of Goals (300 - 500 words):
- How will a Master of Science from Villanova fit into your personal and professional goals? Describe the academic and/or professional experiences that have been most influential in shaping your interest in a master’s program in chemistry.
- If applying full-time: If you are not accepted into the full-time program, would you be interested in being considered for the part-time program (course-based, without tuition remission or assistantship)?
- Funding Essay (300 - 500 words):
- What (if any) previous research experience do you have, and why are you excited about doing research? Include the location and duration for each research experience.
- If applicable, summarize the goals of your research project(s) and the nature of your contributions.
- If applicable, list any oral and/or poster presentations that you have offered about your research, including the presentation venue.
- If you do not have previous research experience, describe educational and/or professional experiences that have sparked your interest in research.
- Which faculty or research areas at Villanova match your interests?
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Classical Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of Goals (500-700 words)
- Academic writing sample (only for those seeking a Graduate Assistantship or Tuition Scholarship)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Please address the items below in your Statement of Goals.
- Name and email address
- Whether you are applying for the MA degree or as a non-matriculated student
- Whether you plan to attend classes on campus or online (if online, indicate your time zone)
- Describe your interest in Classical Studies (including what areas interest you most)
- Background in Classical Studies (include any Latin or Greek experience and, if so, describe the extent of your experience, where you studied, etc.)
- Current situation (e.g., current degree you are pursuing or current employment)
- Purpose in pursuing the degree or classes
- Any additional information you would like to include
Master of Arts in Communication
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Resume/CV
Academic or professional writing sample: Please submit one solo-authored academic or professional writing sample. Please do not submit co-authored work unless your individual contribution can be clearly separated and identified.
The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to write clearly, organize ideas, develop an argument or analysis, and communicate effectively for an academic or professional audience. Appropriate samples may include, but are not limited to, an academic paper written for a class, conference, or journal; an academic report written for a class project, consulting project, or public relations campaign; a news article or feature story written for a publication or media outlet; or a professional report, memo, white paper, or similar document written for work.
In addition to the writing sample, please include a brief description of no more than 150 words. The description should explain the context or purpose of the piece, such as where or why it was written, the audience it was intended for, and how it demonstrates your academic and/or professional writing ability.
- Statement of Goals
- Your Statement of Goals should be no more than three double-spaced pages, using 12-point font. It should help the admissions committee understand your preparation for graduate study, your reasons for applying to Villanova University’s M.A. in Communication program, and the contributions you hope to make as a member of our graduate community. Rather than responding to each question separately, please write a coherent essay that addresses the following areas:
- Describe your academic interests, professional aspirations, and reasons for pursuing graduate study in Communication. What academic, professional, research, creative, leadership, service, or other experiences have prepared you for the demands of graduate-level work?
- Describe one or more ways you have engaged with a community that matters to you. This may include service, advocacy, leadership, mentoring, professional work, research, creative practice, civic participation, or other forms of community involvement. How has this engagement shaped your perspective, and how might it inform your participation in a graduate program that values rigorous intellectual work, professional development, and community-engaged learning?
- Why are you interested in Villanova’s graduate program in Communication? Please discuss how the program’s curriculum, faculty, and applied learning opportunities may help you achieve your goals, and how you hope to contribute to the intellectual, professional, and community life of the graduate program. You may also use the statement to provide any relevant context about your application, including challenges, interruptions, or circumstances that affected your academic or professional record.
- Your Statement of Goals should be no more than three double-spaced pages, using 12-point font. It should help the admissions committee understand your preparation for graduate study, your reasons for applying to Villanova University’s M.A. in Communication program, and the contributions you hope to make as a member of our graduate community. Rather than responding to each question separately, please write a coherent essay that addresses the following areas:
- GRE/GMAT Optional:
- Applicants are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application for the Master’s Degree in Communication. Applicants may submit GRE/ GMAT results, if they feel the scores enhance their application. If scores are submitted by an applicant, they will be reviewed as part of the admission review process. Applicants who do not submit scores will not be put at a disadvantage. If an applicant chooses to submit scores, they must follow up any self-reported scores with official test results.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Strategic Communication
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
Academic or professional writing sample: Please submit one solo-authored academic or professional writing sample along with a brief description of the sample. Please do not submit co-authored work unless your individual contribution can be clearly separated and identified.
