A complete application consists of the following:

1. Online Application: Please make sure you apply through the correct application system, as the process for submitting transcripts varies.
2. Official transcripts (IMPORTANT):
   
   1. Current Students and Graduates of SUNY Empire:
      You are not required to submit your SUNY Empire transcript or previously submitted transcripts. We will collect the transcript information and add it to your application review in our application systems.
   2. If applying to the MBA in business management, MBA in healthcare leadership, combined bachelors/MBA, MSN, or graduate nondegree programs: Submit transcripts directly to SUNY Empire.  
      All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from regionally accredited institutions must be submitted directly from the issuing institution to the SUNY Empire admissions office if applying to the MBA in business management, MBA in healthcare leadership, MSN, or graduate nondegree study. Transcripts from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A course-by-course evaluation is required, and reports must be submitted directly from an approved evaluation service to the admissions office at SUNY Empire to be considered official. Official transcripts should be mailed to: Admissions Office, Empire State University, 111 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 - Or electronic submission from college/university/evaluation service to Admissions@sunyempire.edu. SUNY Empire graduates do not need to request a transcript.
   3. For ALL other graduate programs: Apply through the GradCAS Application. All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from regionally accredited institutions and foreign transcript evaluations must be submitted through GradCAS.
3. Essays: Required essay(s) are specific to the degree program. See our Criteria for Admission Essays. The application review committee weighs the quality of your essays in their decision about whether you will be admitted to the program. The essays must be original to this application and responsive to the specific questions. They are not intended to be writing samples drawn from previous undergraduate or professional writing assignments. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creation or substantial editing of admissions is discouraged. If you use material from other sources/authors, you must include appropriate academic documentation and citation. Your essays may also be used in the process of advisement in your degree program.
4. Resume/CV: A resume/CV including previous experience, education, and other achievements.
5. Recommendations: Select programs, including our M.A.T., M.Ed., M.S. in applied behavior analysis, and Ed.D. programs, require recommendations from appropriately qualified persons. A qualifying person is someone who can speak to your preparedness for graduate school and/or your academic program and career of choice. Examples include faculty, employers, and volunteer coordinators. Personal references are not acceptable. The recommendation must be submitted through GradCAS (we do not accept mailed letters of recommendation). Current SUNY Empire undergraduate students applying for a combined bachelor's/master's degree program must request a recommendation from their primary mentor.
6. Entrance Exams: Test scores are optional and not required.
7. Teacher certification documentation: The M.Ed. in adolescent special education and TESOL programs (additional certification) require that the applicant submit a copy of their active teaching license. Applicants to the M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction must submit a copy of their active teaching license if they are completing the master’s degree for professional certification requirements.
8. English-language proficiency: Applicants for whom English is not the first language must submit proof of proficiency. The School for Graduate Studies will accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test scores taken within the last three years. You must score within the range of 79-94 on the TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) or 6.5-7 on the IELTS to be considered for admission to the Empire State University graduate degree programs. Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or from an institution where the instruction was given in English may be exempt. 
   
9. Graduate Transfer Credit: If you are requesting graduate transfer credit from another regionally accredited institution, please review our Transfer Credit Policy and have your official graduate transcript(s) sent to GradCAS.
10. Orientation Fee of $50 (non-refundable) paid at the time of online application submission. If you have a fee-waiver code, enter it on the payment screen in the online application.

To apply for graduate-level nursing programs, please review the information from the School of Nursing and Allied Health.

International graduate students may apply and enroll, if accepted, to any of the online degree or certificate programs offered by the School for Graduate Studies.

SUNY Empire is unable to issue I-20s to students who require an F-1 student visa to come to the U.S. If you wish to live in the U.S. to study, please see other State University of New York options at www.suny.edu. If you have questions about your visa status or eligibility to study at SUNY Empire State College, email admissions at Admissions@sunyempire.edu or call 800-847-3000.

Canadian border commuter graduate students may also apply to any of the graduate programs that require attendance at weekend residencies.

