Off-Campus Masters Programs

Transcription

1 Student Information Packet 1 Thank you for your interest in Westminster College s off-campus Masters degree programs. We are pleased to bring our convenient, one-night-a-week graduate programs to your local area. A discounted tuition rate has been arranged for teachers, and space in each cohort is limited to 25 students. Once you submit your application and application fee (Steps 1 & 2 below), I will be able to hold your place in class until your application file is complete. This packet includes all of the information that you will need to complete your application to the graduate school. Read through this packet carefully, and be sure to contact me if you have any questions. My team and I are committed to guiding you through the application process. Choosing where to go to graduate school is an important step, and I want to help you in any way that I can. You can reach me by phone at (800) 4-07 or by at solena@graduateprogram.org. Note: Westminster College strictly limits class size to 25 students and accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete steps 1 & 2 below to reserve your seat in this program. Apply online at for faster processing. 1 2 Application (Pages & 4) Submit your application online or complete pages & 4 and return by fax to $5 Application Fee (Page 5) Use our secure payment center to submit your application fee online or complete page 5 and return by fax to Once you have reserved your seat, turn to Page 2 or visit the online checklist to complete the remaining admission steps. Congratulations on your pursuit of a Masters degree with Westminster College! Sincerely, Sara O Lena Graduate Information Office (800) 4-07 solena@graduateprogram.org

2 Application Checklist 2 Once you have reserved your seat, please continue with the following steps to complete your admission file. Note: You will not be eligible for financial aid until your admission file is complete Financial Aid & Payment Options (Pages 6 & 7) Determine how you plan to pay for the program: Financial Aid or Pay-As-You-Go. If using Financial Aid, complete the FAFSA. For more information, see page 6. It is in your best interest to complete the financial aid process as early as possible. If using a Pay-As-You-Go plan, follow the instructions on Page 7. Official Transcripts (Page 8) Arrange for official, sealed transcripts from all colleges or universities attended to be sent to Westminster College. If you need help, further instructions are listed on page 8. Recommendation Forms (Page 9) Office of Adult and Graduate Studies Westminster College 19 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA The easiest and fastest way to request a recommendation is to use our online system. This will allow us to reference forms directly to your recommenders on your behalf. If you prefer to use a traditional paper form, see page 9. Each applicant must submit two assessments of educational potential. Assessments for applicants who are current students or are not employed in a school should be completed by professors or other professionals. Assessments for school system employees should be completed by school administrators. Writing Sample (Page 10) Please respond to one of the writing prompts listed on page 10. Your statement should be at least 200 words. You may upload your statement directly to the Graduate Information Office online, or return by fax, , or mail as described below. Completing your application steps online at will allow for more immediate processing of your application. If you choose to submit paper forms, all documents should be ed, faxed, or mailed to: solena@graduateprogram.org Mail: Office of Adult and Graduate Studies Fax: Westminster College 19 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16172

3 Application for Graduate Admission Personal Information First Name: Middle: Last Name: Suffix: Previous Name: Address: City: State: Zip: County: Daytime Phone: Cell Phone: Social Security Number: Date of Birth: Sex: M F Veteran or Active Duty Military: Yes No State your graduate study goal as specifically as possible: Have you ever been a student at Westminster College? Yes No Date last attended: Type of teaching/administrative certificates held: State(s): Program and Start Date Semester: Spring 2014 Program: M.Ed. Counselor Education w/school Counselor Certification (Elementary or Secondary) M.Ed. School Administration w/principal Certification K-12 M.Ed. Reading w/reading Specialist Certification K-12 M.Ed. Special Education w/special Education Specialist Certification K-12 M.Ed. Special Education w/special Education and Reading Specialist Certifications K-12 School Counselor Certification Only (without Masters) Principal Certification K-12 Only (without Masters) Reading Specialist Certification K-12 Only (without Masters) Special Education Specialist Certification K-12 Only (without Masters) Location: Cranberry New Castle

