Graduate Admissions

• Application & Review Process: The Office of Graduate Admissions, Graduate Faculty Committee, and Program Directors review application packets, conduct interviews, and determine admission recommendations or required prerequisite coursework.
• Transcript & Accreditation Criteria: Official transcript reflecting conferral of a baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Transcripts must be sent directly institution-to-institution.
• Waiver of Admissions Standards: Standard admissions criteria may be waived upon review by a leadership committee comprising the Vice President of Academic Administration, applicable School/Division Dean, Graduate Faculty Committee, and Dean of Graduate Admissions & International Recruitment.
• Admissions Appeals: Appeals must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation to the Vice President of Enrollment Management (admissions@baypath.edu), who serves as the final authority in consultation with academic leadership.
• Non-Matriculated Enrollment: Permitted for non-degree seeking students holding a Bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (requires Non-Matriculated Registration Form via the Registrar). Note: International students on visas are ineligible for on-ground/hybrid non-matriculated status.
• Degree Completion Standards: Graduate degree conferral requires a grade of B or better in all program courses, meeting residency requirements (minimum 2/3 credits at Bay Path; max 2 transfer courses / 6 credits standard unless otherwise specified by program), completing portfolio requirements (if applicable), and receiving faculty approval.
• Health & Immunization Mandates: Per MA General Laws Ch. 76 §15c, all on campus or hybrid graduate students must upload complete immunization/health records into Medicat prior to course registration. Student Health Services: 413-565-1544.

Certificate Requirements: Official transcript reflecting conferral of a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; 250-word essay; resume; one or two recommendations (see program requirements); signed program requirements Form (if applicable); copy of license (if applicable).

• Tracks Included: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC); CMHC & Foundations of Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling; CMHC & Advanced Trauma-Informed Counseling; CMHC & School Adjustment Counseling; CMHC & School Counseling/All Levels; School Counseling
• Delivery / Locations: Online & Boston Campus
• Requirements: Official transcripts (GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred); essay; resume; 1 recommendation from a current or past supervisor; signed program requirement form; MEPID # required for school adjustment and school counseling tracks.

• Developmental Psychology (MS): Online. Developmental Psychology; Developmental Psychology/LADCP. Official transcripts (GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred); essay; resume; 1 recommendation from a current or past supervisor; signed program requirement form.
• Psychological Studies (MEd): Online. Official transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 1 recommendation from a current or past supervisor preferred; program requirement form.

• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: All official transcripts, including an official transcript reflecting baccalaureate degree conferral from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (min 3.0 GPA); NMS Match registration; 2 recommendations; original essays; prerequisites (Bio I/II w/ lab, Chem I/II w/ lab, Biochem, Organic Chem w/lab, Molecular OR Cell Bio, Embryology, Genetics, Psych, Stats).

• Tracks Included: All 13 Healthcare Specialty Concentrations
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Master's or clinical doctorate in healthcare field (min 3.0 GPA); 3 recommendations; 300–500 word essay; resume/CV; state license copy (if applicable). Allows up to 12 transfer credits from Bay Path graduate programs or 6 credits from outside accredited institutions (grade B or higher).

• Tracks Included: Organizational Excellence; Health Informatics; Public Health; Business; Quality & Safety Management; Clinical & Organizational Ethics
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Official transcripts (3.0 GPA min); essay; resume.

• Direct Entry MSN:
  • ​Delivery: On-Campus / Hybrid (or as specified)
  • Requirements: ​
    • Application to BPU: Completed application; Official high school/GED transcripts; Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); 250-word essay on goals; Current resume; 2 professional recommendations, active RN license (if applicable).
    • Application to DE MSN: Conditional BPU acceptance; Completed DE MSN program application; Possess NCSBN functional abilities essential for nursing practice; Meet clinical agency requirements (background checks, drug testing, vaccinations, etc.) as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the DE MSN Clinical Placement Policy; Optional interview at program director's discretion.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN - Nursing Administration / NA):
  • ​Online. BSN or graduate nursing degree (3.0 GPA preferred) from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; A Nursys license verification report verifying unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the NCSBN; essay; 2 recommendations; resume; interview via phone or in person at the program director's discretion.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP - Family Practice / NP):
  • ​Online. Accredited BSN and/or MSN (min 3.0 GPA, no graduate grade below C); unrestricted U.S./NCSBN RN license; 250-word statement of purpose; 3 recommendations; resume; interview.
• School Nurse (MEd):
  • ​Online. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); active RN license; essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form.

• Transfer Credit Policy for Master of Occupational Therapy Programs

Note: This policy applies only to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programs at Bay Path University.

