Admissions

Admission to Salve Regina University is competitive. In reviewing applications, the admissions committee looks at a variety of factors, including academic achievement, personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation. To be considered for admission, interested students must apply for a degree or certificate program by completing the application process described in this section. All prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions, the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies as well as the graduate program director for their intended program of study for more information. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Application files must be completed within one year of the initial application submission or individuals may be required to resubmit materials. All application materials become a permanent and confidential part of the University records and are not returned.

International applicants should also refer to the segment on "International Students" in this section of the catalog for additional application information and requirements.

Admitted students have one year from their initial start term to defer or accept our offer of admission and enroll. If students do not enroll in that time frame, they will need to reapply. Students who are away for more than one year are asked to contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Professional Studies, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN-BSN)

Who May Apply

Anyone with a Nursing degree earned from an accredited United States institution of higher learning or an equivalent degree from a nationally accredited college or university outside the United States will be considered for admission. Applicants must also have an active, unencumbered RN license or eligibility for RN licensure in the state of Rhode Island. Applicants considered by the University to have the ability to pursue a bachelor’s degree and who show a desire for personal development are admitted without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran's status, disability, age, or any other legally protected class.

Admissions Requirements

Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. An applicant to the Professional Studies RN-BSN program must:

  1. Possess a Nursing degree from an accredited United States college or university, or an equivalent degree from a nationally accredited institution outside of the United States. For institutions outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.
  2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7.
  3. Provide a current résumé that shows relevant work experience.
  4. Verification of U.S.-based RN license.

How To Apply

The following must be submitted to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Completed online application.
  2. Current résumé.
  3. Official transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education attended.
  4. Copy of an unencumbered U.S.-based RN license or eligibility to earn RN license.

Master's and Doctorate Degree Programs

Who May Apply for a Master’s Degree

Anyone with a bachelor's degree earned from an accredited United States institution of higher learning or an equivalent degree from a nationally accredited college or university outside the United States will be considered for admission. Applicants considered by the University to have the ability to pursue graduate study and who show a desire for personal development are admitted without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran's status, disability, age, or any other legally protected class.

How to Apply

The following must be submitted to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Completed online application.
  2. Personal statement. Please include the following:
    1. Your background, interests, accomplishments, and career goals as they relate to the program.
    2. Address why you think Salve is a good fit for you.
  3. Current résumé.
  4. Official transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education attended.
  5. For counseling programs and the CAGS in Expressive and Creative Arts: Two (2) academic or professional letters of recommendation from faculty and/or work supervisors who can attest to an applicant's ability to be successful in graduate studies; recommenders must include professional title and contact information.

Counseling applicants should include the following in their personal statement:

  1. Tell us about your background, interests, and accomplishments as they relate to counseling. Please be specific in your examples but discerning in your disclosure of personal details.
  2. How do you intend to use this degree to help people within a counseling context? How would you deal with people from different backgrounds and ways of thinking?
  3. Why did you choose Salve Regina University? What is it about our program that made you apply? Please be specific.

Applicants to counseling programs who successfully pass a first-round application review may be selected for interview at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Application Due Dates

The following due dates apply to the Master of Science in Behavior Analysis, Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis, Master of Arts in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts in Leadership Dynamics and Practice:

  • July 1 for fall admission
  • November 1 for spring admission
  • March 1 for summer admission (Holistic Studies programs only)

Degree Planner

Upon acceptance, students may view and follow their degree planner found in the Academic Programs section of the graduate catalog. Students will refer to their degree listing to find the appropriate degree planner. A student's online Academic Evaluation is found in Student Planning in My Salve; the evaluation displays program requirements and includes transfer credits accepted toward their Salve degree. Students are encouraged to contact the program director for any advice related to their program.

Dual Degree Master's Program

The dual degree master's program can be designed and based on career interests and educational goals. Applicants must receive permission from the appropriate graduate program directors to pursue dual degrees, which must be pursued concurrently. The dual degree program offers a common set of core courses, making it possible to earn two degrees with fewer credits than if earned separately.

