Graduate FAQs
Graduate FAQs
No search results found for this entry
Application Requirements
For specific entrance requirements for your particular program of interest, please refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements.
Our programs typically do not state a minimum GMAT score. A minimum GMAT score is not the only criterion for admission to the RIT business programs. In evaluating an application, the graduate admissions committee pays careful attention to each individual's undergraduate academic record, GMAT score, and personal statement.
All applicants to RIT’s graduate programs must hold (or currently be completing) a four-year baccalaureate degree, or the U.S. equivalent, granted by an accredited college or university. View graduate admission deadlines and requirements by degree
Our programs typically do not state a minimum GRE score. A score range for admitted students is sometimes provided and certainly, will vary by program. Your GRE score is not the only criterion for admission. The admissions committee will consider each individual's academic record, personal statement and all other application credentials submitted along with the application. Not all graduate programs require the GRE for admission - Please refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for specific test score requirements.
Admissions decisions are not made solely on GRE or GMAT scores. The scores provide us with another measure of your academic ability, and also gives us a way to evaluate undergraduate preparation from schools with which we may not be familiar. The test score is just one of several possible assessments and is not a criterion by which we accept or reject applicants. The admissions committee will consider each individual's academic record, personal statement and all other application credentials submitted along with the application.
RIT has university minimum English language proficiency scores required for academic entry. RIT also has required proficiency scores that vary by program. Please refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for specific minimum test score requirements. If your scores fall below the university minimum, consider starting English language courses at RIT’s English Language Center.
Additional information about test scores including exams accepted, how to submit scores, test requirement waivers, and more can be found in the English Language Test Scores section of Application Materials.
The graduate admissions counselors in the Graduate Admissions office can provide general information, but not an admission decision. Admission decisions are made by the college and an admissions committee for your program.
As soon as you submit your application and we receive and evaluate your complete application file, your application will be sent to the graduate program admissions committee for review and an admission decision. You can contact our Graduate Admissions office by email, our online chat, or by phone to discuss your application and background. Again, we can provide general information, but not an admission decision.
If you feel that your academic credentials are not the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree, we recommend an academic credential evaluation to determine the exact U.S. degree equivalency.
Generally, no, an international credential evaluation is NOT required for admission to graduate programs at RIT. However, our office will conduct a review of your academic documents when received and if we DO NOT believe that your educational background is the equivalent of a 4 year U.S. bachelor's degree, we will reach out to you to request that you have your credentials reviewed by one of the agencies listed below or any NACES member.
In addition to meeting the overall minimum total scores, each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses. For example, if the minimum TOEFL score for your program is 88, you would need to score 22 or higher in each of the sub-score categories (listening, reading, writing, speaking) to avoid any English language courses.
RIT will review applicants with 3-year degrees from international universities. Students with 3-year degrees from India must meet all of the following conditions:
- The college or university is WHED recognized, and
- The college or university is NAAC accredited with an "A" grade, and
- You have passed in the 1st Class (or equivalent).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may request a WES evaluation or you would need to complete (or be in the process of) postgraduate study.
If your 3-year undergraduate degree is currently in progress, you may be admitted contingent upon obtaining your degree in the 1st class or equivalent.
Application Process
RIT requires a $65 application fee for applicants other than RIT alumni and current students within one school year of completing another RIT program. Your application fee can be paid within your admissions portal.
Although you may upload scanned copies of official academic documents to your online application, if you’re admitted, you will need to send official hard copy transcripts/degree certificates to RIT.
Notarized copies are not considered official academic documents. Academic documents (photocopies or originals) must be attested (bearing an original colored stamp and/or signature) by the granting college or university. Unfortunately, we cannot accept notarized documents.
For detailed application deadline information about your specific program of interest, please refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements. Many programs accept applications on a rolling basis.
Applications for some of RIT's programs are accepted on a rolling basis, which means applicants are reviewed all year. RIT is on a semester-based calendar. To identify what programs are offered on a rolling basis or are offered for specific terms please refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements.
You may submit ONE application and request to be reviewed for 2 programs. When using our online application, you may select up to two program choices in order of preference. You will be reviewed for your first choice. If admitted, you will not be reviewed for additional program choices except by request. If not admitted to your first choice, your application will be reviewed for your other program choice.