4 Application for Graduate Admission (page 2) 4 Educational Background: Undergraduate Major: Dates Attended Institution Location Degree When Received Work Experience (Teaching, other): Dates Institution Location Subjects & Position References/Assessments of Educational Potential Each applicant must submit two assessments of educational potential. Assessments for applicants who are current students or are not employed in a school should be completed by professors or other professionals. Assessments for school system employees should be completed by school administrators. Assessments may be requested online at (See Step 5). You may also use the paper form on Page 9 and have the form returned by fax to (800) or by mail to Office of Adult and Graduate Studies, Westminster College, 19 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA Please list the names of those you have asked to submit the assessments below. Reference 1: Name Title Reference 2: Name Title Agreements and Acknowledgments As part of the cohort program, I understand that I will be registered for the entire cohort and remain registered unless written notification is submitted to the Office of Adult & Graduate Studies and the Graduate School before the beginning of each course. I acknowledge that I am financially responsible for all charges in the event of withdrawal from classes, as outlined in Westminster college s current tuition refund policy. By signing my name below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood and agreed to Westminster College s payment terms and conditions (found at for the program in which I am enrolling. Applicant Signature Signature: Date: The fastest and easiest way to submit this form is online. If you choose to submit a paper form, please fax or mail to: solena@graduateprogram.org Mail: Office of Adult and Graduate Studies Fax: Westminster College, 19 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16172

5 Application Fee Payment Form 5 In order to reserve a seat in a cohort program, please submit this Application Fee Payment Form and your Graduate Application for Admission (Pages & 4) by fax to (800) , by mail to Office of Adult and Graduate Studies, Westminster College, 19 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172, or online at To pay application fee by credit card online: Go online to and click the Application Fee. button. Note: Transaction will appear on your credit card statement as a charge from the K-12 Teachers Alliance. To pay application fee by credit card using this form or by phone: Complete this section only to pay your $5 non-refundable application fee. If you prefer, contact the Graduate Information Office at (800) 4-07 to make your payment by credit card via phone. Note: Transaction will appear on your credit card statement as a charge from the K-12 Teachers Alliance. Student Name: Name on Card: Cardholder Address: Street City State Zip Card Type: Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Digit Security Code: (found on back of card) Card Number: Expiration Date: Cardholder Signature: Today s Date: To pay application fee by personal check: Complete this section only to pay your $5 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks payable to Westminster College and mail your check to the Office of Adult and Graduate Studies, Westminster College, 19 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA Student Name: I will be sending my application fee by check on (date): Student Signature: Today s Date: The fastest and easiest way to submit this form is online. If you choose to submit a paper form, please fax or mail to: solena@graduateprogram.org Mail: Office of Adult and Graduate Studies Fax: Westminster College 19 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16172

6 How Do I Pay for Graduate School? Applying for Financial Aid 6 Complete all steps below to apply for financial aid. Note: There are financial aid options that are not based on need. Most students in the off-campus programs use financial aid to pay for the program. We recommend that you complete these steps as soon as possible to make sure that your payment arrangements are in order by the first night of class. Please note: Students who are not enrolled in a degree program will not be eligible for financial aid. For assistance, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (724) How to Apply for Financial Aid: Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at You will need your 2012 Federal Tax Return, your federal PIN number ( and Westminster College s School Code (0092). Graduate students are considered independent for financial aid purposes. Step 2: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. You will receive this form 7-10 days after the FAFSA is submitted. If there are any errors on your SAR, log back into your FAFSA to make corrections. Step : You will receive your financial aid award letter from Westminster once you have been academically accepted. This lists the financial aid that you qualify for. If you wish to decline all or a portion of the award, notify the Financial Aid Office in writing. Be sure to contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions about your award. Step 4: Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note. Entrance Counseling is only required for first time Federal Direct Loan borrowers; all borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. Both can be completed at (you will need your PIN from Step 1). Federal Loan Requirements To be eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Stafford Loan Program, you must: 1) File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 2) Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident ) Not be in default on prior educational loans 4) Maintain satisfactory academic progress in a degree-seeking course of study Questions? Call the Financial Aid Office at (724) The Federal (Title I) Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program: If you and your school qualify, this program may provide loan forgiveness for eligible Federal Stafford Loans. This is a separate program requiring separate forms and processes. The U.S. Department of Education will determine your eligibility for this program; Westminster College is not responsible to verify your eligibility for this program. Please do not base your enrollment on this program, as it can be difficult to ensure qualification for government programs which are subject to reform and funding changes. You must call FED-AID to verify your eligibility or visit for an application.

