Frequently Asked Questions

On this page

  1. Admissions
      1. How do I apply to PSU? You can apply online or download an application and mail it in. Call (800) FOR-GRAD or e-mail forgrad@plymouth.edu with questions. What is the deadline for graduate admissions application? Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis, meaning you can apply at any time of the year. Some programs have admissions deadlines, so be sure to check for additional admissions requirements before you apply. What documents need to accompany my application? Review the admissions requirements for each degree: MAT, MBA, MEd, MS, CAGS, and EdD. I've already received a degree from PSU and am now pursuing another. Do I have to send my PSU transcripts as part of my application? No. Our admissions staff will be able to access your PSU transcript. [Back to the top] Can I use the online application and then pay the fee with a paper check? If you complete the online application, you'll need to submit payment online by credit card or e-check. [Back to the top] How do I find out the status of my application? Once your materials have been submitted, you'll receive a letter detailing your admissions status. You can also contact the Admissions Office at forgrad@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2636. [Back to the top] What's the minimum GPA requirement for admissions? For all programs except the MBA, the minimum required GPA is 3.0. The MBA program accepts candidates who have earned a 2.5 GPA or higher in their undergraduate work. [Back to the top] Is it possible to be admitted with an undergraduate GPA below a 3.0? Generally, if a student has a GPA below 3.0, we ask him or her to take two core master's courses. Quality grades in those courses will help to support your admissions decision by showing that you have the capability to complete graduate-level work. [Back to the top] When will I be informed of my admissions decision? Once all of the required elements of the admissions process have been completed, you should receive a decision letter within two weeks. [Back to the top] If I've already been accepted to a graduate program, but wasn't able to take classes right away, will I need to reapply to the program? No, you won't need to reapply. You may register for a course at any time, though you have only 6 years to complete your program. [Back to the top] Can I apply to PSU's graduate school before I complete my undergraduate degree? Yes, you can begin the application process before completing your bachelor's degree; however, to be admitted you'll need to submit an official transcript bearing the conferral date for your bachelor's degree. [Back to the top] I'm an international student, how do I apply to the university? The application process for international students is slightly different than the process for domestic students. View the admissions requirements for international students or contact Cheryl Baker with your questions. [Back to the top] Can I transfer credits from another institution? Transferable courses must have been completed at an accredited institution within the past 6 years. A grade of B or higher is required and the courses need to relate to your program of study. Typically, no more than 9 credits can be accepted in a transfer. [Back to the top] I've applied to the MBA program. What are CPCs?
  2. Admissions Tests
      1. Does Plymouth State require admissions tests?
      2. Where should I have my admissions test scores sent?
      3. What test do I need to take to become a certified educator? The state of New Hampshire requires all educators to take PRAXIS I or II test. Check with the NH Department of Education for additional requirements. [Back to the top] How many credits do I have to take to be considered a part-time or full-time student?
  3. Degree Programs
      1. What degree programs do you offer? We offer more than 75 graduate degree and certification programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education. Degree programs include the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Science, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and Doctor of Education. [Back to the top] Can I receive a hard copy of the Graduate Academic Catalog? We no longer print the academic catalog, but it can be viewed in its entirety online. [Back to the top] How long do I have to complete my degree program? You have six years from the date of your admittance into a program. [Back to the top] What's a graduate certificate? A graduate certificate is a way to focus your studies in a particular area; it's not a degree program and doesn't require admission to the College of Graduate Studies. There are 24 graduate certificates that can be pursued independent from or in conjunction with a graduate degree. [Back to the top] Can I complete the MBA in 1 year? The MBA program requirements (30 credits or 10 courses) can be completed in as few as 12 months. [Back to the top] Can I take the PATH Institute courses if I am not interested in master's degree?
  4. Course Registration
