Catalogue: Online Campus
Admission Requirements and Procedures

All communication regarding entrance to the University should be addressed to the office of admission as listed inside the front cover of the catalogue.  Eligibility for admission will be determined when the application, any required fee, and transcripts have been received by the University. 

Belhaven University seeks students who desire an excellent education combined with a meaningful student life experience and who will have a reasonable chance of academic success at Belhaven University.  Applicants providing evidence of completion of an accredited academic high school curriculum, scholastic achievement, and sound moral character conducive to contributing to the total premium of the College are admitted. 

Belhaven University does not discriminate in the administration of its education policies, application for admission, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and extracurricular programs.  The rights, privileges, programs, and activities at Belhaven University are made available to all students who are enrolled regardless of sex, religion, color, national origin, handicap, or age.

APPLYING FOR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION

Degree-seeking, Freshman Application Process

• Completed admission application
• $25 non-refundable application fee. 
• An official ACT or SAT score report. Belhaven's ACT institutional code is 2180; its SAT code is 1055. Minimum requirement for acceptance is 20 ACT composite or 930 combined critical reading and math SAT score.
• Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended. Minimum GPA required is 2.0.  If transferring from another college with fewer than 12 credit hours, an official ACT or SAT score report is required.
• An essay, interview, and letter of recommendation may be submitted voluntarily by the student or may be requested by the admission office if student does not meet minimum requirements for acceptance.
• A student who has been educated at home must submit a transcript outlining courses taken and ACT or SAT scores; OR meet the requirements for students applying with a GED.
• Provisional Admission-Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given 30 days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to the office of admission or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.
• Conditional Admission-Students who have transferable hours but whose cumulative entering grade point average is lower than a 2.0 or test scores below the minimum requirement may be referred to the admission committee for consideration.  If admitted, students must maintain a 2.0 in the first four three-hour courses.

Dual Enrollment

• Completed admission application
• $25 non-refundable application fee.
• An official ACT or SAT score report. Belhaven's ACT institutional code is 2180; its SAT code is 1055. Minimum requirement for acceptance is 21 ACT composite or 970 combined critical reading and math SAT score.
• Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended. Minimum GPA required is 2.0. 
• A letter of recommendation from your high school guidance counselor or teacher
• An essay, interview, and letter of recommendation may be submitted voluntarily by the student or may be requested by the admission office if student does not meet minimum requirements for acceptance.

Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent enrollment in online courses is available to students enrolled in other programs on a limited basis as described below.  All concurrently enrolled students must satisfy standardized requirements for computer hardware, software, internet connection, attend scheduled online orientation, and meet class attendance requirements.

Concurrent Enrollment - Traditional Students

• Full-Time  Students  
  • Seniors only - in the situation of a senior needing a course for imminent graduation and said course is  not currently offered in the traditional program. Specially scheduled summer courses may also be available through concurrent enrollment.
  • May take up to four courses maximum. 
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.5 GPA or higher.  
  • Must have positive recommendation from the student's assigned academic advisor.
  • Requires approval of Registrar and Dean of Academic Enhancement.
• Part-Time Students
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.5 GPA or higher.  
  • Must be enrolled for less than 12 credit hours a semester. 
  • Must have positive recommendation from the student's assigned academic advisor. 
  • Requires approval of Registrar and Dean of Academic Enhancement.

Concurrent Enrollment – Adult Studies Students

• Adult Studies Students in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Houston, Memphis and Orlando only
  • May take up to four courses maximum for Undergraduate students) and two courses maximum (for Graduate Students). 
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.5 GPA or higher.
  • Must apply through their campus Student Services.
  • Requires approval of DOSS and State Dean.

Changing Programs

All students who change programs to enter Online Campus must satisfy standardized requirements for computer hardware, software, internet connection, complete online orientation, and meet class attendance requirements.

• Traditional
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.0 GPA or higher. 
  • Must have positive recommendation from the student's assigned academic advisor. 
  • Requires approval of Online Campus Student Services and Registrar.
• Adult Studies Students (All campuses)
  • Must have cumulative Belhaven 2.0 GPA or higher. 
  • Must apply through their campus Student Services. 
  • Requires approval of Online Campus Student Services

Admission By Examination

A student who has not graduated from high school may be admitted, but first must take all five tests of the high school level General Education Development (GED). Subscores must be 45 or higher or an average standard score of 50 or higher. The applicant must provide evidence that a high school equivalency certificate has been issued by providing an official transcript of the GED from the state Department of Education of the state that issued the certificate.

