Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions on this page are organized by their target audience. Please browse the general questions as well as the questions specific to your program of interest.

For Applicants

General Applicant Questions

• How do I apply?
• May I opt to submit a paper-based application?
• What is a pin and how do I get one?
• What if I am not ready to submit an application?
• How do I submit letters of recommendation and transcripts?
• What is your GRE/TOEFL code?
• Can my work experience substitute for the GRE requirement?
• Do you offer conditional admission pending higher GRE/TOEFL scores?
• I missed the admissions deadline, can I still apply?
• Can I defer admission and if so, for how long?
• Do you have any information sessions (open houses) scheduled for
  prospective students?
• Do you offer summer courses?
• Can I apply for/begin taking classes in the summer?

MPA Applicant Questions

• What is your minimum/average GRE score for the MPA program?
• What is your minimum GPA requirement?
• What is your average GMAT score?
• Can I submit LSAT scores instead of GRE scores?
• What is the percentage of international students in program?
• Can I complete the MPA program part time?
• Can I work full-time while completing my MPA degree?
• How long is the MPA program (on full time and/or part time basis)?
• Is work experience a requirement for the MPA program?
• Do you provide assistantships or financial support for students?
• Should my letters of recommendation be strictly academic or are professional recommendations acceptable?
• How many graduate credits can I transfer in from another institution?

PhD Applicant Questions 

• Can I enroll in the PhD program on a part-time basis?
• What is the average time to completion for your PhD program?
• What is your minimum/average GRE score for the PhD program?
• What is your minimum GPA requirement?
• I don’t know exactly what I plan to research for my doctoral dissertation. Can I still apply to the PhD program? What should I say in my Statement of Background and Goals?

International Applicant Questions

• Do I need a US master's degree before applying for the PhD program?
• What is the percentage of international students in program?
• What is your minimum/average TOEFL?
• Do I still need the TOEFL if I have studied at a US or English
  speaking institution abroad?
• Do you accept IELTS in lieu of TOEFL?
• Do you provide assistantships or financial support for international students?

Certificate Program Questions 

• Do you offer financial aid for certificate students?
• Can courses taken in the certificate program be counted towards the MPA?
• Can certificate study be completed in one semester?
• If I’m applying to a Certificate Program, should I fill out a Degree Application or a Nondegree Application?

For Recently Accepted Students

• Now that I have been accepted to the program, do I need to send a deposit to reserve my spot?
• Once I have been accepted, may I defer my enrollment?
• Where is Rockefeller College located?
• When can I register for classes?
• How do I register for classes?
• What is an AVN? How do I get mine?
• Will I be required to pay for all of my courses upon completion of registration?
• Where can I purchase books for my classes?
• Will I need to carry a college ID with me?
• Do I need a car in Albany?
• Are there opportunities for campus involvement while at Rockefeller?
• I am relocating to NY from out of state. What steps should I take to ensure I receive in-state tuition next year?
• I have heard that NY requires proof of immunizations. I am not sure I have all the required immunizations/can’t find my immunization record. What can I do?
  
• When will classes begin?
• I did not apply for financial aid yet. Is it too late?
  
• Am I required to use the email address that UAlbany assigned to me for correspondence with the school?
• I applied for graduate study as a full-time student, but now I need to go part-time. Do I need to reapply?

For Current MPA Students

• Am I required to use the email address that UAlbany assigned to me for correspondence with the school?
• I received an Advisor Verification Number (AVN) from my advisor before my first semester. Can I use this AVN to register for subsequent semesters as well?
• How do I register for classes?
• What is the Tentative Degree Program (TDP) worksheet and when is it due?
• What is a Completed Degree Program (CDP) worksheet and when is it due?
• Can I change my advisor?
• When can I begin an internship?
• How many credits are required for MPA graduation?
• What is the difference between transferring and waiving credits?
• What do I need to do to transfer graduate course credits from another university?
• What do I need to do in order to waive a core course?
• I am a BA/MPA student. How many graduate courses may I take before I graduate with my BA?
• I think I will graduate this semester. When may I apply?
• What must I do to apply for graduation?
• Does Rockefeller hold an August graduation ceremony?
• If I graduate in August, when can I participate in a graduation ceremony?

For Current PhD Students

• Am I required to use the email address that UAlbany assigned to me for correspondence with the school?
• I received an Advisor Verification Number (AVN) from my advisor before my first semester. Can I use this AVN to register for subsequent semesters as well?
  
• How do I register for classes?
• Can I change my advisor?
• What is the Tentative Degree Program (TDP) worksheet and when is it due?
• What is a Completed Degree Program (CDP) worksheet and when is it due?
• What is the residency requirement?
• What concentrations are available through the Public Administration Department?
• When do I have to choose a concentration?
• Can I take classes from other departments to fulfill my coursework requirement?
• What is the difference between transferring and waiving credits?
• What do I need to do to transfer graduate course credits from another university?
• What do I need to do in order to waive a core course?
• When do I need to choose a dissertation committee?
• How do I obtain admission to candidacy?
• Does my dissertation committee have to be the same committee that approves my candidacy?
• Will the department pay for me to attend conferences?
• What is the process for defending my prospectus?
• How long does my dissertation need to be?
• How is my dissertation supposed to be formatted?
• I think I will graduate this semester. When may I apply?
• What must I do to apply for graduation?