Graduate Admissions

The following Admissions, Enrollment and Academic Policies are accurate and current at the time by which this catalog was produced. Any changes, (deletions, additions, etc.) will be presented in digital format on the College website and shall act as the most up-to-date version of the catalog in between its bi-annual production schedule.

Responsibility of the Graduate

Program

The supervision and conduct of graduate education is the responsibility of the Center for Graduate Studies. The overall administration of the program is delegated to the Director of the Center for Graduate Studies. College policies regarding graduate programs are developed in consultation with the Faculty Senate. The Graduate Affairs Committee serves in a recommendatory capacity to the Faculty Senate.

Admissions Policies

The admissions process at SUNY Potsdam is highly individualized. Each application is thoroughly evaluated to discover the wide variety of skills and talent sought in prospective graduate students. Applications are reviewed hollistically, using criteria such as grade point average, personal statement and letters of recommendation.

For most programgs, Potsdam operates on a rolling admission policy whereby applications are reviewed as soon as all required credentials have been received. Students are then informed of acceptance upon completion of the application review. See Additional Admission Information in this section for information on deadlines.

General Graduate Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university (or anticipated prior to the intended enrollment). If anticipated, an official transcript showing conferral of said degree must be submitted by the end of the fourth week of classes. Failure to do so may result in dis-enrollment from the program (see proof of Bachelor’s Policy here).
2. A minimum undergraduate grade point average as indicated within each specific program of study - refer to the individual programs.
3. Completion of the following application materials:
   1. Submission of the Graduate Application; Submission of a non-refundable $50 (U.S.funds) application processing fee (current SUNY Potsdam students,faculty/staff, alumni, and U.S. military personnel and their families are exempt from this fee).
   2. Submission of a typed Letter of Intent written by the applicant expressing the applicants’ personal/professional goals as it relates to program pursuit, with attention to any specific program guidelines. The Letter of Intent should be a minimum of one full page and a maximum of three pages typed. The letter should address the following:
      1. What is your motivation for applying to a graduate program
      2. How does your degree program relate to your long term career or professional objectives, and specifically how the program at Potsdam will assist you in achieving the goals you have described.
   3. Submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, even if a degree was not earned. Official transcripts are requested by the student and are forwarded directly from the Registrar’s Office of the institution to the Center for Graduate Studies. Transcripts submitted in an admissions package will only be considered “official” if they are received in a sealed envelope bearing the signature of the Registrar across the seal.Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for the purpose of evaluation and rendering of an admissions decision. Students must submit original transcripts in the timeframe indicated on their confirmation of enrollment.
   4. Professional letters of recommendation. Two or three are required depending on program of study. See each program for specific requirements.
   5. Current Resume
   6. GRE Exam: Required only for teacher preparation pro- grams that lead to initial certification (MST Childhood and Adolescent programs only). Consult the website and the Center for Graduate Studies for minimum score requirements. All other graduate programs do not require an exam. More information on the GRE exam can be foundbyvisitinggre.org.SUNYPotsdam’scode for sending score reports is2545. Note:Dual certificate (initial and professional) candidates will be required to submit official scores. Check with programs for specific requirements.

Music Education Requirements for Admission 

1. Evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree in music from an accredited college of university. Applicants to the Master of Music in Music Education degree program are expected to have a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education or another Bachelor of Music degree with New York (or equivalent ) music teacher certification. However, international students may apply with a music degree other than the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, but only if they are seeking a Master’s of Music degree in Music Education without New York certification. (This option is only available to international students.) Alternatively, for students who have a Bachelor of Music degree in an area other than Music Education, and who are interested in achieving both teacher certification and a Master of Music in Music Education degree. The Crane School of Music offers a combined certification/Master’s option. Typically this program can be completed in two years plus an additional semester of student teaching. Contact the Crane Graduate Office for more information (gradmusic@potsdam.edu).
2. Submission of two letters of recommendation with cover sheets.
3. A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0) is required to qualify for Full Admission. Applicants with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may be granted Conditional Admission, upon the recommendation of the Crane Graduate Program Committee. A student provisionally admitted into the graduate program cannot, during the first semester of study, enroll in more than 12 credits during any fall or spring semester, or six credits during the summer session. After one semester of study, the student’s progress will be reviewed by the Crane Graduate Program Committee, and the student will be granted either Full Admission, a renewal of Provisional Status, or be dismissed from the program.
4. A minimum undergraduate core music GPA of 3.0 is required for full admission. Graduate students who earned an average GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 in their undergraduate musicianship core (music theory, music history and aural skills) may be granted Provisional Admission, upon the recommendation of the Crane Graduate Program Performance Committee. Applicants with a core GPA below 3.0 will be required to take the graduate theory and history exam; if admitted, students may be required to take additional remedial coursework based on the results of these exams. Applicants with a core music GPA of lower than 2.75 will not be admitted.

