Admissions Admissions Policy 27 University of the West offers a diverse and inclusive learning community and welcomes applications from all individuals. Students are admitted based on their academic achievement and potential. The university does not discrimate based upon race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, faith, religion, political views, disability, or any other classification. Application forms are available from the Office of Admissions and may also be downloaded at www.uwest.edu. Prospective students needing assistance with the application process should contact the Enrollment Office. Applicants must provide accurate and complete information on the application for admission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed for admission. Failure to provide authentic application information and documents may result in denial of admission. All material submitted with the application is entered into the applicant s file and cannot be returned to the applicant for any reason. Applications and supporting documents from applicants who do not enroll are securely maintained for a period of two years, after which they are shredded. International applicants should review the International Students section of this catalog. Contact the Office of Admissions for detailed admission requirements to avoid processing delays. Application requirements are also available online at www.uwest.edu.
Completed applications for admission should be submitted to the Admissions Office no later than the deadline indicated below. Extensions of the deadline to apply for admission may be requested from the Enrollment Office. The application and application fee are valid only for the semester indicated on the application form. An applicant may defer admission one time by notifying the Office of Admissions in writing four weeks before the semester indicated on the application begins. In this case, the original application and application fee will be applied to the next period of enrollment. In all other cases, a new application and application fee will be required. Applications received after the deadline may result in a delay in the admission decision for the intended term. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information. Mail completed applications and supporting documents to: Office of Admissions University of the West 1409 Walnut Grove Ave Rosemead, CA 91770 USA Telephone: 800.GO.UWEST (800.468.9378) Fax: 626.571.1413 Website: www.uwest.edu Email: admission@uwest.edu Application Deadlines The following deadlines for application apply to all applicants: Type of Application Fall Semester Spring Semester Summer Session Undergraduate Programs All Departments June 15 November 15 April 1 Graduate Programs MA Religious Studies June 15 November 15 April 1 MBA MA Psychology March 15 Not Applicable Not Applicable MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy PhD Religious Studies ThD Applied Buddhist Studies (pending WASC approval) Non-Degree Programs English as a Second Language July 15 December 1 June 1 Open Enrollment Prior to First Day of Term 28 Admissions University of the West 2014-2015
Admissions Requirements Undergraduate Admission Requirements To be considered for admission, applicants to the Bachelor of Arts and undergraduate-level certificate programs must submit official proof of graduation from high school or successful completion of its equivalent (e.g., GED), with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Admission to the university is selective. All qualified applicants will be reviewed for admission. However, admission to the university is not guaranteed. Students who have not graduated from high school or completed its equivalent may be considered for admission if they have completed a minimum of 24 units of substantive degree-applicable coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) at an accredited or state-approved college or university. Applicants must submit an official sealed transcript from each school, college, and university attended. UWest may allow an applicant to submit original certified copies of official academic records from non-us institutions in special situations. Submit the following to the Office of Admissions: 1. Application fee: $50 Domestic Application $100 International Application; 2. Completed and signed Application for Admission; 3. 400- to 500-word original personal essay answering the question: What skills and attitudes do you believe are necessary for a successful life? This essay must be the applicant s own work. 6. Copies of degrees/diplomas earned (if any); 7. Two (2) letters of recommendation from academic sources, community leaders, employers, clergy (personal recommendations from friends and family are not appropriate); 8. Copy of legal photo identification (e.g. driver s license, state ID, passport) and Social Security card; 4. Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or the equivalent; 5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (if any); 9. Verification of English proficiency for non-native Englishspeaking or international students whose language of instruction was other than English. Please refer to TOEFL and IELTS requirement in this catalog. Application requirements are also available online at www.uwest.edu. International applicants should review the International Students section of this catalog to avoid processing delays. Contact the Office of Admissions with questions. Admissions 29