A complete application consists of the following:

1. Online Application through GradCAS
   
2. Official transcripts:
   
   1. SUNY Empire – Current Students and Graduates:
      You will not be required to submit your SUNY Empire transcript or previously submitted transcripts. We will collect the transcript information and add it to your application review in our SUNY Empire or the GradCAS application systems.
   2. All other applicants:
      All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from regionally accredited institutions and foreign transcript evaluations must be submitted through GradCAS.
3. Resume/CV: A resume/CV including previous experience, education, and other achievements.
4. Transfer credit or previously earned graduate credit: If you are requesting acceptance of transfer credit from another graduate institution, or are a returning SUNY Empire graduate student hoping to utilize previously earned credit, please note that time limits do apply and you will not be able to include credit in your degree program that exceeds the time limit. For details, please consult the Graduate Catalog.
5. Orientation Fee of $50 (non-refundable) paid at the time of online application submission. If you have a fee-waiver code, enter it on the payment screen in the online application.

For Summer 2024 Applications

Admission into any of the combined programs is highly selective. Matriculated undergraduate students may apply to the combined program and will complete all of the application requirements for the master’s degree program. The admission application process includes a review of all coursework completed and a minimum GPA of 3.2, one recommendation from his/her SUNY Empire undergraduate primary mentor, and application essays. Use our Criteria for Admission Essays (opens in a new tab) to assist you.

A complete application consists of the following:

1. Online Application: Please read carefully and make sure you apply through the correct application system as the process for submitting transcripts varies.
2. Official transcripts:
   
   
   • SUNY Empire – Current Students and Graduates:
     You will not be required to submit your SUNY Empire transcript or previously submitted transcripts. We will collect the transcript information and add it to your application review in our SUNY Empire or the GradCAS application systems.
     
     
   • Application for admission to the following programs: Combined bachelor/MBA
     
     All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from regionally accredited institutions must be submitted directly from the issuing institution to the admissions office. Transcripts from a non-U.S. institution must be evaluated by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A course-by-course evaluation is required and reports must be submitted directly from an approved evaluation service to the admissions office at SUNY Empire to be considered official. Official transcripts should be mailed to: Admissions Office, Empire State University, 111 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 - Or electronic submission from college/university/evaluation service to Admissions@sunyempire.edu. SUNY Empire graduates do not need to request a transcript.
     
     
   • GradCAS Application for admission (all other Combined bachelor/master programs):
     
     All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from regionally accredited institutions and foreign transcript evaluations must be submitted through GradCAS.
   •  
3. Essays: Required essay(s) specific to the degree program. Use our Criteria for Admission Essays (opens in a new tab) to assist you. The application review committee weighs the quality of your essays very heavily in their decision about whether you will be admitted to the program. The essays must be original to this application and responsive to the specific questions (they are not intended to be writing samples drawn from previous undergraduate or professional writing assignments). If you use any material from other sources/authors, you must include appropriate academic documentation and citation. Your essays may also be used in the process of advisement in your degree program.
   
   
4. Resume: A resume including previous experience, education, and other achievements.
   
   
5. Recommendations: One recommendation from your current undergraduate primary mentor.
   
   
6. Entrance Exams: Test scores are optional and are not required.
   
   
7. English-language proficiency: Applicants for whom English is not the first language must submit proof of proficiency as determined during the undergraduate admissions process.
   
   
8. Orientation Fee of $50 (non-refundable) paid at the time of online application submission. If you possess a valid fee waiver code, you will enter that code in the payment screen within the online application.

Starting Fall 2024

Admission into the combined program is highly selective. A concurred degree plan is not required to apply for the combined program.

To be considered for admission into a combined pathway or dual degree program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum 3.2 GPA (recalculation of up to the last 60 credits earned)
• Transferring no more than 92 credits at the time of application
• Applicants who have already completed a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply to the Dual Degree BS Accounting/MBA in Business Management or MAT pathways. 

To apply submit an undergraduate application and include:

• Proof of high school completion
• Official transcript sent directly from all institutions listed on the application
• A nonrefundable orientation fee (waived for U.S. veterans, active military, and their spouses and dependents).

Military Training and Experience

If you are currently or have previously served in the US military, please send an official copy of your military transcript (Joint Service Transcript, Community College of the Air Force, or DD-214) to the Admissions office. Upon receipt, an evaluation of your training credit will be completed. The transfer of these military credits will be discussed with your mentor during the degree planning process. Military transcripts are free and should be sent electronically from the websites below.

Our Office of Veteran and Military Education is available to assist you throughout your studies at Empire State University. Contact us at military.programs@sunyempire.edu or 518-587-2100 ext. 2779 if you have questions.