The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to write clearly, organize ideas, develop an argument or analysis, and communicate effectively for an academic or professional audience. Appropriate samples may include, but are not limited to, an academic paper written for a class, conference, or journal; an academic report written for a class project, consulting project, or public relations campaign; a news article or feature story written for a publication or media outlet; or a professional report, memo, white paper, or similar document written for work.
In addition to the writing sample, please include a brief description of no more than 150 words. The description should explain the context or purpose of the piece, such as where or why it was written, the audience it was intended for, and how it demonstrates your academic and/or professional writing ability.
- Statement of goals
- Your Statement of Goals should be no more than three double-spaced pages, using 12-point font. It should help the admissions committee understand your preparation for graduate study, your reasons for applying to Villanova University’s M.A. in Communication program, and the contributions you hope to make as a member of our graduate community. Rather than responding to each question separately, please write a coherent essay that addresses the following areas:
- Describe your academic interests, professional aspirations, and reasons for pursuing graduate study in Communication. What academic, professional, research, creative, leadership, service, or other experiences have prepared you for the demands of graduate-level work?
- Describe one or more ways you have engaged with a community that matters to you. This may include service, advocacy, leadership, mentoring, professional work, research, creative practice, civic participation, or other forms of community involvement. How has this engagement shaped your perspective, and how might it inform your participation in a graduate program that values rigorous intellectual work, professional development, and community-engaged learning?
- Why are you interested in Villanova’s graduate program in Communication? Please discuss how the program’s curriculum, faculty, and applied learning opportunities may help you achieve your goals, and how you hope to contribute to the intellectual, professional, and community life of the graduate program. You may also use the statement to provide any relevant context about your application, including challenges, interruptions, or circumstances that affected your academic or professional record.
- Your Statement of Goals should be no more than three double-spaced pages, using 12-point font. It should help the admissions committee understand your preparation for graduate study, your reasons for applying to Villanova University’s M.A. in Communication program, and the contributions you hope to make as a member of our graduate community. Rather than responding to each question separately, please write a coherent essay that addresses the following areas:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Computer Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) is optional
- Applicants are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application for the MS in Computer Science. Applicants may submit GRE/ GMAT results, if they feel the scores enhance their application. If scores are submitted by an applicant, they will be reviewed as part of the admission review process. Applicants who do not submit scores will not be put at a disadvantage. If an applicant chooses to submit scores, they must follow up any self-reported scores with official test results.
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in College Admissions Counseling (12 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose: In 250 words or less, please explain your motivation for pursuing a certificate in college admissions counseling from Villanova University, including your hopes for applying the certificate to your professional experiences.
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters:
- It is recommended that letters speak to the applicant's: aptitude for graduate-level study, ability to form effective counseling relationships and respect for cultural differences.
- Essay Questions (150 – 250 words each):
- Relevance of career goals: Briefly explain your motivation for choosing the profession of counseling, including your hopes for your population of practice.
- Aptitude for graduate-level study and forming effective counseling relationships: Counseling requires that we (as the counselor) are open to receiving feedback and make the necessary changes to enact positive change or growth. Give a brief example of a time that you received constructive feedback and discuss how you responded to it and what you learned from it.
- Understanding sociocultural differences: Counseling requires working with people from different backgrounds and understanding how their unique experiences shape the counseling practices. Briefly explain two meaningful (e.g., significant/in-depth) experiences where you engaged with individuals from different sociocultural backgrounds through personal, work, education, volunteer, or professional activities. Highlight the most important insight you gained from the exchanges and explain how they align with Villanova’s core value of Unitas. Please do not list more than two experiences.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Please note: Students who enroll in this degree may decide to pursue licensure/certification, the requirements for which vary by location. For more information on educational requirements, please review the professional licensure/certification disclosures.