Transfer Application Process

• Transfer students must submit a completed application form, the nonrefundable application fee of $25.00, and official college transcripts from all previous colleges attended.  An applicant is not permitted to ignore previous college attendance or enrollment.  A student who misrepresents information in filling out the admission application form or a student who finds after admission or enrollment that he or she is ineligible for academic reasons or any other reason to return to his or her last institution and who fails to report this immediately to the office of admission will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the College.
• An applying transfer student must produce unofficial or official transcript(s) from all previous colleges in order to register for classes.  If unofficial transcripts are submitted, the student will be given thirty days from the beginning date of the first class for the official transcript(s) to be received in the office of admission.  The official final transcript(s) must be received before the student is considered officially registered and eligible to receive financial aid. It is understood by all parties that, if for some reason a student is denied admission as a result of not having all documentation at the appropriate offices by the deadline stated, Belhaven University is not liable for any losses incurred to the student.
• A student who is applying with fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit must send to the office of admission an official high school transcript showing the date of graduation as well as an official report of the ACT or SAT score directly from the testing service. Applications will be processed and admission status determined when all required items, including the ACT or SAT, where applicable, are on file.
• Freshmen who have graduated and been out of high school for five years or more will not be required to submit an ACT score, but their applications must come before the committee.
• A transfer student meeting other qualifications is automatically accepted with a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.  Nonacademic elective credits in health and physical education are excluded from grade point average (GPA) calculation.
• Transfer students may be accepted from other institutions of higher learning only when the program of the transferring institution is acceptable to the receiving institution.
• A student under academic suspension from another college or university may not enter Belhaven for one fall or spring semester following his/her suspension.  A student who has been permanently dismissed from another college or university will not be eligible for admission to Belhaven University. 
• Provisional Admission-Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given 30 days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to the office of admission or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.
• Conditional Admission-Students who have transferable hours but whose cumulative entering grade point average is lower than a 2.0 may be referred to the admission committee for consideration.  If admitted, students must maintain a 2.0 in the first four three-hour courses.

International Application Process

• All international students should complete an application for admission and submit the nonrefundable $25.00 application fee to the office of admission at Belhaven University. 
• An English translation of all course work is required by Belhaven University.  We recommend the following company and can provide an application for this service:
   World Education Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 745
  Old Chelsea Station
  New York NY 10113-0745
  Phone: 212-966-6311 or 800-937-3895
  Fax: 212-966-6395
  E-mail: info@wes.org
• All international students whose native language is not English must present an acceptable score of at least 450 paper-based, or 45 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  A student with a TOEFL score of 450-524 or iBT score of 45-60 will be required to take English as a Second Language courses before beginning their program of study. If a student scores 525 or higher they will not be required to take English as a Second Language courses. Exceptions to this requirement will be considered for students presenting strong verbal scores on the SAT or ACT, or if students provide other evidence of English proficiency acceptable to the University.  In registering for the TOEFL, note the Belhaven TOEFL code number is 1055.
• International students must pay in advance by credit card. 

 
Non-degree Seeking, Special Student Application Process

• Completed admission application
• $25 application fee
• Letter of good standing or transcript from last college attended.

*After attempting 6 semester hours, students must apply for admission as a degree seeking student or make a request to continue as a special student.

Readmission

A student who has previously withdrawn and desires reentry into the program will:

• Apply for readmission.
• Contact the admission office, who will obtain re-entry clearance.
• Contact the office of student financial planning, if applicable.

A student who has been out of the program for six months or longer will reenter under all current program policies.

Transfer Credits

Transfer of credit is controlled by the receiving institution and accreditation does not guarantee transferability. Belhaven University usually allows full credit to transferring students for work completed at other regionally-accredited institutions; however, some courses which are not regarded as consistent with a liberal arts curriculum (to be determined by the provost) may not be credited toward a degree.  Also, remedial courses are not transferable.  A grade of D will be accepted for credit if the student has an overall average of C on all courses transferred from that school.  In the case of transcripts submitted from more than one institution, each transcript is evaluated as a separate unit in chronological order.

A student pursuing an associate of arts degree may transfer a maximum of 53 semester hours of credit.  A minimum of 17 semester hours of credit must be earned in residency at Belhaven University for the A.A. degree.

Once a student has earned 64 hours of junior and/or senior college credit, he/she may not transfer in any more junior or community college hours.  A minimum of 60 semester hours of credit must be earned at Belhaven University or another senior college.  A maximum of 50% of the bachelor’s core curriculum may be transferred into the bachelor’s curriculum with remaining curriculum to be completed at Belhaven University.