      1. How do I register for a course? If this is your first time registering for a graduate course at Plymouth State, you can fax, mail, or drop off the registration form. Please be sure to include payment, otherwise your registration will not be processed. If you've already taken a graduate course, you can register and submit payment online. [Back to the top] Do I have to pay at the time of registration? Yes, all registrations require full payment at the time of registration. Payment may be made by cash, check, credit/debit card, money order, purchase order, approved financial aid, or tuition waiver. Enrollment can't be guaranteed in any course until tuition is paid. [Back to the top] What's the current tuition rate? The tuition rate is subject to change each year and varies depending on course number. [Back to the top] Will I receive a confirmation once I've registered? You'll receive an e-mail confirmation from the College of Graduate Studies to your Plymouth e-mail and any personal or business e-mail accounts provided on your registration form. [Back to the top] Can I take courses without being admitted into a graduate program? Yes, master's-level students can take up to 12 graduate credits and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies-level students can take up to 3 graduate credits before being officially admitted to a program. To qualify for financial aid, you must be admitted with an enrollment status of at least half-time (3 credit hours). [Back to the top] Where can I see what courses are being offered? You can view all available courses on our Course Schedule page. [Back to the top] Can I receive a hard copy of the Course Schedule? We no longer print the course schedule. For the most up-to-date listing of courses, you can view the course schedule online. [Back to the top] Where can I get a course syllabus? Syllabi can be accessed through the course schedule or by e-mailing your instructor. [Back to the top] Does Plymouth State offer courses off-campus? Yes, but locations vary by term. Courses have been held in Bedford, Conway, Exeter, Gorham, Keene, Lebanon, Rochester, and Waterville Valley. Courses are consistently offered at 2 Pillsbury Street in Concord. [Back to the top] How do I access online courses?
  5. Miscellaneous
      1. How do I get my books? The PSU Bookstore is located in the Hartman Union Building. Hours are posted at the beginning of each term. To order your textbooks, you must provide course and section numbers. To avoid a shipping charge on textbooks mailed to your address, please order directly through the PSU Bookstore. [Back to the top] When will I receive my grades? Your grades will be posted approximately two weeks after the end of the term. You can access your grades by logging into myPlymouth. Once you've logged into myPlymouth, make the following choices: 1. Choose the tab at the top labeled “Services” 2. Click on “Student and Financial Aid” 3. Click on “Student and Bursar Records” 4. Select “Final Grades” 5. Choose the appropriate graduate term. Your grade information should appear. [Back to the top] How can I get a Plymouth State University ID card? The ID Center is located on the second floor of the Hartman Union Building (HUB). If you can't visit campus to obtain your ID, contact Randy Szabadics at (603) 535-2273 or via e-mail at rszabadics@plymouth.edu. Arrangements can be made to mail a non-picture ID to you. [Back to the top] I forgot my password or username. What do I do? Go to the myPlymouth login page. Click on “What's my user name?” Follow the instructions to determine your user name. Click on “What's my password?” for instructions to obtain your password. [Back to the top] How do I obtain a copy of my Plymouth State transcript? For an unofficial transcript, you can login to the myPlymouth portal. Choose the Services tab, click on Student and Financial Aid, click on Student & Bursar Records, and click on Academic transcript. An official transcript may be obtained through PSU's Registrar's Office. [Back to the top] How long are PSU graduate terms? How many are there per year? There are four terms per year averaging from eight to twelve weeks per term. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates. [Back to the top] What happens if I need to leave the program and want to come back later? If you need to withdraw from a program you must submit a letter to the College of Graduate Studies stating your intent. Your student record will remain on file for six years. [Back to the top] Is PSU accredited? Yes, Plymouth State University is accredited by a number of accrediting bodies, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Individual program accreditations include: Teacher Education: Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Athletic Training: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) Health Education: Accredited by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the American Association for Health Education (AAHE) Master of Business Administration: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Master of Education in Counselor Education: The mental health counseling and school counseling concentrations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) [Back to the top] Is campus housing available for graduate students?
  6. Financial Aid
      1. Are there financial aid options to help me fund my graduate degree? There are many options to assist you in paying for graduate school. Federal financial aid in the form of subsidized and unsubsidized loans, graduate school scholarships, graduate school assistantships, and outside scholarships are available. [Back to the top] Do I have to be enrolled in the degree program to receive a Federal Stafford Loan?
  7. Preparing for Graduation
      1. I'm about to complete my graduate program, what do I need to do to graduate?