Second Master's Degree

Students who have completed their first master's degree at Salve Regina and wish to complete their second master's degree at Salve Regina may petition the appropriate graduate program director. The required credits for the second master's degree may be reduced by six (6) credits. This option may not be available for some programs with accreditation or licensing requirements.

Newport Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

How to Apply

The following materials must be submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies by March 1 for June start and November 15 for January start:

  1. Completed online graduate application.
  2. Personal statement.
  3. Current résumé.
  4. Official transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education attended.
  5. Creative writing sample.

Master of Science in Nursing

How to Apply

Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. The following must be submitted to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Completed online graduate application.
  2. Official transcript for a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited university with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and all official transcripts where college credit was earned.
  3. Copy of unencumbered U.S.-based RN license or eligibility for RN licensure in the State of Rhode Island and any additional licenses, if applicable (RN license will need to be obtained prior to any clinical experiences).
  4. Personal statement identifying professional goals.
  5. Curriculum vitae/resume that includes a description of current and past clinical practice as well as any presentations and/or publications.
  6. Evidence of successful completion of three (3) credits in Statistics that have been earned within eight (8) years.

Humanities Ph.D. Program

Who May Apply for the Ph.D.

Individuals with a master's degree and high motivation to explore the relationship between humanities and technology are encouraged to apply.

Admissions Criteria

Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. An applicant to the doctoral program in humanities must:

  1. Possess both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree earned from accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning or equivalent degrees from a nationally accredited college or university outside the U.S. If the institution is outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.
  2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher for the master's degree.
  3. Provide letters of recommendation that support the ability to engage in doctoral studies.
  4. Provide evidence of quality research and writing skills on a paper submission from previous master's degree course or equivalent work.
  5. Complete an online writing assignment showing an understanding of humanities that suggests an adequate foundation for doctoral studies in this program. This is a timed assignment administered via email.
  6. Provide a personal statement that demonstrates solid writing skills and motivation for doctoral studies.

How to Apply for the Ph.D.

The following application materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for potential Spring admission.

  1. Completed online application.
  2. Personal statement. Please include the following:
    1. What was your scholarly experience while completing your master's?
    2. How did your master's inform what you'd like to pursue for further research?
    3. What is your philosophy of the humanities?
    4. What will you bring to the program and what do you hope to get from it? 
  3. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education attended, including proof of master's degree with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. For degrees earned at institutions outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency recognized to provide this service.
  4. Two (2) letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who have taught the applicant, which address the applicant's ability to succeed in doctoral studies. If academic letters are not possible, professional recommendations from former or current work supervisors are acceptable. Recommenders must include professional title and contact information.
  5. Fifteen-page paper completed for a master's degree course or equivalent work.
  6. Timed online writing assignment.
  7. Current résumé or CV.
  8. Complete an interview with the graduate program director or other members of the admissions committee.

Students in the Ph.D. program are encouraged to meet with faculty advisors periodically and the graduate program director at key transition points during the program.

International Relations Ph.D. Program

Who May Apply for the Ph.D.

Individuals with a master's degree granted by an English-speaking institution. Individuals must have at least five years of professional experience in the field of international relations.

Admissions Criteria

Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. An applicant to the doctoral program in International Relations must:

  1. Possess both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree earned from accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning or equivalent degrees from a nationally accredited, English-speaking, college or university outside the U.S. If the institution is outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.
  2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher for the master's degree.
  3. Possess at least five years of related professional experience such as working for an international governmental or non-governmental agency, being deployed overseas, or living overseas.
  4. Provide letters of recommendation that support the ability to engage in doctoral studies, preferably from instructors from the applicant’s master’s study.
  5. Provide a personal statement that demonstrates how your professional experience will relate to and inform your dissertation topic as well as how your research will contribute to advancing the field of international relations.

How to Apply for the Ph.D.

The following application materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Applications for the Ph.D. in International Relations will be accepted on a rolling basis.

