Entry into advanced programs is regulated by the Graduate School. The application form for entry into graduate studies is at the back of the Graduate Catalog or can be obtained directly from the graduate school.   Initial admission can take three forms, depending on the department and the studentís qualifications: 

  1.  Special Student Status 
  2.  Unconditional Admission 
  3.  Conditional Admission 

 SPECIAL STUDENT STATUS is provided to students who may or may not be interested in pursuing an advanced degree program.    The admission criteria would include a Bachelor's degree in a regionally accredited undergraduate degree program.  Special Student Status is, essentially, admission to course work.  Not more than 10 credits earned with Special Student Status can be applied toward a degree program.  Students with Special Student Status may not receive Graduate Assistantships, financial aid, or enroll for thesis/dissertation credits.  The Dean of the Graduate School acts as advisor for students with Special Student Status. 
 

 CONDITIONAL or UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION is granted to students who meet departmental and Graduate School criteria for admission into an advanced degree program. 

 Admission decisions are monitored by the Departments and the Dean of the Graduate School.  After all applications, transcripts, and other supporting documents are received by the Graduate School, they are forwarded to the College of Education and Counseling for review by the Department Heads (Educational Leadership/Counseling and Human Resource Development).  Upon recommendation from the appropriate Department Head, the Dean of the Graduate School acts upon the application and the student is notified. 

For UNCONDITIONAL Admission the following Graduate School criteria apply: 

 1. An applicant may be admitted without condition if (a) the Bachelor's degree has been earned in a regionally accredited undergraduate degree program, (b) the undergraduate prerequisites for the major or minor field are appropriate, and (c) the applicant has earned an average of "B" (3.00 GPA) during the last two years of the undergraduate degree. 

 2. Admission without condition will also be granted if the GPA during the last two years of between 2.75 and 3.00 and if other aspects of the academic and professional record indicate superior performance and potential. 

CONDITIONAL Admission may be granted as follows: 

 1. The student is a college senior and meets the requirements for Unconditional Admission based upon the last three semesters of undergraduate work.  In this case, admission is Conditional until the Bachelor's degree is granted. 

 2. Conditional Admission may be granted if the applicant lacks the prerequisite undergraduate course work specified by the major department.  The Conditional Admission status will remain in effect until the prerequisite course work has been completed to the satisfaction of the department. 

 3. Conditional Admission may be granted if the applicant has a junior-senior GPA of between 2.50 and 2.75.  The condition generally applied in this instance is maintaining a "B" average (3.00 GPA) for 10 or more graduate credits.  At this point, the student may apply for Unconditional Admission. 
 

 The only standardized test utilized is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  International students are required to (1) score at least 525 on the TOEFL, (2) show evidence of financial resources for a minimum of one year of study, (3) provide a statement concerning whether or not financial assistance from the university will be necessary, and (4) provide a completed physical health examination form. 

 In addition, the Graduate School requires two letters of recommendation written on forms supplied by the Graduate School are required.  These letters are written by persons acquainted with the personal characteristics and/or the academic and professional competency of the student. 

   Students admitted in either category (Unconditional/Conditional) are assigned advisors who work with the student in filing the Plan of Study and making appropriate progress with graduate course work.  Students admitted Conditionally must satisfy any conditions within one year of such admission.  Failure to do so or to do satisfactory graduate work at any time during his/her program is sufficient grounds for dismissal or reclassification to SSS. 

 Graduate School policies allow for alternatives to the accepted policy of admission.  Special Student Status may be granted to individuals in order to take course work and build a "track record" by which their academic proficiency can be evaluated.  A change (Conditional to Unconditional Admission) may be requested and granted after completion of at least 10 credits of graduate work with grades of "B" or better.