Graduate Admission

General Information

Candidates for graduate admission to Concordia must be graduates of an accredited university and hold a bachelor's degree. Applicants must be persons of good moral character. Early application is encouraged to ensure priority consideration.

Acceptance to Concordia University

All prospective students will be notified by letter of the action taken on their application. Materials submitted should demonstrate that applicants satisfactorily meet admission criteria set by the faculty of Concordia University. Exceptions are considered by the graduate admission committee.

Application Procedures

Each program shall require the following:

1. official documentation (transcripts) of an accredited baccalaureate degree.
2. an overall G.P.A. of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of the undergraduate degree.
3. an application (application fee waived for CSP alumni) and application fee.
4. Letters of recommendations from non-relatives
5. Professional resume
6. A signed copy of the technology agreement.
7. Personal interview with department

Additional requirements for specific programs may be required; please consult appropriate degree information. A partial list of additions includes:

MA in organizational management:

• A personal interview is required.

MA in education and human services:
(College of Education)

• Students must have completed at least 13 semester credits of baccalaureate work in education, psychology, or sociology. If students lack these required credits, life experience essays demonstrating proficiency in the specific emphasis area selected by the student may be accepted
.
• Submit a portfolio or essay that describes the following:
  • Work experience and how it prepared the student for this degree;
  • Leadership positions held, memberships in professional organizations, service on boards and committees;
  • Evidence of personal leadership potential;
  • Educational and professional goals.

MA in Christian Outreach (College of Vocation and Ministry)

• A letter of recommendation from the applicant's pastor; two letters of recommendation from individuals who can verify applicant's outreach ministry experience or knowledge;
• Outreach work experience resume;
• Written expression of applicant's rationale for pursuing the degree.
• transcripts indicating a CGPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, with a 3.0 on a 4.0 for the last two years of undergraduate study or demonstration of the ability to perform at a masters level;
• Undergraduate courses in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian doctrine, or demonstration of competency in course areas must be completed by the beginning of the second summer residency.
• A personal or phone interview may be requested by the Entrance Committee.

MA in education - emphasis in differentiated learning (College of Education)

• Submit a portfolio that contains a current resume and a 1-3 page statement of personal philosophy regarding students with diverse learning needs.
• Complete an interview, in person or by telephone, with the Director of MAEDL

Appeal of Policy and Procedure

A. Graduate students may appeal decisions made by program faculty or administrators regarding admission to the program or questions that may arise as a result of a candidate's academic performance.

B. Steps for appeal include:

1. The student should first consult directly with the director of graduate admission. The formal appeal process will be offered and explained in detail.
2. Students submitting a formal written appeal will be reviewed by the Graduate Admission committee, academic dean(s) and program representatives.
3. Appeals will be reviewed within two weeks.
4. Communication of formal appeal will be provided in written letter to the graduate applicant.
5. Any appeal shall be initiated within 30 calendar days after the contested judgment was made. All appeals must be processed within 60 calendar days after the initial appeal was filed.

Application Contacts

Persons seeking graduate admission should direct all correspondence to the Office of Graduate Admission, Concordia University, St. Paul, 275 Syndicate Street North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104-5494. Students may also submit an on-line application at www.csp.edu

Correspondence includes all matters and inquiries connected with admission, such as application forms, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and fees. Remittances should be made payable to Concordia University, St. Paul and sent to the Office of Graduate Admission.

Immunization

Minnesota law requires that all students provide a written statement verifying the date of the last diphtheria/tetanus immunization (must be within the last 10 years) and the dates of two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella immunizations (must be after the age of one year). Certain exemptions are provided in the law for medical contraindication and for conscientiously held beliefs.

In addition to the Minnesota law, the Concordia Health Center and the American College Health Association recommends the following immunizations: the Hepatitis B vaccine (a series of three vaccines) and a meningococcal vaccine if you plan to live on campus. Please discuss these recommendations with a health care provider or you may call our Health Center at (651) 641-8235 and talk to our campus nurse.

Re-Admission of Former Students of Concordia University

1. Apply for re-admission through the Office of Graduate Admission. No application fee is required.
2. Submit information concerning activities since last attending Concordia, send appropriate letters of recommendation if required, and include a statement of educational objectives.
3. Request official transcript of credits earned at other institution(s) be sent to the registrar.

International Students

1. Submit all material required of entering freshmen and/or transfers. This includes an English translation transcript of level of education.
2. Submit evidence of one or more of the following:
   • a. Score of at least 500 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or at least 173 on the computer-based test.
   • b. Equated score of at least 70 on the Michigan test.
   • c. Completed level 112 from English Language Services (ELS). Based on these test results, Concordia's testing program results, and the student's classroom performance during the early part of the semester, tutorial needs of the student are determined by the director of the academic support programs, in consultation with appropriate faculty personnel.
3. Demonstrate ability to meet the expenses of university fees, tuition, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. I-20 forms will be issued only after the application is accepted by the Office of Graduate Admission and the first semester is paid in full
.
4. Submit health and immunization records as required by law. International students are admitted for the fall and spring terms only
.
5. Any transcripts provided must be evaluated by an outside agency for American equivalents.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Concordia will grant credit for most CLEP Examinations to students with a score of 50 or higher. Only those exams listed in the CLEP credit policy will be accepted. Students should have an official score report sent to Concordia University, St. Paul (code number 6224).

Information about the CLEP examinations can be found at www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html. Concordia University's CLEP credit policy is posted at www.csp.edu/registrar/CLEP.htm.