  1. Completed online graduate application.
  2. Personal statement. Please include the following:
    1. Your background, interests, accomplishments as they relate to doctoral study.
    2. Tell us about your research expectations and relate them to your professional goals after you have earned your degree.
    3. Address how your professional experience will relate to and inform your dissertation topic, and how your research will contribute to advancing the field of international relations.
    4. Why are Salve and this program a good fit for you?
  3. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education attended, including proof of a master's degree. For degrees earned at institutions outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency recognized to provide this service.
  4. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who have taught the applicant, which address the applicant's ability to succeed in doctoral studies. If academic letters are not possible, professional recommendations from former or current work supervisors are acceptable. Recommenders must include professional title and contact information.
  5. Current résumé or CV.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The Doctor of Nursing practice program is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing.

How to Apply for the DNP

The following application materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package.

  1. Completed online graduate application.
  2. Official transcripts for a baccalaureate and master’s degree in nursing from an accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.0, and all other official transcripts in which collegiate credit was obtained.
  3. Copy of RN license or eligibility for RN licensure in the State of Rhode Island (license will need to be obtained prior to any clinical experiences).
  4. Copy of unencumbered APRN license and certification (if applicable).
  5. Personal statement identifying doctoral study and research expectations to professional goals.
  6. Curriculum vitae (CV)/résumé that includes a description of current and past clinical practice as well as any presentations and/ or publications.
  7. Interview with a member of the graduate nursing admissions committee.
  8. Evidence of successful completion of three (3) credits in Statistics that have been earned within eight (8) years. 
  9. Evidence of successful completion of three (3) credits in a master's level advanced research course.
  10. Documentation of the number of clinical hours completed.

Program Requirements

Doctor of Nursing Practice students will complete 30 credits. All DNP students need to complete a total of 1000 experiential hours for successful completion of the DNP, including hours from a MSN program. If additional hours are required, 1 or 2 additional courses are required for the completion of experiential requirements. Students may be admitted to the DNP program for one semester on conditional status. If requirements for conditional admission are not met after one year, the student cannot progress. DNP students must meet the admission, progression, and graduation requirements of the University Graduate Catalog. No more than 9 transfer credits can be applied to program requirements.

Behavior Analysis Ph.D. program

This program is designed for individuals who will have a master’s degree in behavior analysis by the time they start the program.

How to Apply for the Ph.D.

  1. Completed online graduate application.
  2. Personal statement of two pages or less. Please include the following:
    1. Why you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis.
    2. What is your experience in behavior analysis?
    3. What are your career goals, and why would a Ph.D. be helpful?
    4. What areas of behavior analysis are you most interested in?
    5. Why is Salve the right school for you?
  3. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education attended, including proof of a master's degree. For degrees earned at institutions outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency recognized to provide this service.
  4. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty or clinical supervisors who can speak to the applicant's technical knowledge of behavior analysis research and practice.
  5. Current résumé or CV.
  6. Completed research proposal form

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis program who successfully pass a first-round application review may be selected for interview at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Certificate Programs

The Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS)

The Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) is designed for those students who wish to pursue graduate study but may not be interested in obtaining a master's degree. It may be earned by students with baccalaureate degrees or master's degrees from accredited institutions in areas related to the field of study. The courses for a certificate program must be approved by the graduate program director. Students are required to successfully complete all courses with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to earn the certificate. Students are encouraged to contact the graduate program director prior to enrolling in graduate certificate courses to assure the appropriate selection of courses. Should a student desire to continue beyond the certificate by entering the master's program, he or she should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. If the student is accepted, the required courses already completed may be applied to the master's degree consistent with University policy.

Students intending to earn a master’s degree and Certificate of Graduate Studies concurrently must apply for the certificate before completing CGS requirements. Students may contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to apply for certificate programs.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) is designed for those students who have completed a master's degree from an accredited institution and who are seeking advanced knowledge within their field of study. Students should consult with the graduate program director in advance of pursuing this certificate regarding the appropriate program for their career interests.

