Graduate & Online Undergraduate Admissions Policies and Procedures

Olivet Nazarene University carefully assesses applicants for the various program offerings on the basis of evidence provided in all application materials.  Therefore, while a personal interview is not required for most programs, application materials submitted must be prepared thoroughly, thoughtfully, and professionally for full consideration.  Applications will be processed upon receipt of all required materials.

General Admission Requirements

To be admitted into a graduate program at Olivet Nazarene University, an applicant must meet the following general prerequisites:

1. Submit a completed Olivet Nazarene University application form (www.olivet.edu).
2. Demonstrate moral character consistent with attendance at a Christian university.
3. Possess the ability and discipline to pursue rigorous graduate-level studies.
4. For master’s degree programs, submit an official transcript for the completed bachelor’s degree program, as well as all transcripts for all master’s-level course work. For the doctoral program, submit an official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Official transcripts must be received no later than 30 days after the start of a program.
   * Official Transcript: A transcript with the registrar’s seal from the institution granting credit sent directly to Olivet Nazarene University, Graduate Admission, One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345.

For all programs in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry, materials should be sent to: Director of Graduate Programs; ONU School of Theology and Christian Ministry; One University Avenue Box 6048; Bourbonnais, IL 60914.

For students who have attended foreign universities, please provide an official U.S. evaluation report from an approved evaluator service organization.  The organization must be a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). Please see NACES.org for approved organizations.

Please refer to the programs listed below for additional admission requirements. Special and probationary admission requirements are detailed later in this section of the catalog.

Admission to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution or a diploma from a school for registered nurse education.
2. Submit a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in a geographical jurisdiction of the United States.
3. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all credits transferred from institutions previously attended.
4. Submit a signed consent regarding criminal background and drug screening requirements.

Admission to Master of Business Administration

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Provide proof of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale).

Admission to Master of Organizational Leadership

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Provide proof of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale).

Admission to Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum & Instruction

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Submit a copy of a current teaching license.
2. Submit an official transcript providing proof of a bachelor’s degree in education, or master’s degree in teaching, from a regionally accredited college or university and clearly indicating a minimum GPA of 2.5.  Those who have completed an alternative program leading to licensure should submit evidence of completion of that program as well as their bachelor’s degree transcripts indicating a minimum GPA of 2.5
3. Submit a written School Administrator Agreement verifying current teaching status and consent to host the practicums/research projects/clinical experience-creative project in the school.

Admission to Master of Arts in Education: Reading Specialist

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Submit a copy of a current teaching license.
2. Submit an official transcript providing proof of a bachelor’s degree in education, or master’s degree in teaching, from a regionally accredited college or university.  Those who have completed an alternative program leading to licensure should submit evidence of completion of that program as well as their bachelor’s degree transcripts indicating a minimum GPA of 2.5.
3. Submit a written School Administrator Agreement verifying current teaching status, at least two years of consecutive teaching, and consent to host the practicums in the school. (Full master’s program only) 
4. Verification that a certified Reading Specialist, with a Professional Educator License (PEL) and three years of experience as a licensed reading specialist, to serve as a mentor during all clinical experiences, is employed in the building/district.

Admission to English as a Second Language and/or Bilingual Education Endorsement

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Provide a copy of a valid Illinois teaching license.
2. Submit an official transcript providing proof of a bachelor’s degree in education, or master’s degree in teaching, from a regionally accredited college or university.  Those who have completed an alternative program leading to licensure should submit evidence of completion of that program as well as their bachelor’s degree transcripts indicating a minimum GPA of 2.5.
3. Submit an Administrative Agreement letter signed by the principal consenting to host practicum at their school.

Admission to Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) Endorsement

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Submit a copy of a current teaching license.
2. Submit an official transcript providing proof of a bachelor’s degree in education, or master’s degree in teaching, from a regionally accredited college or university, clearly indicating a minimum GPA of 2.5.
3. Submit a written School Administrator Agreement verifying current employment in or access to a P-12 school setting and consent to host the clinical experience in the school. The clinical experience school setting must be within the grade levels of the candidate’s license.

Admission to Safety and Driver Education Endorsement Program

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must provide a valid Illinois driver’s license, and a School Administrator Agreement letter.

