How to Apply: Graduate Admissions Requirements

Typically, international applicants must submit official test score results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic). Applicants should check with the testing agency to ensure that their scores are still valid and that the agency will be able to send an official score report.

All master’s programs have the same requirements:

• TOEFL (ETS code 5969): 85 overall, sub-score minimum of 20, or
• TOEFL: ITP Plus Scores, or
• IELTS: 6.5 overall, sub-score minimum of 6, or
• PTE: 53 overall, or
• Duolingo: 110, sub-score minimum of 100, or
• Completion of ELS 112, or 
• Completion of EC English B2+ Pre-Advanced Level

Students who are citizens of the following countries, or who have graduated from an accredited degree program at a university in these countries, are exempt from the English language requirements: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Seychelles, St. Helen, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, and the United States of America Virgin Islands.

If you are not from an above listed exempt country or do not meet the minimum English language requirements, you may be offered admission into our ALCI English for Academic Success Program or the Graduate Pathway Program before starting your graduate degree program. These programs have specific language requirements, noted here:

Graduate Pathway Programs

• Applicants must meet the academic admission requirements to their chosen master’s program.
• English requirements for Graduate Pathway Programs: TOEFL 75, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 95 – 110, ELS 110, and EC English B2 Upper-Intermediate Level. (This will be reviewed holistically and will take into consideration writing and speaking skills before a final decision is made.)

English for Academic Success

Students will be placed into the English for Academic Success program if scores meet or fall under the below mentioned scores. This program offers up to five levels of learning, each level taking one semester to complete, with some programs offering GPP for their final semester instead of level 5. The scores required for entering Level 4 can be found below. However, the American Language and Culture Institute may use a student’s speaking and writing samples found in application materials to place them in the level most appropriate to their ability.

EAS Level 4:

• TOEFL 65
• IELTS 5.5
• Duolingo 80 – 95

Scores that fall below the above mentioned will be evaluated and the student could be placed into EAS levels 1, 2, or 3.

If ALCI is unable to determine your placement after reviewing your application materials, you will be required to take a Duolingo placement test, at cost to you ($50). It should be noted that your speaking and writing samples will be taken into consideration in addition to your Duolingo numerical score. Taking the placement test may be done before submitting your application. If the Duolingo test is not a part of your application and is required, an email will be sent to you with details about how to take the Duolingo test, including deadlines for submission.

After you accept the offer of admission and pay the enrollment deposit, upload the following to your application portal:

• A copy of your passport identification page
• Bank statement (no more than six months old)
• If the bank statement is not in your name, you must complete the Clark University Signed Affidavit of Support form.

After you upload the documents listed above, your information will be reviewed by Clark University’s International Center (IC). Once all appropriate documents are received and reviewed, the IC will issue an I-20 or DS-2019 form so you can apply for a student visa.

Please review the IC’s guide on visa acquisition for additional information.

• Online application form
• Application fee (nonrefundable): $75
• Personal statement (refer to additional information below for details)
• Three letters of recommendation (refer to additional information below for details)
• Résumé
• All academic transcripts*
• English Language Requirements — International applicants only (refer to additional information below for details)
• Test scores — program-specific requirements:
  • GRE required for Ph.D. programs in BioChemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Economics
  • GRE code: 3279 for all programs
  • Note: This requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis
• Writing Sample – Ph.D. Psychology, Ph.D. Geography, Ph.D. in History (Holocaust and Genocide History), and Ph.D. in Genocide Studies – The writing sample should include a copy of one or more papers that the applicant has written that are good representations of their interests and the way in which they think and write about them. The applicant should be sole author of at least one of these papers.

* Unofficial transcripts can be provided for the application review. Official final transcripts, including confirmation of earned degree, are required prior to enrollment and should be mailed directly from the institution to Clark University Graduate Admissions. All transcripts that are submitted as part of your application must be translated into English prior to submission. Transcripts from international programs that do not include the original language and its English translation will not be considered with your application. If you submit an official final transcript, please make sure to include confirmation of earned degree.

Please indicate your reasons for undertaking graduate study, research interests, and the faculty member(s) whose research is of interest to you. Include your current research interests as well as your long-range research, teaching, or other professional objectives. Reference any relevant published articles, books, research, inventions, or other creative work in your discussion.