7 How Do I Pay for Graduate School? Enrolling in a Pay-As-You-Go Payment Plan 7 Westminster College offers Pay-As-You-Go payment plans through Tuition Pay, administered by Sallie Mae. A payment plan allows you to make monthly payments, interest free, in order to spread your tuition payments over a period of several months. How to Enroll in a Payment Plan: Step 1: Visit the Tuition Pay website at to enroll in a payment plan. Click Enroll Now. Select Pennsylvania and Westminster College - PA under Select Your State & School Step 2: Select a Payment Plan. Students enrolling in the Spring term will have the option to break their tuition bill for the first year of coursework into 12 monthly payments. Select one of the payment options labeled WESTMINSTER/KTA GRADUATE, either the 12 month, 11 month, or 10 month payment plan. Your first payment will be due on January 15, Step : Submit your Online Enrollment Form with Electronic Signature. When your online form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation confirming that your request has been sent to the Office of Student Accounts. To complete your enrollment in the payment plan, you will make your first payment, including a one-time non-refundable payment plan application fee of $5. Step 4: Make payments according to your chosen Payment Plan. Make tuition payment plan payments online through Manage your Account at tuitionpay.salliemae.com via electronic debit from your checking or savings account, and by credit card (if permitted by school). If you cannot make a payment electronically, you can mail a check, but be sure to mail your payments at least 15 days prior to your due date to avoid a late fee. Questions? Contact the Office of Student Accounts at (724) Important notes: If you are using financial aid to pay for tuition, you must be enrolled and fully admitted to the program of your choice before your student loan funds can be released. You may be required to make payments until your financial aid funds are released.

8 How to Request Official Transcripts 8 Westminster College requires official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities before a student can be approved as a candidate for graduate study or for a Masters degree. If you have copies of your transcripts available, they can be submitted as unofficial transcripts to expedite the admission process; however, official, sealed transcripts are required in order to be fully admitted to Westminster College. Follow the steps below to request transcripts from every school that you have attended: To Order Transcripts: There are multiple ways to request transcripts, and each college or university will have its own process. Typically, the easiest way to order official transcripts is: 1) Contact the Registrar s office at your previously attended school, either by phone, , or through your university s website. 2) Submit a transcript request following that school s procedures. Most colleges and universities require a signature or other official request in writing. Many schools have a Transcript Request Form available to download on the Registrar s website. Some will allow you to order transcripts online. Note: Many colleges and universities charge a small fee for official transcripts. Be sure to enclose your fee with your transcript request to avoid a delay in processing. ) It can often take several days for a transcript request to be processed. When your transcripts are received, the Graduate Information Office will contact you, but if you have not received confirmation within 14 days, please contact us at (800) Please have all official transcripts sent to: Office of Adult and Graduate Studies Westminster College 19 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA Remember: An admission decision cannot be made until all transcripts are received.

