Applying

Frequently Asked Questions

Submit your application for admission on TJAPP

Applications are considered on a rolling-admissions basis throughout the year and newly matriculated students may begin coursework in any academic term (Spring, Summer and Fall).

Once an application is complete and submitted for review, a decision is often reached in one to two weeks.

A complete application consists of:

  • A complete online application submitted with the $50.00 application fee
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Official Transcripts and WES evaluations (if applicable) should be sent to:

TJAPP
P.O. Box 9130
Watertown, MA 02471

  • English Proficiency: If your native language is not English, or you received your baccalaureate degree from an institution where English is not the official language of instruction, you must submit official scores from an accepted English proficiency exam such as TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Transcript Evaluation: If you completed your undergraduate/graduate work outside of the United States, you must submit a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES).

For other information (Student VISA, etc.) please visit the Office of International Services.

The application fee is $50.00 and needs to be submitted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) upon submission of the application. The fee is non-refundable.

JCLS will review requests for application waivers based on academic hardship.

Scholarships and assistantships are not available for students in our Graduate Certificate programs. Our students fund their education through a variety of means. Information on applying for financial assistance can be found through our Office of Financial Aid.

Many students will fund their education with tuition benefits through their employer. We suggest applicants inquire about their employer’s tuition policy and contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

The Graduate Certificate programs are 15-18 credits and can typically be completed in one year.

JCLS does not require standardized tests for the Graduate Certificate programs. 

Letters of reference are submitted through our online application: TJAPP.

Letters should be written by people who can comment from personal knowledge on the applicant's academic qualifications, preferably from individual faculty or pre-professional committees. If, however, an applicant has been out of school for a number of years, s/he may substitute professional references.

The personal statement should be approximately 500-750 words and explain your reasons for applying to JCLS as well as your research interests/experiences.

The Admissions Office holds several Master of Science Information Sessions throughout the year. A Program Director leads a presentation and answers questions from prospective students while an admissions representative discusses the application process. Learn more about upcoming events.

Courses taken in the Graduate Certificate programs are the same courses we offer to our MS students. Completed Graduate Certificate courses may later be applied towards a graduate degree program.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to (215)-503-8890 or [email protected].