How to Apply To Graduate Programs

Application and Fee Information

Important Information (Please read before applying):

• Please do not wait to submit your application while waiting for other application materials to be completed or submitted. 
• Your letters of recommendation can now be submitted fully online through the application system. You will be prompted to enter your recommender information once you click the "submit" button on your application.
• Applications and supplemental materials do not need to be sent in a single, complete package; each credential can be submitted as it becomes available.
• All communication from the Office of Graduate Admission regarding your application will come via email. It is extremely important that you enter a valid email address on your application.

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College Transcript

Required for: All programs

All graduate applicants must submit transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended that granted credit used toward an undergraduate degree, regardless of the number of credits earned. Transcripts from all institutions are still required even if transfer credits were granted at the institution where you obtained your undergraduate degree.
Transcripts must be official and issued directly by your undergraduate institution(s). Copies or scans will not be accepted as official documents.

RWU STUDENTS: The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain your transcripts on your behalf.

How to submit your college transcripts

Transcripts can be accepted in the following ways:

1. Mail – Most colleges and universities print and mail official college transcripts directly to us. Requests for transcripts can generally be completed online or over the phone with the Registrar’s Office at your undergraduate institution(s). Mailed transcripts will only be accepted if they are sealed in an envelope by your undergraduate institution(s). Transcripts should be sent to us at the following address:
   Office of Graduate Admission
   Roger Williams University
   1 Old Ferry Rd.
   Bristol, RI 02809
    
2. Electronic Transcripts – The Office of Graduate Admission can accept electronic transcripts if your institution provides official transcripts through an online system or exchange (ie. Parchment) that requires authentication (a password or code). Electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the originating institution and be sent to our main office email account, gradadmit@rwu.edu. Transcripts sent as attachments without authentication will not be accepted as official documents.
    
3. In Person – Official transcripts may be brought to the Office of Graduate Admission in person, Monday through Friday, between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Transcripts will only be accepted as official if in the original, sealed envelope from the originating institution. If needed, transcripts can be delivered to our Providence Campus. Please contact our office at 401-254-6200 if you wish to drop off materials in Providence.

Letter of Intent and Resume

Letter of Intent

Required for: All programs

All applicants to a graduate degree or certificate program at Roger Williams University must submit a letter of intent. The letter of intent should be one-to-two, double-spaced pages in length. Use the letter of intent to tell us more about you that we cannot learn from your resume or academic transcripts. Some ideas to discuss in your letter include your career goals, your interest in your field of study, your ability to positively contribute to your intended graduate program, your motivation to succeed in the program, and more.

Roger Williams University is an open, accepting and affirming community of citizen scholars. We stand firmly committed to creating a campus that is diverse and inclusive as well as welcoming to and accepting of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, socio-economic class, age or spirituality.

We reflect this in our many programs, initiatives, organizations, and clubs throughout the university, ranging from our undergraduate programs to the School of Law.

In your letter of intent, we welcome you to answer the following question: In what ways do you believe your distinctive experiences and background would positively impact and enrich our university community? (Please feel free to respond in your own authentic voice, and use any format – including bullet points - to share a brief statement)

Note for M.A. Special Education students
For your letter of intent, please explain the following:

1. Why you hold the dispositions to become a special education teacher committed to equity; and
2. Experiences that inspired your desire to work with youth with exceptionalities.

You may upload your letter on your application portal, email your letter to our office at gradadmit@rwu.edu, or mail it to us at the following address:

Office of Graduate Admission
Roger Williams University
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

Resume

Required for: M.A./M.S. Cybersecurity, M.S. Leadership, M.P.A. (Public Administration), and M.A. Special Education programs
Recommended for: All programs

Applicants to the Cybersecurity, Leadership, Public Administration, and Special Education programs are required to submit a professional resume to be considered for admission. While not a requirement for admission to other programs, students who possess any work or research experience should consider submitting a resume to be included with your application package. Your resume should include your education and any extracurricular activities, work experience, research or publications, volunteer or community involvement, and any earned professional development or certifications.

Please upload your resume on your application portal, email it to our office at gradadmit@rwu.edu, or mail it to us at the following address:

Office of Graduate Admission
Roger Williams University
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

Letters of Recommendation

Required for: All programs except graduate certificate programs
Number Required: Two (2), except for the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program, which requires three (3) letters of recommendation.

Applicants to any master’s degree program at Roger Williams University must submit letters of recommendation from professional sources. Some examples of professional sources include work supervisors, college professors, employers, and internship coordinators, among others. You should select recommenders who know you well, can speak about your character and work ethic, and can attest to your ability to handle graduate level coursework. Recommendation letters should not be submitted from personal friends or family members.

How to submit your letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation can be submitted in one of three ways:

1. Online - Once you submit your online application, you will be prompted to provide the names and email addresses of your recommenders. Each recommender will receive a unique login to the application system to submit the recommender form and narrative on your behalf. Once submitted, it will update the status to "received" on your applicant portal.
2. Email – Letters of recommendation can be submitted via email provided they are emailed directly from your recommender. Recommendations should be sent to gradadmit@rwu.edu.
3. Mail or delivered in person to our office – If you choose to have your letters submitted in hard copy, they must be hand-signed and delivered to us in a sealed envelope either in person or mailed to our office at the following address:
   Office of Graduate Admission
   Roger Williams University
   1 Old Ferry Rd.
   Bristol, RI 02809

Additional Requirements

Some programs require additional materials not covered in the other sections on this page. Please review the items that pertain to your application.