Admission Policies

Students who hold a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent), and who have demonstrated their ability or potential to do high-quality academic work, are encouraged to apply.

Admission Procedures

Students applying to any graduate program in the College of Arts and Sciences must submit the following materials online for consideration:

• A completed application for admission. Apply online.
• A non-refundable application fee.
• A professional resume.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent to gradadmis@fairfield.edu.
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor, accompanied by the University online recommendation forms. Recommendation requests are sent through the online application for admission.
• Personal statement describing your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, why you chose Fairfield University, and what your goals are following graduation.

MFA Applicants must also submit:

• Sample Writing Portfolio

Applications for all programs are accepted on a rolling basis.

Mandatory Immunizations

Connecticut State law requires each full-time or matriculated student to provide proof of immunity or screening against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), meningitis and tuberculosis. Certain exemptions based on age and housing status apply. Matriculating students are defined as those enrolled in a degree seeking program or an in-person certificate program. More detailed information on the required immunizations and how to submit the required documentation is available online at www.fairfield.edu/immunization. Although compliance with University immunization requirements is not required to complete an application, you must provide proof of immunity/screening prior to course registration. Please note, students who are enrolling in 100% online programs with no intention of coming to campus may be exempt from providing immunization records. Please consult the Student Health Center to determine what documentation may be required as an online student. Questions may be directed to the Student Health Center: 203-254-4000 x2241 or email health@fairfield.edu .

International Students

International applicants must provide an official course-by-course evaluation for all coursework completed outside the US. Evaluations must be completed by an approved evaluator (found on our website) recognized by NACES. All international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking and submitting test scores from one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Fairfield University's ETS code is 3390. English language test score requirements can be viewed on our website. English language testing may be waived for those international students who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. International applications must also provide a certificate of finances (evidence of adequate financial resources in U.S. dollars). A blank pdf affidavit of financial support document will be provided by the office of Global Fairfield to be completed, along with a list of acceptable financial certificates.  All supporting credentials must be submitted at least three months prior to the intended start date.

Students with Disabilities

Fairfield University is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights, and privileges of its services, programs, and activities in an accessible setting. Furthermore, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Connecticut laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students to reduce the impact of disabilities on academic functioning or upon other major life activities. It is important to note that the University will not alter the essential elements of its courses or programs.

If a student with a disability would like to be considered for accommodation(s), they must identify themselves to the Office of Accessibility, located in the Academic Commons on the main floor of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, and complete the interactive request process for accommodations. Instructions for how to initiate the accommodation request process are located on our website. Students can also email ooa@fairfield.edu to start the accommodation request process. This process should be done prior to the start of the academic semester and is strictly voluntary. However, if a student with a disability chooses not to self-identify and provide the necessary documentation to the Office of Accessibility, accommodations need not be provided and are not retroactive. All information concerning disabilities is confidential and will be shared only with a student's permission. For more information regarding accommodations and the registration process, please email, or call 203-254-4000 x2615.