ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Admission to Southern Wesleyan University is dependent upon scholastic attainment, character, and potential to profit by the programs offered.  The university welcomes applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or physical handicap, so long as they have a genuine desire for a post-secondary education and possess character traits that will enable them to fit into a Christian collegiate environment.

Each application is considered individually, taking into account basic admissions requirements and the individual's unique abilities and circumstances.  Acceptance is determined by the director of admissions in consultation with the Enrollment Management Committee.  Applicants are notified in writing as soon as a decision is made.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program applied for.

ADMISSION TO THE RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS PROGRAM

Minimum Requirements

The following criteria must be met by those seeking regular admission to the residential campus undergraduate program:

1.        A high school diploma—not a certificate of attendance—or its equivalent, reflecting a grade point average of 2.3 or higher.  (A final transcript, reflecting the graduation date and certification of graduation, is required prior to the start of classes.) Courses taken in high school should include at least four units (college-preparation or equivalent) of English, two of science, two of social studies, and two of mathematics.

2.       A composite score obtained from a national test, either SAT (860- combined scores from Critical Reading & Math Section) or ACT (18), or a ranking in the upper half of the high school graduating class at the time of acceptance.

3.       A GPA of 2.0 or higher on all previous college work (if applicable).

4.       Willingness to conform to the community and lifestyle expectations of Southern Wesleyan University.

Students may be accepted on a conditional basis if they have completed the GED high school equivalency test or are borderline in national test scores, high school GPA, class rank or college GPA.

Application Procedures

The following documents must be completed and on file before a letter of acceptance can be issued:

1.        A completed application form along with a $25 non-refundable application fee (required).

2.       An official transcript of all high school work.  The final transcript must be sent following graduation.

3.       Official transcripts of all college or university work (if applicable). The final transcript must be sent following the completion of the semester if courses are still in progress at time of application.

4.       An official SAT or ACT test score (on the high school transcript or a separate official report form).

The following additional documents must be completed and returned before registration for classes:

1.        Southern Wesleyan University physical examination form, including a shot record.

2.       A housing form and $200 housing security deposit (resident students only).

3.       A $300 tuition deposit (required of ALL students as an intention to reserve a place in the registration process).

4.       Registration to attend academic orientation.

Transfer Applicants

A transfer student is defined as one who has graduated from high school and has completed any academic work at another college or university prior to coming to Southern Wesleyan.  For regular admission to Southern Wesleyan University as a transfer student, the student must submit an official transcript of all academic work from all colleges or universities attended, reflecting a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students with a borderline GPA may be accepted on a conditional basis.  High school transcripts may also be requested at the discretion of the Admissions Office.

Southern Wesleyan University accepts academic credits for transfer from regionally accredited colleges.  (Southern Wesleyan University will also accept credit from non-accredited institutions for which we have an established record of successful performance; credit from other institutions may be accepted provided that it is validated by portfolio assessment.)

The academic status of each transfer student will be determined by the Provost.

Students not meeting the criteria for acceptance as a regular student may, after consideration by the Enrollment Management Committee, be accepted on academic probation.

Qualified candidates for admission with advanced standing will be given full transfer credit for courses taken at regionally accredited colleges and universities, provided such courses meet the degree requirements of Southern Wesleyan University.                        

A maximum of 68 semester hours may be transferred from a two-year college.  Generally, these are accepted only if taken during the first two years of college; however, the registrar's office may give special permission to transfer a maximum of twelve of these hours after the student has accumulated 68 total hours (Southern Wesleyan University and transfer).  Transferring more than twelve semester hours after this point will require special approval by the Academic Council.

Except with special permission, transfer credits may not be among the last thirty-two hours of the degree.  (Cooperative program hours count as Southern Wesleyan University hours.)

Substitutes for required courses must be approved by the division chair or the school dean.

Grades of less than 1.6 (C-) will not be accepted.

The official transcript of all transfer students will be evaluated by the registrar.  Credit will be applied to the appropriate major. 

International Applicants

Southern Wesleyan University welcomes to the Central campus students of the world who are in agreement with the standards of the university.  To be considered for acceptance, applicants must meet all of the above requirements for acceptance, and for those whose primary language is not English, obtain an acceptable TOEFL score.