Ph.D. in Geography

What interests you about geography specifically? Please discuss, with some precision, your interests within the discipline of geography (i.e., do not simply list “economic” or “historical”). Explain why you think this area of the discipline is interesting and important. Tell us how you became interested in this area, and what your experience has been thus far.

Why specifically do you want to do graduate work at Clark University? Tell us what you hope to pursue with these interests, both here and afterward.

Ph.D. in Psychology

In order to assure the best fit between faculty and student body, we ask that you write a statement indicating why you think the psychology program at Clark is well-suited for your academic and career goals. Your essay should deal with the following issues:

• Areas of psychology and theoretical orientation of most interest to you
• Faculty members you find most in accord with your interests
• Research you have done, or would like to do
• Autobiographical information relevant to your pursuit of graduate work at Clark

Three letters of recommendation are required from academic professionals who have taught or supervised you and can attest to your academic capability.

Ph.D. in Geography

The Graduate School of Geography looks for minimum scores of 100 for the TOEFL or 7.0 for IELTS (with a minimum of 6.5 in each subfield).  However, we are willing to consider alternative evidence of proficiency in English speaking and writing for applicants scoring below these thresholds. Please contact us for more information.

General Ph.D. Language Requirements

• TOEFL (ETS code 5969): 85 overall, recommended sub-score minimum of 20, or
• TOEFL: ITP Plus Scores, or
• IELTS: 6.5 overall, recommended sub-score minimum of 6, or
• PTE: 53 overall, or
• Duolingo: 110, recommended sub-score minimum of 100

Students who are citizens of the following countries, or who have graduated from an accredited degree program at a university in these countries, are exempt from the English language requirements: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Seychelles, St. Helen, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, and the United States of America Virgin Islands.

School of Management, School of Professional Studies, and International Development, Community, and Environment Programs

Please provide a statement in which you discuss your professional goals, academic interests, and/or research interests, as well as your plans for achieving these goals. Please also discuss your specific educational, professional, or other experiences that will contribute to your success in the program and in your career. This statement should not exceed 800 words.

Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and City Year Applicants

In addition to the core application requirements, all AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or City Year volunteers are required to submit a description of service as part of their application. If you are currently serving and have not yet received your description of service, you may submit a letter from your supervisor stating your current status and when your service is expected to end. All descriptions of service or supervisor letters should be uploaded through your application portal or emailed to gradadmissions@clarku.edu.

School of Management, School of Professional Studies, and International Development, Community, and Environment Programs

Clark University requires two letters from employers, supervisors, professors, instructors, or others who are able to comment on your professional and educational goals and potential (no friends or relatives, please). These references should be able to judge your qualifications — including intellectual and analytical ability, oral and written communication skills, independence, initiative, and drive — necessary for success in graduate coursework and/or research, if applicable.

M.A. in Teaching, and M.A. in English

Three letters of recommendation are required from academic professionals who have taught or supervised you and can attest to your academic capability.

Unofficial transcripts can be provided for the application review. Official final transcripts, including confirmation of earned degree, are required prior to enrollment and should be mailed directly from the institution to Clark University Graduate Admissions.

All transcripts submitted as part of your application must include an English translation in addition to the original document. Submissions that do not include the original language and its English translation will not be considered with your application.

If you submit an official final transcript, please make sure to include confirmation of earned degree.

GMAT/GRE Waiver Policies for Master’s Applicants

The GMAT/GRE is not required for application to master’s programs in the School of Professional Studies or the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, including the department of International Development, Community, and Environment.

For the School of Management, please review the following options for potential test waivers.

Please note that the Office of Graduate Admission will make the final decision as to whether or not the GRE/GMAT is required for your application.

MBA: 3.2+ (or equivalent) GPA in bachelor’s degree, prior earned master’s degree in a related field, or 3+ years work experience

MSBA, MSF, MSMK, MSMKA, MSAA (STEM-designated programs): 3.0+ (or equivalent) GPA in bachelor’s degree, prior earned master’s degree in a related field, or 3+ years work experience

MSM, MSA, MSTMHR (non-STEM designated programs): 3.0+ (or equivalent) GPA in bachelor’s degree, prior earned master’s degree in a related field, or 2+ years work experience

A GMAT/GRE waiver request must be made in writing to gradadmissions@clarku.edu clearly articulating the reason the waiver is being requested. You may be asked to complete a form to accompany your application.