9 9 Two Recommendation Forms/Assessments of Potential To the Applicant: Please complete the top portion of this form and submit it to your chosen recommender. Each applicant must submit two assessments of educational potential. Assessments for applicants who are current students or are not employed in a school should be completed by professors or other professionals. Assessments for school system employees should be completed by school administrators. Please have this form returned to the Graduate Information Office by to solena@graduateprogram.org; by fax to , or by mail to the Office of Adult and Graduate Studies, Westminster College, 19 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA Applicant Name: I waive my access to this data under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. I do not waive my access to this data under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Applicant s Signature: Date: To the Recommender: The above named individual is a candidate for admission to the graduate program at Westminster College. Your professional judgment of the candidate s potential is sought for the criteria listed below: Top 5 Percent Superior Average Below Average Unable to Judge Leadership Qualities Decisiveness Judgment Leadership Intellectual Ability General Competencies Problem Analysis Organizational Ability Oral Communication Written Communication Personal Qualities Personal Motivation Educational Values Range of Interests Sensitivity Stress Tolerance Remarks: Printed Name: Title: Address: Recommender s Signature: Date:

10 Writing Sample 10 Please respond to one of the following items in order to complete your writing sample. Your response should be approximately 200 words in length. A) Discuss a challenge or setback that you faced in your life and the manner in which you addressed it. OR B) Discuss a significant current educational issue and suggest remedies to address it. To upload your statement using our online system, visit and click Upload Statement on Step 6. You may also submit your statement by , fax, or mail to: solena@graduateprogram.org Fax: Mail: Office of Adult and Graduate Studies Westminster College 19 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16172

11 Principal K-12 Program 11 For: Experienced, certified teachers with a desire to become leaders in their schools and districts. A minimum of years experience teaching in a PreK-12 classroom will be required before you complete the program. What you learn: The programs in administration are designed to develop those competencies for principals and superintendents which will enable them to work with other professional personnel in designing and carrying out effective programs in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. These competencies are further developed under program approval guidelines which describe the role of the administrator in the following general areas: 1) as an advocate for elementary, middle, and secondary education; 2) as an educational leader; ) as an educational supervisor; 4) as a coordinator of relations among community and professional staff; 5) and as an executive administrator. How you learn: This is a cohort program; courses meet one night a week, from 4:45 to 7:45 p.m., the same night for the entire program. During the summer, one of your courses will meet in a one-week intensive format that will meet during daytime hours. Class meetings will be supplemented by additional online activities which may include assignments, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities done electronically outside of class. You will finish one -credit course every 8 weeks. Following this schedule, you will complete the program in approximately 2 years. The program culminates with the Westminster Comprehensive Examination. Career Outcomes: Upon completion of this program and passing of the appropriate Praxis examination, students will have earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Pennsylvania Certification for Principal K-12. Comprehensive Examination: A comprehensive examination is required of all certification and degree candidates. This examination address the area in which the student has specialized. Some programs require a portfolio and oral defense as part of the comprehensive examination. Degree Requirements: EDU 801 Foundations of Graduate Study ED 710 History and Philosophy of Education EAD 810 School and Community Relations EAD 840 Supervision of Curriculum EAD 80 Principles of Educational Leadership EAD 826 Curriculum & Instruction EAD 850 School Law EAD 860 Public School Finance and Economics EP 810 Assessment and Data Analysis EP 820 Special Education for School Leaders EAD 980 Internship in Administration and Supervision Total Hours Important Note: This program meets certification requirements in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to meet Ohio licensure requirements but licensure is subject to changing Ohio standards, ODE transcript analysis and testing requirements. In some cases, additional coursework may be required to meet state standards.

