GRADUATE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
Graduate Academic Community ADMISSIONS CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES Admission Criteria for a Master’s Degree Program Admission to the Graduate and Continuing Studies program is open to qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, Vietnam-era veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to marriage or public assistance. Admission criteria include: 1. Applicants must possess an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the Graduate Programs Committee, in consultation with the Admissions Committee of individual programs. 2. Applicants shall demonstrate that they possess sufficient academic and/or professional background and experience. 3. Applicants shall present evidence that they possess the potential for success in a master’s level academic program. 4. Applicants shall demonstrate their proficiency in written and oral communication in English necessary for success in graduate study. 5. Each program may have additional admissions requirements or may set higher qualifications. Refer to specific program requirements for details.
Admission Deadlines Applications for admission to a graduate program are available online at www. cord.edu/Academics/Graduate/apply1.php or by writing or calling the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies or the program office. A complete list of the required application materials for a program is included with the program description that follows in this catalog. Completed applications should be submitted to the address on the application. Students should consult the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies or the graduate program’s website or application materials for deadlines.
Admission Procedures for a Master’s Degree Program Admission to a graduate program requires submission of the following materials. Additional admission requirements will be addressed in individual program areas. 1. A letter of application indicating intent and required materials submitted for application. 2. A completed Application for Admission to Graduate and Continuing Studies form. 3. An essay of at least 500 words, typed and double-spaced, that represents your highest level of academic writing. Provide a description of your professional experiences and background that have contributed to your readiness for graduate education. Specify those experiences that prepared you for your desired master’s degree. State your professional goals and indicate your potential to achieve this degree. 4. Sealed or certified copies of official transcripts for all postsecondary academic work should be sent directly to Academic Affairs, Attn: Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies. 5. Three letters of recommendation from different individuals. Each program may identify specific requirements for these references. 6. Test scores, if required by the specific program (e.g. GRE, GMAT). The test requirements and acceptable scores vary by program. Please see individual program for minimum requirements.
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7. A nonrefundable $35 application fee payable to Concordia College. All application materials should be sent to Academic Affairs, Attn: Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Concordia College, 901 8th St. S., Moorhead, MN 56562. All admissions materials must be received and processed by the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies before files are forwarded for review to the individual master’s program. Incomplete files will not be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up on the status of materials submitted to the college.
Additional Admissions Procedures for Transfer Students While a program may elect to set additional requirements for evaluating the credentials of applicants who propose to obtain credit for graduate work completed at other institutions or in other programs, the following standards shall apply for transfer of credits into a graduate program at Concordia College. 1. Comparability of academic credit. In order to be acceptable for transfer credit, the academic credit earned at other institutions or programs shall be from programs that are at least equivalent to that into which the applicant proposes to transfer. For example if the Concordia program carries specialized accreditation or meets specific professional standards in order to facilitate licensure or similar recognition, transfer credits need to have been earned in programs with equivalent standards. 2. Recency. In order to be eligible for transfer credit, the courses for which the academic credit was earned must have been taken within seven years of application and carry a grade of B or higher. 3. Level. In order to be eligible for transfer credit, the academic credit must have been earned at a minimum of the master’s level. 4. Content. In order to be eligible for transfer credit, the academic credit must be consistent with the curriculum established for the Concordia graduate program into which the transfer is proposed. 5. Limitations and residency. Transfer of credit is limited to no more than one-third of the total number of graduate hours required in the program for graduation purposes. Individual programs may limit the number of transfer credits allowed. Students should refer to their individual program handbook for information on the transfer of credits.
Additional Admission Procedures for International Students In addition to meeting the previously stated admission requirements, to qualify for admission in an advanced degree program, all international students must demonstrate proficiency in English and must provide evidence of adequate financial support for themselves and any dependents for the duration of their graduate program. Language Proficiency – English proficiency shall be demonstrated prior to admission by achieving a score on the IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum score of 80) that meets the specific graduate program requirements. The test date must be within five years of the date of application. Information on these tests can be obtained at www.ielts.org and www.toefl.org. Students’ official results must be received directly from the testing service before they may enroll. Concordia’s TOEFL code is 6113; no code is required for IELTS. Financial Requirements – The international student financial aid and certification form is required from all international applicants other than permanent residents of the United States, parolees, refugees and United States trust territory applicants, or immigrants. International students must demonstrate and certify adequate financial support before Concordia can issue an I-20 form. Medical Insurance – International students are required to carry and show evidence of health insurance valid in the United States while they are enrolled. Health insurance coverage is offered and available for those who do not already have coverage.