Admissions

Application Requirements and Admissions Standards

Applicants apply to a specific University program or residency; applicants must fulfill the application requirements and meet the admissions standards of the program to which they are applying. Applicants for programs apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants for residencies apply directly to the Program Director or sponsor of the residency.

Application Fee

Some programs may charge an application fee. In addition, students that are required to apply through a third-party central application service may be charged an application fee by the service provider. 

Tuition Deposit

All programs require admitted students to pay a tuition deposit to reserve their spot in an entering class.  Tuition deposits are nonrefundable. Tuition deposit amounts may vary by program.

Enrollment Agreement

All students are required to complete an Enrollment Agreement prior to matriculation.

Admission Transferability

Applicants apply to and are admitted to a specific University program. If an applicant would like to be considered for a different program at any time during the admissions process, the student must notify the Office of Admissions. Students who have been denied admission into a specific University program may apply to another University program at any time. Students who have been granted admission into a specific University program are not automatically eligible for acceptance into another University program.

Admissions Decision Appeal

Admissions decisions are ineligible for appeal.

Denial and Reapplication

Admissions deliberations are confidential and are not disclosed to applicants, including those denied acceptance into a University program. Applicants who are denied acceptance to a program may apply to the same program during the application cycle associated with matriculation a calendar year later than the prior intended (but denied) term of matriculation (i.e., applicants who applied for Fall matriculation may reapply to the same program for matriculation in the next Fall). Applicants who have been denied acceptance into a University program may apply to a different University program at any time.

Contingent Admission

Applicants may be accepted based upon contingencies such as completion of an undergraduate degree, fulfillment of a prerequisite including non-credit remediation courses, or receipt of a high school diploma. 

Students who qualify for contingent admission will be required to resolve all contingencies listed on the Contingent Acceptance letter by the required due date. Generally, the due date for the resolution of contingencies is no later than the end of the student’s first term, although deadlines may be earlier. Extensions may also be granted on an individual basis with the approval of the Office of the Registrar.   

Applicants who fail to resolve contingencies by the required due date may impact their financial aid eligibility and, in some cases, may be administratively withdrawn. Students are responsible for tuition and fees even if accepted on a contingent basis.

Deferred Admission

Applicants to some programs who have been accepted to a University program but are unable to enter as planned may request deferred admission for up to one year. Request for deferment shall be made in writing and submitted to the Office of Admissions. 

Rescinded Admission

The University reserves the right to rescind admission to any of its programs. Reasons may include, but are not limited to, falsification of application information, disciplinary issues, behavior inconsistent with SCU values, violations of SCU policy, missed deadlines, and updated grades posted on final transcripts. The University and its programs may or may not disclose the reason for rescinding admission. The decision to rescind an offer of admissions is final. 

Reentry

Students who withdrew or were administratively withdrawn from a University program while in good academic standing are eligible for reentry into the same program. Reentry students will be required to meet the degree requirements in place at the time of their original matriculation date. Students who reenter remain eligible for the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee in place at the time of their original matriculation date.  Students must submit a request for reentry to the Office of the Registrar. The following conditions must be met prior to reentry being granted:

• The student’s last date of attendance is less than one year prior to the date of reentry. 
• The student has fulfilled all outstanding financial obligations to the University or has arranged a payment plan with the Office of Student Accounts. 
• The student meets with an advisor to develop a personalized Degree Completion Plan. 
• The Degree Completion Plan must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Students who have been dismissed from the University for any reason are ineligible for reentry. 

Readmission

Students who withdrew or were administratively withdrawn from the University while in good academic standing are eligible for readmission into the same program. Readmission applies only to students who have been out of attendance for a year or more and who wish to return to the same University program. 

Readmitted students will be required to meet the degree requirements in place at the time of readmission.  Readmitted students are subject to the tuition in place at the time of their readmissions. Students seeking readmission must reapply and go through the same admissions process as first-time applicants. Students must notify the admissions office that they are seeking entry under the readmission policy.

The following conditions must be met prior to readmission being granted:

• The student has fulfilled all outstanding financial obligations to the University or has arranged a payment plan with the Office of Student Accounts. 
• The student meets with an advisor to develop a personalized Degree Completion Plan. 
• The Degree Completion Plan must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Students who have been dismissed from the University for any reason are ineligible for readmission. 

Reapplication to the University after Dismissal

Students who have been dismissed from the University are ineligible for reentry or readmission to the same program.  Students who have been dismissed from the University may reapply to another University program.

Students must reapply and go through the same admissions process as first-time applicants.  Students must notify the admissions office that they are reapplying after having previously been dismissed from another University program. 

The following conditions must be met as part of the reapplication process:

• The student must fulfill all outstanding financial obligations to the University or arrange a payment plan with the Office of Student Accounts. 
• The student must meet with an advisor to develop a personalized Academic Development Plan. 

Student seeking financial aid must meet with the Office of Financial Aid to review financial aid eligibility.

