Admission Requirements for South University

Deciding on a college or university is an important step toward pursuing your education, and at South University we want you to understand the admission requirements associated with your program of study.

The Academic Catalog includes individual program descriptions and a full listing of admissions requirements and policies, or you can request more information.

The catalog also contains admissions information for international students, transient students, students with military experience, and joint enrollment for high school students.

General Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

To be admitted to an undergraduate program at South University, the prospective student must:

• Be a high school graduate or the equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Submit a minimum combined SAT I score of 900, a combined ACT score of 19, or a satisfactory score on the University-administered admissions examination (see the Admissions Office)
• If transferring from another institution, meet established criteria for transfer students

* South University does accept the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements
The following undergraduate and graduate programs include additional admission requirements:

College of Arts and Sciences

Graduate Programs

• Criminal Justice – MS
• Professional Counseling – MA

College of Business

Graduate Programs

• Business Administration – AMBA
• Business Administration – MBA
• Healthcare Administration – MBA
• Information Systems & Technology – MSIST
• Leadership – MS
• Public Administration – MPA

College of Health Professions

Undergraduate Programs

• Medical Assisting – AS
• Physical Therapist Assisting – AS

Graduate Programs

• Anesthesiologist Assistant – MMSc
• Physician Assistant Studies – MS

College of Nursing

Undergraduate Programs

• Nursing – BS
• Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion – BSN

Graduate Programs

• Nursing – MS

School of Pharmacy

• Pharmacy – PharmD

MS in Criminal Justice Back to Top

In addition to the general requirements of the University, specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of application for admission and submission of application fee ($50),
•  A 2.7 overall grade point average (GPA) or higher on completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree, or, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) minimum test scores, 450 verbal, 450 quantitative, and 3.5-4.0 analytical, or Millers Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum overall scaled score of 402.

MA in Professional Counseling Back to Top

Admissions criteria for the Professional Counseling program are consistent with those required in other master’s degree level programs at South University. As the admissions process also takes into consideration the characteristics deemed essential to becoming a professional counselor, material is also required which will enable a determination to be made of the applicant’s personal integrity, maturity, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

The criteria used in determining admission to the graduate program include:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 (on an Admissions scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework (including relevant graduate work).
• Applicants for whom English is a Second Language (ESL) must submit a minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 600 or the electronic based score of 250 to be considered for the program.
• Interview with the professional counseling department chair/ program director or designated faculty member.
• Approval of the campus program admissions committee.
• Completion of an application for admission and submission of a $50 application fee.
• Submission of a personal/professional statement addressing the applicant’s interest in counseling, professional goals, along with a self appraisal of academic and professional qualifications.
• Submission (within 12 weeks of class start dates) of official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
• Current résumé (or career summary).

All required admissions documentation and criteria will be reviewed and evaluated. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance. Applicants should review the published general graduate requirements listed in the South University catalog. Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should also refer to the section in the South University catalog entitled Admission of International Students.

MBA Programs and MS Leadership Back to Top

• Completion of application for admission and submission of application fee ($50),
• Completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale, or, completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum combined Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score at or above the 50 percentile.

Foundation Courses Required
Students must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The following foundation undergraduate courses must have been satisfactorily completed from an accredited institution or be satisfactorily completed (grade of C or better) within the first two quarters after acceptance into the MBA program. If the courses are taken at South University, the undergraduate tuition rate will apply to these courses.

• Accounting: two courses (or completion of MBA5000 at South University)
• Macroeconomics: one course
• Statistics: one course

For additional details see the Academic Catalog.

MSIST Back to Top

• Completion of application for admission and submission of application fee ($50)
• Completion of an undergraduate degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution, or, completion of an undergraduate degree and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in the 50th percentile for all three sections or GRE Graduate Subject Test in Computer Science in the 50th percentile or Millers Analogies Test (MAT) minimum raw score of 44.

MPA Back to Top
Admissions criteria for the Master of Public Administration program are consistent with those required in other master’s degree-level programs within the College of Business at South University. As the admissions process also takes into consideration the characteristics deemed essential to becoming a professional within the governmental and non-profit sector, material is also required which will enable a determination to be made of the applicant’s personal integrity, maturity, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

The criteria used in determining admission to the graduate program include:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
•  A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.70 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework (including relevant graduate work). Exceptions to the Minimum GPA:
  • Applications with grade point averages lower than the stated program minimum may be considered for admission with significant evidence of academic and professional potential demonstrated by the career and/or personal accomplishments indicated in the personal statement of academic and professional goals, the career résumé, academic or professional letters of recommendation, and GRE Scores.
  • Although GRE scores are optional, submission of scores may improve an applicant’s application. Exceptions must be recommended by the department chair or program director. Students admitted on an exception basis will be admitted as regular students on a probationary status for the first quarter of enrollment. In order to remain enrolled after the first quarter, the student must achieve a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Applicants for whom English is a Second Language (ESL) must submit a minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 600 or the electronic-based score of 250 to be considered for the program.
• Completion of an application for admission and submission of a $50 application fee.
• Submission (within 12 weeks of class start dates) of official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.

Once all required admissions documents and information are submitted, the criteria will be reviewed and evaluated. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance within two to three weeks of review and evaluation.

Applicants should review the published general graduate requirements listed in the South University catalog. Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should also refer to the section in the South University catalog entitled Admission of International Students.