How to Apply for a CAGS Program

The following materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Completed online application.
  2. Current résumé.
  3. Personal statement. Please include the following:
    1. Your background, interests, accomplishments, and career goals as they relate to the program.
    2. Address why you think Salve is a good fit for you.
  4. Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.
  5. Two letters of recommendation from those able to evaluate the candidate's academic potential.

How to Apply for a CGS Program

The following materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Completed online application.
  2. Current résumé.
  3. Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.

Internal CGS and CAGS applicants should contact the Office of Admissions for a specific application.

Application Due Dates

The following due dates apply to all Counseling certificate programs:

  • July 1 for fall admission
  • November 1 for spring admission
  • March 1 for summer admission

Transfer of Credit

Students may petition to transfer in up to 40% of the credits required of a particular graduate master's program if the following conditions apply: courses are appropriate for that particular graduate program; students received a grade of B or better in each course requested for transfer; credits transferred were not applied toward a previous degree; credits were obtained from an accredited institution; and credits were earned within eight years of the petition for transfer. Transfer credit may be considered for studies in certain specific non-degree academic programs of military or professional schools at the graduate level, provided the programs are recognized by an agency approved by the American Council on Education. Transfer credits must be authorized by the appropriate graduate program director.

Graduate Nursing Transfer of Credits Policy

Salve Regina University supports the transfer of credits from another institution when the student is fully enrolled within the Graduate Nursing Program. The maximum number of nursing credits to be accepted within the MSN program is 9 credits or 3 courses. The transfer credits need to be from an accredited program including CCNE, NICHE, NLN and/or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), greater than B overall grade, credits transferred were not applied toward a previous degree and less than 8 years old. Within the MSN program, the core practical nursing courses are required for completion at Salve Regina University. Each transcript will be reviewed on an individual basis. All students need to provide the transcript, course description, and a hallmark written assignment from the course desired to be transferred. The DNP program does not allow transfer credit.

Humanities Ph.D. Program Transfer Policy

Applicants from accredited military universities with transferable credits available may have up to 9 credits of the Humanities Ph.D. required credits waived with the permission of the program director.

International Relations Ph.D. Program Transfer Policy

Applicants from accredited military universities with transferable credits available may have up to 9 credits transferred from relevant courses to the International Relations Ph.D. with permission of the program director.

International Students

Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (international students) are welcome to apply for graduate study at Salve Regina. The University's international community also includes U.S. citizens living overseas and both bring a global perspective that we value in our programs.

Candidates for graduate certificates and master’s programs must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or the equivalent credential from a government-recognized institution if outside the U.S. (CAGS and Ph.D. programs require a master’s degree.) Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a qualified agency such as World Education Services or SpanTran, and any required documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an official translation. Students whose first language is not English must submit results from a recognized test of English proficiency. Minimum scores are 80 (iBT), 6.5 (IELTS) or 110 (Duolingo). Exceptions are made for students who attended university where English is the primary language of instruction.

Please note: At this time, international students are only eligible to enroll for online programs from their home country. The University is not processing I-20 Forms for a student visa. (Some exceptions apply including the MS in Innovation and Strategic Management program. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for details.)

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program 

Salve Regina University provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to begin a master’s degree program in their fourth/senior year providing that they meet certain criteria.

Who can apply for a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program

First-year applicants can follow the traditional application process outlined above for select programs, those can be designated as their major on the Salve Questions portion of the Common Application. If admitted, these students receive conditional admission to pursue both degrees. Students who have not been already conditionally admitted into a Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree program as a first-year may apply during their third/junior year for conditional acceptance.

Admissions Criteria

Salve Regina University evaluates the total application package. An applicant to the combined bachelor’s/master’s program must:

  1. Have current junior standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
  2. Complete an online application.
  3. Provide a personal statement that includes the following:
    1. Your background, interests, accomplishments, and career goals as they relate to the program.
    2. Address why you think Salve is a good fit for you.
  4. Submit a current resume.
  5. Some programs may require an interview.

