Welcome to the graduate school admissions page. Here, you’ll find a step-by-step walkthrough of the graduate application process, plus a few helpful resources to make sure you have everything you need when applying to grad school at JWU.

Before You Apply

Go to the Graduate Degrees page, click the program you're interested in, and review your program’s complete course information to make sure you meet all the requirements. In addition, it’s a good idea to check the JWU College of Online Education’s Computer & Browser Requirements to ensure that you can fully participate in online learning at JWU.

Contact us at onlineadmissions@jwu.edu or 1-855-JWU-1881 if you have any questions regarding the prerequisites required for admission.

Apply Year-Round

Choose from six semester start dates, each running eight weeks. Meeting the recommended application deadline will allow your dedicated admissions associate time to work with you and prepare you for success.

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit Your Free Application

Apply Online 

Step 2: Sign the Electronic Transcript Request Form

Upon application, your Online Admissions Associate will send you a Transcript Request Form(s) via Docusign to sign, which will allow JWU to request your transcript(s) on your behalf. (If your school requires additional information to process the request, you will be notified by the admissions team.) JWU must receive transcripts, diplomas, and/or certifications from all postsecondary schools, so you may receive more than one Docusign request to complete.

​*Note: If you have not yet connected with an Online Admissions Associate but are interested in starting the transcript-request process, fill out this form and JWU Online will send you a link to get started.

It is the student’s responsibility to provide verification of secondary school completion. Without verification, the student may not be allowed to register for the current term or continue enrollment and will be in jeopardy of losing his or her acceptance to the university as well as all financial aid. Refer to the “Admissions/Applying” section in the JWU campus catalog online for information on verification documents.

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

Two Recommendation Letters

Please submit two letters of recommendation that acknowledge your potential for successful completion of the academic program. You can ask your references to write a letter of reference or you can download the Letters of Recommendation form. In addition, the Letters of Recommendation form can be completed electronically via Docusign. Your dedicated Online Admissions Associate will send you a direct link. Note: You will need your references' email addresses prior to initiating the electronic signature process.

To submit your letters of recommendation, you can choose from the following options:

• Docusign: If you complete the process via Docusign, your form will automatically be submitted on your behalf after your reference completes the form.  
• Mail: College of Online Education, Johnson & Wales University, 115 Cedar St., Providence, RI 02903 
• Email: onlineadmissions@jwu.edu
• Fax: 401-598-4553, Attn: College of Online Education Admissions

Statement of Purpose

Describe in 500 words or less why you want to pursue the degree you’re interested in. Include your professional experience, career goals, learning style preferences and potential contributions to the program. You can email your Statement of Purpose to onlineadmissions@jwu.edu or fax it to 401-598-4553.

Use the following questions as a guideline to help you develop your Statement of Purpose:

• Why are you pursuing a graduate degree program at Johnson & Wales University?
• What are your current work duties and professional growth goals?
• How will obtaining a graduate degree help you further your career?
• What skills and life experiences would make you a unique addition to the online classroom?

Admissions Requirements

Conditional acceptance to certain graduate business programs may be extended to domestic students who are at least 24 years of age, have a 2.41–2.84 cumulative undergraduate grade point average and demonstrate significant evidence of professional success. Students granted conditional acceptance may take a maximum of three JWU graduate courses (students may not enroll in two 8-week courses at the same time). If an overall GPA of 3.0 is earned in the first conditional semester, the student will be granted full admission to that program. Students who do not earn an overall GPA of 3.0 will be dismissed from the program and will not be accepted to any JWU graduate program. 

Don’t Forget to File Your FAFSA

If you plan to use federal financial aid, apply as soon as possible. Filing is free and it’s easy — and it’s the only way to check your availability for federal student aid.

• Apply for a FSA ID. This will allow you to sign your FAFSA electronically. 
• Submit your FAFSA. You’ll need your FSA ID (see above), SSN, driver’s license, your Federal tax return, and JWU’s school code: 003404

Still Have Questions?

Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions staff at onlineadmissions@jwu.edu or 1-855-JWU-1881 at any point during the application process. We can answer any questions you have regarding your grad school application.