Students Requesting Accommodations

Students may request accommodations consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act as amended (ADA) at any time. Students who plan to request accommodations are encouraged to notify admissions as early in the process as possible. Students who do so will be referred to the Office of Student Services. 

International Student Admission

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and the program, international students must fulfill the requirements described below. An international student is defined as any student seeking an F-1 Visa to study in the United States. International students are encouraged to allow adequate time to fulfill the necessary requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency by providing one of the following:
  • Proof of graduation from a high school, college, or university whose primary mode of instruction was English. All foreign academic transcripts are to be evaluated by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website.
  • Proof of graduation from a high school, college, or university in a country in which English is the official language. All foreign academic transcripts are to be evaluated by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) web-site.
  • Canadian students are not required to have their academic transcripts evaluated by NACES if their high school, college, or university provides transcripts in English and are sent directly to SCU.
  • A score of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (iBT-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
  • A score of at least the current mean score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) for those applicants who did not take the iBT-based test.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.5.
• Evaluation of Foreign Credits to Demonstrate Equivalency:
  • Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign high school, college, or university must have their credentials evaluated to demonstrate that the courses or degree earned meet the admissions standards. The University will accept evaluations by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website.
  • Canadian students are not required to have their credentials evaluated by NACES if their high school, college, or university provides transcripts in English and are sent directly to SCU.
• Submit proof of health to the Office of Student Services within 30 days of matriculation.
  • Must be issued by a licensed U.S. physician or other qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis.
• Students may be required to verify vaccination or other public health requirements.
• For students seeking an F-1 Visa, provide all necessary documentation for issuance of an I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status including:
  • Certification of Finances form with evidence of financial resources to complete the academic program.
  • Original financial support/bank documents showing proof of possession of adequate funds.
  • Proof of health insurance with a valid and unexpired policy that provides coverage in the United States.
  • A copy of a valid passport, including name, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, photo, and signature.

For students seeking an F-1 student visa, the University has approval for the Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine programs. 

For admissions purposes, some academic programs at the University recognize undergraduate coursework only from colleges or universities accredited by an agency recognized by the  U.S. Department of Education, while others recognize equivalent foreign agencies. See individual programs for acceptability of international coursework towards program admission. 

Applicants and Students with Criminal Background

The University offers both professional programs and programs not leading to specific professions. Background checks are not required as criteria for admission. However, certain professional programs leading to licensure or certification may ask for a criminal history after admission, including before matriculation and prior to placement or participation in clinical and other educational sites. Based upon the result of the criminal history check, admission may be rescinded, disciplinary action may be taken, and/or access to clinical or other educational sites may be prevented which may make the student unable to meet the clinical hour or other program requirements necessary to successfully complete the program. 

Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. Further, professional associations may deny membership to individuals with a criminal history and employers may deny or restrict employment, practice privileges, job duties, and practice locations to individuals with a criminal history. 

Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit

Advanced standing allows a student to reduce the total number of credits and/or courses required to earn a certificate or degree based upon prior education or learning. Programs determine which advanced standing (such as transfer credit or credit for prior learning) to award after careful review of individual transcripts and documents; final determination rests with the Program Dean or Director without appeal.

Within the constraints of policies noted within this Catalog, and while assuring academic quality and integrity, the University strives to award all possible Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit to recognize the prior training and education of students, to reduce student educational costs, and to facilitate progress towards graduation.The University views the awarding of appropriate Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit as an essential reflection of our values regarding equity and inclusion.

While the Office of the Registrar and the Program Dean or Director will strive to ensure that granting Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit will not jeopardize a student’s ability to meet state, licensing, certification, and accreditation requirements associated with their program of study, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that requested credits do not place them in jeopardy.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics program, Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genomics Counseling program, Master of Science: Physician Assistant program, Doctor of Medical Science Program, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - Phoenix Metro, Doctor of Occupational Therapy - CA, and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs do not offer Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit.

Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit: Eligibility and Approval Process

Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit is awarded at the discretion of the program for relevant coursework / training at the appropriate level of learning. Requests are submitted by students to - and reviewed for eligibility by - the Office of the Registrar, and must be approved by the Dean or Program Director/Manager of the student’s program of study. In addition:

• Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit is awarded only to matriculated students, at or near the time of enrollment, and is identified on the transcript.
• Requests for Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit received after a student has completed their first term will not be accepted.
• Transfer credit is for relevant coursework / training that closely matches University courses for which transfer credit is sought. University requirements and standards for transfer credit must be met, as well as requirements for their program of study.
• Credit is awarded consistent with the terms of University articulation agreements. 
• Residency standards apply.
• Students granted Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit must meet with an advisor to develop a personalized Degree Completion Plan. The Degree Completion Plan must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
• Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit is limited to 75% of required credits. Credit for Prior Learning may be awarded for no more than 25% of the credits required for a degree.
• Courses with a grade below “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) are not eligible for transfer credit; a grade of Credit or Pass may be used if the transferring college’s policy states that it is equivalent to a grade of C or better.
• Some programs may have stricter limits, additional requirements, may not allow transfer credit for certain courses, or may not allow Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit at all; see additional requirements below, as well as program catalog sections, for additional details.

