Admission Requirements

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Application deadlines:

• June 1 for Fall
• November 1 for Spring

In addition to the criteria below, applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements .

• Undergraduate Transcripts: The Critical and Creative Thinking program that houses the Graduate Certificate in Science in a Changing World looks for a generally distinguished undergraduate transcript with an average of at least 3.0 in advanced undergraduate work. For students with a strong record of accomplishment in other areas, the SICW Admissions committee will recommend provisional admission with the stipulation that the student completes two courses in the program with a course grade of B+ or better. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Program, we do not require that you come from any specific program of study.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required from people who have worked closely with you and who have direct knowledge of your abilities. The people you ask to recommend you should be able to comment in detail about your academic strengths, work experience, or life experience.
• Statement of Interest and Intent: The Program’s admissions requirements call for an essay of at least 1200 words in which you explain your intellectual, artistic, professional or personal reasons for wanting to pursue a degree in Science in a Changing World. Your essay should include specific accounts of your past work and current direction. You should provide a detailed discussion of your specific interests and priorities as a student; the projects you have completed in the past; the problems and topics you want to focus on in future study; and how and why you believe the SICW degree can help you accomplish your goals. The SICW Admissions Committee will read your essay as a demonstration of how you write and how you think about issues, as well as determine if your interests and goals match those of the Program.
• Test Scores: GRE scores are optional to apply for our program.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Required from students from countries where English is not the primary language
• Declaration and Certification of Finances: Required from all International Students taking face-to-face courses before an I-20 is issued, with which the student applies for a student visa. For current financial support requirements and other information, visit the Graduate Admissions page for International students or call 617.287.6400.