Applying to Syracuse University
Application deadlines for masters programs:
- Spring 2025: November 15, 2024, where applicable
- Summer 2025: February 15, 2025, Priority deadline*
- Fall 2025: February 15, 2025, Priority deadline*
*Applications received by the February 15th priority deadline will have first consideration for department financial aid. Decisions will be made approximately two weeks after an application becomes complete.
Application deadlines for PhD programs:
- Fall 2025 Exercise Science: January 15, 2025*
- Fall 2025 Human Development and Family Science: December 15, 2024*
*Applications for PhD programs received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis. Decision timelines may vary by program. Candidates may be required to interview and meet with the committee.
Apply
Prospective students must apply via the online application. This method allows us to process your application faster and more efficiently, allowing you to upload all application materials.
Required Application Materials
- Personal Statement: The 600- 800-word personal statement is an important component of your application. Tell the committee why you chose this program, your career aspirations, and how your academic, personal, and professional background makes you an ideal candidate. This statement should showcase both your goals and writing abilities.
- Official Transcripts: 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).
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required for applicants applying to graduate degree programs and are critical to the application process. Recommendations should be from at least two academic sources. *
Applicants will register recommenders through the online application system providing the full name, title and organization and email address of the recommender. The recommender will receive an email notification and will be required to attach a recommendation on letterhead of the organization they represent. Please note recommenders will receive notification as soon as their name is registered.
* Two academic recommendations are preferred, but supervisors from work, internships, or volunteer positions are acceptable if you’ve been away from academia.
- Standardized Test Scores: : Falk College no longer requires the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for master 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 PhD and the Marriage and Family Science PhD programs. The GRE is required for admission to the Exercise Science PhD program.
- Resume: A resume describing employment history; academic honors; scholastic recognition; publications; leadership roles and/or other academic, professional, and community activities.
- Application and Fee: A completed electronic application submitted with a $75 non-refundable fee is required. Application fees are waived for veterans, McNair Scholars and all SU alumni. Fees may be waived by admissions for AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers with proper documentation and must contact falk@syr.edu to request.
- International Student 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.
- International Student Financial Documents: International applicants must provide documentation indicating sufficient means to fund the first year of graduate study to receive an authorized student visa. For more information, please visit Cost of Attendance for International Students page.
- International TranscriptsInternational applicants will need transcripts evaluated by an education service. Please see National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) whose members we accept transcript evaluations. World Education Services (WES), is our preferred evaluation service.
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 PhD but is required for admission to the Exercise Science PhD program.
Tuition and Fees
Syracuse University graduate students pay tuition per credit hour. Information about current graduate tuition rates is available from the Syracuse University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs.
Financial Aid
Falk College offers merit-based tuition scholarships and a reduced tuition structure for eligible programs to help offset the cost of attendance. Students will not be offered more than one scholarship award, and are tuition specific. Priority deadline applicants receive preference. Please note there is no full funding at the master’s level.
- Need-based awards
Besides our merit-based discounts, the only additional assistance coordinated by the University is in the form of federal loans. All need-based aid is administered centrally by the University’s Office of Financial Aid. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for need-based loans issued by the government. - Forever Orange Scholarship
Specifically for Syracuse University students, the Forever Orange Scholarship provides half of the tuition for students who enroll full-time in a qualifying graduate degree programs at Syracuse University. The scholarship is automatically available to all graduating Syracuse University seniors who are eligible for admission—no separate scholarship application is needed.This scholarship cannot be combined with any other program-granted graduate funding awards, such as assistantships, fellowships or other scholarships, nor can it be deferred to future terms.
Be sure to check your online application portal frequently for information on your application progress. Questions about your application and materials may be directed to the Falk College Admissions office, falk@syr.edu or call 315-443-5555.
To apply for federal loans, graduate applicants who are U.S. citizens must first file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offered through the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after January 1 for summer applicants. Applicants should not wait for an admission decision before filing.