Thank you for your interest in learning with The Graduate Institute.  Participating in one of the Institute’s unique Master of Arts degree programs provides an exceptional opportunity for adult learners to embark upon a path of self evolution and professional growth.  Our distinguished faculty are dedicated to helping participants achieve their goals within the framework of a supportive learning community.
 

Joining a Cohort Community

At The Graduate Institute, all learners are regarded as “colleagues”, thus eliminating the hierarchy that constitutes traditional teacher-student interactions. Participants who enroll in one of the Institute’s graduate programs join a cohort of like minded individuals who come together as colleagues throughout the entire 22 months that each program is in session.

Each cohort meets one weekend per month (a weekend session is comprised of a Friday evening, from 5 to 9 pm, and Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm) over the course of 22 months. In addition, the Master of Arts in Holistic Thinking, Conscious Evolution, Oral Traditions, and Irenic Studies meet for one full week in the summer (Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm). Schedules are available for each cohort and may be requested by writing to info@learn.edu.

The cohort model contributes to a learning experience that is grounded in trust, camaraderie, and co-creativity. Each month, the cohort comes together to explore a particular topic under the support and guidance of the Institute’s distinguished faculty. Learning events are then extended outside of the classroom through online dialogues, participant-driven research, mentorships, and internships. For more information on the cohort model, please click here.

Program Start Dates

Admission to the Institute’s programs occurs on a rolling basis.  In other words, the Institute is continuously starting new cohorts as existing cohorts become filled, and if you are interested in participating you should check back frequently for new cohort start dates.

The dates listed below reflect the current cohorts that are available for each of The Graduate Institute’s degree programs.  Each cohort listed for a particular area will meet every month in that same location.  If you have any questions about admission to a particular program, please contact Admissions Director Leslie Cahill: (203) 874-4252 or cahill@learn.edu.  

Applying to The Graduate Institute
Admissions Requirements

A fundamental requirement for admission to The Institute is a Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The degree must have been awarded by an institution of higher learning in the United States that is accredited by a higher education accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The Graduate Institute will also recognize degrees from foreign institutions of substantial quality and reputation. Applicants whose native language is not English must present a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Admission requires the submission of a current resume; official sealed transcripts; two letters of recommendation; a written Statement of Intent and Expectations of Personal Development; a personal or telephone interview; and computer literacy.

The curriculum for each program is prescribed. No transfer credit, advanced placement, or waiver of requirements will be made. Upon completion of the application for admission and planned program of study, course registration will be completed by Institute staff. 

To access our online application, please click here.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are commensurate with those charged at state institutions of higher education. Total tuition for programs as of 2010 is $12,348 for each thirty-six credit program, at $343 per credit. A one-time, non-refundable, application fee of $60 and a program fee of $385 are also required. The graduation fee is $90, payable on the first of the month prior to completion of coursework.

Academic fees are to be paid at the time of course registration by cash, check, or credit card. The standard schedule calls for payment of tuition quarterly, beginning the month in which the program commences.  On-line payments can be made using credit or debit cards through PayPal.

Click here for more information on making a PayPal tuition payment.
 

Financial Aid

Graduate Institute students may apply for Connecticut state loans through the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. CHESLA offers low fixed interest rate loans, with no application fee. Applicants or co-applicant(s) (if any) must have a minimum $20,000 gross annual income, and monthly loan installment payments must amount to 40% or less of monthly gross income. Students may defer interest while in school and for a 6-month grace period (interest is capitalized annually).

The CALS Graduate Institute School Code: 117777-00

Immunization

Connecticut State Law requires that all students born after 12/31/56 must be protected against measles and rubella. This is a requirement for admission. Colleagues born after 12/31/56 must provide proof of two measles vaccinations. One dose must have been administered on or after 1/1/69 and the second dose must have been administered on or after 1/1/80.