Yes. You may submit ONE application and request to be reviewed for 2 programs. When using our online application, you may select up to two program choices in order of preference. You will be reviewed for your first choice. If admitted, you will not be reviewed for your additional program choice except by request. If not admitted to your first choice, your application will be reviewed for your other program choice. If you wish to be considered for programs that are not listed as choices on your application, please submit any requests for additional review by sending an email to gradinfo@rit.edu. Please include your application number/reference ID.
Recommendation letters should be submitted directly to RIT from the referee/person writing the letter for you. The preferred method for the submission of recommendation letters is to use the functionality within the online application. You will be able to enter information for your referees and submit an email request for letters through the online application. This is the preferred submission method by RIT Admissions Committee members. A letter that is sent directly to RIT and not viewed or sent to RIT by the applicant will be deemed to be more valid and trustworthy. Letters may also be emailed directly by referees to gradinfo@rit.edu or sent by postal mail to the Graduate Admissions office by the referees.
Typically, two or three letters of recommendation are required for admission to all RIT graduate programs except those offered by the College of Business. Recommendations should come from members of the academic community and/or workplace professionals who know your qualifications for graduate study. Review the Admissions Requirements section of your degree page for specific requirements.
Nine-digit student ID numbers are included in your admission letter. Admission letters are sent to applicants through your Application Portal.
When uploading your supporting documents to the online application, checklists are not automatically updated. All documents must first be verified by our office and then logged on our system, manually. During our peak periods, we receive hundreds of application documents each day, so it takes us a bit longer to update checklists. Please be patient and feel free to check with us by email or LIVE chat for an update.
RIT’s policy for transferring credit from a non-RIT university can be found in section II.B of the University Policies.
The admission application deadline is not typically flexible, even in extreme circumstances; however, some schools within RIT have a "rolling admission" policy where they continue to review applications until all spots are filled. For graduate applicants, email the Graduate Admissions team or visit the Graduate Admissions Deadlines and Requirements webpage.
RIT does not accept the Common Application for graduate programs. The majority of degrees will use the RIT Graduate Application, while select programs including the Architecture M.Arch Online, Business Administration for Executives MBA, Dietetics and Nutrition MS, and Occupational Therapy OTD are handled separately. View our application instructions
Yes. RIT offers application fee waivers for several groups: current RIT students and RIT alumni (the $65 fee is waived within 24 hours after you submit your application), and veteran and active duty service members (the waiver is applied automatically after submission based on military status). For the RIT/NTID Interpreting application, the $65 fee is also waived if you visit the RIT campus or attend a virtual visit. Your fee is otherwise paid through the admissions portal.
Graduate applicants seeking an application fee waiver should contact their Admissions Counselor for eligibility or the Graduate Admissions Office at gradinfo@rit.edu for more information.
There are no early application plans for graduate students as priority deadlines vary by program. For graduate applicants, email the Graduate Admissions team or visit the Graduate Admissions Deadlines and Requirements webpage.
No, RIT does not accept graduate recommendation letters via SCOIR.
For graduate applicants, refer to the Graduate Admissions Portfolio Requirements page.
An Artist Statement may be required for select MFA or MS graduate programs at RIT. As requirements vary by program, please visit our Graduate Portfolio Guidelines for specific guidelsines for your degree.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants, including those with cochlear implants, need to submit an audiogram as part of the application process. The audiogram should include all hearing test results and etiology, along with the requisite provider signature. You will upload files in PDF format in the admissions portal, but we cannot accept photographed copies. Audiograms can also emailed to NTIDAdmissions@rit.edu or faxed to 585-475-2696.
Graduate programs at RIT can start in the spring, with a spring admit meaning you would start in January. Check out our full list of available spring-start programs
After Submitting Your Application
Decisions on graduate selection are made by the college offering the program. All applicants will be notified of the admission decision as soon as possible. All credentials are considered in the application decision – transcripts, GPA, self-reported or official test scores (English language scores, GMAT, GRE), personal statement, and resume. In addition, some programs require portfolios, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. Work experience is NOT required for most programs. For detailed admissions requirements for your specific program of interest, please refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements and refer to your graduate program web page.