GMAT/GRE Codes

• GRE code: 3279 for all programs
• GMAT code:  Q4X-6X-30  for all programs

Application Fee

A fee of $75 must accompany the application for admission to the University. This fee is not refundable.

On a case-by-case basis, the application fee may be waived. A waiver may be granted for:

• Applicants from organizations partnered with Clark (e.g., AmeriCorps, PeaceCorps, City Year, Fulbright, Teach for America, McNair Scholars, National Association of Black Accountants, among others)
• Clark alumni or current Clark employees

Enrollment Deposit

Deposits are nonrefundable, unless the student receives a rejection to their visa application in the term of their original application. Deposit refunds are not granted if a student chooses to defer their admission. All deposit refunds are at the discretion of the Office of Graduate Admission.

Clark University master’s programs involve rigorous curriculum within the programs. Some programs require knowledge or skills in specific areas that will be critical for your success in the program.

School of Professional Studies

M.S. in Data Analytics (MSDA)

The MSDA program requires knowledge or skills in mathematics and programming. Mathematical skills include calculus, most notably in the areas of taking derivatives, differentiating functions, and finding extreme values of functions. If you need to further develop your knowledge in this area, it is recommended you do so here: Khan Academy Calc 1 or Khan Academy Calc 2. Programming skills include an introductory understanding of programs, specifically in Python or Java. If you need to further develop your knowledge in this area, it is recommended you do so here: Python Training.

School of Management

M.S. in Accounting (MSA)

Students may satisfy one or both of the foundation course requirements listed below through prior undergraduate or graduate coursework, or by passing a waiver exam. Prior coursework will need to have been completed within the last six years. The courses must have been taken for credit and you must have received a passing grade.

• Foundations of Financial Accounting (ACCT4101): To satisfy the financial accounting requirement, students must meet the above conditions for waiving the foundation course, as well as the following:
  • United States: Students are eligible for the course waiver if they have taken any one semester of financial accounting at a university within the United States.
  • International: Students are eligible for the waiver exam if they have taken any one semester of financial accounting at a higher education university outside of the United States.
  • *EAS & Pathway students are not eligible for the accounting course waiver or the waiver exam.

• Quantitative (STAT 4006): Students may waive the quantitative requirement by taking one (1) Statistics course at a higher education institution. Students will be enrolled in STAT 4006 their first semester at Clark University if they do not meet the quantitative waiver requirements.

M.S. in Accounting Analytics (MSAA)

Students may satisfy the foundation course requirements listed below through prior undergraduate or graduate coursework, or by passing a waiver exam. Prior coursework will need to have been completed within the last six years. The course must have been taken for credit and you must have received a passing grade.

• Foundations of Financial Accounting (ACCT4101): To satisfy the financial accounting requirement, students must meet the above conditions for waiving the foundation course, as well as the following:
  • United States: Students are eligible for the course waiver if they have taken any one semester of financial accounting at a university within the United States.
  • International: Students are eligible for the waiver exam if they have taken any one semester of financial accounting at a higher education university outside of the United States.
  • *EAS & Pathway students are not eligible for the accounting course waiver or the waiver exam.

M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA)

You must satisfy the MSBA prerequisite courses prior to beginning your first semester at Clark University.

• Statistics (probability and its applications): The prerequisite is automatically satisfied if you took one statistics course through an accredited college or university. The courses must have been for credit and you must have received a passing grade. Courses taken through an open online course platform (MOOC) will not satisfy the statistics prerequisites.
• Python or SQL server programming: The common topics that the programming courses must cover are the syntax, algorithm, and programming skills of a popular programming language such as Java, C++, Python, or SQL. This prerequisite can be satisfied by:
  • taking one programming course through an accredited college or university. The courses must have been for credit and you must have received a passing grade. OR
  • If you successfully complete one of the online certificate programs from DataCamp or Coursera. If you take the online certificate through DataCamp or Coursera, you must demonstrate the course completion and certificate received from the platform. The following are the accepted online certificate programs from the MOOCs:
    • DataCamp: Python OR SQL Server
    • Coursera: Python OR SQL Server

