How do I apply?

To apply for a degree, certification or endorsement program or non-degree status, you must complete a Graduate Admissions Application and include all the required credentials. To apply on-line or download an application, click here. You may also request graduate admissions information by contacting The Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Services office at 973-720-3641 or graduate@wpunj.edu

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 reviewed.)

1. A completed application and $ 50 application fee; (Application fees are non-refundable).

2. Bachelor degree from an accredited institution or course by course evaluation for International Students;

3. Official transcripts from all colleges attended other than William Paterson University;

4. Two letters of recommendation (three for Applied Clinical and Counseling Psychology);

5. Some programs may have additional requirements, click here for program requirements.

What are the application deadlines?

Application deadlines vary by department. Please reference the Apply Now page for program deadlines. Some programs accept applications on a rolling admission basis and their applications will be processed as they are received for the upcoming term. Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete and take several weeks to render a decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is $50. (Application fees are non-refundable).

When submitting the Web application you may pay your application fee by credit card at the end of the application process.

If you apply using a paper application you must pay your fee by check or money order. Make your $50 check payable to William Paterson University. Send payment to:

What do the terms non-degree, certification and endorsement refer to?

Non-degree: You may take up to 9 credits without being accepted into a program. To proceed beyond these limits, you must gain acceptance to a graduate program.  Please note taking non-degree courses does not guarantee you acceptance into a program.

If you have already completed a masters degree you may take up to 30 graduate level post masters credits.

Graduate Certification Program: This is for teachers who are seeking an initial State of New Jersey teaching certification.

Graduate Endorsement Program: This is for teachers who are already certified in the state of NJ and are interested in obtaining additional licenses.

Can I take classes before being admitted to a program (non-degree status)?

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

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

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

4. Transcripts from your Bachelor's degree is 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 endorsement 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 when I have a question about the application process?

For admission related questions, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Services at (973) 720-3641/2237 or graduate@wpunj.edu.

For academic/curriculum specific questions please contact the program directors or individual offices.

Where should I send my supporting documentation, do all documents need to arrive together? Please send documents to:

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.

When will my file be reviewed?

After your application is complete it will be sent to the department for review. This process usually takes between 4-6 weeks.

Can I change my application after it is submitted?

Applications may not be altered once they are submitted. Please click here and complete the form to submit changes or you may submit changes in writing to graduate@wpunj.edu.

If you need to change any personal information such as name, address or phone number please visit the Center for Student Services.

How do I obtain my Student ID (855) number?

Please click here and complete the form to obtain your student ID #.

How do I check my status?

1. Go to WPU’s main page www.wpunj.edu

2. Click on Admissions then choose the Graduate Admissions link on the right

3. Click on Check My Status

4. The log in ID is your Student ID (855) number, to obtain your ID click here

5. The Pin Number is the six-digit date of birth (MMDDYY)

6. Click on either “Application in Progress” or “Submitted Applications”

What is William Paterson University's School Code  for Graduate Entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL)?

Our school code is: 2518

How long do I have to finish my program?

A master's degree, certification, or endorsement 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.

Where can I find course offerings and schedules?

1. Go to WPU's main page www.wpunj.edu

2. Click on Students on the top menu bar

3. Select Class Schedules on the left hand menu

How do I pay my tuition bill?

All bills are sent electronically to your William Paterson University email address, for billing inquiries contact the Center for Student 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.

In order to be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must (1) Be accepted into, or enrolled, in a William Paterson graduate program i.e. teaching certification, endorsement, or master's degree; (2) Have completed and filed a graduate assistantship application by April 1; (3) Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; (4) Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from former supervisors; (5) Provide a copy of your resume; and (6) Provide a statement about your career goals.

You must complete the graduate admission application for a graduate degree program. Also, you must complete the graduate assistantship application. Your graduate assistantship application will be reviewed by the academic departments after acceptance into a graduate program.

To apply for a graduate assistantship, please download the graduate assistantship application [pdf].

Is there housing available for graduate students?

Graduate student housing is available; please contact the Office of Residence Life at 973-720-2714 for specific rates and information.