 

Applying for Graduate Admission

Master of Business Administration Admission Requirements Regular Admission

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and an official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree and official transcripts of all graduate level work, if any.
• A professional resume which demonstrates a minimum of two years of significant full-time work experience.   Full-  time military service will be considered in lieu of other work experience.
• Successful completion (with a grade of C or better) of college algebra or a higher mathematics course.
• Proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States or by a minimum score of 500 paper-based, 173 computer-based, or 61 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• A minimum score of 350 on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or 800 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and a 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
  • Those with 9 credit hours of master level courses in a comparable discipline, a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course, from a regionally accredited institution can be considered in lieu of undergraduate GPA.
  • An applicant will be accepted as an M.B.A. student if his/her combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average [UGPA] and performance on the GMAT) measure at least 1200 points according to the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT score.
  • Applicants with an undergraduate business degree and a 2.8 GPA in their last 60 hours may waive the testing requirement.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements, but show the potential for success in the M.B.A. program, may be admitted on a conditional basis using the following criteria:

• All admission criteria for regular admission, with the exception of having less than 1200 points on the combined credentials measure, are met.  Conditional admission will be granted to those students whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average [UGPA] and GMAT score) fall in the range of 1000-1199 using the following formula:  (300 x UGPA) + GMAT score
• Students whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average and GMAT score) fall within the 1000-1199 range who have scored under the minimum 350 GMAT score must appeal to the Graduate Council in order to be considered for conditional admission to the M.B.A. program.
• Students admitted on a conditional basis to the M.B.A. program must earn a 3.00 grade point average on the first nine semester hours of graduate work in order to continue in the program.
• The student may be asked to submit an essay or recommendations for review by the program committee.

Provisional Admission

Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given thirty days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to Adult Studies or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.

 

Master of Health Administration Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and an official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree and official transcripts of all graduate level work, if any.
• Proficiency in the English language, as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the
  college or university level in the United States or by a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign
  Language (TOEFL).
• A professional resume which demonstrates a minimum of two years of significant full-time work experience.  Full-time military service will be considered in lieu of other work experience.
• Demonstration of ability to perform graduate level work as exhibited by one of the following:
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) OR 750 or higher on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).   Applicants submitting the MAT are also required to have an undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last sixty hours of undergraduate study.
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). An applicant will be accepted if his/her combined credentials (UGPA and performance on the GMAT) measure at least 1200 points when calculated according to the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT Score.
  • A student who has a cumulative GPA of 2.8 may waive the testing requirements.  Belhaven University Graduates with a 2.8 in the last 60 hours may waive the testing requirement.
  • Those with 9 credit hours of master level courses in a comparable discipline, a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course, from a regionally accredited institution can be considered in lieu of undergraduate GPA.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements, but show the potential for success in the M.H.A. program, may be admitted conditionally based on the following criteria:

• All admission criteria are met with the exception of having less than 1200 points on the combined credentials measure.  Conditional admission will be granted to those students whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average [UGPA] and GMAT score) fall in the range of 1000 - 1199 using the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT Score.
• The following students must appeal to the Graduate Council in order to be considered for conditional admission to the M.H.A. program:
  • Students whose MAT score is under the minimum of 350 and/or whose undergraduate grade point average is below 2.5.
  • Students who have scored under the minimum 350 GMAT score whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average and GMAT score) fall within the 1000 - 1199 composite range.
• The student may be asked to submit an essay or recommendations for review by the program committee.

Students admitted conditionally to the M.H.A. program must earn a 3.00 grade point average on the first nine semester hours of graduate work in order to continue the program.

Provisional Admission

Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given thirty days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to Adult Studies or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.

 

Master of Public Administration Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and an official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree and official transcripts of all graduate level work, if any.
• Proficiency in the English language, as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States or by a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign
  Language (TOEFL) administered by ETS.
• A professional resume which demonstrates significant work experience.  Full-time military service will be considered in lieu of other work experience.
• Two letters of recommendation, with at least one recommendation from a current or former employer.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all undergraduate work or a cumulative on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
  Those with 9 credit hours of master level courses in a comparable discipline, a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course, from a regionally accredited institution can be considered in lieu of undergraduate GPA.
• Demonstration of ability to perform graduate level work as exhibited by one of the following:
  • Submission of a score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) of 350 or higher and an undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last sixty hours of undergraduate study.
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) taken within the last five years.
  • Submission of a score of 750 or higher on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
  • CSM or CPM certification is accepted in lieu of testing requirements above for regular admission.

