Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Admissions for GPS

GPS Undergraduate Admissions

The minimum number of semester hours required for admission varies by program. Certain programs may have specific admissions requirements due to accreditation demands. Consult program-specific sections of this Catalog for information.

All semester hours earned in college-level courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. If you have not taken any college courses, you must submit a high school transcript or GED and complete our accelerated, adult General Studies courses.

The following basic admissions requirements must be met:

  • Official high school transcript and/or GED, unless there is a prior college transcript.
  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for any education completed during the past 5 years with an official college transcript from all colleges/universities attended.
  • two years of full-time work experience.
  • An assessment interview, if required.
  • A completed Preliminary Graduation Plan.
  • Payment of $100 tuition deposit. This fee is non-refundable and will be applied toward the tuition of the first course.
  • Applicants from countries and US territories in which English is not the primary language should consult the "International Students" information in the Admission Procedures section of the Catalog.

Depending on whether you are studying online or in the classroom, other expectations include:

  • internet access
  • email access
  • the ability to sit through 4 hours of class one night a week
  • the ability to complete the necessary online attendance policy
  • the ability to attend a class through its entirety
  • the ability to operate computer hardware and software
  • the ability to arrive at class by the scheduled start time and stay until the scheduled finish time.

Admission on Academic Probation

An applicant with a GPA of less than 2.00 may apply for academic probation admittance. A decision to grant probationary admittance will be made by the Admissions Committee. An interview with the Program Director may be required. Students admitted on an academic probation basis must achieve a grade of at least a B in each of the first three consecutive courses in order to be placed on regular admission status. Probationary students who do not achieve at least a B in these three courses will not be allowed to remain in the program.

Applicants with a Felony Record

When an individual with a felony record applies for acceptance, the following procedure will be implemented:

  1. The applicant will write an essay of petition to the Associate Vice President of Graduate and Professional Programs (AVPGPP) including:
    • The incident, the date of the crime, what kind of crime was committed, and where (what county and state) the crime was committed.
    • Whether or not the applicant is on probation and, if so, the name, address and phone number of the probation officer(s).
    • A summary of what the applicant believes has changed in his/her life since the conviction and how a degree will help accomplish any personal goals.
  2. If probation is on-going, the applicant must supply a certified copy of the sentencing entry of court from each court where convicted.
  3. After receipt of the above documents, an interview with the Dean and Program Director of your desired program may be required. If so, the Dean and Program Director will confer with the AVPGPP for the final decision.

When an individual has been convicted of a violent crime, (i.e., sexual offense, assault & battery, murder, etc.) the above procedures will be followed, along with these additional procedures:

  1. The applicant will be scheduled for a mandatory interview with the Dean and Program Director of the desired program.
  2. If probation is ongoing, the applicant must be recommended in writing by the probation officer responsible for the applicant’s case.
  3. In consultation with the program leadership, the AVPGPP will meet with the Provost and legal counsel to review all information/documentation.
  4. All information/documentation, including any recommendation by legal counsel, will be considered in the admission decision.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is granted only for those courses for which a grade of C- or better was earned. Transfer credit policies may vary by degree program. Check the Catalog for program-specific information.

Prior Learning Credit (PLC)

MVNU recognizes that adult students are afforded numerous educational opportunities outside the traditional, structured college classroom. This extra-institutional learning may be achieved through on-the-job training, life experiences, courses sponsored by businesses, government, industry, the armed forces, professional schools, and other credible associations or agencies.

To provide equitable academic recognition for college-level learning, MVNU has established policies concerning credit awards for Prior Learning. Prior learning is defined as college-level learning achieved outside the traditional college classroom and prior to any college coursework in that subject area. Prior experience, while important, will not necessarily be equivalent to prior learning. Adult students must articulate and demonstrate measurable college-level learning outcomes.

Students who request PLC will submit training records, licenses, certificates and/or letters from supervisors for evaluation. Forward these documents to the Site Operation Assistant at the site that you attend. There is no guarantee of the amount of PLC that may be awarded. Upon approval, PLC will be added to student transcripts.

Common forms of PLC accepted by MVNU are as follows:

  • Standardized Examinations/CLEP/DANTES
  • Military/ACE/Professional Licensures
  • Corporate and Professional Training

Students may earn a MAXIMUM of 60 total undergraduate PLC semester hours, subject to the following limitations:

  • The maximum number of PLC semester hours that may be earned for CLEP/DANTES is 30.
  • The maximum number of PLC semester hours that may be earned for all other types is 40.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)/Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) Tests

CLEP and DANTES tests are available for students who need to complete General Education Core or General Elective requirements. There is a fee for each test, plus an additional transcription fee per credit hour earned. Contact a Graduate and Professional Studies Records and Registration Specialist for specific information, academic advice and restrictions. General information may be obtained from the CLEP web site www.CLEP.com and the DANTES web site www.getcollegecredit.com. A maximum of 30 hours from CLEP/DANTES may be applied toward an undergraduate degree.

Graduate Admissions

Admission requirements for graduate programs vary by program. Consult the current catalog for specific information.