Admission Policies and Requirements

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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. All applicants in their last year of undergraduate study at the time of application should provide a transcript of all courses completed to date. A final transcript 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. Please email gradinformation@villanova.edu in order to apply.

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.
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Prerequisite Courses:

  • Multivariable calculus
  • Matrix/linear algebra

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  March 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Science in Biology or Master of Arts in Biology

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Personal Statement (300 words, double spaced): Tell us about your background, your personal and academic journey so far.
  • Statement of Purpose for MS (600 words total, double spaced):
    • Why do you want to pursue a Master of Science in Biology? What are your career goals, and how will pursuing an M.S. 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)
    • Which faculty mentor or mentors in the Department of Biology are you interested in potentially working with and why? How do their research interests align with your future career goals? Have you contacted them? (200 words)
  • Statement of Purpose for MA (400 words total, double spaced):
    • Why do you want to pursue a Master of Science in Biology? What are your career goals, and how will pursuing an M.S. 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 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)

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Science in Chemistry

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 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:
    • If you are interested in the full-time program (thesis-track with TA-ship), please address the following questions in your personal statement:
      • How will a Master of Science from Villanova fit into your personal and professional goals?
      • What (if any) previous research experience do you have, and why are you excited about doing research?
      • Are there any faculty or research areas at Villanova that you are interested in?
      • 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)?
    • If you are interested in the part-time program (evening, course-based), please address the following questions in your personal statement:
      • How will a Master of Science from Villanova fit into your personal and professional goals?
      • What (if any) previous research experience do you have, and what interests you about chemistry?
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  March 1 (priority deadline)
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Arts in Communication

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Resume/CV
  • Academic or professional writing sample: Please provide a brief (150 or fewer words) description of your sample and the context in which it was written. Indicate the purpose of the writing assignment, whether the piece was written individually or collaboratively and how your sample shows evidence of your academic and/or professional writing ability.
  • Statement of Goals
    • The goals statement should be no more than three pages (double-spaced with 12-point font) and should include:
      • Academic and professional goals
      • Why Villanova?
        • How do you see the graduate program’s curriculum and faculty helping you achieve your personal and professional goals?
        • How has your previous experience prepared you to adapt to the rigors of graduate-level education?
        • How do you see yourself contributing to the intellectual community?
        • What additional strengths and weaknesses should the reviewing committee consider about you?
      • Address challenges you have encountered or weak spots in your application materials. What did you learn from these situations?
      • What additional information should the reviewing committee consider about you?
  • Additional Short Reflection Essays: In addition to your personal statement, please reflect on the following prompt(s) and answer each in 250 or fewer words. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their responses are complete and legible in the file they upload. A complete application must include answers to all components of the prompt.
    • Handling Systemic Injustice: Give an example of a time when you faced or witnessed systemic injustice? How did you respond? What did you learn from the experience?
  • 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

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  This program only enrolls new students in the Fall and Spring
Certificates in Communication
  • Certificate in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
  • Certificate in Journalism and New Media
  • Certificate in Organizational Communication and Leadership
  • Certificate in Mediated Communication
  • Certificate in Public Relations and Advertising