Conditional Admission 

Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements, but show the potential for success in the M.P.A. program, may be admitted probationally based on the following criteria:

• Student has submitted all required documents for regular admission for the MPA program.
• The student has submitted an entrance essay which demonstrates why the student will be successful in the program to the Office of Admission.
• The application file has been reviewed and approved by the designated Admission Committee for Conditional (Probationary) Acceptance.

Students admitted probationally to the M.P.A. program must earn a 3.00 grade point average on the first 12 semester hours of graduate work in order to continue the program.

Provisional Admission

Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given thirty days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to Adult Studies or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.

 

Master of Science in Leadership Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and an official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree and official transcripts of all graduate level work, if any.
• Proficiency in the English language, as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the
  college or university level in the United States or by a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign
  Language (TOEFL).
• A professional resume which demonstrates a minimum of two years of significant full-time work experience.  Full-time military service will be considered in lieu of other work experience.
• Demonstration of ability to perform graduate level work as exhibited by one of the following:
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) OR 750 or higher on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).   Applicants submitting the MAT are also required to have an undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last sixty hours of undergraduate study.
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). An applicant will be accepted if his/her combined credentials (UGPA and performance on the GMAT) measure at least 1200 points when calculated according to the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT Score.
  • An applicant who has a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or a 2.8 in their last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree may waive the testing requirement.
  • Those with 9 credit hours of master level courses in a comparable discipline, a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course, from a regionally accredited institution can be considered in lieu of undergraduate GPA.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements, but show the potential for success in the M.S.L. program, may be admitted conditionally based on the following criteria:

• All admission criteria are met with the exception of having less than 1200 points on the combined credentials measure.  Conditional admission will be granted to those students whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average [UGPA] and GMAT score) fall in the range of 1000 - 1199 using the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT Score.
• The following students must appeal to the Graduate Council in order to be considered for conditional admission to the M.S.L. program:
  • Students whos. e MAT score is under the minimum of 350 and/or whose undergraduate grade point average is below 2.5.
  • Students who have scored under the minimum 350 GMAT score whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average and GMAT score) fall within the 1000 - 1199 composite range.
• The student may be asked to submit an essay or recommendations for review by the program committee.

Students admitted conditionally to the M.S.L. program must earn a 3.00 grade point average on the first nine semester hours of graduate work in order to continue the program

Provisional Admission

Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given thirty days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to Adult Studies or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.

 

Master of Sports Aministration Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and an official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree and official transcripts of all graduate level work, if any.
• Proficiency in the English language, as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the
  college or university level in the United States or by a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign
  Language (TOEFL).
• A professional resume which demonstrates a minimum of two years of significant full-time work experience.  Full-time military service will be considered in lieu of other work experience.
• Demonstration of ability to perform graduate level work as exhibited by one of the following:
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) OR 750 or higher on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).   Applicants submitting the MAT are also required to have an undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last sixty hours of undergraduate study.
  • Submission of a score of 350 or higher on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). An applicant will be accepted if his/her combined credentials (UGPA and performance on the GMAT) measure at least 1200 points when calculated according to the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT Score.
  • A student who has a cumulative GPA of 2.8 may waive the testing requirements.  Belhaven University Graduates with a 2.8 in the last 60 hours may waive the testing requirement.
  • Teachers can submit PRAXIS scores in lieu of other tests.
  • Those with 9 credit hours of master level courses in a comparable discipline, a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course, from a regionally accredited institution can be considered in lieu of undergraduate GPA.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements, but show the potential for success in the M.S.A. program, may be admitted conditionally based on the following criteria:

• All admission criteria are met with the exception of having less than 1200 points on the combined credentials measure.  Conditional admission will be granted to those students whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average [UGPA] and GMAT score) fall in the range of 1000 - 1199 using the following formula: (300 x UGPA) + GMAT Score.
• The following students must appeal to the Graduate Council in order to be considered for conditional admission to the M.S.A. program:
  • Students whose MAT score is under the minimum of 350 and/or whose undergraduate grade point average is below 2.5.
  • Students who have scored under the minimum 350 GMAT score whose combined credentials (undergraduate grade point average and GMAT score) fall within the 1000 - 1199 composite range.
  • The student may be asked to submit an essay or recommendations for review by the program committee.

Students admitted conditionally to the M.S.A. program must earn a 3.00 grade point average on the first nine semester hours of graduate work in order to continue the program.

Provisional Admission

Students who provide unofficial documentation (such as transcripts) but are missing official documentation may be admitted provisionally.  These students will be given thirty days from the beginning date of the first course to provide official documentation to Adult Studies or risk being removed from class.  A student cannot be certified for financial aid until he/she is officially admitted to the University.