M.S. in Finance (MSF)

You must satisfy the MSF prerequisite courses prior to beginning your first semester at Clark University. The courses must have been for credit and you must have earned a passing grade. Below are the three MSF prerequisites:

• Calculus: The common topics that the mathematical course must cover in order to satisfy the calculus prerequisite are functions, limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, mean-value theorem, and various applications.
• Statistical methods: Topics must include descriptive statistics, probability, discrete and continuous random variables, estimation, hypothesis testing, and linear regression.
• Economic theory: Any undergraduate economics course will fulfill the prerequisite.

One of the above may be taken as a Udemy course (certificate of completion required):

• Calculus: https://www.udemy.com/course/calculus1/
• Statistical Methods: https://www.udemy.com/course/statshelp/
• Economics:  https://www.udemy.com/course/the-market-forces-of-demand-supply-equilibrium/

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

You must have completed undergraduate course work in economics with a passing grade as a prerequisite for this program prior to beginning your first semester at Clark University.

Students may take this course  from Udemy (certificate of completion required):  for https://www.udemy.com/course/the-market-forces-of-demand-supply-equilibrium/ as a way to meet the economics prerequisite.

M.S. in Management (MSM)

You must have completed undergraduate course work in economics with a passing grade as a prerequisite for this program prior to beginning your first semester at Clark University.

Students may take this course  from Udemy (certificate of completion required):  for https://www.udemy.com/course/the-market-forces-of-demand-supply-equilibrium/ as a way to meet the economics prerequisite.

Fulfilling Prerequisite Coursework

The School of Management offers the calculus, economics, and statistics prerequisites online throughout the academic year. The courses last four to six weeks. You must achieve a passing grade in the prerequisite course in order to enroll in your respective program. If you are interested in registering for the prerequisites with the School of Management, please contact gradadmissions@clarku.edu.

Do you want to take a single course?

Students not yet enrolled in a degree program may take up to two courses before applying to a program. Any School of Professional Studies course with the MSC, MSIT, or MPA designation is open for registration. Please refer to the course listing and schedules for classes open for the semester’s registration. The School of Management and the International Development, Community, and Environment Department also offer courses to students not yet enrolled in a degree program (see below). If you’re interested in a taking a course with a different designation, please contact our Graduate Admissions Office to learn what courses might be available.

To start the process, please apply here.

APPLY

School of Management Courses

• ACCT 4100 – Foundations of Accounting
• ACCT 4101 – Foundations of Financial Accounting
• ECON 4004 – Management Economics
• MGMT 4050 – Foundations of Effective Management
• MGMT 4302 – Organizational Leadership
• MGMT 4708 – Business Law I
• MGMT 4709 – Business in Society
• MGMT 4712 – International Transactions
• MGMT 5201 – Human Resources Management
• MGMT 5304 – Negotiating Difficult Transactions
• MGMT 5404 – Corporate Intellectual Property
• MGMT 5505 – Introduction to Greening the Organization
• MGMT 5543 – Project Management
• MGMT 5611 – Leading Change
• MGMT 5615 – Corporate Social Responsibility
• MIS 4500 – Management Information Systems

International Development, Community, and Environment Courses

• IDCE 319 – Quantitative Methods and Statistics for Evaluators
• IDCE 30103 – Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• IDCE 30107 – Development, Urban Refugees and Forced Migration
• IDCE 30103 – Networks and Analytics of Development

A fee of $75 must accompany the application for admission to the University. This fee is not refundable.

On a case-by-case basis, the application fee may be waived. A waiver may be granted for:

• Applicants from organizations partnered with Clark (e.g., AmeriCorps, PeaceCorps, City Year, Fulbright, Teach for America, McNair Scholars, National Association of Black Accountants, among others)
• Clark alumni or current Clark employees

If an applicant does not meet these requirements, but still feels that their circumstances warrant a fee waiver, they must first complete their application by submitting the application form and all supporting documents. Once their application is complete, the applicant may provide a short, written rationale for why they are requesting the fee waiver. The request will then be reviewed by one of the Admissions counselors. Please note that completing the application and providing the written rationale does not guarantee a fee waiver.