MA in DEM Admission Requirements - Niagara University in Ontario

MA in Disaster/Emergency Management and National Security Admission Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements for admission to the MA in DEM program at Niagara University in Ontario. As these are the minimum requirements, they do not guarantee acceptance into the program as space is limited. Niagara University applies a holistic approach to the review process taking into consideration all components of the application.

All applicants must submit the following

1. Completion of the Online Application

Which includes:

Two letters of reference (it is recommended that one letter speaks to the student’s academics and that the second to professional experience/qualifications)
A personal statement (250 word limit)
An up-to-date resume

All credentials submitted for admission become and remain the property of the university. Misrepresentations on application forms may result in expulsion or degree revocation.

Prospective students are encouraged to begin an application as soon as possible. As your documents become available, you’ll be able to return to your application to add required materials.

2. Proof of a 4-year baccalaureate degree

Evidence of successful completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree through the submission of official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. At least one of these transcripts must indicate the awarding of an accredited four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 using a 4.0-point scale, or a B average if letter grades were used.

Applicants who have not received their degree from a Canadian or US institution where English is the official language of instruction, will be required to provide an official transcript evaluation as well as official English proficiency scores. For more information please refer to the Applicants with International Degrees section below.
In keeping with Niagara University’s mission, it recognizes that applicants who completed undergraduate degrees with GPA scores of less than the required 3.0, may have, since the completion of their degrees, gained significant professional experience, and possibly industry certifications that may provide additional information on which to judge success in graduate studies. Therefore, we encourage individuals who find themselves in this situation to apply.

Applicants with Refugee or Protected Person Status in Canada

Niagara University Ontario welcomes applications from individuals who hold Protected Person, Refugee, or Asylum Claimant status in Canada.

In order to study at Niagara University, applicants with refugee-related status must hold a valid study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

While some individuals may receive a work permit upon entering Canada, it is important to note that a work permit alone does not authorize an individual to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A valid study permit is required before beginning academic studies.

Niagara University Ontario is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
DLI Number: O268049601572
(The “O” indicates an institution located in Ontario.)

Applicants with Protected Person or Refugee status are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement.

Individuals who hold Protected Person or Refugee status are eligible to be assessed for domestic tuition rates at Niagara University Ontario.

These applicants may also qualify for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and are encouraged to connect with Niagara University’s OSAP Office after receiving their Letter of Acceptance to explore available financial aid and funding options.

A study permit is an immigration document issued by IRCC that authorizes a student to study in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for the duration of their academic program.

If you plan to study in Canada for more than six (6) months, you must obtain a valid study permit before beginning your studies.

Niagara University Ontario is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
DLI Number: O268049601572
(The “O” indicates an institution located in Ontario.)

Because processing times may vary, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for their study permit as early as possible after receiving their Letter of Acceptance.

International Applicants

Study Permit

International students wishing to study at Niagara University, for a period of more than 6 months, and who are not Canadian citizens, or permanent residents of Canada will require a study permit. Study Permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC),as a paper document that is usually attached to an individual’s passport at the Canadian port of entry. In order to obtain a Study Permit, an applicant must be studying at an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Niagara University is a Designate Learning Institution. Our DLI number is O268049601572. This number begins with the letter “O” which stands for Ontario. This information is also available as part of the DLI list on IRCC’s website.

If the study permit application is approved, the individual will receive a Letter of Introduction that must be presented to the border officer upon entry to Canada. The study permit will be printed and issued at the border.

Please note that a study permit does not authorize re-entry to Canada should you decide to leave at any point during the time of your studies. In addition to the study permit, some individuals may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA in order to enter and/or re-enter Canada. Follow this link to Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada. The initial processing time for a request may take anywhere from one to six months. To find out more information Check processing times – Canada.ca.

You may also Extend your study permit if you have already been issued one, or transfer from another institution.

Applicants with International Degrees

Together with the standard application requirements above, applicants to Niagara University’s Ontario programs who have not received their degree from a Canadian or US institution where English is the official language of instruction, must also submit the following items:

Official credential evaluation of all undergraduate transcripts. Copies or emails for any test score or credential evaluation will not be accepted. In the case where degrees were completed internationally, an international evaluation of the degree such as a WES, TEC, or CES must accompany the application.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency through official IELTS or Duolingo scores sent directly from the testing service. In order to be eligible for acceptance into the program, applicants must provide evidence of having achieved a score equal to or greater than the minimum identified below on one of the following tests.

Test	Score
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	100 (iBT internet-based test) with minimums of 20
IELTS (International English Language Test Service) Academic test	6.5 overall with no bands less than 6.0 in each section
Duolingo English Test	125+ (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) – no band lower than 125
Pearson PTE Academic	Overall 60 (No band lower than Listening 50/Reading 55/Speaking 50/Writing 65)
OI Digital Institute (Oxford ELLT)	ELLT 7 (IELTS 6.5)

Alternative Pathway: NUO offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) pathways exclusively through ILSC. Only official Pathway Letters of Acceptance from these two schools can provide conditional acceptance for English Language Proficiency.

Admission Policies and Procedures for Mature Students

All students are required to meet the above standards. Challenge exams are not permitted at the graduate level.

*Official transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores (if not exempted) will be required, prior to the student beginning the program should the applicant receive a letter of acceptance.