In addition to the University’s established Transfer Credit Approval Process, requests to transfer graduate credit from another entry-level occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require approval from the program director. The transferring institution must be an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The MOT program will accept up to 12 transfer credits from another entry-level occupational therapy program.

• Eligible Courses for Transfer

Given the scaffolded curricular design, courses under consideration for transfer will only be evaluated for equivalency against the following specific courses:

• Evaluation Process & Requirements
  • Review Standard: Each course submitted for review will be evaluated for equivalency in course learning objectives and ACOTE standard(s) by the faculty member currently teaching the course and the program director.
  • ACOTE Compliance: The course submitted for review must be designed in accordance with the most current ACOTE standards.
  • Documentation: A full course syllabus for the transfer credit under consideration is required for review.
• Additional Policy Notes
  • GPA Calculation: Only credits earned at Bay Path University are included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
  • Work Experience: The program does not award course credit for prior work experience.
  • Financial Aid: Part-time enrollment resulting from transfer credits may affect financial aid awards.

Occupational Therapy (MOT)

• Tracks Included: On-Ground (Full-Time), Part-Time Low-Residency Hybrid
• Location: East Longmeadow Campus
• Requirements: Highly competitive (3.0 GPA preferred; explanation/plan if under 3.0); Bachelor's degree; prerequisites passed with B- or better (A&P I/II w/ lab within 5 yrs; Dev Psych, Stats, Soc/Anth within 10 yrs); 2-page essay; 2 recommendations; resume; signed Essential Functions form; interview. Work experience is not accepted in lieu of courses. Max 12 ACOTE transfer credits evaluated case-by-case (OTP 500, 502, 504, Level I Fieldwork, OTP 543L).

Occupational Therapy Bridge (MOT)

• Track 1 (MOT3 - 4-Year Bridge Program): Associate's in OTA/PTA (USDE or ACOTE/CAPTE accredited); current OTA/PTA license; essay; 2 recommendations; resume; interview; signed Essential Functions form.
• Track 2 (MOT2 - 3-Year Bridge Program): Associate's/Bachelor's in OTA or Associate's in PTA + Bachelor's degree; prerequisites passed with B- or better (A&P I/II w/ lab within 5 yrs; Dev Psych, Stats, Soc/Anth within 10 yrs); current OTA/PTA license; essay; 2 recommendations; resume; interview; signed Essential Functions form.

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

• Tracks Included (Post-Professional & BS to OTD Pathways): Administration; Education; Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); Advanced General Practice; Productive Aging; Mental Health
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Entry-level OT degree (BS or MS, min 3.0 GPA, no grade below C); min 1 year full-time clinical OT experience; NBCOT certification proof; 2 recommendations; essay; resume/CV; interview; signed Program Requirements Form.

• Location: East Longmeadow Campus
• Requirements: Baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian Institution. Overall Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and Overall Science GPA of 3.0 or higher; Minimum 500 direct patient contact hours (e.g., EMT, CNA, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, ED Tech, Nurses Aid, Respiratory Therapist, Medical Scribe, or Pharmacy Tech, or other approved clinical experiences ); Personal statement of interest; No GRE or GMAT required.
• Program Policies & Prerequisites: All prerequisite coursework completed within 10 years of matriculation at a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution with a grade of “C“ or better; Includes coursework in biological sciences, chemical/physical sciences, statistics, and a social science (Public Health, Social Justice, or Ethnic/Gender Studies); No more than two prerequisites outstanding at time of application; Three letters of recommendation are required, one of which needs to be from a direct supervisor; No advanced standing awarded for professional courses or clinical experience.
• English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English-speaking international applicants (Minimum scores: TOEFL 90 internet-based, 233 computer-based, 550 paper-based, or 4.5 for the new 2026 TOEFL test). 

• Tracks Included: Direct Entry MPH; 3+2 B.A./M.P.H. Track; Concentrations in Health Informatics, Productive Aging, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Excellence
• Delivery: Online / Main Campus
• Requirements: Direct Entry requires official transcripts (3.0 GPA min), essay, 2 recommendations, interview. 3+2 track allows qualifying internal Bay Path undergraduates meeting SAP to take 4 MPH courses during senior year.

• Tracks Included: MSA +Certification, choose from 13 BPU Certification options.
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Official transcripts (3.0 GPA min); resume; 2 recommendations; interview may be required. Prerequisite courses in accounting, business, or statistics may be required or waived based on experience.

• BPU Tracks: ADS +Certification, choose from 13 BPU Certification options.
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Official transcripts (3.0 GPA min; quantitative major required if lacking field experience); 250-word essay; resume; 2 recommendations.

• BPU Track: MS +Certification, choose from 14 BPU Certification options.
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Official transcripts in any discipline (3.0 GPA min); 250-word essay; resume; 2 recommendations.

