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Graduate Certificate Admissions: FAQ’s
How do I apply?
Jefferson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) uses an online application which allows applicants to submit their application fee, personal statement and resume/CV.
What is the application deadline for the Graduate Certificate programs?
Applications are considered on a rolling-admissions basis throughout the year and newly matriculated students may begin coursework in any academic term. (Fall, Spring1, Spring2, and Summer).
What is the application timeline and when can I expect a decision?
Once an application is complete and submitted for review a decision is often reached in one to two weeks.
What materials do I need to submit to have a complete application?
A complete application consists of:
- A complete online application submitted with non-refundable, $40.00 application fee
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- 1 Letters of recommendation
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
I am an International applicant, are there any additional requirements or information that I should know?
- If your undergraduate credentials are from an institution outside of the United States or Canada, the Office of Admission requires a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable). We accept these evaluations from services like World Education Services, Inc. (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). It is your responsibility to provide the necessary paperwork and payment to WES or ECE and to request that a copy of the report be sent to the Office of Admission.
- If your native language is not English, or you received your baccalaureate degree from an institution where English is not the official language of instruction, you must submit official scores from an accepted English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or IELTS or demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.
For other information (Student VISA, etc) please visit our Office of International Affairs
Where do I send my supporting documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc)?
All application materials should be sent to the JCGS Office of Admission at the following address:
Jefferson College of Graduate Studies Office of Admissions 1020 Locust St. Alumni Hall, Rm M60 Philadelphia, PA 19107
Do I need to submit all of my materials at the same time I submit my application?
Application materials may arrive separately both before and after your application is submitted, but please be sure your full name is on each document.
What is the application fee?
The application fee is $40.00 and needs to be submitted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) upon submission of the application. The fee is non-refundable.
Is it possible to obtain a waiver for the application fee?
We regret that we do not waive the application fee for the certificate programs.
Does Jefferson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) offer Financial Aid?
- Scholarships and assistantships are not available for students in our Graduate Certificate programs. Our students fund their education through a variety of means. Information on applying for financial assistance can be found through our Office of Financial Aid.
- Many students will fund their education with tuition benefits through their employer. We suggest applicants inquire about their employer’s tuition policy and contact the Office of Admission for more information.
How long will it take to finish my certificate?
The Graduate Certificate programs are 15-16 credits and can typically be completed in one year.
Are standardized tests (GRE®, MCAT®) required for admission to the certificate programs?
JCGS does not require standardized tests for the Graduate Certificate programs.
How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
JCGS uses an online recommendation process. To submit a recommendation, proceed to the online system.
My recommender is not comfortable using the online recommendation. Is there another option?
While we prefer to receive the recommendations through our online system, applicants can download our recommendation form which their recommender fills out, attaches the letter of recommendation, and mails directly to the JCGS Office of Admissions.
How long should my personal statement be?
The personal statement should be approximately 500-750 words and explains the reasons for applying to JCGS as well as research interests/experiences.
Can I visit campus?
The Admissions Office holds several Master of Science/Graduate Certificate Information Sessions throughout the year. A Program Director leads a presentation and answers questions from prospective students while an admissions representative discusses the application process. For upcoming dates visit www.jefferson.edu/jcgs and check under ‘Upcoming Events’. Attendees are waived from the application fee.
What if I want to transfer my credits towards a Master of Science degree program at JCGS?
Courses taken in the Graduate Certificate programs are the same courses we offer to our M.S. students. Completed Graduate Certificate courses may later be applied toward a graduate degree program.
Whom can I contact with more questions?
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Admissions Office at (215) 503-4400 while specific questions about the programs can be directed to Eleanor Gorman, Assistant Coordinator for MS Programs in the Basic Sciences, at (215) 503-5799.
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