For additional details see the Academic Catalog.

AS in Medical Assisting Back to Top
Technical standards describe the physical abilities and behavioral characteristics required of students for full participation, and successful completion of the Medical Assisting Program, as well as to function as a fully qualified medical assistant after graduation. Prospective Medical Assisting students should carefully look over these standards and determine if they have any limitations that may interfere with their ability to satisfy any of these requirements.

The requisite standards include, but are not limited to:
Sensory
The Medical Assisting student must be able to read charts, graphs, instrument scales and medication orders, prepare and maintain medical records, and use their senses of hearing and touch to recognize emergencies and to assess the patient’s physical condition.

Communication
The Medical Assisting student must be able to read and write effectively in order to transmit information to all members of the healthcare team. The student must also be able to assess nonverbal communication and respond appropriately. Additional requirements include the ability to interview and record patient histories, provide patient care instructions, use correct telephone technique, collect, prioritize and convey information.

Fine Motor Skills
The Medical Assisting student must manifest all the fine motor skills necessary to safely and accurately use medical instruments and perform diagnostic and clinical procedures (e.g. obtaining the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, drawing blood and administering non-intravenous injections). The student must be able to perform basic secretarial skills, including using a keyboard and the operation of common office equipment.

Gross Motor Skills
The Medical Assisting student must be able to support patients when ambulating, assist patients in and out of a wheelchair, and on and off an examination table. Students must be able to reach equipment and supplies, and respond appropriately to emergency situations in a timely manner.

Psychological Stability
The Medical Assisting student must demonstrate the ability to handle difficult interpersonal situations in a calm and tactful manner. The student must also be able to maintain a composed competent, and confident demeanor during emergency situations.

AS in Physical Therapist Assisting Back to Top
Students intending to enter the Physical Therapist Assisting program will be admitted to South University as candidates for the Physical Therapist Assisting Program. Only after completing prerequisite coursework and achieving the requirements outlined below will students be admitted into advanced standing in the PTA program. Students may transfer prerequisite courses into the program before entering advanced standing if approved by the program director and the registrar.

Admission Requirements:

• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in all mandatory prerequisite courses.
• Minimum grade of B in Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II, lecture and laboratory. Students may retake courses in order to achieve the minimum required grade of B.
• Minimum of 25 hours of observation, volunteer, or employment in at least one physical therapy clinic, attested to by a physical therapist on program provided form.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR (two-year certification).    

For additional details see the Academic Catalog.

BS in Nursing Back to Top
Application Procedure for the Nursing Program
Fully completed application materials (including evidence of completion of all prerequisite courses) are due by the posted deadline, usually the first day of the quarter before admission

(ex., first day of summer quarter for fall quarter program start). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide all application materials. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

• Completion of all prerequisite courses with a C or better
• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better
• GPA of 2.5 or better in the following science courses or course sequences:

1. Anatomy and Physiology
2. Microbiology
3. Chemistry
4. Entrance test results
5. Completion of the forms required for Application for Admission to the BSN Program
6. Transcripts of all collegiate work including courses taken at South University
7. Meet core Performance Standards as described in the Academic Catalog

Students who receive a failing grade in a course for a breach of academic integrity, which has been sustained by the South University Institutional Review Process (Conduct Committee), will not be considered for admission into the Nursing Program.

Applicants will be selected for admission into the Nursing Program using a composite of: cumulative grade point average (GPA), core courses GPA, and entrance examinations.

Students planning to seek admission to the BSN program may complete the program prerequisite courses by choosing one of the following options:

• Transfer credit of previous college study.
• Combine transfer credits and/or credits obtained from South University through the BS in Health Science program.

RN to BSN Back to Top

Admission to RN to BSN Nursing Track

• The applicant has received an ASN Degree from an accredited nursing program or is a diploma graduate, from an accredited nursing program, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in all completed nursing coursework.
• The applicants holds valid and an unencumbered RN license in the state of clinical practice
• The applicant meets core Performance Standards as described in this catalog.

Acceptance in to the Nursing Program

Upon acceptance into the Nursing Program, the student must submit:

1. Registration/acceptance fee (nonrefundable one-time fee) to business office for student enrolling in the BSN program. Students enrolling in the RN to BSN program are not required to pay the registration/acceptance fee.
2. Completed current physical examination record with required immunizations, titers, lab results, and tuberculosis assessment.
3. Comprehensive background check
4. Evidence of health insurance or signed waiver.

Items 2, 3, and 4 are to be submitted to the Nursing Program Administrative Assistant no later than first day of class or by the deadline established on the campus, whichever is earlier.

MS in Nursing Back to Top
Admissions criteria for the Master of Science in Nursing degree program are consistent with those required in other master’s-level programs at South University. Prospective students to the Master of Science in Nursing Program must meet the following:

Admission Requirements

• Completion of application for admission and submission of the application fee ($50).
• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program and a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) undertaken.
• Provisional admission can be granted for a GPA of 2.0 to 2.69 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) undertaken. Final admission requires completion of two graduate courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts from every college or university attended.
• Holds a valid unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
• Completion of a three semester credit hour undergraduate course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of C or better.
• Three letters of recommendation, one academic, one clinical and one other.
• Admissions essay relevant to the program objectives.
• Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.

For additional details see the Academic Catalog.