International Application Procedures

The following documents must be completed before a letter of acceptance will be issued:

1. An application form with a $25 non-refundable application fee (required).
2. An official transcript of all academic work.  These must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.  An explanation of the educational system, including grading scales and requirements for completion of the program, should also be included.
3. Official scores from either the SAT or ACT.
4. Official TOEFL score of 500 (paper test) or 173 (computer-based test), or equivalent score on other test format, or evidence that English is the student's native language.
5. Southern Wesleyan University physical examination form, including shot record.
6. A housing form and $200 housing security deposit (resident students only).
7. A declaration of finances form, available from the Admissions Office, listing any scholarships and grants being applied toward the educational costs.

The above items must be completed for all international students, including Canadian students by November 1 for Spring Semester and June 1 for Fall Semester.

The applicant must complete these additional procedures:

1.        After receiving the letter of acceptance from the university, make a deposit equal to the expenses for the first year.  This deposit will reflect all expenses not met by institutional financial aid awarded by the university through the Financial Aid Office.  The I-20 form will then be issued by the registrar. 

2.       Report to the American Consulate in the country of residence. Submit the I-20 and all other documents needed for a student visa (I-94 form).

3.       After obtaining the student visa, make arrangements to arrive at the university no later than the date on the I-20.

4.       Show proof of health insurance.

5.       Registration to attend academic orientation.

Applicants With Disabilities

Southern Wesleyan University recognizes anyone who has a documented impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Southern Wesleyan has appointed a coordinator of services to the student with disabilities as well as a Committee for Students with Disabilities.  The coordinator and the committee are responsible for helping to integrate the student with a disability into the normal academic process.

Prospective students are invited to visit the university to determine how their needs might be met by the campus facilities and services.  Additional information is available from the Office of Student Life.

A Word About Harassment of the Disabled

Southern Wesleyan University endeavors to create an environment in which all members of the community are treated with the dignity and respect inherent in their position as creatures made in the image of God.  Not only is harassment a violation of federal law, it is contrary to principles of Christian conduct.  Consequently, it is the policy of Southern Wesleyan University that harassment of individuals is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated.  Any form of harassment is absolutely prohibited.  (A copy of the Southern Wesleyan policies regarding sexual harassment and harassment of students with disabilities can be found in the SWU Student Handbook.)

HomeSchoolApplicants

Evidence demonstrates that home schooling produces students who are quite likely to be successful in college.  Upon verification of home schooling registered with the department of education within the home state, Southern Wesleyan will review the application of each home schooler.

Admission Status

The admission status of students seeking a degree through the traditional program at Southern Wesleyan University is determined on the basis of academic work, class rank, and national test scores.  (For non-traditional programs, see Adult and Graduate Studies.)

Distinction

These students have obtained superior ratings in their high school academic work by obtaining a GPA of 3.5 or above or ranking in the top 10% of their class and have at least 1200 SAT (combined scores from Critical Reading and Math Section) or 26 ACT. 

Regular

These students have completed high school or college work satisfactorily by obtaining at least a 2.3 GPA or ranking above a 50% of their graduating class and have a test score of at least 860 SAT (combined scores from Critical Reading and Math Section) or 18 ACT.

Conditional (Academic Warning)

These students do not meet the requirements for regular admission, but all indications suggest that college level work is obtainable for them.  They have a 2.00-2.29 GPA or are in the upper half of their graduating class and have obtained between 800 and 850 SAT(combined scores from Critical Reading and Math Section) or 17 ACT.  These students will be limited to 12-13 hours the first semester.  A student with satisfactory GPA who will be taking the SAT test on campus prior to registration may be classified as conditional until final status is given.

Preliminary

Students who meet requirements for regular admission but lack certain prerequisites are given preliminary admission status while they complete the required prerequisites.

Probation

These students are below the required GPA, class rank, or national test score minimum; but through a personal interview it has been determined that a limited number of hours is possible at the college level.  All such students are considered on academic probation and are required to keep the terms of an accountability contract.  Students on probation are subject to certain restrictions (see p. 26).  If good standing is not attained by the end of the semester, the student will be ineligible to return to Southern Wesleyan University for the next semester.