Admission to Teacher Leader Endorsement Program

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Provide proof of a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Master’s degree required if a student is only enrolling in the endorsement program and does not intend to complete a Curriculum & Instruction master’s degree at ONU.
   1. Bachelor’s degree required if completing a Curriculum & Instruction master’s degree and endorsement program.
   2. Master’s degree required if a student is only enrolling in the endorsement program and does not intend to complete a Curriculum & Instruction master’s degree at ONU.
2. Submit a copy of a current and valid Illinois teaching license.
3. Submit a letter of recommendation from the principal which also confirms a minimum of two years of teaching experience, and agrees to host the clinical experience/practicum within the school/district.

Admission to Master of Arts, Biblical Studies

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Satisfy these curricular prerequisites for admission.
   1. Biblical Hermaneutics (3 hours)
   2. Old Testament Introduction (3 hours)
   3. New Testament Introduction (3 hours)
   4. Biblical Greek or Hebrew (8 hours)
   5. A systematic theology course (3 hours)
   6. A demonstrated ability to write well. Students whose undergraduate preparation does not meet these prerequisites may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements. Rules and deadlines for making up the deficiency will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
3. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program, as evidenced by three recommendations. Two of these should be from people able to address the applicant’s academic ability and potential. The third should be personal and may address the applicant’s moral and spiritual character.

Admission to Master of Arts, Christian Ministry

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to speak about the applicant’s academic ability, one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian and moral life, and one that is personal. The personal recommendation may be a second academic reference or it may be from a person who has supervised the applicant in work or ministry. While this master’s degree, as a “gateway” program, has no specific undergraduate prerequisites in theology, biblical studies, or ministry, an education that emphasizes critical thinking and clear expository writing and that provides a general knowledge of Western Culture as well as at least a brief acquaintance with one other culture would be especially appropriate. Students with an undergraduate background in specific areas in the curriculum will be placed in advanced courses in those areas.

Admission to Master of Arts, Family Ministry

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.7 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Satisfy these curricular prerequisites for admission:
   1. Biblical Hermeneutics
   2. Introduction to Old & New Testament
   3. Christian Theology I & II
   4. Wesleyan Holiness Theology
   5. Intro to Philosophy
   6. World Religions

Students whose undergraduate preparation is deficient in these areas may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements. Rules and deadlines for making up the deficiency will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

3. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Arts in Family Ministry program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to speak about the applicant’s academic ability and one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian and moral life. The third, a personal reference, may be another academic reference or a reference from a work or ministry supervisor. If the person making the pastoral reference is not also a supervisor, then a reference from a supervisor is especially appropriate.

Admission to Master of Arts, Pastoral Leadership

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Be currently serving in a full-time, part-time, volunteer, staff, or lead ministry role that is recognized by the local congregation.
2. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale).
3. Have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in ministry preparation. The program assumes basic competency in Bible, theology, and ministry practices. Students who do not have an undergraduate ministry degree may submit transcripts for evaluation to determine whether they may be considered a candidate for this program.
4. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant’s academic ability and one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian and moral life. The third may be a reference from a ministry supervisor. For the student already in ministry, the pastor and the ministry supervisor will be the same person, which is acceptable as long as the three recommendations cover three areas: academic, personal spiritual and ethical, and institutional/ministerial.
5. Demonstrate the ability and discipline necessary to pursue graduate level studies while engaging in and reflecting upon the actual practice of Christian ministry.

Admission to Master of Arts, Pastoral Ministry

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.7 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Satisfy these curricular prerequisites for admission:
   1. Biblical Hermeneutics
   2. Introduction to Old & New Testament
   3. Christian Theology I & II
   4. Wesleyan Holiness Theology
   5. Intro to Philosophy
   6. World Religions

Students whose undergraduate preparation is deficient in these areas may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements. Rules and deadlines for making up the deficiency will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

3. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to speak about the applicant’s academic ability and one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian and moral life. The third, a personal reference, may be another academic reference or a reference from a work or ministry supervisor. If the person making the pastoral reference is not also a supervisor, then a reference from a supervisor is especially appropriate.

