Graduate Admissions FAQ
Thomas College welcomes graduate students who are seeking a degree, as well as those who are just taking classes. All on-campus and online graduate degree programs have rolling admissions, and applications will be considered for the next available term.
Getting Started
How Many Entry Terms Are There Each Year?
| ENTRY TERMS | |
|---|---|
| Fall I | August |
| Fall II | October |
| Spring I | January |
| Spring II | March |
| Summer I | May |
| Summer II | July |
What Are the Application Deadlines?
Thomas College has a rolling admission process year-round with no set application deadlines. Students will be considered for the next available entry term or may indicate their desired entry term in the application.
Students may sign up for and complete up to three graduate courses before they must formally apply and matriculate into a degree program (please email [email protected] to sign up for a course).
For students who intend to apply for student loans to help cover the cost of their tuition, please note that you must be formally admitted to a program and must file a FAFSA
.
Do I Need to Hold an Undergraduate Degree in the Same Area of Study as the Graduate degree I Hope to Pursue?
No. Thomas College does not require a specific undergraduate degree as a prerequisite for any of our online graduate programs. An admissions counselor is always available to answer any questions you may have and help advise you on which program may be the best fit for your specific goals.
Note exclusively for our Master of Science in Cybersecurity program:
This program is designed for individuals in the field of computer science/cybersecurity who are looking to pursue advanced studies as well as career changers looking to enter the field. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or significant work experience in the field are expected to pass two entrance exams to ensure they have the foundational knowledge and technical proficiency necessary to succeed in the program. Our team is here to help provide a study guide and resources to prepare for the assessments. To date, every student who has attempted the entrance exams has successfully passed and entered the program.
Is There a Minimum GPA Requirement for Admission to the Graduate Program?
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected for graduate admittance for students entering their graduate studies immediately following graduation from an undergraduate program.
Applicants who have met the program prerequisites and have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.9 may be reviewed by the Provost for consideration of admission to a graduate program.
I Do NOT Meet the GPA Admissions Criteria. Can I Still Apply?
We understand that your undergraduate GPA may not reflect the kind of student you would be today, especially if you have been out of school for a significant period of time.
Thomas College will consider years of relevant work experience (as related to the degree you wish to pursue) and other professional achievements as part of a holistic application review.
Can I Take A Course Before I Apply?
Yes! Here at Thomas College, anyone can sign up for and complete up to three (3 ) graduate courses (or 9 credits) before you are required to formally apply and matriculate into a degree program. The only prerequisite to signing up for a graduate course is the completion of an undergraduate degree in any subject area.
We have found that many working professionals like to take a course or two before formally applying to evaluate firsthand whether they feel ready to go back to school. If you are interested in signing up for a course in an upcoming term, please feel free to review our list of GPS Courses and email [email protected] to get registered.
Are All the Courses in the Graduate Program 100% Online?
Yes, all graduate programs are designed to be completed 100% online.*
Students are not expected to come to campus or complete any academic work in person. Thomas College has an online learning management system where faculty post assignments, share course materials, and host discussion boards or upload recorded lectures. Students submit all work online and faculty are available to meet virtually to answer any questions about assignments or course material.
* Thomas College offers two in-person graduate programs including a general Master of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting for students who prefer an on-campus learning experience. Classes in this program are held Monday – Friday from 8:00AM – 12:00PM during the Fall and Spring terms.
Are Online Classes Synchronous or Asynchronous?
Graduate courses at Thomas College are asynchronous, allowing students to log in and complete work at times that work best for their schedule.*
For most classes there is no expectation for students to log in at a certain time or engage with coursework in real-time. However, some faculty offer optional evening programs for students to virtually meet with their faculty and peers in real-time or engage in a live discussion. These sessions are recorded for later viewing for students who are unable to attend synchronously.
* Please note that some courses in the Master of Science in Education program require live, online engagement at a certain time one evening each week for eight consecutive weeks.
Application Materials
Is There an Application Fee?
How Do I Request an Official Transcript from Other Institutions I Have Attended?
Thomas College requires the submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended as part of the application process. An official transcript is one that is sent directly from the applicant’s former institution(s) through the school’s official transcript issuing provider.
Applicants can request an official transcript from their former institution(s) by visiting the Office of the Registrar website at the institution(s) they attended and request that an electronic copy is sent to [email protected] or mailed via US Mail to:
Office of Graduate & Professional StudiesThomas College
180 West River Road
Waterville, ME 04901.
