Admission

Admission Policies, Criteria, and Procedures

In carrying out its mission, the School of Engineering and Computing admits graduate students to Master of Science degree programs and certificates in the areas of biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, data science, management of technology, software engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering. Candidates for admission to those programs must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university or the international equivalent. Students whose bachelor's degrees do not include all prerequisite coursework are expected to complete bridge courses. Students create their plan of study early in their graduate career, under the supervision and guidance of program directors, so that they may meet their educational and professional goals in a time-effective and intellectually satisfying manner. Graduate courses for campus based programs are offered in the evening and on weekends to serve the needs of part-time graduate students from the regional technology and business community, as well as the needs of full-time graduate students. Class sizes are designed to emphasize interaction between participants and faculty. 

Biomedical

Admission to the program is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering or an equivalent related major.  Applicants with degrees in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering may also be considered with the appropriate bridge courses as determined by the program director. 

Cybersecurity

Admission to the program is open to information technology professionals and students from any background including business, engineering, sciences and law, who have completed a bachelor’s degree. Up to two bridge courses may be necessary to remedy gaps in knowledge and experience.

Data Science

Admission will be granted to applicants with a bachelor's degree and with competencies that will allow them to pursue graduate coursework. Knowledge and/or experience in programming, mathematics, and specific domains is necessary. Gaps in knowledge and experience can be remedied by introductory computing and or domain-specific bridge courses. These additional prerequisites are determined on an individual basis and communicated at the time an offer of admission is made.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Admission will be granted to applicants with a bachelor's degree in science or engineering or its equivalent, or to those with work experience in a technology environment, whose academic and professional records suggest the likelihood of success in a demanding graduate program in the electrical or computer engineering disciplines. Bridge courses may be required based on candidate's undergraduate preparation.

Management of Technology

Admission will be granted to applicants with a bachelor's degree in science or engineering, or the equivalent, or to applicants with extensive experience in a technology environment, whose academic and professional records suggest the likelihood of success in a demanding graduate program. Applicants will have completed one course in introductory probability and statistics, one course in computer programming that uses a high-level language and includes applications, and one course in financial accounting, or demonstrate aptitude in these subjects. Bridge courses may be required depending on the candidate's undergraduate preparation.

Mechanical Engineering

Admission will be granted to applicants with a bachelor's degree in science or engineering, or its equivalent, in the general area of mechanical engineering, or to those with work experience in a technology environment, whose academic and professional records suggest the likelihood of success in a demanding graduate program. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate aptitude in the subject matter of engineering design, materials and thermodynamics. Bridge courses may be required depending on the candidate's undergraduate preparation.

Software Engineering

Admission will be granted to applicants with a bachelor's degree who demonstrate adequate experience as a professional software developer or programmer and whose academic and professional record-suggest the likelihood of success in a demanding graduate program. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in an area other than software engineering, may need to compplete bridge courses depending on the candidate's undergraduate preparation.

Application Process for Masters Programs

Applicants for admission in all masters programs must submit the following materials online for consideration:

  1. A completed application for admission. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable application fee.
  3. All official transcripts from each institution attended sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent to gradadmis@fairfield.edu.
  4. Two recommendation letters and accompanying forms (completed online), professional and academic recommendations are accepted.
  5. A professional resume.
  6. A personal statement describing intent for studying in the program.

International applicants must submit an official course by course evaluation from a NACES-recognized evaluating agency, an official English test score report, and a passport.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Process for Certificate Programs

Applicants for admission in all certificate programs must submit the following materials online for consideration:

  1. A completed application for admission. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable application fee.
  3. All official transcripts from each institution attended sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent to gradadmis@fairfield.edu.
  4. A professional resume.

Applications 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.