Applicants who earned an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate musicianship core are exempt from the exams. For more information, please contact the Crane Graduate Program Administrator.

5. A demonstration of competency, including one of the following sets of requirements as defined by the specific program of study:
   1. Music Education
      1. An essay or college-level paper that demonstrates the student’s ability to organize ideas, research a topic, and write in an academic style. The essay must be typewritten or word processed, well documented and include a bibliography; and
      2. A video of the candidate teaching a class or conducting a rehearsal (one of these options is preferred), or a live or video audition on the applicant’s principal instrument. The teaching video may be sent as a DVD or internet link.
   2. Performance

A live audition in the applicant’s performance area, or the submission of a video recording, is required. More detailed information about registering for an audition is available on The Crane School of Music website.

Notes: All papers, essays, compositions, auditions, and video tapes will be reviewed by appropriate members of the Crane graduate faculty. The student’s complete file (including faculty evaluations of the above materials) will be reviewed by the Crane Graduate Program Committee at which time a recommendation for admission to the degree program will be made to the Director of the Center for Graduate Studies and the Dean of The Crane School of Music.

6. All graduate admission materials must be received by April 1 to be considered for fall academic year admission and November 15 for spring admission. Summer applications should be received by May 1. Please allow sufficient time for processing applications.
7. All students applying for Graduate Assistantships or Scholarships in Music must apply by March 2. Crane awards a number of graduate assistantships each spring for the following academic year (fall and spring only). Applicants interested in applying for a music assistantship may supply an optional statement about background and qualifications in relevant areas.

The education programs at SUNY Potsdam are committed to the preparation and enhancement of teachers who are grounded in disciplinary knowledge emanating from the arts and sciences and in curricular and instructional theory and practice. The Master of Music in Music Education program strives to assist teachers to become reflective practitioners, lifelong learners, and persons able to integrate their knowledge of subject matter, pedagogy, students, the school and the larger community to maximize the education and welfare of students. The program is committed to enriching and sustaining teachers who hold knowledge and attitudes needed in dealing with the challenges facing schools today and in the future, including the increased diversity of the student population in terms of abilities, linguistics, ethnic and cultural backgrounds; rapid technological advancements; changes in assessment practices; and school restructuring and reform.

Additional Admission Information

Specific programs may require additional materials.

Refer to the subsequent pages of the catalog or online at potsdam.edu/admissions/graduate.

International Student Admission Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Our programs require students to engage in group discussions, class participation, and oral presentations. In order to be successful in our programs, students must possess a high proficiency in written and oral English. As such, applicants are required to submit on of the following test scores as demonstration of their English language proficiency. All applicants must request the testing center to send a current official score report to the Center for Graduate Studies. Applicants may also upload a copy of their unofficial score to their application to assist in matching scores and providing initial admissions decisions.Below are the current language exams we will accept and minimum score requirements:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): An overall score of 79 or higher is required on the Internet-based (iBT) exam. Older formats such as computer-based and paper-based equivalencies are213 and 550 respectively.Visit https://www.ets.org/toefl for additional information on this exam. SUNY Potsdam’s institutional code for score reports is 2545.
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An overall score of 6.0 or higher with no less than 5.5 in any subsection. Visit ielts.org for additional information on this exam.
3. Cambridge English Exams (CEA/CEP): Two specific tests will be accepted (Cambridge English: Advanced or the Cambridge English: Proficiency). Minimum score requirement on either exam is169. Visit cambridgeenglish.org for additional information on this exam.

For additional information, contact the Center for Graduate Studies at 800-458-1142, ext. 1, 315-267-2165 or graduate@ potsdam.edu.

Equivalency to a U.S. Bachelor’s

Applicants who studied at colleges and universities outside the U.S. should have a degree or diploma that is the equivalent of aU.S.bachelor’s degree or higher. International credentials are assessed in terms of the educational pattern of the country, the type of institution attended, and the level of study completed before the expected date of enrollment at Potsdam. In general, the degree should represent a minimum of four years of college level study, which follows at least 12 years of schooling at the elementary and secondary level.

You may also submit a credential evaluation report to verify that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree (Credential evaluations are accepted by any organization that is recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Additional information may be found at naces. org). Additional general guidelines for equivalents to a U.S. bachelor’s degree can be found online in admissions webpages.

