Admission

The University offers graduate programs in business, education and counseling.  Students are accepted for admission in fall, spring, and summer semesters according to the following deadlines:

                        Fall Semester, August 1

                        Spring Semester, November 1

                        Summer Semester, April 1

Requirements and Procedures

Students applying for graduate admission must submit the following documents. All degree seeking and non-degree seeking must submit the following items to the Admissions Office:

1. A formal application for admission to graduate studies.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate college or university coursework including evidence of the completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on all prior college course work.
3. Domestic and International prospective student who graduated from an educational institution outside the U.S. are required to have transcripts evaluations done through WES ICAP.
4. Evidence of English language proficiency.  See International Student Admissions, page 11.
5. Written recommendations from two individuals knowing the applicant’s professional ability, personal character, and intellectual promise for pursuing successful graduate study. Please do not include
6. An essay of 500-750 words that describes some of the most important experiences of your life and how they have shaped the person you have become. Also, describe how continuing your education at Southwestern Adventist University will fit into your goals for the future.
7. Official GRE test results. A score of 590 or higher based on the following formula: undergraduate GPA x 100 + GRE Score (combined verbal and quantitative sections). GRE results cannot be older than five years.

Additional documents may be required by the academic department offering the desired degree program.

Consideration for admission to graduate study is contingent upon the integrity of the information submitted to the University.

Discovery of false information subsequent to the offer of admission is, at the University’s discretion, grounds for withdrawal of the offer of admission or for immediate dismissal at any point in the student’s course of study. Such dismissal shall result in forfeiture of all charges paid and academic credits earned.

Master of Arts in Counseling (MA)

Students applying for graduate admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling program must also apply to the Department of Education and Psychology.  The following materials must be submitted to the department:

1. Meet all regular admissions requirements.
2. A departmental application to graduate studies in counseling.
3. Appropriate documentation for a certified background check.

The department will also interview the applicant.

Master of Education (MEd)

An applicant will be accepted in good and regular standing to the MEd program if he or she meets the following criteria:

Meet all regular admissions requirements.

Acceptable areas of study for admission to the MEd include education, school guidance, or at least 20 semester hours in education.

Other Graduate Admission Categories

Admission to Conditional Graduate Standing

An applicant to the MA, or MEd graduate program who does not meet the criteria specified for regular standing may be considered for admission by the Graduate Council.  In the event that conditional acceptance is given, conditions will be specified in the student’s letter of acceptance.

International students unable to take the GRE prior to beginning graduate study in the United States may be granted a conditional acceptance for one semester in order to take the GRE. This will be determined by the academic dean.

Admission of Non-Degree Students

Special permission to register is extended to students wishing to take graduate classes at the University for personal or professional benefit. Evidence including recommendation letters, essay, and proof that student has completed a bachelors or master’s degree and has the capacity to successfully undertake graduate coursework. Non-degree students desiring to change to degree status must apply and meet all regular admission requirements. A maximum of 12 credit hours taken as a non-degree student may be applied to a graduate program. Financial aid is not available to non-degree seeking students.