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Academic or professional writing sample: Please provide a short (150 words or less) description of your sample. You may address the context or purpose the piece was written for, or how your sample shows evidence of academic and/or professional writing ability.
  • Statement of goals
    • The goals statement should be around 400-500 words (approximately two pages, double-spaced with 12-point font) and should include:
      • Academic and professional goals
      • Why Villanova?
        • How do you see the graduate program’s curriculum and faculty helping you achieve your personal and professional goals?
        • How has your previous experience prepared you to adapt to the rigors of graduate-level education?
        • How do you see yourself contributing to the intellectual community?
        • What additional strengths and weaknesses should the reviewing committee consider about you?”
  • Reflection Essays: In addition to your personal statement, please reflect on the following prompt(s) and answer each in 250 words or less. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their responses are complete and legible in the file they upload. A complete application must include answers to all prompts.
    • Intellectual Growth: Describe a time when you encountered an argument that changed your mind. It need not be life-altering: it could be about a piece of music, a work of art, or a political issue. What was the argument? What did it change for you?
    • Handling Systemic Injustice: Give an example of a time when you faced or witnessed systemic injustice? How did you respond? What did you learn from the experience?
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  This program only enrolls new students in the Fall and Spring
Master of Science in Computer Science
Application Requirements:
  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • GRE (General) - In some situations this requirement may be waived. Please contact Dr. Vijay Gehlot if you wish to request a GRE waiver. 
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Statement of goals
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  March 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring Assistantship:  October 1 
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Certificate in College Admissions Counseling (12 credits)

Deadlines:
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1

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 or Master of Science, School Counseling

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 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
  • Resume
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • Fall Assistantship:  TBD
  • Fall admittance only: TBD

School Counseling

  • Fall Assistantship:  TBD
  • Fall admittance only: TBD
Master's Degrees in Education

Master of Arts in Education (30 credits)

Masters of Arts in Education, Concentration in Higher Education Leadership (30 credits)

  • Fall Assistantship: The final deadline to apply for funding consideration is March 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Fall: Rolling until August 1 
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1

Master of Arts in Education Plus Teacher Certification (34 credits)

  • Funding: The final deadline to apply for funding consideration is February 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1
  • Fall: Rolling until August 1

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Statement of goals (1 - 2 pages)
    • Prompt (excluding Teacher Certification): 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's Degrees in Education
  • Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Teacher Leadership (30 credits)

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship: The final deadline to apply for funding consideration is February 1.
  • Fall: Rolling until August 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • 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
Certificates in Education
  • Certificate in Education (15 credits)
  • Certificate in Higher Education Leadership (15 credits)

Deadlines:

  • Fall: Rolling until August 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1

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)
Deadlines:
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1

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
  • 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)
    • The personal statement should address the following: the reason(s) you wish to pursue advanced study in literature; specific areas of literary study and/or specific intellectual issues you hope to concentrate on; 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

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  March 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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 
  • Supplemental Form
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  This program only enrolls new students in Summer and Fall
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
Application Requirements:
  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Resume
  • Statement of goals
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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:  500-750 word statement about fields of interest in history, pertinent experience, prior research, and objectives in seeking the degree.
  • Writing sample (history)
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 8
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Science in Human Resource Development

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • 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

Application Deadlines:

  Summer 1 2024 Summer 2 2024 Fall 1 2024 Fall 2 2024 Spring 1 2025 Spring 2 2025
Domestic Applicants April 10, 2024 June 5, 2024 July 24, 2024 Sept. 18, 2024 TBD TBD
International Applicants Ineligible Ineligible May 1, 2024* Ineligible Ineligible Ineligible
Start Date May 13, 2024 July 1, 2024 Aug. 26, 2024 Oct. 21, 2024 Jan. 13, 2025 March 10, 2025


*Please note: Applicants who wish to be considered for departmental funding must apply no later than March 1, 2025 and begin their studies in the Fall 1 term.

Human Resource Development Certificates
  • People Analytics and Research Certificate
  • HR Business Partner Certificate
  • HR Leadership Certificate
  • Organization Development Certificate
  • Inclusion and Diversity Strategy Certificate

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Statement of goals
  • 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

Application Deadlines:

 

  Summer 1 2024 Summer 2 2024 Fall 1 2024 Fall 2 2024 Spring 1 2025 Spring 2 2025
Domestic Applicants April 10, 2024 June 5, 2024 July 24, 2024 Sept. 18, 2024 TBD TBD
International Applicants Ineligible Ineligible May 1, 2024* Ineligible Ineligible Ineligible
Start Date May 13, 2024 July 1, 2024 Aug. 26, 2024 Oct. 21, 2024 Jan. 13, 2025 March 10, 2025
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Statement of goals/interest in Liberal Studies
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  March 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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.