Application Submission Deadlines

Admissions for most graduate programs operate on a rolling basis as space is available after the following deadlines. Specific deadlines for some programs are listed below:

Crane School of Music Applicants

Enrollment entry is primarily in the summer or fall terms. The admission application and graduate assistantship applications must be submitted together by March 2 for students wishing to be considered for Graduate Assistantships or Scholarships in Music. For other students, application deadlines are:

Fall - May 1 Summer - May 1 Spring - Nov 15

For more information go to potsdam.edu/crane and click on Prospective Students (Graduate).

Admission Review Process

The overall admission process is structured as follows: once a candidate has submitted all of the required application materials, the Center for Graduate Studies will forward the materials to the appropriate School and academic department for an admission decision.The Graduate Admissions Committee of the selected program of study reviews the candidate’s application and forwards a recommendation back to the Center for Graduate Studies.

Appeals of Graduate Admission Decisions

School of Arts and Sciences or School of Education and Professional Studies

Applicants to programs in the School of Arts and Sciences or School of Education and Professional Studies may request reconsideration of an admission decision by submitting an appeal letter to the Chair of the Department, indicating the basis on which the appeal is made (e.g., records of performance, supporting letters, papers, evidence, etc.). Requests must be filed within 30 calendar days of the date of the action being appealed. Each appeal is considered strictly on its particular merits. Exceptions will be allowed only for unusual or extenuating circumstances.

The Crane School of Music

Applicants to The Crane School of Music may request reconsideration of an admission decision by contacting the Associate Dean of the Crane School of Music in writing within 30 days of the date of the admissions letter. Letters of appeal must include specific information as to why the decision should be reviewed. Each appeal is considered strictly on its particular merits. Exceptions will be allowed only for unusual or extenuating circumstances.

For all other programs, applicants should contact the Center for Graduate Studies.

Graduate Admission Classifications

Degree Seeking Students

Matriculated students have completed the Graduate application and have had their credentials reviewed by the Center for Graduate Studies and the appropriate academic area. The student has been accepted as a degree candidate in a particular curriculum, and has indicated their intent to enroll. Candidates are considered matriculated until they graduate or are dismissed.

Matriculated students will be granted one of two enrollment statuses:

1. Conditional Admission - Applicants must successfully meet all conditions to their admission to be granted full admission and the ability for their degree to be awarded. Granted to qualified applicants who do not yet meet certain admission requirements; e.g.,undergraduate content-core.
2. Full Admission - Granted to applicants who have satisfied all admission requirements.

Non-degree Seeking Students

Students who have an interest in graduate study but who have not yet applied for admission into a master’s degree program may with approval enroll as non-matriculated at SUNY Potsdam. A maximum of six (6) semester hours may be taken under a non-matriculated graduate status with departmental approval. In some cases, a student may be approved for additional course work as a non-matriculated student by special permission of the Dean and by signing the Lifelong Learning Agreement. However, only six (6) credits may be transferred into a degree program upon approval.

Non-matriculated admission requirements:

1. Meet the minimum grade point average for admission to graduate study.
2. Submit an official undergraduate transcript confirming the receipt/conferral of a bachelor’s degree; (or anticipated prior to the intended enrollment)
3. Submit the Non-Matriculated Graduate Student Application

Deferred Admission

Students admitted to the College who elect not to enter in the semester for which they are admitted may request that admission be deferred. Request for deferral may be granted for a maximum of one year-two consecutive academic semesters. Application files will be held in inactive status during periods of deferral and will be reactivated without payment of additional application fees. Students who wish to defer must also submit a tuition deposit to hold their spot in the future term. After one year has passed, applicants will be required to submit a new application.

Proof of Bachelor’s Policy

All graduate students granted conditional admission with the outstanding requirement of providing proof of a conferred bachelor’s degree (or U.S. Equivalent) will have up to the end of the fourth week of class to furnish an official transcript conferring said degree. Failure to do so will result in disenrollment from the college in the form of a withdrawal (this withdrawal will also follow the college’s financial liability schedule). This does not prohibit the student from applying for re-admission in future terms once proof can be met. In some cases, a letter from the student’s undergraduate registrar may serve as a temporary document should the conferral policies of the college overlap with admission and enrollment at SUNY Potsdam. Students pursuing financial aid will be required to provide proof of undergraduate degree before aid could be certified and disbursed. Additionally, all required documentation must be submitted and reviewed prior to or during the academic year (summer, fall, spring) for which it is intended; aid cannot be process retroactively for a previous aid year.