Admissions

How do I apply to PSU?

You can apply online or download an application and mail it in. Call (800) FOR-GRAD or e-mail forgrad@plymouth.edu with questions.

What is the deadline for graduate admissions application?

Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis, meaning you can apply at any time of the year. Some programs have admissions deadlines, so be sure to check for additional admissions requirements before you apply.

What documents need to accompany my application?

Review the admissions requirements for each degree: MAT, MBA, MEd, MS, CAGS, and EdD.

I’ve already received a degree from PSU and am now pursuing another. Do I have to send my PSU transcripts as part of my application?

No. Our admissions staff will be able to access your PSU transcript.

[Back to the top]

Can I use the online application and then pay the fee with a paper check?

If you complete the online application, you’ll need to submit payment online by credit card or e-check.

[Back to the top]

How do I find out the status of my application?

Once your materials have been submitted, you’ll receive a letter detailing your admissions status. You can also contact the Admissions Office at forgrad@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2636.

[Back to the top]

What’s the minimum GPA requirement for admissions?

For all programs except the MBA, the minimum required GPA is 3.0. The MBA program accepts candidates who have earned a 2.5 GPA or higher in their undergraduate work.

[Back to the top]

Is it possible to be admitted with an undergraduate GPA below a 3.0?

Generally, if a student has a GPA below 3.0, we ask him or her to take two core master’s courses. Quality grades in those courses will help to support your admissions decision by showing that you have the capability to complete graduate-level work.

[Back to the top]

When will I be informed of my admissions decision?

Once all of the required elements of the admissions process have been completed, you should receive a decision letter within two weeks.

[Back to the top]

If I’ve already been accepted to a graduate program, but wasn’t able to take classes right away, will I need to reapply to the program?

No, you won’t need to reapply. You may register for a course at any time, though you have only 6 years to complete your program.

[Back to the top]

Can I apply to PSU’s graduate school before I complete my undergraduate degree?

Yes, you can begin the application process before completing your bachelor’s degree; however, to be admitted you’ll need to submit an official transcript bearing the conferral date for your bachelor’s degree.

[Back to the top]

I’m an international student, how do I apply to the university?

The application process for international students is slightly different than the process for domestic students. View the admissions requirements for international students or contact Cheryl Baker with your questions.

[Back to the top]

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Transferable courses must have been completed at an accredited institution within the past 6 years. A grade of B or higher is required and the courses need to relate to your program of study. Typically, no more than 9 credits can be accepted in a transfer.

[Back to the top]

I’ve applied to the MBA program. What are CPCs?

Common Professional Components (CPCs) are foundational knowledge areas (e.g., accounting, business ethics, economics, legal environment, marketing, etc.) in which you must show competency in to be accepted into the MBA program. CPCs are usually evaluated based on your undergraduate studies and career, and can be satisfied using coursework; non-credit workshops; or CLEP, DANTES, and Ivy Software exams.

Admissions Tests

[Back to the top]

Does Plymouth State require admissions tests?

The MS Science degree program requires Graduate Record Examination® (GRE) scores.

For candidates who do not possess a master’s degree, and would like to pursue Educator Certification only, acceptance into the educator certification program requires the submission of passing scores on the Praxis I basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Admission tests are not required for candidates applying to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science Athletic Training (MS), Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), or the Doctor of Education (EdD) programs.

[Back to the top]

Where should I have my admissions test scores sent?

All test scores should be sent to Plymouth State University, College of Graduate Studies, 17 High Street, MSC 11, Plymouth NH 03264.

[Back to the top]

What test do I need to take to become a certified educator?

The state of New Hampshire requires all educators to take PRAXIS I or II test. Check with the NH Department of Education for additional requirements.

[Back to the top]

How many credits do I have to take to be considered a part-time or full-time student?

Part-time students enroll in 3 credits per term; full-time status is achieved by enrolling in 6 credits per term.

Degree Programs

[Back to the top]

What degree programs do you offer?

We offer more than 75 graduate degree and certification programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education. Degree programs include the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Science, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and Doctor of Education.

[Back to the top]

Can I receive a hard copy of the Graduate Academic Catalog?

We no longer print the academic catalog, but it can be viewed in its entirety online.

[Back to the top]

How long do I have to complete my degree program?

You have six years from the date of your admittance into a program.

[Back to the top]

What’s a graduate certificate?

A graduate certificate is a way to focus your studies in a particular area; it’s not a degree program and doesn’t require admission to the College of Graduate Studies. There are 24 graduate certificates that can be pursued independent from or in conjunction with a graduate degree.

[Back to the top]

Can I complete the MBA in 1 year?

The MBA program requirements (30 credits or 10 courses) can be completed in as few as 12 months.

[Back to the top]

Can I take the PATH Institute courses if I am not interested in master’s degree?

Yes, the PATH Institute courses can be pursued independent from a master’s degree. An 18-credit graduate certificate, which doesn’t require admission to the College of Graduate Studies, is also available.

Course Registration

[Back to the top]

How do I register for a course?

If this is your first time registering for a graduate course at Plymouth State, you can fax, mail, or drop off the registration form. Please be sure to include payment, otherwise your registration will not be processed. If you’ve already taken a graduate course, you can register and submit payment online.

[Back to the top]

Do I have to pay at the time of registration?

Yes, all registrations require full payment at the time of registration. Payment may be made by cash, check, credit/debit card, money order, purchase order, approved financial aid, or tuition waiver. Enrollment can’t be guaranteed in any course until tuition is paid.