• BPU Track: MS +Certification, choose from 13 BPU Certification options.
• Delivery: Online
• Requirements: Official transcripts in any discipline (3.0 GPA min); 250-word essay; resume; 2 recommendations.

• BPU Tracks: MBA + Concentrations, choose from 14 Certification options; Spanish MBA; General MBA (Boston).
• Delivery / Locations: Online & Boston
• Requirements: Official transcripts (3.0 GPA min); 250-word essay; resume; 2 recommendations, (Spanish or English for Spanish MBA).

• MS Track: Boston Campus. Official transcripts (3.0 GPA min preferred); 250-word essay; resume; 2 recommendations.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Online. Master’s degree from an institution accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; (3.0 GPA min preferred); resume/CV; 250-word essay; recommendations; interview.

• PhD Track: PhD in ABA (Contemporary Issues in Clinical Practice; Leadership & OBM). Online. Accredited Master's degree in ABA or related field (3.0 GPA min); official transcripts; resume/CV; essay; recommendations; interview.
• MS & EdS Tracks: 48 Credit MS in ABA; 51 credit EdS in ABA; 57 credit ABA w/ ASD Certificate; 60-Credit MS in ABA w/ Supervision, Training & OBM Concentration; 60-Credit MS in ABA w/ Applied Verbal Behavior Concentration; 60-Credit MS in ABA w/ Trauma-Informed Practice Concentration. Online. Official transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 2 recommendations; a signed program requirement form; credential/license copies (if applicable).

• Tracks Included: Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies (HELOS); Transformational Leadership (TSL); 60-Credit Direct Entry; 54-Credit Track; 36-Credit EdS Track; 30-Credit ABD Track
• Delivery: Online; 60- credit Direct Entry and 54-credit tracks have a residency requirement of one weekend per year.
• Requirements: Accredited Bachelor and Master's degree (3.0 GPA min); official transcripts; essay; 2 recommendations (one recommendation must be from an academic reference who can speak to your skills, competencies, and readiness for doctoral study. The second may be from either an academic or professional reference who can address these same qualities); resume; interview; accelerated ABD Track requires verified ABD status from an accredited doctoral program.

Disclaimer for Out-of-State Candidates: Candidates completing licensure tracks outside Massachusetts receive the academic degree only; state endorsement or license reciprocity is not guaranteed.

• Administrator in Special Education (MSEd / EdS):  Initial Licensure & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); 300–500 word essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form; teaching license/MTEL scores (if applicable).
• Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (MSEd / EdS): Initial, Professional & Non-Licensure tracks.  Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); 300–500 word essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirements form; Teaching license(if applicable); MTEL scores (if licensure track).
• Elementary Education 1-6  (MSEd / EdS): Initial, Professional & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); 300–500 word essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form;Teaching license(if applicable); MTEL scores (if licensure track).
• English as a Second Language (MSEd / EdS): PreK-6, 5-12 Initial, Professional & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); 300–500 word essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form; Teaching license(if applicable); MTEL scores (if licensure track); English proficiency proof for non-native speakers (TOEFL 75 / IELTS 5.5 / Duolingo 44)
• General Science 1-6 and 5-8 (MSEd): Initial Licensure & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form; teaching license(if applicable); MTEL scores (if applicable).
• Mathematics 5-8 and 8-12 (MSEd): Initial Licensure & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 2 recommendations; program signed program requirement form; teaching license(if applicable); MTEL scores (if applicable).
• Reading & Literacy Instruction All Levels (MSEd / EdS): Initial Licensure & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); 300–500 word essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form; phone interview; Teaching License(if applicable)MTEL scores (optional).
• School Counseling (MSEd & MEd): MEd School Counseling (All Levels Licensure); MSEd School Counseling (Online/Boston). Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 1 recommendation; program requirement form; MEPID # required for school adjustment and school counseling tracks.
• School Nurse (MEd): Online. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); active RN license; essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form.
• Skills-Based Health / Social Emotional Learning (MSEd): Initial Licensure & Non-Licensure tracks. Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form; teaching license (if applicable); MTEL scores (if applicable).
• Special Education - Moderate, Severe (MSEd / EdS): Moderate Disabilities (PreK-2, PreK-8 & 5-12); Severe Disabilities (PreK-2, PreK-12); Dual Licensure (Moderate Disabilities and Severe Disabilities); Non-Licensure and Professional tracks are available for select programs, subject to review of individual credentials. Official Transcripts (3.0 GPA preferred); essay; resume; 2 recommendations; signed program requirement form; teaching license (if applicable); MTEL scores (if applicable).