Additional Requirements for Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs

• Courses must have been taken within the last ten years.
• Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs

• Courses must have been taken within the last five years. The five-year limitation does not apply to the Doctor of Whole Health Leadership Program
• Capstone courses, comprehensive examinations, and clinical rotations or clerkship courses cannot be transferred.
• Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Requirements for International Credit

• If the credit was earned from an institution outside of the United States, students must submit a course-by-course evaluation with letter grades from a National Association of Credential Evaluations Service (NACES) member organization showing transfer credit equivalency to a course offered in the United States. Canadian students are not required to have their college transcripts evaluated by NACES if their college provides transcripts in English and are sent directly to SCU.

Prior Degrees Earned

Some graduate programs may allow students to waive a portion of their program based upon a prior degree earned, effectively transferring in the entirety of the prior degree or certifcate earned from an accredited institution. For example, a doctoral student who has previously earned a master’s degree in the same field or an international student who has previously earned a post-baccalaureate degree in the same field may be able to enter the second or third year of a doctoral program. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Student Transferring from the Same Program at Another Institution

Some programs may allow transfer students to waive a portion of their program based upon prior credits earned if the courses were earned in the same program of study at another institution, effectively granting transfer credit for the entirety or majority of the work done at the prior institution. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Dual Credit

In some University programs, students may be eligible to earn credit toward their undergraduate degree while simultaneously earning credit toward a graduate degree. The number of credits eligible for dual credit is restricted by the University to the equivalent of one term of full-time enrollment; some programs may opt for greater restrictions or prohibit the use of dual credit.

Waivers

In special circumstances, a student may request to waive a specific course or courses. In these cases, the student will be required to make up the waived credits by substituting another course(s).

Credit for Prior Learning

Eligible students may receive credit for recognized certifications, credentials, and/or licenses in select fields or credit for demonstration of subject mastery gained through life experiences, service in the armed forces, paid or unpaid work-related activities, community service, or other learning acquired outside traditional academic institutions. Credit will be awarded only for documented and assessed college-level learning that ties the student’s prior experience to the content of the relevant academic field or discipline at the appropriate level of learning, consistent with SCU’s regular curricular offerings. There is no guarantee credit will be awarded.

Students submit a Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio for consideration by the program. The Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio should include evidence that demonstrates the student’s learning through professional and/or prior life experience. The portfolio is reviewed by faculty with appropriate subject matter expertise and academic qualifications.

Examples of evidence may include but are not limited to the following:

• CV/Resume
• Publication list
• Earned certifications and/or licenses
  • United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
  • Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
  • Fellowship certificates
  • Certificates of completion
• Significant documented, relevant work experience, usually obtained over several years
  • Letter from employer on letterhead with contact information
  • Previous job descriptions
• Military service documented on Joint Service Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript
• Written narrative describing how the student’s experience meets program outcomes and/or course learning objectives
• Example work products (e.g., manuals created or training documents developed)

In addition to the portfolio, assessment of learning may be required through interview, written examination, or other means to provide academic assurance of equivalence to credit earned by traditional means.

Students are charged a Credit for Prior Learning fee, per credit, only for any credit that will be awarded. Awarded credit is identified on the transcript as Credit for Prior Learning. Credit for Prior Learning will not duplicate credit already earned or remaining courses planned for the student’s academic program. 

Credit by Examination  

A grade of 3 or higher on College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams may be used to meet undergraduate general education requirements.

Some academic programs may offer or accept prior learning examinations to allow students to waive certain courses or to facilitate award of transfer credit. When accepted, credit is only granted for courses pertaining to a degree or certificate program offered through the University, at the appropriate level of learning. Examples may include credit for prior learning through examination offered by national testing programs such as College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) or other American Council on Education (ACE) Credit Recommendation, and other tests of a similar nature.

Evaluation of Military Training

Evaluation of military training for college credit will be based in accordance with the Guide for Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services published by the American Council on Education. Military students may submit the following transcripts for consideration:

• Army - Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript (AARTS)

• Navy/Marine - Sailors-Marine Corps American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART)

• Air Force - Community College of the Air Force transcript (CCAF)

• Coast Guard - Coast Guard Institute transcript

• DD Form 214

• DD Form 295  

Students-at-Large/Non-Degree- or Non-Certificate-Seeking Students

Students who are interested in taking courses for credit (i.e., to fulfill prerequisites for professional development) without the intent of completing a degree or certificate are considered Students-at-Large.  Accelerated Sciences students are considered students-at-large. Students-at-large are not required to be formally admitted to a program of study but are required to fulfill certain other application procedures and are subject to University policies as applicable.