Graduate Admission Requirements To be considered for admission, applicants to graduate degree and certificate programs must submit official proof of completion of a bachelor s degree from an accredited or state-approved college or a comparable non-us institution of higher learning with a minimum cumulative grade point average as follows: Program Minimum GPA MBA 2.50 MA Religious Studies 3.00 MA Psychology 3.00 MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy 3.00 PhD Religious Studies 3.00 ThD Religious Studies 3.00 (pending WASC approval) Admission to graduate programs is selective and criteria for admission are program-specific. All qualified applicants will be reviewed for admission. However, admission is not guaranteed even if university and program-specific requirements are met. All applicants should submit the following items to the Office of Admissions. Program-specific admission requirements follow the general list below. 1. Application fee: $50 Domestic Application $100 International Application; 2. Completed and signed Application for Admission; 3. 500- to 600-word original Statement of Purpose. This statement must be the applicant s own work; 4. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended; 5. Copies of all degrees/diplomas earned; 6. Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic sources, community leaders, employers, clergy (personal recommendations from friends and family are not appropriate); 7. Copy of a legal photo identification (e.g. driver s license, state ID, passport) and Social Security card; 8. Verification of English proficiency for non-native English-speaking or international students whose language of instruction was other than English. Please refer to TOEFL and IELTS requirements in this catalog. Application requirements are also available online at www.uwest.edu. International applicants should review the International Students section of this catalog to avoid processing delays. Contact the Office of Admissions with questions. 30 Admissions University of the West 2014-2015
Program-Specific Requirements Buddhist Chaplaincy Master of Divinity Statement of Purpose: The statement should describe how enrollment in UWest s MDiv program will further the applicant s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, educational and career objectives. Interview: Applicants should be prepared for a telephone or face-to-face interview, which may be required at the discretion of the chair. A campus visit is strongly recommended. Business Administration Graduate Degree Programs MBA No additional requirements. EMBA Prior degree requirement: Working professionals applying to the EMBA program who have not yet earned a bachelor s degree but have completed a minimum of four years (120 units) of undergraduate coursework at a non-us college or university may be admitted to the EMBA program at the discretion of the department chair. Work Experience: Admission is open to individuals with three or more years of management experience. Certificate Programs Graduate Prior degree requirement: BA in Business Administration or related field Post MBA Prior degree requirement: MBA Psychology Master of Arts (60 units) Religious Studies Master of Arts Doctor of Philosophy & Doctor of Theology Interview: Admission to the 60-unit MFT track may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair. Prior degree requirement: In addition to graduates with traditional bachelor s degrees, graduates of recognized Buddhist colleges are eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies. Prior degree requirement: Applicants must have a master s degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Chaplaincy, Philosophy, or the equivalent. If this criterion is not met, the student cannot be admitted into the PhD or ThD program, but may be eligibile to apply to the MA program. Statement of Purpose: The statement should address the applicant s proposed area of research, his or her academic preparation to engage in such research, and how the program will be instrumental in pursuing his or her scholarly and professional goals. Letters of Recommendation: At least two of the letters of recommendation must be from qualified scholars at recognized educational institutions. Thesis: A copy of the student s MA thesis, if applicable. University of the West 2014-2015 Admissions 31
Admission to English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Applicants to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program must provide proof of graduation from a US high school or the equivalent. Applicants who have not graduated from high school must be 18 years of age or older and may be considered for admission to the program on a case-by-case basis. 1. Application fee: $50 Domestic Application $100 International Application; 2. Completed and signed ESL Application for Admission; 3. Official transcripts from highest degree earned. If none, high school transcript is required; 4. Copy of high school diploma or the highest degree attained; International students who will be attending on an F-1 visa must also submit: 5. Certification of Financial Resources form with an official bank verification if self-sponsored OR Completed Financial Sponsor Agreement with sponsor s official bank verification if not self-sponsored 6. Copy of passport photo page; 7. Copy of current visa (if applicable). International students who are transferring from another US college or university must also submit: 8. Copy of most recent form I-20; 9. F-1 Status Verification form; 10. Transfer Release form (after admission). Open Enrollment Admission Open Enrollment is open to all learners. Applicants must be 18 years of age or provide official proof of high school graduation. Admission to Open Enrollment does not constitute admission to the university. Application for admission to Open Enrollment requires submission of the following: 1. A completed and signed Open Enrollment Application Form; 2. Copy of a legal photo identification (i.e. driver s license, state ID, passport) and Social Security card; 3. Official high school transcript or the equivalent if under 18. 32 Admissions University of the West 2014-2015
Readmission Students who have not enrolled for two or more consecutive semesters (not including the summer session) must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Submit the following: 1. Application for Readmission Fee: $50 Domestic Students $100 International Students 2. Completed and signed Application for Readmission; 3. Statement explaining the reason for break in enrollment; 4. Official transcripts for any coursework completed at another institution while not in attendance at UWest; 5. Other documents as requested. Students who are readmitted must meet the admission and program requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Coursework completed at UWest more than four years prior to the time of readmission must be reviewed by the department chair for applicability to current degree requirements. A student dismissed from UWest for administrative or academic reasons may not be eligible for readmission. University of the West 2014-2015 Admissions 33
34 Admissions University of the West 2014-2015