Deadlines:

  • Fall Admittance only:  TBD
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 (academic references are strongly preferred)
  • Statement of goals - a 500-750 word statement that outlines the applicant's topics of interest in political science, pertinent experience, prior research, and objectives in seeking the degree
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Political Science Certificates
  • Certificate in International Politics
  • Certificate in American Politics

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Statement of goals
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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, 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 those experiences may have shaped your current interests
      • Why you think our program is a good fit for you
      • Why you think you are a good fit for our program. If there are specific faculty members whose research resonate with your interests, by all means, tell us about that, too. Please note that you are not required to identify specific faculty members in your application material. Many students come to our MS program (rather than directly to PhD program) because their interests are not yet focused on a specific research area, and our program can help them refine those interests. Finally, if you wish to explain barriers that might have impacted your academic performance, you may include a brief paragraph at the end of your statement to describe those factors, such as family care responsibilities, illness, or disability.
    • In sum, 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. There is no specific length requirement, but we strongly recommend keeping your statement to no more than 3 pages.
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall admittance only
    • Assistantship deadline: February 1
    • Final deadline: Rolling until June 1
Master of Public Administration

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 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

Deadlines:

  • Departmental Funding: March 1
  • Fall: Rolling until August 1
  • Spring: Rolling until December 1
  • Summer: Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Science in Software Engineering

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • GRE (General) - In some situations this requirement may be waived. Please contact Dr. Vijay Gehlot if you wish to request a GRE waiver. 
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Statement of goals
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  March 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring Assistantship:  October 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Arts in Theatre

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Resume (including theatre and professional work experience)
  • Statement of goals
  • Academic Writing Sample - 15 to 25 pages. Please upload 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 that you are proud of, 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 applicant portal.
  • Headshot
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Graduate Certificate in Practical Theatre

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters
  • Resume
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
PhD in Theology

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 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
  • Application Essay (click here for the application essay prompt in the Admission dropdown, footnote #6)
  • CV or Resume
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall admittance only: TBD
Master of Theological Studies

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Resume
  • Application Essay
    • MTS Theological Education Track Prompt:
      • Which situations, questions, and/or insights have motivated you to seek advanced training in theological education within the Catholic tradition?
      • Which two or three texts have been most significant for you, and why?
      • What are your goals for pursuing the MTS – Theological Education Track? 
    • MTS Research Track Prompt:
      • Which situations, questions, and/or insights have motivated you to seek advanced training in theology within the Catholic tradition?
      • Which two or three texts have been most significant for you, and why?
      • What are your goals for pursuing the MTS – Research Track?
    • Length for both: 700-1000 words that integrates in a critically reflective way your answers to the questions above, depending on track.
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Master of Arts in Ministry and Theology

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • 3 recommendation letters (2 academic, 1 ministerial)
  • Pastoral Ministry Statement
    • 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?
    • Length: maximum 500 words
  • Interview
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall Assistantship:  February 1
  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
Certificates in Theology
  • Certificate of Theological Studies
  • Certificate of Interdisciplinary Theological Inquiry

Application Requirements:

  • Online application form
  • Transcripts
  • 1 recommendation letter
  • 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/certificate?
    • Length: maximum 300 words
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
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?
    • Length: maximum 500 words for master's applicants, 300 words for certificate applicants
  • Interview 
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Deadlines:

  • Fall:  Rolling until August 1
  • Spring:  Rolling until December 1
  • Summer:  Rolling until May 1
International Applicants

Additional Requirements for applicants from outside the United States:

  • Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (for applicants who are non-US citizens) - See the Test Scores tab on the left
  • Official Credentials Evaluation (for transcripts from institutions outside the United States). 
  • Permanent Resident (green) Card (If applicable)
  • Official Financial Certification in the amount of $34,280 (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.