Admission to Master of Arts, Religion

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.7 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Satisfy these curricular prerequisites for admission:
   1. Biblical Hermeneutics
   2. Introduction to Old & New Testament
   3. Christian Theology I & II
   4. Wesleyan Holiness Theology
   5. Intro to Philosophy
   6. World Religions

Students whose undergraduate preparation in religion is deficient may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements.  Rules and deadlines for making up the deficiency will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

3. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Arts in Religion program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant’s academic ability and one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian and moral life. The third may be another academic reference. Or it may be a reference from a work or ministry supervisor. If the person making the pastoral reference is not also a supervisor, then a reference from a supervisor is especially appropriate.

Admission to Master of Ministry

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Have successfully completed a minimum of 15 undergraduate hours in religion, Bible, or theology. Students whose undergraduate preparation in religion is deficient may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements. Rules and deadlines for making up the deficiency will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
3. Demonstrate the ability to succeed in the graduate-level Master of Ministry program, as evidenced by two or three recommendations – one from a pastor or other spiritual adviser and one from a person who can speak to the applicant’s academic capacity. If pastor or spiritual adviser is different from the student’s supervisor in ministry, the student is encouraged to include a third recommendation from a ministry supervisor such as, in the case of a Nazarene applicant, the District Superintendent.
4. Be actively involved in church ministry.

Note: The Master of Ministry/Spanish program requires fluency in the Spanish language in addition to the above.

Admission to Master of Divinity

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.7 or better (4.0 scale).  Students whose undergraduate preparation is deficient in these areas may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements.
2. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s Master of Divinity program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to speak about the applicant’s academic ability and one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian and moral life. The third, a personal reference, may be another academic reference or a reference from a work or ministry supervisor. If the person making the pastoral reference is not also a supervisor, then a reference from a supervisor is especially appropriate.

Admission to Master of Arts, Urban Ministry

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.7 or better (4.0 scale).
2. Satisfy these curricular prerequisites for admission:
   1. Biblical Hermeneutics
   2. Introduction to Old & New Testament
   3. Christian Theology I & II
   4. Wesleyan Holiness Theology
   5. Intro to Philosophy
   6. World Religions

Students whose undergraduate preparation in religion is deficient may apply for conditional admission, if they satisfy the other requirements. Rules and deadlines for making up the deficiency will be decided on a case-by-case basis

3. Demonstrate the ability to succeed as a graduate student in Olivet’s M.A. in Urban Ministry program, as evidenced by three recommendations. One should be from a person able to speak about the applicant’s academic ability, one from a pastor or other person who can speak to the applicant’s Christian life, and one that is personal. The personal recommendation may be a second academic reference, or it may be a reference from a work or ministry supervisor. If the person making the pastoral reference is not also a supervisor, then a reference from a supervisor is especially appropriate.

Admission to Master of Science in Nursing

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Complete an application.
2. Submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university showing an earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
3. Submit transcripts from any accredited institutions attended, where pre-requisites for a nursing program and BSN nursing courses were completed, and any completed nursing graduate coursework.
4. Have attained a BSN undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale).*
5. Submit a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in a geographical jurisdiction of the United States.*
6. Have successfully completed (defined as a grade of C or above) an approved college-level statistics course. An official transcript for same should be submitted.
7. Submit a signed consent regarding criminal background and drug screening requirements.
8. Submit evidence of having worked as an RN for at least 2,000 hours prior to starting the respective clinical/practicum tracks (ED: NRSG 634, FNP: NRSG 665, & TL: NRSG 648).**
9. Students may not be admitted to the Olivet MSN program who have been dismissed from another MSN program.

*Students who do not meet these criteria, please speak with an Admissions Counselor about a possible conditional admission
**Students who do not meet these criteria, please speak with an Admissions Counselor about a possible conditional enrollment.

Admission to Post-MSN Certificate Tracks

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must:

1. Complete an application.
2. Submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university showing an earned Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
3. Have attained an MSN GPA of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale).*
4. Submit current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in a geographical jurisdiction of the United States.*
5. Have successfully completed (defined as a grade of B- or above) within the last five years Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment (only FNP & Education tracks). **
6. Submit a signed consent regarding criminal background and drug screening requirements.
7. Submit evidence of having worked as an RN for at least 2,000 hours prior to starting the respective clinical/practicum tracks (ED: NRSG 634, FNP: NRSG 665, & TL: NRSG 648)**

*Students who do not meet these criteria, please speak with an Admissions Counselor about a possible conditional admission.
** Students who do not meet these criteria, please speak with an Admissions Counselor about a possible conditional enrollment.