Each graduate department makes its own admission decisions on its own schedule. You will be notified of your admission status, as soon as possible. For information concerning the decision status of your completed application, or for further information about application procedures, contact your Admissions Counselor.
Yes. Please submit any requests to change your application program choices by sending an email to gradinfo@rit.edu. Please include your application number/reference ID.
If, due to unusual circumstances, you are unable to attend RIT in the term you have been admitted, you may be able to defer your admission to a future term. Admitted students may defer their offer of admission one time and may request a deferral for up to one year. Defers will require that the student has confirmed their enrollment indicating they have accepted the offer of admission and paid the tuition deposit, when applicable. Approval for the deferral of the admission also requires the approval of the Graduate Program Director. Email Graduate Admissions at gradinfo@rit.edu, if you have additional questions.
Contact the RIT admissions office to withdraw or replace a recommender. If you a graduate applicant, contact gradinfo@rit.edu.
Each graduate program will review applications after their priority deadline, or on a continual basis if the program follows a rolling admission process. Applications, once complete, can take anywhere from two to six weeks to review. You will receive an email directing you to the application portal to view the decision, and your graduate admissions counselor will communicate with you directly if there are unforeseen delays in the review process.
Graduate acceptance letters are not mailed. All admissions decisions are released electronically through your applicant portal. Applicants are emailed when a change of status in their portal occurs. Check your applicant portal for all decision-related information and documents
Students admitted for their RIT Ph.D. will have their enrollment deposit waived. Students admitted for their RIT Master's degree will have a $500 enrollment deposit that goes towards the first-semester tuition. Students seeking a deposit fee waiver must apply through their admissions counselors.
After submitting your deposit to enroll at RIT, your applicant portal will generate a series of next steps for you to take, including financial aid and billing, housing, orientation, and more.
"Logging out for review" means your application has been sent to the academic department for review.
Generally speaking, RIT Admissions is flexible if supporting documents, such as transcripts or recommendation letters, arrive after the deadline. However, we recommend that they be submitted within 1–2 weeks of the deadline, as some programs are competitive and have limited availability. If you are a current undergraduate student and apply before your baccalaureate graduation, we understand that official transcripts will not arrive until after you hae graduated. If you have questions about your specific situation, email gradinfo@rit.edu.
To officially decline your offer of graduate admission, log into our enrollment portal and follow the indicated steps. To officially decline your offer after already depositing, reach out to your graduate admissions counselor directly or contact gradinfo@rit.edu.
You can access the New Student Checklist here.
Visiting RIT
Because graduate degrees are highly specialized, it's recommended to visit prior to enrolling at RIT. You'll get to meet professors, fellow students, tour facilities and labs, and get a feel for RIT's campus life. Touch base with your graduate admissions counselors about visiting opportunities and virtual programming options. Schedule your RIT visit
We are happy to help arrange meetings with academic departments, which can often include facility tours. To set this up, please reach out to our Graduate Admissions team to make arrangements.
RIT's Graduate Admissions Office offers several online events and webinars throughout the year. Sign up for a webinar
If you are trying to adjust or reschedule a graduate visit, email gradinfo@rit.edu. A team member will be in touch with you.
To cancel your graduate open house registration, please reach out to your graduate admissions counselor directly or contact gradinfo@rit.edu.
To reschedule, cancel, or adjust a virtual appointment with your graduate admissions counselor, please reach out to your graduate admissions counselor directly or contact gradinfo@rit.edu.
You can find a list of graduate admissions events on the RIT Graduate School Events page. View upcoming events
You can also find admissions webinars (including live sessions and recordings) here: Register for a live webinar
Browse recordings from past events
Yes. Prospective students and their families are invited to attend RIT's graduate events, including open houses as well as Admitted Student Visit Week.
Self-guided tour maps are available on the outside entrance of RIT's Bausch and Lomb Center.
Costs and Financial Aid
We feel strongly that no qualified student should refuse to consider RIT because of cost. We offer a full range of traditional financial aid programs and a number of innovative financing plans. Each year, RIT provides more than $40 million in merit scholarships and graduate tuition remission to approximately 2,550 graduate students. For more information regarding financial support for graduate students, please refer to Tuition and Fees.
Information regarding tuition can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.