12 Reading Specialist Program 12 For: Experienced, certified teachers who wish to expand their knowledge, ability and effectiveness in the teaching of literacy while earning certification as a Reading Specialist. What you learn: The graduate program in reading is designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in the reading profession. This program enables them to develop as teachers and school literacy leaders. The program is particularly designed for those who seek to hold the Masters degree and reading specialist certificate. The reading specialist may: 1) work directly or indirectly with students in elementary through developmental reading at the college level who have not thrived with general classroom instruction and/or, 2) work in the capacity of resource teacher and curriculum adviser and/or, ) work with teachers, administrators, and other professionals as a literacy coach, supervisor, or professional developer to enhance and coordinate the total reading program in a school or district. How you learn: This is a cohort program; courses meet one night a week, from 4:45 to 7:45 p.m., the same night for the entire program. During the summer, one of your courses will meet in a one-week intensive format that will meet during daytime hours. Class meetings will be supplemented by additional online activities which may include assignments, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities done electronically outside of class. You will finish one -credit course every 8 weeks. Following this schedule, you will complete the program in approximately 2 years. Career Outcomes: Upon completion of this program and passing the appropriate Praxis examination, students will have earned a Master of Education degree and be eligible for certification as a Reading Specialist in the state of Pennsylvania. Comprehensive Examination: A comprehensive examination is required of all certification and degree candidates. This examination address the area in which the student has specialized. Some programs require a portfolio and oral defense as part of the comprehensive examination. Degree Requirements: REA 810 Language and Literacy in the Preschool and Elementary School REA 820 Language and Literacy in the Middle/Secondary School and Beyond REA 850 Linking Assessment and Instruction REA 860 Leadership in the School Literacy Program OR REA 990 Literacy Research and the Changing Role of the Reading Specialist ED 980 Practicum in Reading EP 810 Assessment and Data EP 740 Human Development ED 940 Research REA 80 Advanced Children s and Young Adult Literature ED 890 Trends in Language Arts ELL 710 English Language Learners Total Hours Important Note: This program meets certification requirements in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to meet Ohio licensure requirements but licensure is subject to changing Ohio standards, ODE transcript analysis and testing requirements. In some cases, additional coursework may be required to meet state standards.

13 1 Special Education Programs For: Experienced, certified teachers who wish to expand their knowledge, ability and effectiveness in the teaching of special education students while earning Special Education certification for grades K-8. What you learn: The purpose of the Special Education program is to prepare educators to work effectively with all students, regardless of behavior or learning differences. Individuals will be prepared to apply their knowledge of Special Education practice and theory in a variety of settings. Students have the choice of two options: Option A is a -credit hour sequence that leads to an M.Ed. with Special Education certification; Option B is a 9-credit hour sequence that leads to an M.Ed. with Special Education and Reading Specialist certification. How you learn: This is a cohort program; courses meet one night a week, from 4:45 to 7:45 p.m., the same night for the entire program. During the summer, one of your courses will meet in a one-week intensive format that will meet during daytime hours. Class meetings will be supplemented by additional online activities which may include assignments, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities done electronically outside of class. You will finish one -credit course every 8 weeks. Following this schedule, you will complete the program in approximately 2 years. Career Outcomes: Upon completion of the 0 credit hour program as outlined below, and passing the appropriate Praxis examination, students will have earned a Master of Education degree and be eligible for Special Education Specialist Certification K-8 in the state of Pennsylvania. Completion of the 6 credit hour program as outlined below and passing the appropriate Praxis examination will lead to a Master of Education Degree with Special Education Specialist Certification K-12 and Reading Specialist Certification K-12 in the state of Pennsylvania. Comprehensive Examination: A comprehensive examination is required of all certification and degree candidates. This examination address the area in which the student has specialized. Some programs require a portfolio and oral defense as part of the comprehensive examination. Option 1: M.Ed. with Special Education Certification K-8 ED 801 Foundations of Graduate Studies ELL 710 English Language Learners SED 711 Legal Issues in Special Education SED 714 High Incidence Strategies/Low Incidence Strategies EP 820 Special Education for School Leaders SED 702 SED 704 SED 712 Behavior Management/ABA Applied Behavior Analysis Seminar in Reading Strategies for Special Education Seminar in Assessment for Special Education EP 740 Human Development EP 810 Assessment and Data Analysis EDU 940 Research Total Hours Option 2: M.Ed. with Special Education Certification K-12 & Reading Specialist Certification K-12 ELL 710 English Language Learners SED 711 Legal Issues in Special Education SED 714 High Incidence Strategies/Low Incidence Strategies EP 820 Special Education for School Leaders SED 702 Behavior Management/ABA Applied Behavior Analysis EP 740 Human Development EDU 940 Research REA 859/ SED 712 REA 810 REA 820 REA 860 REA 80 Assessment Language & Literacy in the Preschool and Elementary School Language & Literacy in the Middle/ Secondary School and Beyond Leadership in the School Literacy Program Advanced Children s and Young Adult Literature Total Hours 6 Important Note: This program meets certification requirements in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to meet Ohio licensure requirements but licensure is subject to changing Ohio standards, ODE transcript analysis and testing requirements. In some cases, additional coursework may be required to meet state standards.