If you have any questions about official transcripts, please contact [email protected]
Who Should I Ask to Write My Letters of Reference?
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation can be submitted by colleagues, present or former supervisors, mentors, as well as civic or community leaders, professors, or college advisors – anyone you feel is in the best position to speak to your ability to succeed in a graduate program.
Letters of reference must be submitted directly by your recommenders using the online application portal. You will provide the names and contact information for your references on your application via the “Recommenders” tab. Thomas College will send an automated email to each of your references with an upload link to submit their letter of recommendation for you.
Please note that letters emailed by the applicant (you) will not be accepted.
Are There Any Testing Requirements for Admission, Such as the GRE or GMAT?
No. Thomas College does not have any standardized testing requirements for admission.
Is There an Interview Requirement for Admission?
No. Thomas College does not have an interview requirement for admission. However, if you would like to meet our team, schedule a tour of campus, or visit with a faculty member before you apply, please reach out to us anytime at 207-859-1255. We would love to talk to you!
Finances & Scholarships
Where Can I Find the Tuition Cost and Total Cost of Attendance?
Prospective students can find the cost of attendance on the Tuition & Fees page. The tuition costs in the online graduate programs are calculated per course rather than per credit hour.
Students will be responsible for covering a nominal technology fee and the cost of any books or materials.
How Do I Apply for Student Loans?
You can find a comprehensive overview of the financial aid and programs available at Thomas College in the Financial Aid section of our website. You’ll find information for student loans, the FAFSA, policies, how to make payments, and more.
If you have any questions about financing your education and the resources that are available, please do not hesitate to contact our student financial services team at Student Financial Services.
How Can I Tell if My Employer is Part of the Employer Partner Network?
Thomas College has a growing network of employer partners.
Employees at our partner organizations can take one graduate course tuition free (even before applying) and receive a 10% tuition discount on all remaining courses in any degree program. If you are interested in signing up for a course or learning more about tuition benefits for employer partners, please contact [email protected].
Are There Any Scholarships Available?
If you live on campus you may qualify for one of our Resident Merit-Based Scholarships.
Program Details
How Many Weeks Are in a Term?
Online graduate courses at Thomas College are offered on an accelerated timeline. Each term is eight weeks (8) in length, with six terms offered each year. In most programs, students can begin their studies in any term.
Graduate students who take traditional “in class” classes will follow the day schedule, which is a 15-week term.
How Long Will it take Me to Complete MyDegree? Can I Customize a Completion Timeline That Works Best for My Schedule?
Thomas College offers flexible degree completion timelines to accommodate each student’s goals and availability, including a part-time and full-time track. The part-time track is the most popular degree pacing and allows students to take one course each eight-week term to complete the program in two calendar years.
The full-time track is designed to be completed in as quickly as one year for individuals looking to pursue a more accelerated pathway, with students taking two courses every eight-week term.
How Soon Will I Hear Back With a Decision on My Application?
Thomas College has a rolling admission process, and decisions are typically issued within 5 business days of submitting a completed application.
I've Never Been an Online Student Before. How Are Assignments, Deadlines, and Coursework Structured? Can I Meet with Faculty if I Have Questions or Need Help on My Assigments?
Taking courses 100% online provides flexibility for students looking to balance higher education with their busy schedules, but this can be a new experience for students who may be accustomed to exclusively in-person instruction.
Students will be given set deadlines for each of their assignments at the beginning of the term as outlined in the course syllabus. Specific assignment details and materials are posted at least one week in advance of any deadlines and students can choose to work ahead or keep pace with the deadlines outlined in the course syllabus. Optional evening lectures are offered in many courses for students who are looking to engage in real time with their faculty, but all lectures are recorded for viewing on demand for anyone who may not be able to attend in real-time.
Faculty are also available to schedule a virtual meeting, telephone calls, or even meet in person to talk about coursework and provide academic support.
General Info
Phone Numbers
- Admissions (Undergrad): 207-859-1101
- Admissions (Grad): 207-859-1255
- Advancement: 207-859-1118
- Counseling: 207-859-1245
- Financial Aid: 207-859-1110
- Health Services: 207-859-1401
- Health Svcs. Fax: 207-859-1126
- Main Fax Number: 207-859-1114
- Registrar: 207-859-1108
- Safety & Security: 207-859-1399