Master of Science, School Counseling
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters:
- It is recommended that letters speak to the applicant's: aptitude for graduate-level study, ability to form effective counseling relationships and respect for cultural differences.
- Essay Questions (150 – 250 words each):
- Relevance of career goals: Briefly explain your motivation for choosing the profession of counseling, including your hopes for your population of practice.
- Aptitude for graduate-level study and forming effective counseling relationships: Counseling requires that we (as the counselor) are open to receiving feedback and make the necessary changes to enact positive change or growth. Give a brief example of a time that you received constructive feedback and discuss how you responded to it and what you learned from it.
- Understanding sociocultural differences: Counseling requires working with people from different backgrounds and understanding how their unique experiences shape the counseling practices. Briefly explain two meaningful (e.g., significant/in-depth) experiences where you engaged with individuals from different sociocultural backgrounds through personal, work, education, volunteer, or professional activities. Highlight the most important insight you gained from the exchanges and explain how they align with Villanova’s core value of Unitas. Please do not list more than two experiences.
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Education
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages)
- Prompt: Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Teacher Leadership
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1–2 pages): Prompt: Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Describe why you want to teach, what you want to teach, and any experiences that have shaped your goals.?
- Short resume
- Valid teaching certificate or documentation of employment at an independent or charter school
- Funding Essay: How would your research experience and project management skills assist you as a Graduate Assistant or Tuition Scholar for the Department of Education and Counseling’s faculty? What do you hope to gain from the experience?
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Educational Policy
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1–2 pages): Prompt: Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Describe why you want to teach, what you want to teach, and any experiences that have shaped your goals.?
- Short resume
- Funding Essay: How would your research experience and project management skills assist you as a Graduate Assistant or Tuition Scholar for the Department of Education and Counseling’s faculty? What do you hope to gain from the experience?
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Masters of Arts in Education, Concentration in Higher Education Leadership
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages)
- Prompt: Detail your personal and professional reasons for choosing Villanova’s Higher Education Leadership program. Identify an area in higher education you plan to engage with as a graduate student.
- Short resume
- Funding essay:
- Prompt: How would your research experience and project management skills assist you as a Graduate Assistant or Tuition Scholar for the Department of Education and Counseling’s faculty? What do you hope to gain from the experience?
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Education Plus Teacher Certification
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages)
- Prompt: Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Describe why you want to teach, what you want to teach, and any experiences that have shaped your goals.
- Funding Essay
- Prompt: How would your research experience and project management skills assist you as a Graduate Assistant or Tuition Scholar for the Department of Education and Counseling’s faculty? What do you hope to gain from the experience?
- Short resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates in Education
- Certificate in Education
- Certificate in Education (Plus Principal Certification)
- Certificate in Higher Education Leadership
- Certificate in Teacher Leadership
- Certificate in Athletic Coaching
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages): Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Teacher Leadership (15 credits)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals (1-2 pages): Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. Identify an issue in the field that is of concern to you and explain how you hope to engage with this issue during your graduate studies.
- Short resume
- Valid teaching certificate or documentation of employment at an independent or charter school
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in English
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) optional
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Your recommenders should be able to write about your potential as a graduate student in English. Usually at least two will be professors who are familiar with your academic work.
- Writing sample
- The writing sample should be a work of literary analysis that is 10 - 20 pages long. It should demonstrate your ability to articulate a clear, specific argument and to support that argument through close readings of literary text or texts. It is preferable if the sample also makes reference to secondary critical sources, but this is not a requirement.
- Statement of Goals (1-2 pages)
- Please address the following items in your Statement of Goals: the reason(s) you wish to pursue advanced study in literature; specific areas of literary study and/or specific intellectual issues on which you hope to concentrate; how the academic work you've done has prepared you for graduate study; how Villanova in particular might help you develop your intellectual interests; and what you would like to do with your MA.
- $90 non-refundable application fee
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in English
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Personal Statement
- Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your preparation for graduate study in English or other pertinent experience you have had.
- Transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE is optional for all applicants
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 2 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Gender and Women's Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals and interest in Gender and Women's Studies
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in History
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) optional: Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals:
- Please address the following items in your statement of goals:
- Fields of interest in history
- Pertinent experience
- Prior research
- Objectives in seeking your degree
- Please address the following items in your statement of goals:
- Writing sample (history)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates of Graduate Study in History
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching Advanced History and Government
- Certificate of Graduate Study in History
- Certificate of Graduate Study in American History
- Certificate of Graduate Study in European History
- Certificate of Graduate Study in World History
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Human Resource Development
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 1 recommendation letter
- Statement of goals (1-2 pages)
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Human Resource Development Certificates
- Artificial Intelligence for HR
- HR Business Partner
- Leadership Development and Culture
- Organization Development
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 1 recommendation letter
- Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages)
- Resume
- Academic writing sample: Only needed if requesting to waive HRD 8102: Evidence-based HR prerequisite course (see HRD website for details).
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Liberal Studies
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Mathematics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) optional: Recommended but not required for general admission. Required if applying for funding (i.e., for graduate assistantships).
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications
- 2 recommendation letters (3 recommendation letters encouraged for funding applicants)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Mathematics Certificates
- Certificate of Graduate Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics
- Post-Master's Certificate in Mathematics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
PhD in Philosophy
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 1-2 page statement of goals including areas of proposed research
- Recent writing sample
- Curriculum vitae
- 3 recommendation letters
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- NOTE: GRE is not required.
- Fall Admittance only
Master of Arts in Political Science
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- GRE is optional for graduates of accredited U.S. undergraduate institutions
- Villanova’s graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences use a holistic application review process, seeking to take into account each applicant’s individual qualifications and varied circumstances, and understanding that no single set of standards can fit every applicant equally well. Therefore, applicants to GRE-optional programs may choose not to take the GRE or to submit GRE scores, but are welcome to submit those scores if they feel they enhance their applications.
- 3 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Statement of goals
- In 500 – 750 words, please address directly what you would like to study in the Master of Arts, Political Science program and how you plan to apply your degree. Please be sure to include:
- The specific topic(s) of interest on which you wish to focus in political science
- The pertinent experience you bring to the study of political science and your topic(s) of interest
- Prior research you have conducted in political science or related fields
- Your longer-term goals (i.e., how you plan to use the degree in a future career)
- In 500 – 750 words, please address directly what you would like to study in the Master of Arts, Political Science program and how you plan to apply your degree. Please be sure to include:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Political Science Certificates
- Certificate in International Politics
- Certificate in American Politics
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals
- Please address the following items in your Statement of Goals in 500 - 750 words:
- The specific topic(s) of interest on which you wish to focus in political science
- The pertinent experience you bring to the study of political science and your topic(s) of interest
- Prior research you have conducted in political science or related fields
- Your longer-term goals (i.e., how you plan to use the certificate in a future career)
- Please address the following items in your Statement of Goals in 500 - 750 words:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Psychology
Application Requirements:
- 18 undergraduate credit hours in Psychology (completed or currently enrolled, including statistics)
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters
- Statement of goals (3 pages)
- In a cohesive statement no longer than 3 pages with 1.5 spacing, please describe:
- Your immediate and long-term career goals
- How your prior experiences (e.g., academic, research, professional, leadership) have helped prepare you for graduate education, and how these experiences may have shaped your current academic and research interests
- Why you think our research-intensive MS program is a good fit for your future goals. Please note that our program is research-oriented and does not offer certification for practice.
- Why you think you are a good fit for our program
- If there are specific faculty members whose research resonate with your interests, tell us about that, too. Please note that you are not required to identify specific faculty members in your application material. If admitted, you are accepted to the program generally, not to a specific lab.
- Finally, if you wish to discuss lived experiences and other barriers that might have impacted your academic performance and professional experience, you may include a brief paragraph at the end of your statement to describe those factors.
- Your statement will help us determine the fit between your interests and our program and also the fit between our program’s strengths and your eventual goals.
