1. Official transcript documenting graduation from an accredited professional entry-level program (baccalaureate or higher) in their health care discipline.
2. Documentation (photocopy) of a current state license to practice as a health professional.  If licensure is not required in your state, please provide evidence of national certification.
3. A current curriculum vitae or resume, including relevant clinical experience with older adults
4. Applicants should request a letter of recommendation from a colleague in each of the following categories:

• a current or former employer in the field of geriatric health care, or a professor from a previous educational setting.
• a professional colleague with advanced certification or education beyond entry level, a colleague who is recognized as a master clinician, or a colleague from the applicant's professional organization.  Letters from colleagues in other health disciplines are encouraged.  
  • The individual writing the letter of recommendation should comment on the following:
    Knowledge of the applicant:  In what capacity have you known the applicant? For what period of time? How well have you known the applicant?  What is your view of the applicant's scope of practice?
  • Applicant's attitude and character:  confidence demonstrated in the workplace or association, ability to work with others, motivation and enthusiasm, reliability, honesty, effectiveness as a team member or collaborator
  • Learning characteristics & work habits:  self-directedness, intellectual curiosity, effectiveness of verbal and written communication and of listening skills, ability to work independently and in a group, initiative and resourcefulness.
  • Time and stress management:  ability to manage multiple demands on time and energy, ability to manage conflict and disagreement, ability to manage group process
  • Professional development potential:  Independent thinking, problem solving abilities, creative thinking, ability to integrate “evidence” and new knowledge into clinical practice, ability to transcend professional boundaries. 

Individuals providing letters of recommendation should send completed letters to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT   06432-1000. 

1. A typed response (2 page limit, double spaced, 10 or 12 point font) to the following questions:
   a. What has led you to pursue an advanced degree with an interdisciplinary focus in the field of geriatric health and wellness?  
   b. Define or list three (3) professional goals that you are likely to pursue as an outcome of obtaining an advanced degree in geriatric health and wellness.
2. Please be sure to include your name, professional designation, and date of submission as a header on the first page of the document.

Applicants who may be eligible for tuition discount should provide evidence of one or both of the following:

1. Documentation of employment in a federally-designated medically underserved area (this information is available on the Federal Register, listed by census tract)
2. Status as member of an ethnic minority under-represented in your professional discipline.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required to apply to the MS in Geriatric Health and Wellness program.  Applicants who have taken the exam can choose to submit their scores as additional evidence of academic preparation.

Applicants whose undergraduate or entry level GPA is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale can submit a GPA waiver request.  This written request must detail extenuating circumstances that may have affected your undergraduate or entry level academic performance, as well as steps or strategies you have or will take to ensure your success in an advanced graduate program.  Faculty serving on the GHW admissions committee will review each request as part of the admissions process.

Send completed application materials to:  
Office of Graduate Admissions
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT   06432-1000
Phone: 203 365-7619
Email:  gradstudies@sacredheart.edu

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