[Back to the top]

What’s the current tuition rate?

The tuition rate is subject to change each year and varies depending on course number.

[Back to the top]

Will I receive a confirmation once I’ve registered?

You’ll receive an e-mail confirmation from the College of Graduate Studies to your Plymouth e-mail and any personal or business e-mail accounts provided on your registration form.

[Back to the top]

Can I take courses without being admitted into a graduate program?

Yes, master’s-level students can take up to 12 graduate credits and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies-level students can take up to 3 graduate credits before being officially admitted to a program. To qualify for financial aid, you must be admitted with an enrollment status of at least half-time (3 credit hours).

[Back to the top]

Where can I see what courses are being offered?

You can view all available courses on our Course Schedule page.

[Back to the top]

Can I receive a hard copy of the Course Schedule?

We no longer print the course schedule. For the most up-to-date listing of courses, you can view the course schedule online.

[Back to the top]

Where can I get a course syllabus?

Syllabi can be accessed through the course schedule or by e-mailing your instructor.

[Back to the top]

Does Plymouth State offer courses off-campus?

Yes, but locations vary by term. Courses have been held in Bedford, Conway, Exeter, Gorham, Keene, Lebanon, Rochester, and Waterville Valley. Courses are consistently offered at 2 Pillsbury Street in Concord.

[Back to the top]

How do I access online courses?

Blackboard Learning System can be accessed through the myPlymouth portal. Once you’re registered for a course you’ll receive an e-mail confirmation that provides instructions on how to access your myPlymouth account.

Miscellaneous

[Back to the top]

How do I get my books?

The PSU Bookstore is located in the Hartman Union Building. Hours are posted at the beginning of each term. To order your textbooks, you must provide course and section numbers. To avoid a shipping charge on textbooks mailed to your address, please order directly through the PSU Bookstore.

[Back to the top]

When will I receive my grades?

Your grades will be posted approximately two weeks after the end of the term. You can access your grades by logging into myPlymouth. Once you’ve logged into myPlymouth, make the following choices:

1. Choose the tab at the top labeled “Services”

2. Click on “Student and Financial Aid”

3. Click on “Student and Bursar Records”

4. Select “Final Grades”

5. Choose the appropriate graduate term. Your grade information should appear.

[Back to the top]

How can I get a Plymouth State University ID card?

The ID Center is located on the second floor of the Hartman Union Building (HUB). If you can’t visit campus to obtain your ID, contact Randy Szabadics at (603) 535-2273 or via e-mail at rszabadics@plymouth.edu. Arrangements can be made to mail a non-picture ID to you.

[Back to the top]

I forgot my password or username. What do I do?

Go to the myPlymouth login page. Click on “What’s my user name?” Follow the instructions to determine your user name. Click on “What’s my password?” for instructions to obtain your password.

[Back to the top]

How do I obtain a copy of my Plymouth State transcript?

For an unofficial transcript, you can login to the myPlymouth portal. Choose the Services tab, click on Student and Financial Aid, click on Student & Bursar Records, and click on Academic transcript. An official transcript may be obtained through PSU’s Registrar’s Office.

[Back to the top]

How long are PSU graduate terms? How many are there per year?

There are four terms per year averaging from eight to twelve weeks per term. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates.

[Back to the top]

What happens if I need to leave the program and want to come back later?

If you need to withdraw from a program you must submit a letter to the College of Graduate Studies stating your intent. Your student record will remain on file for six years.

[Back to the top]

Is PSU accredited?

Yes, Plymouth State University is accredited by a number of accrediting bodies, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Individual program accreditations include:

[Back to the top]

Is campus housing available for graduate students?

Graduate students may live in PSU on-campus housing (single or double rooms, single or family student apartments), subject to availability, or in off-campus housing. Housing is limited. Contact the Residential Life Office for additional information.

Financial Aid

[Back to the top]

Are there financial aid options to help me fund my graduate degree?

There are many options to assist you in paying for graduate school. Federal financial aid in the form of subsidized and unsubsidized loans, graduate school scholarships, graduate school assistantships, and outside scholarships are available.

[Back to the top]

Do I have to be enrolled in the degree program to receive a Federal Stafford Loan?

Yes, you must be admitted during the term prior to the term that you wish to take your first course.

Preparing for Graduation

[Back to the top]

I’m about to complete my graduate program, what do I need to do to graduate?

Congratulations! You’ll need to submit a Petition for Degree Conferral in order for your academic file to be reviewed. Once it’s been confirmed that you’ve fulfilled your program requirements, you’ll receive an e-mail with details about the Commencement ceremony.

Get started now!

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