14 Counseling Program 14 For: Individuals who wish to become professional school counselors (Individuals who are not certified teachers will be required to take an additional 6 credit hours for a total of 42 credits). What you learn: The purpose of the program in counselor education is to prepare competent school counseling professionals who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work effectively with students, teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies. To this end, coursework and field experiences have been designed that permit students to grow professionally and personally in a challenging learning environment. Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide culturally relevant and ethically sound counseling, coordination, consultation, and classroom guidance activities. How you learn: This is a cohort program; courses meet one night a week, from 4:45 to 7:45 p.m., the same night for the entire program. During the summer, one of your courses will meet in a one-week intensive format that will meet during daytime hours. Class meetings will be supplemented by additional online activities which may include assignments, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities done electronically outside of class. You will finish one -credit course every 8 weeks. Following this schedule, you will complete the program in approximately 2 years. (2½ years if not a certified teacher). Career Outcomes: Upon completion of this program and passing the appropriate Praxis examination, students will have earned a Master of Education degree and be eligible for certification as a School Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Comprehensive Examination: A comprehensive examination is required of all certification and degree candidates. This examination address the area in which the student has specialized. Some programs require a portfolio and oral defense as part of the comprehensive examination. Degree Requirements: CE 810 Foundations of Counseling CE 80 Group Counseling ED 940 Research EP 740 Human Development EP 820 Special Education for School Leaders CE 820 Elementary and Secondary School Counseling CE 840 Career Development and Counseling CE 850 Techniques of Counseling CE 890 Counseling Theories and Practice EP 810 Assessment and Data Analysis CE 981 School Counseling Practicum CE School Counseling Internship 6 Total Hours 6 Additional required coursework for individuals who are not certified teachers: ELL 710 English Language Learners REA 810 OR REA 820 Language & Literacy in the Preschool and Elementary School Language & Literacy in the Middle/Secondary School and Beyond Total Hours 42 Important Note: This program meets certification requirements in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to meet Ohio licensure requirements but licensure is subject to changing Ohio standards, ODE transcript analysis and testing requirements. In some cases, additional coursework may be required to meet state standards.

15 Tentative Cohort Schedule 15 Please see the grid below for tentative off-campus cohort class dates for all cohorts beginning in Spring All dates are tentative and subject to change; this page is for illustrative purposes only. This calendar does not take into account site closings due to holidays or weather. Session Class Meets During the Weeks of: Spring I 2014 January 1 - March 4, 2014 Spring II 2014 March 10 - May 5, 2014 Summer I 2014 May 1 - June 0, 2014 Summer II 2014 Note: One Week Intensive Session July 7 - July 11, 2014 Fall I 2014 August 25 - October 1, 2014 Fall II 2014 October 20 - December 8, 2014 Spring I 2015 January 12 - March, 2015 Spring II 2015 March 9 - May 4, 2015 Summer I 2015 May 12 - June 29, 2015 Summer II 2015 Note: One Week Intensive Session July 6 - July 10, 2015 Fall I 2015 August 24 - October 12, 2015 Fall II 2015 October 19 - December 7, 2015

