Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rabb School of Continuing Studies at Brandeis University?

Through its three divisions — Graduate Professional Studies (GPS), Summer School and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Brandeis (BOLLI) — the Rabb School of Continuing Studies extends the traditional excellence of a Brandeis education to the greater community, with opportunities for professional development through degree programs, personal enrichment and lifelong learning.

What is the Division of Graduate Professional Studies (GPS)?

The Division of Graduate Professional Studies offers master's degrees and individual graduate-level courses for working professionals on a part-time, year round basis.

Classes are offered primarily online through distance learning.

Our creative and flexible approach to graduate education provides individuals the opportunity to advance their education while also balancing personal and career commitments.

What types of courses and programs are offered through GPS?

GPS offers master's degrees and individual courses in the areas of:

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What is the background and experience of GPS instructors?

Our experienced instructors are practicing professionals who bridge the gap between in-depth academic theory and the dynamic application of knowledge and skills required by today's changing industries and emerging fields. [top]

What type of background and experience do GPS students have?

Our students range from college graduates to working professionals who wish to expand their knowledge and skills or prepare for new careers. Whatever their motivation, they all offer extensive work and life experience and bring valuable perspectives and capabilities to the classroom. [top]

When do classes meet, and how many sessions are offered in a year?

GPS offers three 10-week sessions which take place in the fall, spring and summer terms.

Online classes meet asynchronously for 10 weekly modules.

Select Bioinformatics classes meet one night a week typically from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Certain courses within the Bioinformatics program are 13 weeks in length. [top]

Is it possible to take classes at GPS without being formally accepted into a master's degree program?

Students are allowed to take courses on an open-enrollment basis.

For admission into a master's degree program, students must apply by the end of their second course. [top]

How do I apply to a master's degree program?

In order to be eligible to apply for a master's degree program, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in addition to supporting documentation.

Please refer to our related Apply for a Master's Degree page for more details. [top]

Is advising available?

Yes, GPS staff provides individual advising to new and current students. [top]

Is TOEFL required for admission to a master's degree program?

Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not graduated from an English-speaking institution within an English-speaking country must take and submit scores for the TOEFL or IELTS, with guidelines and exceptions noted below. Test scores should be no more than five years old.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL,  with a minimum of 24 on each of the four sub-scores;  (or 600 on the paper-based (PBT) TOEFL with a minimum of 58 on the reading and writing sub-scores, and a 4.5 or higher on the essay writing score (TWE).

IELTS (International English language Testing System)
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 7.0 on the individual band scores for academic reading and academic writing.

All submitted score records must include the segmented point distribution among the parts of the test, along with the total.  Scores may be sent directly to the Division of Graduate Professional Studies, using the institutional code 0253.

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Does GPS offer student visas to international students?

Please view our policies and procedures regarding international student visas.

If you have any questions, contact us. [top]