Undergraduate Admissions

Monroe College admits qualified students into undergraduate certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs.

On This Page

General Undergraduate Admissions

All applicants seeking first-time matriculation at Monroe College are required to fulfill the general admissions requirements below:

  1. Candidates must possess either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
  2. Candidates must submit a completed application for admission and a personal statement or essay.
  3. Candidates have the option to participate in a pre-admission interview.

Some programs have additional academic, exam, and/or interview requirements for admission.

International Applicants

Monroe College is authorized by the U.S. Government to enroll non-immigrant alien F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors in the student–college/university category. International applicants must obtain the appropriate eligibility form from Monroe College prior to applying for a visa or change of status:

  • Form I-20 AB: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status
  • Form DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status

Monroe College will not issue the certificate until a candidate has met all admission requirements, including

  1. the necessary English language proficiency,
  2. having been accepted for admission, and
  3. presented proof of ability to finance living and educational expenses while studying in the United States.

English Proficiency for International Applicants

Monroe College decides the eligibility of non-native English language speaking applicants to pursue undergraduate studies by determining their English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • Results of an English language exam sanctioned by Monroe College such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
  • Completion of English language studies at an approved language school or center
  • Successful completion of the Monroe College English language assessment

School of Nursing Applicants

Admission Requirements for the Practical Nursing Certificate Program

In addition to the general admissions requirements, the School of Nursing includes the following when interviewing and considering candidates for the Practical Nursing Certificate Program:

  • GPA and overall academic performance
  • Results on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the proficient level with a minimum score of 70 or higher
  • Acceptable prior academic experience in the areas of algebra, biology, and chemistry
  • Personal statement or essay

Admission Requirements for the Registered Nursing Associate Degree Program (LPN to RN):

In addition to the general admissions requirements, the School of Nursing includes the following when interviewing and considering candidates for the Registered Nursing Associate Degree Program:

  • GPA and overall academic performance
  • Transcript from the Monroe College Practical Nursing Certificate program and demonstrated competency on standardized comprehensive exam OR
  • Official transcript from an approved School of Practical Nursing,
  • An LPN license to practice in New York State, and
  • Results on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the proficient level with a minimum score of 70 or higher
  • Acceptable academic experience in algebra, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology, English I, and introduction to psychology. Sciences must include labs.
  • Personal statement or essay

Admission Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Programs

The School of Nursing Admissions Committee holistically reviews each applicant’s admission materials and selects the most highly qualified candidates for a limited number of seats. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program of study. Applicants are ranked based on TEAS scores, grades, and grade point averages. In addition to the general admissions requirements, the School of Nursing includes the following when interviewing and considering candidates for any of the four options for the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing:

Progressive Option, LPN to RN to BS (BS in Nursing):

  • Results on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the proficient level with a minimum score of 70 or higher
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Evidence of satisfactory grades in algebra, biology/living environment, and chemistry at the high school or college level
  • Official college transcripts for those who have previously attended college

RN to BSN Option (BS in Nursing):

  • A copy of the applicant’s valid RN license
  • Proof of RN license registration status 
  • Associate degree or diploma program official transcripts

Traditional Option for High School Seniors and Recent HS Graduates (BS in Nursing):

  • Results on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the proficient level with a minimum score of 70 or higher
  • High school transcripts with a grade point average of 80 or higher
  • Evidence of satisfactory grades in algebra, biology/living environment, and chemistry at the high school or college level
  • Students who have taken the SAT or ACT exams may submit scores to strengthen their application

Accelerated Second Degree Option (BS in Nursing):

  • Proof that you have completed prerequisite courses in algebra, biology/living environment, and chemistry
  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited institution
  • Results on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the proficient level with a minimum score of 70 or higher
  • It is expected that students will bring considerable academic experience to the program. It is expected that students will have completed, or will complete, the following classes: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab (I and II); Chemistry; Microbiology; English (I and II); Psychology (I and II); Sociology; Statistics; Speech; Health Care Policy; Race, Ethnicity and Health; Health Informatics; Global Health; plus an additional 12 liberal arts credits.

International Medical Graduate (IMG) option (BS in Nursing):

  • Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence
  • Evidence of having completed the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited non-U.S. medical school (transcripts evaluated by IERF, a member of NACES, or College approved organization)
  • Results on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) at the proficient level with a minimum score of 70 or higher
  • Evidence of English language proficiency as validated by TOEFL, TEAS results, transferable English courses from an accredited U.S. college or university

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

In addition to the general admissions requirements, the School of Allied Health Professions requires the following when considering candidates for the DMS program:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Take the Math Accuplacer Exam and score a minimum of 250 on Part I and Part II
  • Interview with DMS faculty or staff may be recommended
  • Transfer credit for prior science classes will only be accepted with a minimum grade of C or better and taken within the last 3 years
  • Clinical classes from other institutions are not accepted for transfer credit

Education

In addition to the general admissions requirements, the School of Education requires the following when considering candidates for the Early Childhood and Childhood Education programs:

  • High school GPA of 80 or higher, college GPA of 2.75 GPA or higher
  • Take the Math Accuplacer Exam
  • Must place into college level English
  • Interview with School of Education faculty or staff

Food Media Studies

Although not a requirement, an earned baccalaureate degree is preferred for acceptance into this certificate program. Generally, applicants will be asked to submit a writing sample and proof of degree with an official transcript. Exceptions to this process include a resume showing prior learning experience with an extensive portfolio in hospitality and business-related experiences. 

Paralegal Certificate

In addition to the general admissions requirements for the Paralegal Certificate Program, an earned associate degree or a minimum of 60 college credits is required. An exception may be made for candidates who exhibit significant work experience directly related to the program. Significant work experience includes at least five years of law-related experience in a law office, government agency, the court, or a corporation. Up to six transfer or prior learning credits related to paralegal studies may be applied towards the certificate.

Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technology Admissions Committee holistically reviews each applicant’s admission materials and selects the most highly qualified candidates for a limited number of seats. The admission requirements are as follows:

  • Submission of High School Diploma/GED
  • Submission of official college transcripts for candidates that have previously earned college credits
  • Minimum GPA and overall cumulative academic performance of C+ (75) or higher
  • Transfer credit for prior science classes will only be accepted with a minimum grade of C and taken within the last 3 years
  • Placement into college level Math with a score of 250 or higher on the Accuplacer exam or equivalent
  • Placement into college level English
  • Interview with the Surgical Technology Program Director
  • Personal statement or essay

Transfer Applicants

In addition to the general admissions requirements, transfer applicants seeking admission to certificate, associate, or bachelor's programs are required to submit transcripts from the post-secondary institution(s) previously attended. As a guideline, transfer applicants seeking direct admission to a bachelor’s program should possess a minimum major-area cumulative grade point average of 2.50. With appropriate approval, applicants not meeting this criterion may be accepted. 

Career Pathways

The Monroe College Career Pathways program is designed to provide adults who have not obtained a high school diploma an opportunity to earn a New York State High School Equivalency diploma while pursuing an associate degree.  

Students earn 24 credits for the High School Equivalency diploma and an additional 36 semester credits to earn the associate degree.  Candidates must attend a Career Pathways Information Session to learn about the program, admission process, and eligible majors.

Requirements:  

  • Candidates should be at least 21 years of age.  At the discretion of the Admission Committee, those under the age of 21 may be approved for admission.  
  • Candidates must submit a completed application for admission and personal statement or essay.
  • Candidates must participate in a pre-admission interview.
  • In lieu of a high school diploma, candidates must sit for the approved examination and earn at least the required minimum score.