On-Campus Graduate Programs

Alfred University offers a diverse selection of graduate programs to students who hold four year baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities, or their international equivalent, and demonstrate the ability to perform credibly at the graduate level. We recommend you review information on specific programs as well.

General Admission Eligibility

All applicants to the graduate school must hold a baccalaureate degree which must be appropriate to the particular course of study and be considered legitimate preparation for the field of study to which you are being admitted. You may be accepted with the condition that undergraduate coursework be completed. A 3.0/4.0 GPA or better is recommended.

Applicant qualifications are judged by the faculty of the department or program to which they apply.

Degrees

Alfred University grants graduate degrees at the master's and doctoral levels. Two post-master's certificates of advanced study are offered.

Non-degree

The Graduate School recognizes the desire of college graduates to enroll in a limited number of graduate courses without any wish to attain an advanced degree. A maximum of twelve credit hours is permitted on this basis. If you wish to take courses on a non-degree degree seeking basis, you will not need to apply for admission, but should contact the Student Service Center in Seidlin Hall for information about registration.

Credit hours earned "non-degree" before admission to an Alfred University graduate degree program may or may not be applicable toward the degree sought. If denied admission, you may not register for further non-degree graduate work.


Standardized testing requirements vary by program. The Alfred University Institution Code is 2005.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

GRE general section scores are required for applicants to the following degree programs:

  • Doctor of Psychology (Psy D)
  • Master of Art /Certificate of Advanced Study School Psychology (MA/CAS)

GRE general section scores are required for applicants to the following degree programs with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0/4.0:

  • Master of Science in Education / Certificate of Advanced Study Counseling (MS Ed/CAS)
  • Master of Science in Education College Student Development (MSEd)

Applicants to the following degree programs are encouraged to submit official scores of the general section of the GRE:

  • Master of Science (MS)
    • Biomaterials Engineering Science
    • Ceramic Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Glass Science
    • Materials Science and Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
    • Ceramics
    • Glass Science
    • Materials Science and Engineering

English Proficiency Testing

The language of instruction at Alfred University is English. All international applicants who have not received a baccalaureate or master's degree from a US institution must take one of the following examinations:

  • TOEFL
    Written Exam: A score of 590 or better (550 for the MFA program) Internet Based Test: A score of 90 or better (80 for the MFA program)
  • IELTS
    A score of 6.5 (6.0 for the MFA program) or better is required.

We exempt only English-speaking citizens of Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Trinidad, and the West Indies.

Graduate applicants are required to submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae with their application. This document can be uploaded to the application status page, or submitted via email.

All graduate programs require two letters of recommendation. A third letter is required for the following programs:

  • MA/CAS and PsyD in School Psychology
  • MSEd in College Student Development
  • MSEd/CAS in Counseling (one of the recommendations must be from a professor)
  • PhD in Engineering (Materials Science, Glass Science and Ceramics)

Format for Letters

You may choose one of the following submission options:

  • Applicants will be asked to submit recommendation contact information as part of the application process. If email information is included, recommenders will receive an email from Alfred University with instructions for electronic submission.
  • For recommenders who do not receive these emails or prefer to send hard copies or direct emails, these can be sent to Graduate Admissions at 1 Saxon Drive Alfred, NY 14802.
  • There is no set format for these letters, but ideally should speak to the applicant either professionally or academically.

You must submit a written statement describing career goals and reasons for the chosen field of graduate study. Outline topics of special interest and also include relevant experience such as internships, co-ops, or other professional activities.

Doctor of Psychology

Applicants to the PsyD program must include a statement of research interests in addition to the statement of intent.

Graduate Engineering/Science

  • MS applicants - must submit a statement summarizing your research experience, career goals, and research interests. If you wish to work with individual professors or on specific projects, you should describe such interests in the statement.
  • PhD applicants – must include a statement of research interests in addition to the statement of intent. This is a detailed statement regarding the applicant's research experience, career goals, and research interests. If you wish to work with individual professors or on specific projects, you should describe such interests in the statement. PhD applicants should give as much information as possible regarding specific research interests.

You must provide official transcripts/mark sheets (in English) from each and every college or university previously attended, including proof that you hold the baccalaureate degree. These records must be sent directly from the college or university with appropriate certifications. Photocopies or facsimiles are not accepted.

If you are currently enrolled, you should submit a transcript (official academic record) of courses completed to date along with the application; as soon as coursework is completed a final transcript and degree certificate should be submitted. The records should show a complete list of courses taken, grades received, and any diplomas or certificates earned.

International students

For more information on submitting non-U.S. transcripts/mark sheets, review the International Student Requirements.

  • Transfer credit evaluations from other accredited institutions shall be made by the Dean or appointed representative of the college in which you are enrolled or wish to enroll.
  • No more than six semester credit hours of graduate work, or 20% of coursework, whichever is greater, may be transferred into a master’s degree or certificate of advanced studies program.
  • Doctoral programs permit up to 50% of coursework as transfer credits.
  • No transfer of credit is permitted for the MFA degree.

An interview is required for admission to the following graduate programs:

  • MA/CAS in School Psychology
  • MSEd in College Student Development
  • MSEd/CAS in Counseling
  • PsyD in School Psychology

Qualified applicants who have submitted all required documents will be invited to an on-campus interview by the department.

MBA applicants may be asked to interview as part of the application review process.

MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) interviews are not required. The optional MFA interview may be scheduled only during the fall semester, while classes are in session. MFA applicants interested in scheduling a visit to the School of Art and Design should contact Billie Burns by phone 607-871-2442, or email.

All students must comply with New York State health and immunization requirements and submit health forms and records requested by the University.

View required health forms through the Wellness Center