The CUNY College of Staten Island (CSI) offers a variety of graduate programs leading to Master’s degrees. The requirements for admission and completion of a master’s degree at CSI vary by program, but there are general guidelines and standards that apply across most graduate programs. Below are the detailed requirements for admission to the Master’s programs at CSI:

1. General Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree should be in a related field for the program they are applying to.

Minimum GPA: Generally, applicants are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8–3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though some competitive programs may have higher GPA requirements (e.g., 3.3 or above).

Application Form: All applicants must complete an online application form through the CUNY Application Portal or the specific program’s application system.

Application Fee: Applicants are required to pay an application fee. However, some programs may offer waivers based on financial need.

Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended must be submitted. These transcripts should reflect the applicant’s academic history.

Letters of Recommendation: Typically, applicants must submit two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants are often required to submit a Statement of Purpose that outlines their goals, academic interests, and why they want to pursue a graduate degree at CSI. This document is crucial for programs that are competitive.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): Some programs require a current resume or CV, especially for applicants with professional work experience.

Test Scores: Certain programs (e.g., Master of Science in Computer Science) may require standardized test scores such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). However, many programs at CSI have become test-optional, and some may waive this requirement based on the applicant’s academic record or professional experience.

2. Program-Specific Requirements

Each program has specific requirements in addition to the general ones mentioned above. Below are some examples of program-specific requirements for CSI’s graduate programs:

Master of Science (M.S.) in Nursing: For nursing programs, applicants may need a current RN license in the state of New York, clinical experience (in some cases), and may need to complete an interview or submit a portfolio showing professional experience and academic background.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing: Applicants are often required to submit a writing portfolio showcasing their creative work. This portfolio is evaluated for its quality and originality.

Master of Science in Computer Science: Applicants may be asked to provide proof of undergraduate coursework in mathematics, computer science, and programming. Some programs may also require GRE scores, especially if the undergraduate degree is not in a related field.

3. English Proficiency (for International Students)

TOEFL/IELTS: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. CSI typically requires a TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 6.5.

Alternative English Proficiency: Applicants who have completed at least two years of full-time study at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from English language testing.

4. Application Deadlines

Fall Admission: Most programs have a deadline for fall admission, typically in early spring (around March-April).

Spring Admission: Some programs accept students for the spring semester, with deadlines typically in October.

Rolling Admissions: Some programs may have rolling admissions or multiple intakes throughout the year.

5. Required Documents for Application

Applicants should generally expect to submit the following documents:

Completed Application via the CUNY Application Portal or specific department system.

Official Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.

Letters of Recommendation (typically two or three).

Statement of Purpose.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (if applicable).

GRE Scores (if required by the program).

English Proficiency Test Scores (for international applicants).

Writing Portfolio (for some programs like MFA).

Professional Licenses (if required by the program).

6. Graduate Program Requirements

Credit Requirements: Most master's programs require 30–36 credits for completion, though some fields (e.g., MBA, MPA) may have slightly higher credit requirements.

Coursework: Students are expected to complete required coursework, which may include core courses, elective courses, and specialization courses within their field of study.

Capstone Project or Thesis: Many graduate programs at CSI require students to complete a capstone project, a thesis, or an internship as part of their degree. These projects allow students to demonstrate the application of their knowledge and research skills.

Comprehensive Exams: Some programs, particularly those in fields like psychology or education, may require students to pass a comprehensive exam as a condition for graduation.

7. Graduation Requirements

Cumulative GPA: Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their coursework throughout their program to remain in good standing.

Residency Requirement: Students may be required to complete a certain number of credits (typically 30 credits) at CSI to meet the residency requirement for their degree.

Application for Graduation: To graduate, students must submit an application for graduation through their academic advisor or the graduate office, typically during the last semester of their studies.

8. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Federal Aid: Eligible students may apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). CSI participates in federal loan programs for graduate students.

Graduate Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer graduate assistantships, which provide stipends and/or tuition remission in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative duties.

Scholarships and Fellowships: CSI offers several scholarships and fellowships to graduate students based on merit, need, or specific academic fields.

9. Advising and Support

Graduate students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors regularly to ensure they are on track for meeting program requirements, discussing research projects, and exploring career opportunities.

CSI provides various student support services, including career counseling, writing assistance, library resources, and research tools.

These requirements and procedures can vary slightly based on the specific graduate program. Therefore, it is important for prospective students to carefully review the admission guidelines for their program of interest on the CSI website or contact the program director for further clarification.