16 16 Important Info About Westminster College The mission of Westminster College is to help men and women develop competencies, commitments, and characteristics which have distinguished human beings at their best. The liberal arts tradition is the foundation of the curriculum continually designed to serve this mission in a rapidly changing world. The College sees the well-educated person as one whose skills are complemented by ever-developing values and ideals identified in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Westminster s quest for excellence is a recognition that stewardship of life mandates the maximum possible development of each person s capabilities. Admissions Requirements Applicants must possess academic, personal, and professional qualities deemed acceptable by the Graduate Committee. All applicants admitted to graduate study must have a bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants without an advanced degree should have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of.000. Students with an undergraduate GPA of less than.000 may be reviewed by the screening committee on the basis of post-baccalaureate course work. Requirements for admission include submitting a completed application for graduate study, application fee, PRAXIS or PAPA series examination scores (if applicable), a copy of the teaching certificate (if applicable), professional references, and a writing sample. Applicants who have a master s degree or doctorate in education or in a teaching-related field from an accredited college or university will be admitted on the basis of the advanced degree by filing the application for graduate study, fee and copies of all previous college or university transcripts. The applicant is responsible for filing official undergraduate/graduate transcripts from all colleges/universities attended and an application for admission along with all other required documentation with the Office of Adult and Graduate Studies, Westminster College, McKelvey Campus Center, 19 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172, not later than two weeks before registration. This application must be accompanied by an application fee of $5, which is non-refundable and is not applicable to the applicant s account. PROVISIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT: Provisional graduate students desire to become degree candidates, but do not have the minimum grade point average of.000. These students progress will be reviewed after the completion of two Westminster graduate courses. This review may result in a change of enrollment status to regular graduate student if the student earns a grade of B or higher in both graduate courses. SPECIAL GRADUATE STUDENT: Special students are students who disclaim any intention of becoming degree or certification candidates. An applicant for this type of admission must have a bachelor s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Unsuccessful applicants for admission as regular graduate students cannot be considered. Special students may earn such graduate credit as their qualifications and performance warrant. A special student not maintaining good academic standing automatically forfeits rights to take any additional graduate courses. Special students may take no more than four courses, and credit earned as a special student cannot be applied toward a degree or certification either at the time the work is taken or at a later date. Special student status will be noted on the official transcript. MAINTAINING DEGREE CANDIDACY: To maintain degree candidacy in Westminster s Graduate School, students must earn grades of B or higher in all graduate courses. The student also must have removed any entrance deficiencies.to change a program of a study, the student should contact the Director of the Graduate School to develop a plan of completion.the Director of the Graduate School will review the student s academic record, instructor evaluations, entrance assessments, and other relevant materials. Based on this review, a recommendation will be made to the Graduate Committee. The review also will be used in the advising process to enhance the student s knowledge and skills. Transfer Credits A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit earned at other approved institutions may be accepted for transfer to Westminster College provided the credit has been completed within the six-year period established for the completion of all degree requirements. Acceptance of transfer credit either before or subsequent to admission to Westminster must have written approval by the director of the Graduate School. There must be prior approval to take transfer work while enrolled at Westminster. Work with a grade lower than a B will not be accepted. Cohort Information Although our off-campus programs are scheduled to meet one night per week at the same time and location, we reserve the right to change meeting times and/or locations due to any extenuating circumstances. These programs are dependent on a minimum of 10 and class size is limited to 25 students. Westminster College Tuition Guarantee The tuition rate for students beginning in Spring 2014 is $520 per credit hour and is guaranteed to students provided that they remain continuously enrolled in the program. A student is considered continuously enrolled provided that the student does not miss more than two courses (one semester) in their cohort sequence. Important Contacts Graduate Information Office Sara O Lena solena@graduateprogram.org Admissions Office Lori Scheidemantle scheidla@westminster.edu Financial Aid Office Cheryl Gerber gerberca@westminster.edu Billing Office School of Education Dr. Bob Zorn zornrl@westminster.edu Rev. 09/04/1