- In a cohesive statement no longer than 3 pages with 1.5 spacing, please describe:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Fall admittance only
Master of Public Administration
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters (professional or academic)
- Statement of Goals
- Why is an MPA degree from Villanova University important for you to achieve your public service career goals? In answering this question, please let us know why you are pursuing an MPA from Villanova, how an MPA from Villanova will build on your work, volunteer, and/or academic experiences and describe the career and professional goals you have for your future? (2 pages)
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Public Administration Certificates
- Certificate of Graduate Study in City Management
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Nonprofit Management
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Administration
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters: Professional or academic
- Statement of goals
- Why is a graduate certificate from Villanova University important for you to achieve your public service career goals? In answering this question, please let us know why you are pursuing a Graduate Certificate from Villanova, how this Certificate will build on your work, volunteer and/or academic experiences and describe the career and professional goals you have for your future? (1–1.5 pages)
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Science in Software Engineering
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- GRE (General) Optional - Applicants are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application for the MS in Software Engineering. Applicants may submit GRE/ GMAT results, if they feel the scores enhance their application. If scores are submitted by an applicant, they will be reviewed as part of the admission review process. Applicants who do not submit scores will not be put at a disadvantage. If an applicant chooses to submit scores, they must follow up any self-reported scores with official test results.
- Statement of goals
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Theatre
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters (academic references are strongly preferred, but professional references are also acceptable)
- Resume (including theatre and professional work experience)
- Statement of goals
- Academic Writing Sample - Please provide an academic writing sample that shows us how you critically think and write. By "academic writing," we mean writing that includes a thesis statement, evidentiary support with citations, and a conclusion.
- You may use a paper written for a college-level course for this sample, even if the course did not relate to theatre or performance. If at all possible, however, a good academic writing sample should represent you and your interests.
- This is a moment to show us writing of which you are proud, but it is not the place for your new play, screenplay, or other creative writing. If you wish, you can submit a creative writing sample as a Supplemental Essay in your Application Status Portal.
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Graduate Certificate in Practical Theatre
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
PhD in Theology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Writing sample (15-25 pages)
- 3 recommendation letters: Please note that if you are a member of a religious order or have been ordained within a Christian denomination that is governed by bishops, one of these three letters must be requested from your immediate superior or bishop
- Statement of purpose
- Write an academic statement of purpose, two to three pages long and double-spaced, that discusses how you envision your course of study and research goals in the doctoral program. Please address how this course of study fits within Villanova's commitment to study faith in dialogue with culture, and how your two proposed areas of concentration will help you pursue your research goals.
- CV or Resume
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Fall admittance only
Master of Arts in Theology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Application Essay
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree?
- Length: maximum 500 words
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Master of Arts in Ministry and Theology
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- Resume
- 3 recommendation letters (2 academic, 1 ministerial)
- Pastoral Ministry Statement (500 or fewer words)
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree/certificate? If you have elected to pursue the Chaplaincy Education track, please be sure to address that selection when detailing your goals.
- Interview
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificates in Theology
- Certificate of Theological Studies
- Certificate of Interdisciplinary Theological Inquiry
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 1 recommendation letter
- Resume
- Application Essay (300 or fewer words)
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree/certificate?
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Transcripts
- 2 ministerial recommendation letters
- Resume
- Application Essay
- Prompt: Which situations, questions, and/or readings have motivated you to study theology and/or pastoral ministry within the Catholic tradition, and what are your goals for pursuing the degree/certificate?
- Interview
- $50 non-refundable application fee
International Applicants
Additional Requirements for applicants from outside the United States:
- Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (for applicants who are non-US citizens)
- Official Credentials Evaluation (for transcripts from institutions outside the United States).
- Permanent Resident (green) Card (If applicable)
- Official Financial Certification (amount subject to change) is a requirement for all international applicants in need of an F1 visa. You will be required to submit Financial Certification upon your acceptance to the university in order for your I-20 to be issued.
NOTE: Please check that your submitted transcript (unofficial or official) includes the grading legend or scheme.