Admission and Matriculation

Admission

Students of ability and achievement are welcome in the Graduate Division of Canisius University. Their acceptability as students is determined by the individual departments on the basis of aptitude, achievement and character.

Admission Procedures

Applicants for admission to the Graduate Division may be accepted as matriculants in a particular department, or as non-matriculants (not available in Anthrozoology and Physician Assistant program). In either instance, the same admission standards will apply. Prospective students for admission to graduate study in any department must possess a baccalaureate degree and must present evidence of their qualifications to participate successfully in a graduate-level academic endeavor. Each applicant is required to submit the following to the office of the appropriate program director:

1. Application for admission with any appropriate admissions fee.
2. Official transcript(s) from all previous undergraduate studies.
3. Additional admissions requirements may be found in the description of each graduate program.
4. Students whose general qualifications warrant admission to the graduate division but for whom some supplementary study is prescribed may not be admitted to candidacy for a degree until all deficiencies have been removed.

Falsification, Misinterpretation, or Misleading Application Documents

Canisius University expects members of the university community, including applicants for admission to a graduate program, to be honest and professional in their dealings with the institution.  In order to evaluate the credentials of an applicant, the graduate admissions office requires a portfolio of accurate information about the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal history.  The university will take action against applicants who deliberately lie or misrepresent their background in their application materials.

If Canisius University discovers, during the admissions process, that an applicant has falsified, fabricated, or misrepresented the applicant's qualifications or documentation as part of the application and admissions process, the applicant will become ineligible for admission.

1. If a misrepresentation is discovered after a candidate is admitted, the offer of admission is withdrawn.
2. If a misrepresentation is discovered after a student has registered, the offer of admission will be revoked, and the student will be required to leave the University.
3. If the discovery occurs after a degree has been awarded, the degree will be rescinded.

The determination that an application is inaccurate or contains misrepresentations rests with the Office of Admissions, which has the authority to resolve the matter outside the student disciplinary process. The Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate the relevant evidence and consult with any parties involved with the application before making a decision about the disposition of the application. If the applicant wishes to appeal the decision, an appeal may be made to the Graduate Admissions Office, after which institutional applicant appeals processes will be implemented.

No punitive action against the applicant will occur until the issue is resolved.

Entrance Examinations

A preliminary examination to determine the candidate’s background may be required in any field or department. The candidate will be given adequate notice by the program director in the event of such an examination. GRE, GMAT, or MAT requirements, where applicable, are described in the individual program sections of the catalog.

International Students

International candidates for graduate admission should submit a completed application and certified transcripts from all secondary schools or colleges attended. A certified English translation should accompany transcripts not in English. 

Evidence of English language proficiency

All applicants from countries/regions in which the official language of instruction is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language of instruction. However, applicants who, at the time of application, have already completed at least one year of full-time academic coursework (12 credits) with grades of B or better at a recognized U.S. institution may submit an official transcript from the U.S. university to fulfill this requirement. The following courses will not fulfill this requirement: 1) courses in English as a Second Language, 2) courses conducted in a language other than English, 3) courses that will be completed after the application is submitted, and 4) courses of a non-academic nature. Applicants who have previously been denied admission to Canisius University on the basis of their English language proficiency must submit new test scores that meet the current minimum from one of the standardized tests.

1. We require TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE test results from any student who received a degree from a college or university outside the United States in which the official language of instruction is not English.

In order to attend Canisius University, Canadian and other international students must receive a Certificate of Visa Eligibility (Form 1-20). Canisius University issues this form after the student has submitted proof of his or her ability to meet all educational and living expenses for the entire period of study. The student must provide this proof by filling out the Canisius University International Student Certification of Finances form, which includes a budget worksheet to help the student determine the total educational expenses. This form must have enough funds listed (in U.S. dollars) and verified to cover the full amount of the student’s educational and living expenses. This form must be submitted with the Application for Graduate Studies.

Applicants with Criminal Backgrounds

Canisius University is committed to ensuring that students have the ability to benefit from the education received at the University.  Certain affiliates associated with the University require that students placed in their facility for clinical/internship/field placement experiences clear a criminal background check prior to placement.  Students whose background check reveals a criminal history may be prevented access to the clinical site, and as a result, the student may not have sufficient clinical experience to successfully complete the program.  Additionally, licensing boards may deny the individual the opportunity to sit for an examination if an applicant has a criminal history.

Matriculation

Matriculated Students

Most students enter the graduate division as matriculants, i.e., as students who are enrolled in a specific program leading to a master’s degree or advanced certificate. Each student is responsible for the completion of the requirements and course prerequisites in force in the student’s program of study at the time of matriculation.

A student who interrupts matriculation for two or more semesters must apply for readmission and is bound by the requirements in force at the time of readmission. Please contact the graduate program director for information about the readmission process.

Students are expected to maintain a continuous program of academic work until all course requirements, including research for the thesis, are completed. If a thesis is required, the student must register each fall and spring semester, after the completion of course requirements, for the appropriate research course until the degree is awarded.

Non-Matriculated Students

In graduate programs, persons who possess a baccalaureate degree and are otherwise eligible but who wish to pursue graduate study without intention of taking a higher degree may register as non-matriculated students. Should such a student later decide to work towards a degree, the student must apply for admission to the program and complete all admission requirements. The appropriate program director will determine what credits already completed will be accepted toward the master’s degree. Enrollment of non-matriculated students is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Auditors (Non-Credit Students)

Students wishing to pursue certain courses of study may register for such courses as auditors (non-credit students). It is the understanding of the University that such auditors, though encouraged to participate in class discussion and reading assignments, are exempt from examination and will not at any time claim credit for such attendance. In the Wehle School of Business, only individuals with a graduate degree in business may audit courses. Auditing is not available in the Anthrozoology program.