Frequently Asked Questions About Falk College Graduate Admission for Prospective Students
Falk College graduate programs are Exercise Science (M.S., Ph.D.), Human Development and Family Science (Ph.D.), Marriage and Family Therapy (residential and online M.A.), Nutrition Science (M.A., M.S.) Public Health (MPH), Social Work (M.S.W.) and Sport Analytics (M.S.) Online, Certificates of Advanced Studies (C.A.S.) are available in Addiction Studies, and Sport Analytics.
How can I apply to a Falk College graduate program?
Access the online application using the “Apply Online Now” tab on the Falk website. *
* Syracuse University does not accept paper applications.
When is the application deadline?
For application deadlines visit our “How to Apply” page, as dates may vary.
Can my application fee be waived?
A completed electronic application submitted with a $75 non-refundable fee is required. Application fees are waived for Syracuse University Alumni, veterans and McNair Scholars. Fees may be waived by admissions for AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers with proper documentation and must contact falk@syr.edu to request.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Applicants can submit applications to multiple programs. A $75 fee will be required for each application submitted.
What is the minimum GPA required for the Falk College?
A minimum 3.0 GPA is typically required for graduate study, but admission decisions consider multiple factors including transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters, and academic trajectory.
Does my program require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
Falk College no longer requires the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for master’s programs. If an applicant would like to submit their score, they should have them sent to Syracuse University, institution code 2823.
The GRE is optional for the Human Development and Family Science Ph.D. but is required for admission to the Exercise Science Ph.D. program if the applicant does not have research experience.
What is the institution code for Syracuse University?
Syracuse University’s institution code is 2823.
Can I submit my application without GRE scores?
Applications requiring the GRE (PHD) will be reviewed upon receipt of the scores. It takes three weeks to receive official scores from the Educational Testing Services (ETS).
What GRE score do you require?
A combined GRE score in the 300 range is preferred. In general, 150 out of 170 is preferred on the verbal,150 out of 170 on the quantitative and 4 out of 6 on the writing.
How do I submit letters of recommendation?
Please visit our “How to Apply” page for information on letters of recommendation.
Are interviews required?
Interviews are not required for master’s programs. Ph.D. programs may require an interview.
Do I need to submit a writing sample?
A writing sample is not a required component of the application. If you have a sample that you think would strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit it.
How long does it take to process my application?
Falk College processes master’s applications on a rolling basis, typically rendering decisions within two weeks of a completed application. However, processing times may extend during holiday periods and exam seasons. Ph.D. decision timelines may differ from this standard review process.
How will I know if my application is complete?
To check the status of your application and view updates, please log in to the application portal.
How will I find out if I am admitted?
You will receive notification via email to check your portal, where you will receive a letter from the Dean of the S.U.’s Graduate School and a congratulatory letter from the Dean of Falk College.
What if I am denied?
You will receive notification via email to check your portal. If you are denied you will receive a letter from Graduate School informing, you of the committee’s decision.
Can I find out why I was denied?
As a matter of protocol, we do not give reasons for denying an applicant. Our graduate programs are very selective and have limited capacity for new students.
Can I reapply if my application has been denied?
Application materials are retained for one year. You can request to be reconsidered within the year by contacting falk@syr.edu. You may be asked to submit additional materials.
If more than one year has passed, you will need to submit a new application with new documentation and application fee. Official test scores such as GRE (5 years) or TOEFL (2 years) are retained on file.
Am I allowed to defer my admission?
Students are eligible to defer one time, within the year of admission. To make a request to defer, email the admissions office at falk@syr.edu. A virtual meeting with an admissions team member may be required. Please note any financial aid awarded, will not be deferred.
How do I accept my admission?
To formally matriculate students must submit the admissions acceptance from (AAF) through the online portal.
When should I return my admission acceptance form
To ensure a seat in your program you should submit your AAF by April 15th. Admitted students who submit after that date will be considered on a space available basis and may be deferred to the next available semester. Students who have been awarded an assistantship or merit scholarship, must submit their AAF and signed offer letter by April 15th.
Do I need to pay a tuition deposit?
Falk College requires a $500 deposit for the following programs: Exercise Science M.S., Nutrition M.A., M.S. and Sport Analytics M.S. The deposit will be applied to your first year of tuition.
How do I decline admission?
To decline admission, you will select the “I do not plan to attend Syracuse University, please withdraw my application at this time” on the admission acceptance form (AAF). You may also decline admission by sending a brief message to falk@syr.edu, stating your full name, SUID and program. You will receive a confirmation email stating your application has been withdrawn.
What types of merit aid do you offer?
Please visit our “How to Apply” page for information on merit-based aid.
When will I find out if I have been awarded merit-based aid or an assistantship?
Merit-based tuition discounts will be communicated at the time of admission. Assistantship decisions will be processed from mid-March, with final determinations made by April 1. Applicants will receive email notifications from their department regarding assistantship status. If an assistantship is offered, it will supersede the tuition discount. Students have until April 15 to accept financial offers.
How much does the program cost?
Syracuse University’s graduate programs charge per credit hour. To see current tuition rates see the graduate cost of attendance.
Do you offer housing for graduate students?
There is limited availability of university housing for graduate students. To find accommodations off-campus we recommend you visit the Office of Off-Campus Housing to begin your housing search.
Do I need to submit official transcripts with my application?
Transcripts are required from all post-secondary institutions from which applicants have earned or will earn a degree. Transcripts are required from other institutions where an applicant has earned prerequisite courses/credits specific to the program they are applying, unless those courses and grades are listed on the degree bearing transcripts.
Unofficial transcripts are accepted for application review. If admitted, official transcripts showing certification of a bachelor’s degree will be required to be submitted to the registrar’s office by the end of the first semester of graduate study. Students, who have submitted a FAFSA and will receive federal financial aid, must show degree certification prior to receiving funds (mid-August).
Can I take Falk graduate courses on a non-matriculated basis?
Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may take courses on a non-matriculated basis if space is available, with the permission of the instructor. Successful performance as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee admittance into a graduate degree program. Applicants should not take more than six credits, before applying to a graduate program.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
Do I need to submit English Language Proficiency Documentation?
The TOEFL (96), IELTS (7) or Duolingo (130) is required for applicants for whom English is not the primary language. *
*Applicants with a degree from an accredited institution whose instruction is in English can request a waiver by contacting falk@syr.edu.
When do I have to submit my financial statement?
International applicants must provide documentation proving sufficient means to fund the first year of graduate study to receive an authorized student visa. This amount may vary based on the program and special fees. For more information, please visit the Cost of Attendance for International Students.
Where do I submit proof of finances after conditionally admitted?
Email or fax proof of sufficient funds to grad@syr.edu or 315-443-3423, following the instructions received from the Graduate School with your conditional acceptance letter.
Do I need to submit a translated transcript?
As an international student at Syracuse University, you may need your transcript evaluated by an education service such as the World Education Services (WES), to be sure you meet our requirements and have an equivalent 4-year degree.
Do you accept a three-year degree?
As an international student at Syracuse University, you may need your transcript evaluated by an education service such as the World Education Services (WES), to be sure you meet our requirements and have an equivalent 4-year degree.