There are two options available for students wishing to start on their graduate degree in their fourth/senior year; a 5-year pathway (5Y) which allows for completion of the degree in one year after completing their undergraduate degree, and an Accelerated pathway which provides the ability for students to begin their graduate program in the fourth/senior year but complete their graduate program at their own pace. More information about these programs including a full listing can be found at salve.edu/graduate-and-professional-studies/combined-bachelors-masters-programs.

5-year (5Y) Pathway 

Designed for undergraduates to begin their graduate program while still in their fourth/senior year of undergraduate studies but is specifically designed to allow students to complete their master’s studies in one-year post-graduation from their undergraduate program. The 5Y pathway has a flat rate of tuition for the fifth year and students retain the services that they had as undergraduate students. Students in the 5Y pathway require 126 credit hours to complete their undergraduate degree and must take four (4) courses in their fourth/senior year. Of the 4 graduate courses taken in their fourth/senior year, only 2 can count towards the undergraduate credit requirements. Students in the 5Y pathway will matriculate into the 5Y program for the specified master’s program upon graduation from the undergraduate program. 5Y students MUST take 4 courses in the Fall and 4 courses in the Spring semesters of the fifth year to remain as 5Y students. If students opt to no longer follow the 5Y course path, they will revert to traditional graduate students for the remainder of their enrollment. Only certain programs are designed to support the 5Y pathway. The 5Y programs are: 

  • MBA  
  • MS in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security  
  • MS in Healthcare Administration  
  • MA in International Relations  
  • MS in Innovation and Strategic Management 

These programs may also be taken in the Accelerated pathway but there will be no continuation of undergraduate services and the students will be billed at the traditional graduate credit hour rate upon matriculation into the graduate program. 5Y students may also opt to transition into the Accelerated program if they cannot complete 4 graduate courses in their senior year.

Accelerated Masters 

Designed for undergraduates to begin their graduate program while still in their fourth/senior year of undergraduate studies. The pathway requires students who are able to take 2, 3, or 4 graduate courses in their fourth/senior year. Students may not take only 1 graduate course as undergraduates. Students in the Accelerated pathway will matriculate into the traditional graduate program upon graduation from the undergraduate program and will pay standard tuition rates for the specified degree. The following programs may be taken in Accelerated mode:  

  • MS in Behavioral Analysis  
  • MA in Leadership Dynamics and Practice 
  • MA in Clinical Counseling
  • MBA  
  • MS in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security  
  • MS in Healthcare Administration  
  • MA in International Relations  
  • MS in Innovation and Strategic Management 

Once conditionally admitted, students will be advised on the courses to take in their fourth/senior year by their faculty advisor and graduate program director. Conditionally admitted students must maintain the appropriate 3.3 GPA and earn a grade of B or better in graduate coursework to matriculate into the graduate program after completion of the undergraduate degree. Students must take the number of courses required for the specified program (4 courses in fourth/senior year for 5Y, 2-4 courses in fourth/senior year for Accelerated).  

Non-matriculated Status

Those with baccalaureate degrees or higher who want to enroll in graduate-level courses prior to applying for the graduate degree program may enroll as a non-matriculated student with permission of the appropriate graduate program director for no more than two courses (6 credits). For those students seeking certificates or degrees, required courses taken prior to acceptance into a program may be credited toward the degree or certificate if the student is accepted into and matriculated into the program, consistent with University policy. In order to be accepted and matriculated into the program, non-matriculated students must complete an application that is reviewed according to University policy and standards. Completion of courses as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee admission into a program.

Admissions Denial Appeal Process

Applicants who are denied admission may appeal the decision. The letter of appeal must be written by the applicant and addressed to the Vice President for Enrollment Management within 30 days of the denial decision. It should include information not found in the original application that you believe demonstrates your ability to be successful in the program and/or extenuating circumstances that explain poor academic performance. All appeal decisions are final.