Provisional

Upon occasion, a student will be accepted on a provisional basis.  This gives permission for a student to register for classes before all of the information has been received to make a full acceptance to the university.  Within one week of the start of classes, this status must be cleared or acceptable arrangements made with the Admissions Office, or the student will be asked to withdraw from the university for the semester.  The student is responsible for room, board, and other charges incurred while on provisional status (regular refund policies apply).

Students Seeking Readmission

At times, there may be an interruption to the student's attendance at the university.  If a student finds it necessary to withdraw from classes either during the semester or at the end of the semester and does not attend Southern Wesleyan University for at least one semester, the following guidelines apply:

1.          The student must submit a readmit form (available in the Admissions Office).

2.          If another college has been attended, a transcript of all work must be submitted  with the readmit form.

3.          Before a student may begin the readmission process, or the process for interior transfer to or from Adult and Graduate Studies,   approval must be given by the Business Office, Office of Student Life, and Office of Academic Records.  The student will be notified of any concerns that hinder this approval.

The readmitted student is required to meet the requirements for graduation in effect at the time of readmission.

Review by the Admissions Subcommittee of the Enrollment Management Committee is required for readmission of all traditional students who are dismissed or suspended, leave on academic warning or probation, leave during the semester without officially withdrawing, or withdraw with a GPA less than 2.0.  If readmitted the student may be on probation, on academic warning or in good standing, as determined by the Admissions Subcommittee.

Health Policies and Class Attendance

A Southern Wesleyan University physical examination form completed within one year prior to registration, including a complete immunization record, is required of all new students in the traditional on-campus program.  Students are not permitted to register for classes until the physical examination form is fully completed and returned to the Admissions Office.  Re-entering students must have on file a physical examination form completed within four years of their re-enrollment.  All forms are kept by the campus nurse in the university infirmary.

Additional Information

Requests for general information about the residential campus programs or questions about application should be directed to

       Director of Admissions

       Southern Wesleyan University

       P.O. Box 1020

       Central, SC 29630-1020

or www.swu.edu.  Specific answers to questions about the traditional program may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office at 1-864-644-5550 or 1-800-C-U-AT-SWU.

ADMISSION TO THE ADULT EVENING PROGRAMS

In addition to the residential campus programs, SWU offers options for working adults to conveniently finish an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in an evening cohort program.  Admission to these programs is open to employed adults who meet the following criteria.

Admission Requirements

The working adult who seeks admission to the Bachelor’s Step I, Step II, or core program must submit the following information:

       1.          Proof of high school graduation or G.E.D. certificate.

       2.          Evidence of age 21 or older.

       3.          Evidence of a minimum of two years' full-time work experience.

       4.          Evidence of current employment. The requirement for current employment may be waived for an applicant who has been unemployed for less than six months and can demonstrate active pursuit of employment.

       5.          An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in previous college work.  (The applicant may be admitted on a conditional basis if the GPA is below 2.0.)  Official transcripts are required from all higher education institutions attended.

       6.          Two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's professional expertise, character, and capacity for college-level study. (Generally, one should be from a supervisor.)

       7.          Evidence of satisfactory writing ability.

Additional requirements for a student entering the program initially at Bachelor's Step II:

       8.          Acceptable scores on reading and writing evaluations.

       9.          A minimum of 15 semester hours of acceptable general education credits.

Additional requirements for a student entering the program initially at the Bachelor’s core program:

      10.        A minimum of 60 transferable semester credit hours earned from a regionally accredited college or university.  (A maximum of 68 semester credit hours may be transferred from a two-year college.  Official transcripts are required from all colleges attended.)

Additional Information

Requests for general information about the SWU adult evening programs or questions about application should be directed to the Adult & Graduate Studies admissions office in your area:

Central                     800-264-5327

Charleston                 800-968-3613

Columbia                  800-737-1292

Greenville                  800-345-4998

Greenwood                800-345-4998

N. Augusta                866-210-1042

Spartanburg               800-345-4998

Or inquire at www.swu.edu. 

Readmission

Before a student may begin the readmission process or the process for interior transfer to or from adult and graduate studies, the AGS Accounting Office, Office of Academic Records, and Student Services Office must give approval.

ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graduate programs in Business Administration, Management, Education, and Ministry are offered at multiple locations around the state of South Carolina.  Admission criteria may vary by program (see below).

Graduate Admission Requirements

The following criteria apply to all graduate programs:

1.     Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited (or, for the M. Min. program, an Association for Biblical Higher Education accredited) college or university.

2.     The specified minimum cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate course work or on the final 60 hours of undergraduate course work.  Based on a 4.0 scale, M.Ed. requires 3.0; other programs require 2.7.

3.     Official transcripts of all college-level course work, both undergraduate and graduate.

4.     Two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's moral character, professional expertise, and capacity for graduate-level work.

5.     Official TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper test), 213 (computer test) or equivalent evidence of proficiency in English (for applicants for whom English is a second language).

6.     Completion of specified program prerequisites (or co-requisites).

7.     Satisfactory interview with designated committee or academic division, if required.

8.     Experience and employment, as specified for each program.

9.     Satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, as specified for the degree program.  Official records are required from the testing organization.

Graduate Admission Status

Regular--Applicant meets all requirements and has completed all program prerequisites.

Preliminary--Applicant meets all requirements for regular admission but lacks one or more program

prerequisites.

Conditional--Applicant is admitted by action of the Graduate Admissions Committee, which may

specify special requirements.  Any specified requirements must be met no later than the end of the second graduate class.  Regular admission after an admission on condition requires earning a grade of 3.0 in each of the first two courses taken in the master’s degree program. 

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Additional Admission Requirements

1. A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test, or Graduate Management Admissions Test. (Graduates of Southern Wesleyan University holding a degree in business or management with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on all undergraduate course work or on the final 60 hours of undergraduate course work are not required to submit a test score; a GPA below 3.0 for Southern Wesleyan University graduates requires both test scores and evaluation by Graduate Admissions Committee).
2. Submission of an acceptable essay or writing sample as part of the application process.
3. Completion of program prerequisites: three semester hours in accounting, three semester hours in economics, and three semester hours in statistics.
4. Evidence of current employment, two years of significant work experience, and eighteen undergraduate semester hours in business administration, management, human resource management, or marketing; or three years of managerial experience.
5. Appropriate work experience for those currently unemployed includes five years of significant work experience and eighteen undergraduate semester hours in business administration, management, human resource management, or marketing; or five years of managerial experience.

Master of Education (MEd)

Additional Admissions Requirements

      1.    Current employment with a minimum of one year experience as an administrator or teacher such that the      teacher’s classroom can serve as a “laboratory” for the completion of course requirements.

2. Teaching certificate from the State of South Carolina or equivalent out-of-state certification. A student without teaching certification may appeal for admission.  Such an appeal must be accompanied by minimum GRE scores of 840 on math and verbal and a 4 in writing or a Miller Analogies Test score of at least 389.

The M.Ed. program curriculum does not lead to initial teacher certification in the state of South Carolina.

Master of Science in Management (MSM)

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements listed above, an applicant for admission to the Master of Science in Management program must

1. Provide evidence of current employment, one year of significant work experience and twelve undergraduate semester hours in business administration, management, human resource management, or marketing; or three years of managerial experience relevant to the program. Appropriate work experience for those currently unemployed includes three years of significant work experience and twelve undergraduate semester hours in business administration, management, human resource management, or marketing; or three years managerial experience.
2. Submit an acceptable writing sample with the application and, when required by the Graduate Admissions Committee, satisfactory results of a counseling interview.

Master of Ministry (MMin)

Additional Admission Requirements

1. Submit a brief biographical sketch including vocational experiences, spiritual journey, and professional goals for the future.
2. Complete prerequisites or co-requisites of 12 hours of college work in religion, Bible, or ethics.  An applicant who meets the other criteria but does not have the required prerequisites may be admitted on a preliminary basis.  Southern Wesleyan's religion faculty will provide counsel to help develop an individual plan for meeting the 12-hour requirement.
3. Provide evidence of at least two years of active Christian ministry or obtain approval for alternate experience.

Additional Graduate Admission Information

Requests for general information about the SWU adult evening programs or questions about application should be directed to the Adult & Graduate Studies admissions office in your area or inquire at www.swu.edu.