Admission to Doctor of Education

Olivet Nazarene University carefully assesses the Ed.D Program applicants based on evidence provided in all application materials. In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, to be admitted into the Ed.D Program, an applicant must meet these requirements:

1. A completed application.
2. An earned master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or its equivalency).
3. Official transcripts of all graduate credits from previously attended colleges/universities.
4. Attained a graduate level GPA of 3.25.
5. A résumé or curriculum vitae which demonstrates professional experiences reflecting readiness to enter a doctoral program.
6. Submission of a letter of intent (500-700 words)
   1. Include description of the status of your current leadership in a professional field
   2. Describe an issue or challenge you are facing in your professional organization or field you would like to research or solve.
   3. Explain how the Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership would contribute to your professional goals and the transformation of cultures and society.

Note: Candidates should save a copy of the Letter of Intent for the first course.

International Student Admissions Policy

Online Programs

All applicants to fully online Graduate and Continuing Studies programs who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must comply with the admission requirements as listed below.

You are considered international even if you plan on studying strictly online from your home country; however, since you will not be entering the United States, you will not require an F-1 visa or evidence of financial resources. International students studying online will still be required to complete the application, provide transcript evaluations and TOEFL test scores if applicable

1. The prospective student must complete an online application for admission to the university. When all required information is received, the application file is evaluated and an admission decision is made. The applicant is notified, and instructions for further action are sent to the applicant.
2. The prospective student must have all official transcripts sent directly from each school attended to satisfy the University that the applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that required of a US-educated applicant to the same program. All records submitted must be official transcripts certified by the appropriate school official and should list the subject taken, grades earned, or examination results in each subject, as well as all certificates or diplomas. These documents must be accompanied by an official English translation and an “Educational Credential Evaluators Report” secured at the applicant’s expense if the transcripts are from a school outside the U.S. All records must be submitted at least six months prior to the expected enrollment date.
3. The University requires that the prospective student demonstrate possession of adequate English language proficiency to pursue a course of study on a full-time basis. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the internet-based test is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all new undergraduate international students. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test is required for graduate international students. If English was the medium of instruction throughout formal education, a TOEFL score may not be needed. Students with more than 48 academic semester units from U.S. colleges/universities taken just prior to attending Olivet may be able to waive their TOEFL requirement for admission.
4. Arrangements will be made through Student Financial Services for payment of courses taken at ONU.

U.S. Citizen Language Requirement

All Graduate course content and instruction is in English and offered at an accelerated pace. The University requires that the prospective student possess adequate English language proficiency to pursue a course of study at the respective bachelor or master academic level.  Olivet’s graduate programs do not provide students with academic support or resources specific to deficiencies in English language proficiencies.

Conditional Admission, Graduate Programs

A student applying for a graduate program who does not meet the specific program admission requirements may still be considered for conditional admission. Please contact your admission counselor for next steps.

Conditional Admission, Doctor of Education Program

A candidate applying for the Doctor of Education Ethical Leadership (Ed.D.) program who does not meet the specific program admissions requirements may still be considered for conditional admission. Please contact your admission counselor for next steps.

Admissions to Non-degree Seeking Students Taking Individual Courses or Certificate Programs

A student who does not plan to become a candidate for the master’s degree in this institution, but who wishes to take individual coursework for undergraduate or graduate credit, or wishes to complete a Certificate Program* may do so by submitting a non-degree seeking application. There are no other admissions requirements.

Individual courses and certificate courses are offered to non-degree seeking students who have not been formally admitted to a program of study. Non-degree seeking students may take up to 9 credit hours as individual courses or may complete an entire Certificate Program*. The approved list of individual courses and certificate programs is available on the www.olivet.edu website. To continue in a degree program, they will need to apply for full admission to the program.

For approved Certificate Programs, all courses must be completed at Olivet. No courses will transfer in towards these certificates.

*Policy is not applicable to Certificate Programs that have additional admissions requirements.

600-Level Certificate Courses Counting for Credit in the Master Degree Program

A major advantage of the graduate certificate programs and 600-level single course registration courses is that they enable students to count credits toward a master’s degree.

Note: A student must apply and be accepted into a degree program to take additional 600-level courses (more than 9 credits) from the degree major, however he or she may complete an entire certificate program for which they are enrolled.