Risk Management Graduate Admissions

Fall and Spring Admission

Fall 2024 Deadline July 1
If accepted, students are permitted to register for Fall courses.  Students can start Summer if application is completed early.  Summer session starts July 5th.

Spring 2024 Admission – Deadline Extended to November 30, 2023
If accepted, students are permitted to register for Spring courses.

Contact the Program Director with Admission questions.

The Risk Management Graduate Program: General Admissions Process​

Whether applying for a Masters in Risk Management or the 12-credit Advanced Certificate in Risk Measurement, all applicants need to submit: 

1. Application

2. Official transcripts from all schools

3. Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)

4. 500 word essay that answers the question: “Why do you want to enter the program?”

5. Resume

6. GMAT or Equivalent is Optional

7. TOEFL > 80 if an applicant is from a non-primary English speaking country.  A TOEFL < 80 means that an accepted candidate will need to take ESL at Queens College before starting the coursework, and potentially during the program.  A TOEFL < 80 will not be the basis for admission denial.

Certain requirements are waived for well-qualified QC undergraduate students (see below).

The Admissions Decision

Here are factors that go into the committee’s decisions:

• ​The transcript:  Grades in college, specific courses taken, and their academic rigor. Because the program is analytical and quantitative, a transcript with grades in courses that are directly related to the curriculum, such as math and finance, will be strengthen an application relative to a transcript with the same grades in courses unrelated to the curriculum. However, prospective applicants who have done well with a rigorous liberal arts background, even without substantial math, finance, accounting, or computer science coursework, are strongly encouraged to apply. Course prerequisites can be met after acceptance to the program. Most accepted students have not met all prerequisites.  
• Recommendations: The recommendations give the applicant opportunity to tell the committee something about his or her work habits and character that are not otherwise visible in the transcript, resume, or test scores. 
• Essay:  We encourage applicants to write the essay in their own voice. Even if English is not the applicant’s primary language, the committee would prefer to read an authentic essay, written by the applicant in his or her own voice. 
• Resume: The resume gives the committee a more complete perspective of the applicant.
• The committee evaluates duration and relevance of one’s work experience to risk management. Related experience is interpreted broadly, including internal audit, assurance, compliance, financial analysis and budgeting, financial services industry functions generally, such as custody, underwriting, or settlement, and insurance brokerage, among others. An applicant who would be able to significantly leverage his or her career prospects by virtue of completing the degree program is encouraged to apply.  
• A Standardized Exam such as the GMAT or equivalent (GRE, LSAT, CFA, CPA, Actuarial Exam, or other industry certifications) is optional.  If you have taken any of these exams feel free to include the scores in your application. 
• ​Putting it all Together: The committee also evaluates the totality of the application. Were the grades in college a factor of working full time to pay for tuition? Has the applicant passed Level 1 of the CFA, or Exam P of the Society of Actuaries, either of which is a major accomplishment and indicates that the applicant is prepared to do well in the program? Does the applicant have excellent grades in academically challenging courses? The committee makes every effort to evaluate candidates in context with their life and academic experiences.

Preparing to Apply

1. ​Read about the curriculum and about Queens College.
2. Start an application online at Queens College graduate admissions. Click here​: Office of Graduate Admissions​
3. Contact your undergraduate university and have transcripts sent.
4. Contact supervisors or professors to provide a recommendation for you. All they need to do is agree to provide a recommendation and the application system will contact them.
5. Update your resume.
6. Write your essay. Limit it to 500 words.
7. Prepare one document that has both your resume and essay together. The application system allows only one uploaded document.
8. If you have questions, schedule an appointment to meet Professor Cara Marshall, Director of Admission for the Risk Management Program. Arrange to visit a class or event on campus and arrange to meet a current student.​

*** Click here for some Resources to help you Prepare for Entering into the Risk Management Program ***

Frequently Asked Questions

• Admissions are based on a rolling process within the admission window.
• Decisions are usually made within 30 days after an application is complete.
• In certain cases, the Admissions Committee may request an interview with the applicant.