Admissions Policies - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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

1. Submit a completed Olivet Nazarene University application form. For the School of Theology and Christian Ministry, an application fee of $25.00 is required. Other fees may be required by some programs. Application forms may be obtained from the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies office. For Education programs, application forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.
2. Demonstrate moral character consistent with attendance at a Christian university.
3. Possess ability and discipline to pursue rigorous college-level studies or graduate level studies.
4. For bachelor’s degree and doctoral program, submit an official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended.  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.
   * Official Transcript: A transcript with the registrar’s seal from the institution granting credit sent directly to the Director of Admissions and Student Services, Olivet Nazarene University, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, 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 Business Administration - SGCS

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

1. If applicant has not attended college previously, one of the following forms of acceptable proof of high school graduation or GED completion must be submitted:
   1. Copy of official high school transcript
   2. Copy of official GED transcript
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 from all institutions previously attended.
3. Candidates may transfer up to 82 hours of credit from an accredited college or university.  Coursework must be college-level to be eligible for transfer.  Developmental, Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or pre-college level courses are not transferable.

Admission to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management - SGCS

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

1. If applicant has not attended college previously, one of the following forms of acceptable proof of high school graduation or GED completion must be submitted:
   1. Copy of official high school transcript
   2. Copy of official GED transcript
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 from all institutions previously attended.
3. Transcript showing proof of completed AAS degree from accredited college or university.  Candidates may transfer up to 82 hours of previous credit, not more than 64 hours of applied credits will be accepted.

Admission to Bachelor of Science in Nursing - SGCS

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 copy of a current R.N. 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 RN-MSN (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing) - SGCS

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 copy of a current R.N. 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.
5. Additional MSN Admission Requirements:
   1. Submit a current registered nurse license in a geographical jurisdiction of the United States.
   2. Submit to, and pass, a criminal background check and drug screening.
   3. Complete all BSN requirements satisfactorily.
   4. Submit evidence of having worked as an RN for at least 2,000 hours prior to matriculation in the MSN portion of the program.

Admission to Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing - SGCS

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

1. Have completed a bachelor’s degree or must have completed at least 60 semester hours of transferrable credit at a regionally accredited institution.
2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (a 3.0 is recommended) from all credits transferred from institutions previously attended.
3. Successfully complete the HESI A2.  This entrance exam can only be taken three times to be considered for admission. Students are allowed to take the first two attempts in one semester, but must wait until the following semester to take the exam a third time.
4. If nursing courses were taken at Olivet or another school, the policy for admission/progression of the Department of Nursing will be followed.
5. Complete all required support courses with a grade of “C” or above.
6. Submit a signed consent regarding prerequisite, criminal background, and drug screening requirements.
7. Students will not be admitted into nursing if any of the following courses are taken more than twice at any university:  Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, Lifespan Development, Microbiology.  Students may not retake more than two science courses.

Pre-Acceptance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing - SGCS

Students who are seeking admission into the ABSN program may go through the admission process for the Pre-Acceptance ABSN program. Olivet offers pre-requisite and general education courses that a student may take while in the Pre-Acceptance ABSN program. Once all pre-requisites are complete, a student may apply for admission into the ABSN program.

Admission to Bachelor of Science in Practical Ministries - SGCS

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 from all institutions previously attended.

Admission to Master of Business Administration - SGCS

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).
3. Have successfully completed (defined as a grade of C- or above) the following four undergraduate courses: accounting; microeconomics; finance; and statistics. NOTE: Applicants may be admitted on probation without undergraduate credit in the areas of statistics, accounting, finance, and economics. However, those applicants must take undergraduate online tutorial courses in the areas of deficiency.

Although the MBA programs are structured with flexibility to serve learners with baccalaureate degrees in business as well as those having degrees in other disciplines, those without the relevant academic background in business core areas are required to attain the appropriate prerequisite knowledge before attempting advanced work.

Admission to Master of Organizational Leadership - SGCS

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 Engineering Management - SGCS

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

1. Provide proof of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an ABET accredited engineer program, or in physics, math, or computer science, OR:
2. Provide proof of any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university AND evidence of three or more years of professional experience in an engineering, technology, or computer science related role.
3. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale).
4. Have submitted a professional resumé.

Admission to Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum & Instruction - SGCS

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, at least two years of consecutive teaching, and consent to host the practicums/research projects/clinical experience-creative project in the school.

Admission to Master of Arts in Education: Reading Specialist - SGCS

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)  Olivet will accept one year teaching experience at admissions with a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the need for two years of teaching experience by the end of the program. The MOU will be provided, signed, and then documented in candidate files.

Admission to English Language Learner Endorsement - SGCS

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

1. Submit a copy of a current teaching license.
2. Submit an official copy of an undergraduate degree transcript from a regionally accredited college or university clearly indicating a minimum GPA 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/research projects/clinical experience-creative project in the school.
4. For those programs that lead to licensure, applicants must submit evidence of passing the State-required basic skills exam. In Indiana, this is Core Academic Skills Assessment (CASA) with three subtests in reading, mathematics, and writing.

