Graduate admissions application process
We are pleased you want to apply for admission to a SUNY Cortland graduate program. We suggest you spend some time reviewing the helpful hints on this page before you begin the application.
Graduate application
We use an online application process through an external processing site. You can complete the application and submit most of the additional documents online. The primary documents you must submit directly to the Graduate Admissions Office are your official college transcripts.
SUNY Cortland students or graduates will not need to submit transcripts because they are already on file at the college.
Update - SUNY Cortland's Special Education: Inclusive Teaching and Advocacy (all-grades) M.S.Ed. program has been approved to begin Summer 2025. Prospective students may use the button below to apply.
When you are ready, you can start your application. Apply now
Application deadlines
Fall: July 1
Spring: Dec. 1
Summer: April 1
Applicants are encouraged to submit their online application and all supporting documents as early as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a program is filled. If a deadline has passed, contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to inquire about program availability. For summer and fall term entry, application review for most programs begins in January. For spring term entry, application review begins in August. Some departments review applications even earlier. Most applicants are notified of their admission decision within three to four weeks, unless otherwise specified by the department.
Communication Sciences and Disorders application review timeline
- Prior to Feb. 1: Applications submitted with all required documents prior to Feb. 1 will receive an admissions decision no later than March 15. Accepted applicants will have until April 15 to pay their deposit.
- On or after Feb. 1: Applications submitted with all required documents on or after Feb. 1 will receive an admissions decision on a rolling basis beginning in mid-April. Accepted applicants will have 30 days from the date of the acceptance letter to pay their deposit.
Term of entry
Not all programs begin each semester. Please review your program choice to determine the proper term of entry.
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Application fee
Pay the $65 application fee. You can pay either online or by check or money order.
The fee is waived for currently enrolled SUNY Cortland students and alumni.
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The next steps
1. Review the admission criteria
Before you start your application, it's a good idea to review the admission criteria for your program choice. Some programs have very specific course or certification requirements. Without them, you will not be eligible for admission.
As an example, most of the Master of Science in Education programs require you to have an initial teaching certification prior to the beginning of the program. In addition, the certification may need to be in a specific area.
2. Gather the names and email addresses of your references.
The online application allows you to input the names of your references and then the system sends them an email. They are provided with a secure link to your application where they can upload their recommendation and have it attached to your online application.
3. Prepare your personal goal statement.
Or review the criteria for your program and determine the topic you should be covering in your statement.