FAQ

  • What are the requirements for admissions to a graduate program at William Paterson University?
  • Please note all admission requirements must be submitted for your file to be completed and reviewed.

    1. Completed online application.
    2. Pay $50 application fee (non refundable).

    Note - Some programs have additional third-party fees. Please check your program for  requirements.

    1. Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities directly to William Paterson University either from the home institution, Parchment, or Clearinghouse. Any degree or course work taken outside the United States must have a course-by-course credit evaluation from a NACES accredited or AICE endorsed evaluation service.

    Note – You may upload or email an unofficial copies of domestic transcripts for review. However, official transcripts must be received to avoid a future registration hold on your account, should you be accepted.

    1. Proof of Bachelor’s degree (Master’s where required).

    Some programs may have additional requirements; click Here for program requirements.

  • What are the application deadlines?
  • Application deadlines will vary by program. Please reference the program webpage for deadlines.

    Applications must be complete by the deadline date in order to be reviewed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

  • What is the application fee?
  • The application fee is $50; (Application fees are non-refundable).

    There may be additional third-party fees required for programs using third-party applications, such as CAS. Please refer to your program page for those additional fees.

    After your application is fully submitted, you will receive a link to log back into your applicant portal for application fee payment.

    If you are paying by check or money order. Make your $50 check payable to William Paterson University. Send payment to:

    William Paterson University
    Student Enrollment Services
    Morrison Hall
    Wayne, NJ 07470

  • Can I take classes before being admitted to a program (non-degree status)?
  • Graduate Non-Degree student applications allow individuals to take a maximum of 3 graduate courses or 9 graduate credits or up to 10 undergraduate courses (totaling 30 credits). If applicants want to continue taking courses beyond those credit limits, they will need to enroll in a program.

    New and currently enrolled non-degree seeking students are required to re-apply each subsequent term.

    1. Go to Apply Now and complete the regular application, check off non-degree, and pay the non-refundable application fee.

    2. Non-degree status is not available for international students.

    3. You may take up to three classes or 9 credits as a non-degree student.

    4. Transcripts (official or unofficial) from your bachelor's degree are required.

    5. Courses taken on a non-degree basis can later transfer toward a degree if they are current and relative to the degree sought. There is, however, no guarantee of admission to a graduate program for those who have successfully completed non-degree classes.

    6. Graduate non-degree students who are not matriculated into a degree, certificate, or post masters program are not eligible for financial aid, or the unemployment tuition waiver. For details regarding financial assistance, please refer to the Financial Aid Office.

    Please note: some programs do not allow non-degree students or may require special permission, based on availability of seats. Additionally, some programs that allow non-degree study may only allow students to take 3 to 6 non-degree credits before requiring matriculation. See specific program requirements.

  • Who should I contact if I have a question about the application process?
  • For admission and application related questions, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions by email graduate@wpunj.edu, text 973.310.7799, or phone at 973.720.3641.

    For program-specific questions prior to applying, please see contact information listed on program pages. Link.

    For those who have already submitted an application, please check your applicant portal for your unique program contact information.

  • Where should I send my supporting documentation? Do all documents need to arrive together?
  • Documents can be uploaded to your applicant portal, emailed to graduate@wpunj.edu, or mailed to the address below at any time once the application is complete and submitted. You do not need to wait until you have all of your documents to submit your application.

    Transcripts:     You may upload or email an unofficial copy of your transcripts for review. However, please also request an official transcript be sent directly to our office. All official transcripts must be received to avoid a future registration hold placed on your account, should you be accepted.

    Praxis Scores:   We cannot accept Praxis Scores sent directly from the applicant. Praxis Scores must be sent directly from ETS.org to WPU through code 2518.

    Recommendation Letters:    We cannot accept letters of recommendation directly from the applicant. They must be sent directly from the recommender to WPU either through the link sent to them or to graduate@wpunj.edu.

    Please send documents to:

    William Paterson University
    Office of Graduate Admissions 
    300 Pompton Road
    Morrison Hall 102
    Wayne, NJ 07470

    All of your documentation need not arrive all together in one packet; it may be sent individually.

    *International students should send their financial and international documentation to the Center for International Education.

  • Can I submit unofficial transcripts?
  • Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your applicant portal or emailed to graduate@wpunj.edu for review. However, please also request an official transcript be sent directly to our office. As indicated on the application and website, official transcripts must come directly to William Paterson University from your home institution, Parchment, or Clearinghouse. All official transcripts must be received to avoid a future registration hold placed on your account, should you be accepted.

    Any degree or course work taken outside the United States must have a official course-by-course credit evaluation from a NACES accredited or AICE endorsed evaluation service to be reviewed.

  • What is William Paterson University's School Code for Graduate Entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, Praxis)?
  • The William Paterson University School code is 2518.

    GRE and GMAT are no longer required for any graduate program at William Paterson University.

  • Can I change my application after it is submitted?
  • Yes. However, after an application is submitted, all changes must be made by the Office of Graduate Admissions. For any change requests please email graduate@wpunj.edu.

  • How do I log into my applicant portal?
  • Click Here to log in. You’ll need the email address you used when you first applied.

    You can also select “Apply” and click “returning user” or find a link to your applicant portal in your initial email after submitting your application.

    If you have any problems logging in, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions by email graduate@wpunj.edu, text 973.310.7799, or phone at 973.720.3641.

  • Where do I find my Student ID (855) number?
  • Log into your applicant portal (see FAQ above) to review your application details. Your 855 is listed under Your Application Details.

  • When will my file be reviewed?
  • After your application is complete it will be sent to the academic department for review. The review process differs from program to program, so we cannot provide a specific timeline by when applications will be reviewed. However, keep an eye on your applicant portal for any updates, additional requests for information and decision letters.

  • How do I check my status?
  • Go to My Application Status which can also be found on the Graduate Admissions homepage.

    You’ll need the email address you used when you first applied.

    You can also select “Apply” and click “Returning User” or find a link to your applicant portal in your initial email after submitting your application.

    If you have any problems logging in, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions by email graduate@wpunj.edu, text 973.310.7799, or phone at 973.720.3641.

  • How long do I have to finish my program?
  • A master's degree, certificate, or post-masters program must be completed within a period of six years from the time the student matriculates. The maximum time to complete a program includes time spent during leaves of absence, withdrawals, thesis, and comprehensive examination.

  • How do I defer my application?
  • Students may defer an application up to 2 times in and for a total of one academic year from the initial application date, before a new application is needed. Deferring an application, may require the submission of supplemental documentation.

    Move / deferral form links can be found on your applicant portal.

    Note - Some programs do not allow deferrals. Please reach out to the Office of Graduate Admissions if you have a question about your specific program. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions by email graduate@wpunj.edu, phone 973.720.3641 or text 973.310.7799.

  • Where can I find course offerings and schedules?
  • Go to the Course Offerings by Semester (link) under Academics on the WPUNJ Home Page.

  • How do I pay my tuition bill?
  • All bills are sent electronically to your William Paterson University email address. For billing inquiries, contact the Office of Student Enrollment Services. Please be sure to check your student.wpunj.edu inbox frequently as all official school information will be sent to only that address.

  • What is a graduate assistantship?
  • A graduate assistantship is an academic award that carries a $6,000 stipend and a waiver of tuition and fees for the extent of the appointment. Graduate assistants are students who are matriculated and enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Graduate assistants work on campus a total of twenty hours per week.

    When completing the graduate application you must indicate your interest in a graduate assistantship. Click Here for more information on the Graduate Assistantship.