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Admission Requirements

All Graduate applicants must submit the Graduate Programs Application with a non-refundable $65 application fee or fee waiver. Please review the general application requirements below and any additional requirements for the program you are applying to.

General Application Requirements

A completed, online Graduate Admissions Application and non-refundable $65 application fee. Applications submitted without payment will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

All Graduate Applications must have the following to be considered for admission:

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a recommended grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Official transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges/universities
    • Official transcripts must be sent directly from your previous colleges to be counted as official. Transcripts can be sent electronically to graduate@ramapo.edu or mailed to:

Ramapo College of New Jersey
Attn: Admissions
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430

    • Transcripts from outside of the United States must be evaluated (course by course) by any current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). SpanTran, a NACES member, has created a custom application for RCNJ that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. If you would like to start a SpanTran transcript evaluation, you can click here.
    • If you are a current RCNJ student or a RCNJ Alumni, you do not need to submit RCNJ transcripts.

Additional Admission Requirements are needed to complete your application file. Please refer to your Graduate Program of interest for more information:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Admissions Requirements

For MBA Advanced Standing Only: A Bachelor’s degree in Business is required to be eligible for the 30-credit program. A minor in Business and/or completion of all foundation Business coursework may be considered and is subject to approval by the MBA Program Director

For All MBA Applicants:

  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Please note that letters of recommendation are WAIVED for current Ramapo ASB students graduating in 2024 and recent Ramapo ASB graduates from 2021, 2022, and 2023
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Undergraduate or Graduate transitional coursework with a completion of B or better may be required
  • An Interview with the Program Director may be required
  • Resume
Master of Social Work (MSW) Admissions Requirements

For MSW Advanced Standing Applicants Only: Minimum of 3.25 GPA in a BSW program

  • Students who have earned a Baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW) within the past five years from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may apply for the Advanced Standing Track
  • BSW Fieldwork Evaluation
    • Students can upload their BSW Fieldwork evaluation directly to the Application Portal after submitting their Graduate Admissions Application
    • Please note that the person who completes your Fieldwork Evaluation will not be able to submit an additional survey recommendation on your behalf

For All MSW Applicants: 

  • Two Survey Recommendations are required in lieu of traditional letters of recommendation
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the Online Graduate Application. Ramapo will send an automated survey recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their survey recommendations directly to the application portal. References must be professional or academic.
    • For Advanced Standing Applicants Only: Survey Recommendations cannot be submitted by the same individual who completed the fieldwork evaluation. The two (2) Survey Recommendations and Fieldwork Evaluation must be submitted by three different individuals
  • Personal Narrative. (This is in lieu of the traditional personal statement)
    • 3-5 pages in length
    • Please respond to all parts of the following statement: How do your values, philosophy, knowledge of social issues, and professional and community experiences align with the social work profession? Comment on your skills, strengths and areas of needed improvement. Discuss your plans for a career in social work, including your reasons for choosing a particular focus of service in the field
  • An Interview with the Program Director may be required
  • Resume
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) Admissions Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field with a recommended grade point average of 3.0 or above.
    • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in unrelated disciplines will be considered if they have significant relevant professional experience
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal.
    • Letter of recommendation is WAIVED for current Ramapo students graduating in 2024 and recent Ramapo graduates from 2022 and 2023
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
  • Interview with the Program Director may be required
Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) Admissions Requirements
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal.
    • Letter of recommendation is WAIVED for current Ramapo students graduating in 2024 and recent Ramapo graduates from 2022 and 2023
  • Completion of at least one college-level course in Computer Programming and one college-level course in Statistics are required
    • Students with Undergraduate degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, and other quantitative fields will likely meet these requirements based on courses already completed 
    • For students without this background, Ramapo offers a variety of paths for students to quickly and economically meet these requirements prior to enrollment. Relevant professional experience will also be considered when evaluating whether a student meets the programming and mathematics requirements for enrollment
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
  • Interview with the Program Director may be required
Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (MSAM) Admissions Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related field with a recommended grade point average of 3.0 or above.
    • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in unrelated disciplines will be considered if they have significant relevant professional experience
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal.
    • Letter of recommendation is WAIVED for current Ramapo students graduating in 2024 and recent Ramapo graduates from 2022 and 2023
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
  • Interview with the Program Director may be required
Master of Science in Accounting (MSAC) Admissions Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business (with foundational Accounting coursework) is required
    • Applicants without a Business or Accounting undergraduate degree may be eligible for a MS Accounting Transition Program after consulting with Program Director
    • Additionally, students may apply as a Second Bachelor’s degree candidate in Accounting, as a transfer student
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Please note that the letter of recommendation requirement is WAIVED for current Ramapo ASB students graduating in 2024 and recent Ramapo ASB graduates from 2021, 2022, and 2023
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) Admissions Requirements
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal.
  • Copy of valid State-Issued Teacher Certification, Education Specialist Certification, and/or Administrative Certification
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Higher Education Leadership (MAEL-HED) Admissions Requirements
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal.
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
Master of Arts in Special Education (MASE) Admissions Requirements
  • Valid State-Issued Teacher Certification or Proof of Enrollment in a TE Certification Program
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal
Master of Science in Contemporary Instructional Design (MCID) Admissions Requirements
  • One Letter of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Music Technology (MFA) Admissions Requirements
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Please note that letters of recommendation are WAIVED for current Ramapo Music students graduating in 2024 and recent Ramapo Music graduates from 2021, 2022, and 2023
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal
  • Portfolio
    • Submit a document with links to at least three (3) representative samples of your work that can be accessed on Soundcloud, YouTube, or other online platform. Do not upload media files directly to the online application. The portfolio may include:
      • Audio recordings that you have created or produced
      • Video recordings that you produced or edited
      • Software listings for programs, games, or interactive works that you have written
      • Images or demonstrations of your software or other creative works
      • Notes describing the aesthetics and technical tools/techniques used in the creation of the works submitted
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
    • Please include the following information below in a list format:
      • Undergraduate courses in music as well as relevant private study
      • Undergraduate courses in Engineering, Computer Science, Visual Arts, Film, or other specialization relevant to the MCMT
      • Instruments played and performance credits (if any)
      • Relevant professional experience
  • Interview
    • Following the Portfolio Submission, applicants will meet with the Program Director and/or Faculty to discuss creative process, background, and future goals
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Admissions Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • For Nurse Practitioner tracks: A minimum of two years of acute care work experience is required
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • For NP Applicants Only: One letter of recommendation must be from a clinical setting
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal
  • Valid, State-issued RN License
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Admissions Requirements
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5  
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (professional or academic)
    • Students must enter the name and contact information for their references in the ‘Recommendations’ section of the online application. Ramapo will send an automated recommendation request on the student’s behalf to the references listed in the application. References will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the application portal.
  • Valid, State-Issued RN License
  • Nursing Certification 
  • For DNP Graduation, 1000 hours post-baccalaureate clinical residency are required
    • Hours accrued in the applicant’s MSN program and for annual maintenance of certification can be included in the 1000 post-baccalaureate hours required
    • Hours beyond those included in the DNP curriculum (540) will be determined on a case-by-case basis
  • Interview
    • Scholarly discussion of issue of concern for the profession/patient
  • A personal statement (400 words) describing why you are interested in the program, how it fits into personal intellectual development and what you expect to accomplish by enrolling
  • Resume

We look forward to reviewing your completed graduate application. Questions? Email: graduate@ramapo.edu and we will be happy to assist you!