Graduate scholarships and assistantships are awarded to graduate students in most academic departments. Awards are based on academic excellence. The amount of the award varies by student and department. Both undergrad and grad students may also apply to work part-time on campus once they arrive at RIT. Most students work 10-20 hours per week and earn minimum wage.
No, a separate application is not required to be considered for assistantships or scholarships. Two questions on the Application for Admission allow you to indicate your desire to be considered for assistantships or scholarships.
The cost of on-campus housing at RIT will depend on your room plan. For more information about housing options and costs, you can visit the Housing page.
Living On Campus
Rochester enjoys the beauty of the four seasons. It is usually warm and sunny from June through September, and snowy from November through March. Spring and fall are moderate in temperature. For more information on living in Rochester, see Visit Rochester.
On-campus housing is available for graduate students, however, most graduate students live off-campus. Visit the RIT Housing website for more details.
Most graduate students live off-campus. RIT’s campus housing offers many living options to meet the diverse needs, interests, and backgrounds of RIT students. Matriculated students MUST submit their admission deposit and upload your student photo ID before they can apply for RIT housing.
Yes, you can.
We currently have 300 active clubs and nearly 30 greek organizations on campus. RIT welcomes and embraces all of its unique, student-operated clubs and organizations. View a list of RIT clubs and organizations
You can pick a roommate by searching and selecting one in the myLife portal, but any request for a specific roommate must be mutual and should be received by May 1; your preference cannot be guaranteed. If you complete a housing contract after the self-selection deadline (May 11, 2026) or do not self-select, RIT Housing staff will assign you a room and roommate.
We also recommend using the Roommate Quiz feature in the ZeeMee online graduate community for incoming RIT students. ZeeMee helps to connect roommates for both on- and off-campus housing options.
Housing and Residential services provide information on what is available for furnishings for on-campus housing. Check out the Move-In Checklist
For off-campus housing, consult your landlord for questions regarding furnishings, parketing, and other housing-related questions.
Cooperative Education and Career Placement
RIT graduates find that their employment prospects are bright because career-related work experience is built into their academic programs. Work experience is gained through cooperative education, internships, and field experience. RIT attracts over 2,000 co-op employers nationwide and serves more than 4,000 RIT students each year. Learn more about the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education.
No, you are not placed into an internship, co-op, or practical training position, but rather you apply and go through the same hiring process you would when you look for a job after graduation. RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education will help you in any way they can with your search.
If co-op is mandatory for your program and you do not get a co-op job, your co-op may be delayed or waived depending on the circumstances. As a last resort, you may need to discuss the situation with your academic department.
See your Career Services Coordinator as soon as you feel anxious about your co-op job search. We can evaluate your search, make suggestions, and provide additional services that will assist you in meeting your goal.
Co-ops are not required by all degrees, but encouraged for industry and professional experience. Optional co-ops may be completed by students who are not required to complete a co-op as part of their degree requirements.
The length of a co-op can vary, with a single block typically lasting one academic term. Double blocks consist of two consecutive terms of work. Confirm with your academic department before committing to a double block. Start and end dates are negotiated with the employer.
At RIT, a co-op qualifies as full-time, paid work experience that is directly related to a student’s field of study and career interests.
Co-op positions are approved jobs listed on Career Connect. If unsure about a position, consult your Career Services Coordinator, faculty advisor, or department chair. Remember, co-op is paid, full-time, career-related experience, regardless of the job title given by the company.
General Questions About RIT
RIT continues to be ranked among the top universities by the most notable ranking agencies and organizations. For more detail, view our Rankings and Recognitions.
The main campus is 1,300 acres, and includes 221 buildings spread over 6.7 million sq. ft. It is a coeducational, privately endowed Institute, enrolling over 16,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students preparing for technical and professional careers.
Yes, RIT is chartered by the legislature of the State of New York and accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and NY State Education Department, Office of College and University Education.
The student/faculty ratio is 13:1, and 91 percent of the classes have fewer than 40 students.
A state college is public and is primarily funded by the government therefore the cost to the student is lower. On the other hand, a private college is funded privately. RIT is a private university.
The RIT student body consists of nearly 2,000 international students from over 100 different countries. RIT students come from all backgrounds. RIT is also home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the world's first and largest technological college for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The presence of more than 1,200 deaf and hard-of-hearing students on campus adds a social dynamic not found at other colleges.
Founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has been a pioneer in career-oriented education and a leader in cooperative education since 1912.
Yes. To take a class at the graduate level on a non-matriculated status usually requires permission from the department. To take a class at the undergraduate level on a non-matriculated status usually requires completion of any pre-requisite OR a professor's approval. In both cases, you must wait for the matriculated students to register for classes and then it is open registration for any non-matriculated students. Please contact the Office of the Registrar. *This does NOT apply to international students who would require a visa. To obtain a visa, the applicant must already be admitted and enrolled in a full-time degree program.*
We offer a variety of ways to get in touch with us. View options to contact us
In order to attend classes and to ensure a healthy student community, New York State Public Health Laws 2165 and 2167 and RIT mandate certain immunizations.
Specific information on immunizations related to COVID-19 can be found at Student Health Center Immunizations and on the RIT Ready website.
All incoming students born on or after January 1, 1957, and enrolled in six or more credit hours must:
- Provide valid proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella (in English)
- Read and sign the meningococcal receipt of information section of the immunization form in the RIT Wellness Portal
- Provide valid proof of meningococcal tetravalent vaccination (MCV-ACYW) on or after the student’s 16th birthday
New York State Law mandates that students will be dis-enrolled from classes if this information is not submitted within the allotted time.
Required immunizations need to be submitted no more than 30 days prior to the start of classes in order to avoid a delay in registration or interruption of classes for which you are enrolled. Contact the Student Health Center at (585) 475-2255 with questions. Additional information about immunizations and forms are available from the Student Health Center.
Our university currently does not use the Interfolio platform. However, you can research our faculty, their qualifications and expertise, as well as their research areas by starting at this web page and then clicking on the names of the faculty members that come up for the areas you searched.
The grading policy at RIT includes requirements for GPA, progress toward degree, and maximum timeframe. Incomplete grades are equivalent to failing grades for GPA calculations. Repeating a course will use the last grade earned. Find RIT's full Grading Policy on this page.
Although the Student Health Center does not have a full-service pharmacy and cannot fill prescriptions written by outside clinicians, we do stock a limited selection of commonly prescribed medications, including some antibiotics, some birth control pills, and some prescription skin creams. If a prescription is recommended by a Student Health Center clinician, students may purchase the medication in the Student Health Center, if available.
If a prescription is recommended by the Student Health Center but it is not available to purchase, our clinicians can fax your script directly to your desired pharmacy. RIT has many transportation options available for students to access a local pharmacy, or you can register for the Wegmans Pharmacy prescription delivery service.
Acceptance rates vary by degree and program at RIT. For specific information, contact an admissions counselor for your level of study. Visit RIT Admissions to explore admission requirements and programs of interest.
Doctoral/Ph.D. Students
To apply for a doctoral Ph.D. program at RIT, review the Application Details on your degree page and the graduate application instructions, then submit an application via Start Your Application (or manage one at Manage Your Application).
For helpful information, we recommend reviewing this RIT Doctoral website for helpful hints and guidelines.
You should start early and verify your program’s deadline. Typical materials include transcripts, a resume/CV, a statement of purpose for research, and letters of recommendation. For help, email gradinfo@rit.edu.
Doctoral students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) or Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) that will pay a stipend for the academic year. There is not a separate application process for scholarship and assistantship consideration. Your full tuition and assistantship stipend responsibilities will be determined by your graduate advisor and/or program director. It is our expectation that you will fulfill your duties responsibly and make satisfactory progress towards your degree. Funding in future years will depend on your satisfactory academic and research performance. It is expected that starting your second year, funding will be provided from your college either through a Teaching Assistantship or by your graduate advisor from external funds.
Yes. You should verify and double-check the admission requirements and application details for your chosen doctoral program before applying, since requirements vary by degree and program. You can find degree-specific requirements on your degree page and on the graduate application instructions page, and you can compare deadlines and testing requirements for all degrees.
It should be noted that some requirements may still be in-progress when you apply for an RIT graduate degree, e.g. an undergraduate degree. That is perfectly acceptable as long as minimum GPA requirements are met and transcript guidelines are followed.