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

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 Ethical Building Leadership Endorsement - SGCS

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

1. Submit a copy of a current teaching license.
2. Submit an official copy of an undergraduate degree transcript from a regionally accredited college or university clearly indicating a minimum GPA of 2.5. For those applicants only interested in the core program of study, a master’s degree in education from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body must be verified on official transcripts sent directly to Olivet Nazarene University.
3. Submit a written School Administrator Agreement verifying current employment in or access to a P-12 school setting, at least two years of consecutive teaching or school counseling, and consent to host the practicums/research projects/clinical experience-creative project in the school. The agreement should also provide consent to mentor (or provide a mentor) for the clinical experiences of the program.
4. Submit a letter of recommendation from a school leader (superintendent, principal, or assistant principal) who are qualified to judge the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions in relation to pursuing a P-12 Building Level Administrator license.
5. For those programs that lead to licensure, applicants must submit evidence of passing the State-required basic skills exam. In Indiana, this is Core Academic Skills Assessment (CASA) with three subtests in reading, mathematics, and writing, or an equivalent exam.
6. Submit an acceptable Criminal Background Check (see SGCS Criminal Background Check policy).

Admission to Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) Endorsement - SGCS

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

1. Submit a copy of a current teaching license.
2. Submit an official copy of an undergraduate degree transcript 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 Middle School Endorsement - SGCS

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must provide a copy of a valid Illinois teaching license.

Admission to Safety and Driver Education Endorsement Program - SGCS

In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, the applicant must provide a copy of a valid teaching license, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and the appropriate motor vehicle approval forms available at the links of the Safety and Driver Education page of the Olivet SGCS website at http://graduate.olivet.edu/programs/education/.

Admission to Teacher Leader Endorsement Program - SGCS

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.
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.
4. Submit a current résumé.

Admission to Master of Practical Ministry - SGCS

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

1. Have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. NOTE: Applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Practical Ministries from Olivet Nazarene University are not eligible for the Master of Practical Ministries.
2. Have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale).

Admission to Master of Arts, Biblical Studies - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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 - SGCS

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

1. Submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university showing an earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
2. Have attained an undergraduate grade-point average of 2.75 or better (4.0 scale).
3. Submit a current registered nurse licensure in a geographical jurisdiction of the United States.
4. Have successfully completed (defined as a grade of C or above) an approved undergraduate statistics course. An official transcript for same should be submitted. If this course is not completed prior to admission, it must be completed prior to enrolling in the graduate nursing research course NRSG 679 - Evidence-Based Practice and Project Proposal Development I .
5. Submit a signed consent regarding criminal background and drug screening requirements.
6. Beginning Fall 2017, submit evidence of having worked as an RN for at least 2,000 hours prior to starting the MSN program.

Admission to Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Only - SGCS

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

1. Submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university showing an earned Master of Science in Nursing degree.
2. Have attained a graduate GPA of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale).
3. Submit current R.N. licensure in a geographical jurisdiction of the United States.
4. Have successfully completed (defined as a grade of C or above) within the last five years Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Health Assessment.
5. Submit a signed consent regarding criminal background and drug screening requirements.
6. Beginning Fall 2017, submit evidence of having worked as an RN for at least 2,000 hours prior to starting the MSN program.

Admission to Doctor of Education - SGCS

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

1. Submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university showing a master’s degree.
2. Submit a one to two-page professional résumé .
3. Complete an interview. This time will be an opportunity to assess personal goals, oral communication skills, and ability to interact with other professionals.
4. Complete a writing on demand exercise at the time of the personal interview. Guidelines and the use of a computer lab will be provided at the time of the exercise.

International Student Admissions Policy - SGCS

All applicants to the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must comply with the admission requirements as listed below. The requirements must be met before the University may issue an I-20 form to an international applicant. Specifically, the conditions are as follows:

1. The prospective student must complete and return a written international student application to the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. 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. The prospective student is required to provide a notarized affidavit of financial support along with a current bank statement to confirm that he/she will be able to provide for his/her full program (tuition and fees, books, living costs, etc.) at the University without resorting to unauthorized employment. Payment of tuition and fees for the first year will be required before the applicant is eligible to receive the I-20 form.
5. It is the responsibility of an international student on an F-1 visa to maintain full-time status.
6. The applicant must take a physical examination and present medical history records. In addition, the student is required to purchase a college health insurance policy or provide proof of adequate coverage. The international student should also provide the name and address of a friend or relative in the United States who is empowered and willing to make decisions on behalf of the student in case of an emergency.
7. The applicant may not proceed any further in the application process unless the above conditions are met and the student’s I-20 form is signed by the appropriate school authority. All questions concerning admission and status of international students seeking admittance into the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies should be referred to the Dean at the SGCS.

