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Graduate Admissions

Admission to the Graduate School and admission to specific degree programs at Ashland University is a two-part process. Students wishing to take graduate courses at Ashland University must follow this admission process and complete the appropriate application.

Minimum standards for admission to the Graduate School are outlined below. Individual degree programs may have additional requirements

The following are required for admission to graduate study at Ashland University:

Graduate Study Students:

  1. A completed Ashland University Application

  2. A $30 application fee

  3. Official academic transcript(s) from accredited institutions of higher education documenting all undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded. Additional transcripts, if applicable, may be requested at the discretion of the Program Chairs.

  4. A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (a minimum of 12 graduate semester hours) is required for full admission to graduate study. Individual programs may choose to admit students on a conditional basis with an undergraduate GPA less than 2.75 or a graduate GPA less than 3.0. Please note: individual graduate degree programs may require higher GPA for admission.

Transcripts, application fees paid by check or money order, or other correspondence should be mailed to:

Ashland University

Attn: Enrollment Services

401 College Avenue

Ashland, OH 44805

Official Electronic transcripts should be submitted to:

enroll-grad@ashland.edu

Conditional Admission Student:

A student admitted conditionally must maintain:

  1. A 3.0 GPA at the conclusion of 12 semester hours of course work. Students who do not maintain a minimum of 3.0 at the conclusion of their first 12 hours of graduate study will be subject to dismissal by the individual program.

  2. Each graduate program may develop additional requirements particular to its own discipline that would apply to conditional students (letters of recommendation, standardized test, writing sample, etc.).

Provisional Admission Student:

Students pursuing a degree, certificate, licensure, or endorsement may be admitted provisionally to graduate study at Ashland University for one semester with unofficial transcripts. Students are blocked after their first semester of registration from taking additional courses until official transcripts are submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Guest Non-Degree may not be admitted provisionally.

Guest Non-Degree Student:

Guest Non-Degree graduate student status applies to a candidate who would like to take graduate course work for professional development or for personal enrichment. To apply for admission as a Guest Non-Degree student, the candidate will be required to provide proof of an undergraduate degree by means of an official academic transcript. If the student decides to apply for a graduate program (change their status to a degree-seeking student) and admission is granted, full credit will be given for up to 12 credit hours completed with a grade of at least "B", while having the non-degree status. This may vary by program. A Guest Non-degree student must receive permission from the Graduate Program administrator before registering for specific courses.

Options for Graduate School Applicants from Non- Regionally Accredited Undergraduate Institutions

Applicants who received an undergraduate degree from a college or university that does not have regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education may apply for acceptance as a degree-seeking student, using one of the following options:

  • Option 1: Obtain an “acceptable score” on a recognized graduate school admission test, as defined by the program to which application is made.

  • Option 2: Upon acceptance as a non-degree seeking student, satisfactorily complete 12 semester hours under the supervision of the program director, after which degree- seeking status will be awarded. Please note: individual graduate programs/colleges may require additional criteria.

    Readmission

Any student who has been absent from the university for three or more consecutive semesters (including summer) must submit a new application for admission to their program.

Students reentering the university will be automatically updated to the current catalog year. Students are not required to pay an application fee or submit transcripts unless coursework was completed at another institution during their absence from AU.

International Students:

Ashland University makes a special commitment to serving the needs of international students. The academic credentials of applicants educated outside of the United States will be evaluated by the Office of International Admissions and evidence of English proficiency may be required of all international students.

  • Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): 79 (84 for Nursing & Ed.D. Program);

  • Paper-based TOEFL (PBT): 550 (563 for Nursing & Ed.D. Program); or

  • IELTS: 6.5 (7.0 for Nursing & Ed.D. Program); or

  • PTEA 55 (59 for Nursing & Ed.D. Program)

  • DET (95 Undergraduate- excluding Nursing, 115 Doctoral & Nursing Programs, 105 Graduate)

Students eligible for admission but who have not attained the minimum score on the tests above (excluding students from English speaking countries, students who have already received degrees from English speaking countries, and students meeting other approved methods of proving English proficiency) will be admitted to The Ashland University Center for English Studies (ACCESS). ACCESS provides an intensive English program for international students and prepares them for admission to academic studies. Upon successful completion of the ACCESS program, students will be admitted to the University and will be evaluated for readiness for full-time graduate program course work.

How to Apply-International Students

International students must apply for admission to the Graduate School well in advance of their proposed entry date. Please visit https://www.ashland.edu/apply-ashland-university for an online international application and more information. Applicants will be required to submit:

  1. Non-refundable application fee of $50 USD.

  2. Copy of passport (also include this for any dependent that will be accompanying you).

  3. Original or certified copies of your transcripts or mark sheets, in English and the original language.

  4. Copy of your most recent graduation certificate or diploma.

  5. TOEFL, IELTS, PTEA, or DET scores, unless seeking admission through the ACCESS program.

  6. Proof of financial support.

  7. Resume. (MBA Only)

  8. Other required documents depend on academic programs.