Conditional Admission, Undergraduate Programs - SGCS

A student who does not meet regular admission requirements for the degree completion programs may be permitted to enroll on a probationary, or conditional, status. Continued enrollment in the program is contingent upon the student’s completion of the admission requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to assure completion of any missing items from the admission file. The student is given a due date by which to fulfill this responsibility and thereby continue in the program. If the requirement is not met by the given date, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the program.

Conditional Admission, Graduate Programs - SGCS

A student applying for a graduate program who does not meet the specific program admission requirements, but has no lower than a 2.0 cumulative Baccalaureate GPA, may present a petition, with documentation, to be considered for conditional admission. The following additional documentary evidence is required in order to be considered for conditional admission:

REQUIRED:

1. Submit a letter of petition to Admissions in the SGCS that identifies why you are petitioning, as well as rationale for conditional admission that demonstrates evidence of personal or professional growth. Include a description of development, professional engagement, leadership opportunities, continuing education, current certifications and/or other evidence of applicable growth since completion of the bachelor’s degree. Attach all applicable materials (e.g. certificates of completion, etc.).
2. Submit a current résumé.
3. Submit two letters of recommendations (one current/recent supervisor and one Master’s prepared individual who is able to speak to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a graduate program).
4. Complete your file by submitting the remainder of transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
5. Complete the SmarterMeasure Self-Assessment (SGCS staff will grant you access upon receipt of your petition).
6. Submit a writing sample, reviewing the results of your SmarterMeasure Self-Assessment (available immediately upon completion), reflecting on the findings of your level of preparation for graduate study in the key domains assessed, and writing a response to each domain that highlights your level of preparation for the program and specifically what plans, goals, and/or resources you will use to address any identified concerns. Submit both the written reflection and self-assessment to Admissions.

Upon completion and submission of the above items, the applicant’s petition and supporting documents will be reviewed by the Graduate School Admission committee. If the petition is accepted, the applicant will be conditionally admitted to the University.

1. If the student is conditionally admitted, he/she will be enrolled in the first two courses of the program. Note: The Admissions Committee may recommend/require tutoring, academic coaching, and/or additional course work based on the SmarterMeasure assessment results and writing sample.
2. The student must meet all required steps, receive a B- or better in both of the first two courses, and have a combined GPA of 3.0 for these two courses, to be considered fully admitted into the program. If a grade lower than B- is received in either course, the student will be academically withdrawn from the program.
3. If the applicant does not meet the requirements or does not achieve the necessary GPA of 3.0 or higher in the first two courses, the student will be academically withdrawn from the program.
4. Once fully admitted, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.
5. If at any time a student is academically withdrawn from the program, the student may only reapply by petition to the Program Director and Dean with evidence of meeting the minimum required GPA from courses taken at an accredited institution of higher education other than Olivet.

Special Admission, Undergraduate Programs - SGCS

A student who does not plan to become a candidate for a bachelor’s degree in this institution, or a student who does not meet regular or conditional criteria, but wishes to take individual coursework for academic credit as a special student, may do so by submitting all application forms for admission and meeting the following requirements:

1. Submitting official transcripts from previously attended institutions intended for use in transferring credits for applicable programs.
2. Meeting all course prerequisites.
3. Providing recommendations as required by a particular program.
4. Demonstrating ability to do college-level coursework, as evidenced by transcripts and recommendations.
5. Completing other requirements as stated in the general admissions section above.

A student admitted by special admission is not expected to pursue a program leading to a degree at Olivet Nazarene University. Should the student desire to do so later, an application for change of status must be submitted to the Dean at the SGCS, approval obtained, coursework evaluated, and regular steps in the program followed. Credit earned as a special student is not automatically applied toward degree requirements. Credit is not granted for an audited course.

Special Admission, Graduate Programs - SGCS

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 graduate credit as a special graduate student, may do so by submitting all application forms for admission and meeting requirements that include:

1. Possessing of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Submitting official transcripts from previously attended institutions.
3. Providing recommendations as required by a particular program.
4. Demonstrating ability to do graduate-level course work as evidenced by transcripts and recommendations.
5. Completing other requirements as stated in the general admissions section above.

A student admitted by special admission is not expected to pursue a program leading to a degree at Olivet Nazarene University. Should he or she later desire to do so, an application for change of status must be submitted to the Dean at the SGCS, approval obtained, coursework evaluated, and regular steps in the graduate program followed. Credit earned as a special student is not automatically applied toward degree requirements.

Admission for College Seniors, Graduate Programs - SGCS

A senior who is within the last year of completing the course requirements for the baccalaureate degree or another person who has not earned the baccalaureate degree and who (1) is of good moral character as evidenced by either pastor and friend or associate’s recommendations or a current undergraduate student at Olivet Nazarene University, and (2) is seemingly able to do graduate work as evidenced by transcripts, may, with the approval of the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, register for one graduate course per semester. To obtain regular graduate status after being granted the bachelor’s degree, the student must follow regular graduate admission procedures. Senior-graduate students may take courses to fill undergraduate needs, for certification, for enrichment, or for future use in the graduate program. However, graduate courses will not count for both undergraduate and graduate credit.