Wilmington University is a nondiscriminatory institution of higher learning and welcomes men and women of every race, color, creed, and national origin. Admission is granted to students who show promise of academic success. Multiple criteria are considered for admission, and special attention is directed toward one’s present motivation and employment status.
The primary components in Wilmington University’s graduate programs are admission, file completion and graduation. The admissions process includes document collection and the completion of the criteria necessary for approval to pursue a specific graduate-level degree. File completion requires the successful completion of the admissions process. Graduation occurs after the student has satisfactorily met all financial obligations and completed all required course work and related projects associated with a specific academic program.
Application materials may be obtained from Wilmington University’s website, or in person from the Admissions Office or at any of the University locations. The application may also be completed online via the Wilmington University home page at www.wilmu.edu.
Application Procedures
Admission requirements for specific programs are located in the individual program sections of this catalog. General admission requirements for master’s-level applicants are as follows:
1. Submit a completed application with the required application fee.
2. Official college transcripts with Bachelor’s degree conferral.
3. For new students, a Program Planning Conference is required for select programs.
4. Graduate program specific requirements. Some of our graduate level programs have specific requirements.
Applying for a Certificate:
If you are a new student or someone that has not been enrolled in courses for three consecutive semesters, please submit an application. If you are a current student wishing to pursue a certificate, please contact your Program Chair for next steps.
Transcript Requirements: Some certificates require completion of upper level courses. If this is a requirement for your specific certificate, unofficial transcript submission will be requested by the Admissions department upon submission and processing of your admissions application.
If the certificate option that you are applying for is eligible for financial aid, please submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Financial Aid Eligibility for Certificates:
Some certificates are eligible for financial aid. Please visit this website for a complete listing of financial aid eligible certificates:
https://www.wilmu.edu/financialaid/eligiblecertificateprograms.aspx
Adding a certificate to the same academic level as the applicant’s program: A request may be submitted with an Admissions Specialist.
Adding a certificate to a different academic level as the applicant’s program: An application to admission must be submitted. For a listing of certificates, visit the Wilmington University website at: https://www.wilmu.edu/certificates/index.aspx
International Student Admission
Wilmington University welcomes international students who wish to enroll. The requirements and procedures for international student admission to the University and acceptance into an academic program may be found on the following web page: http://www.wilmu.edu/admission/international/index.aspx
Graduate Transfer Students
Up to 12 credit hours of graduate study from a regionally accredited graduate school may be accepted. Students seeking credit for course work completed at other accredited institutions must submit an official transcript sent directly from the institution to Wilmington University’s Admissions Office along with a catalog course description from that institution. Transferred course work must be relevant to the major area of study. Course grades below a "B" will not be considered. Transfer students must have all transcripts from other accredited institutions in the possession of the Admissions Office prior to registration. Failure to attend to this can result in duplication of courses previously completed at those institutions. Credit will not be granted for course duplication. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Chair and the Dean.
Veteran Admission
Veterans are required to follow all of the standard admission procedures. In addition, veterans must contact the Student Financial Services Office and file the necessary paperwork to establish qualifications for benefits.
Transcript Policies
Official Transcript Submission Policy:
All students are required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions within the first two semesters of enrollment at Wilmington University. If all official transcripts are not submitted within the first two semesters of enrollment, students will not be able to continue with registration for future terms.
Submit all official transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions:
• Email: admissions@wilmu.edu
• Postal Address:
• Wilmington University
ATTN: Office of Admissions
320 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Official Transcript Evaluation
An Official Transcript Evaluation is required if educated outside of the U.S. or a U.S. territory (must be original). The agency must be a member of www.NACES.org (General report for High School, Detailed or Course-By-Course Report with GPA for college or university – Masters students must have an equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in the US; Doctorate students must have the equivalent of a Master's degree in the US). An evaluation is also required for any of the following circumstances:
• A high school diploma that is non-English
• A higher education institution transcript that is non-English
• An institution not recognized by the Department of Education or an approved accrediting body
Transcript Waiver Requests
Wilmington University adheres to policies regarding applicants who wish to waive transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions. High school transcripts will not be waived for applicants who transfer less than 15 post-secondary credits. Applicants must submit their request in writing to the Director of Admissions. Requests must include the name of the institution, dates of attendance, and the reason for the request. Transcripts may be waived for three reasons: 1) The institution was not accredited at the time of the student’s attendance; 2) The institution is no longer in existence and transcripts are unable to be retrieved; and 3) The student withdrew from courses prior to completing one term, as defined by that institution. Requests are reviewed and investigated by the Director of Admissions and can take up to one month to complete.
Immunization Record Policy
All Wilmington University students must submit a copy of their immunization records to the Admissions office. These records must be on file with the Admissions office prior to the start of your initial term of enrollment at the University. If you are unable to obtain a copy of your immunization records, you may submit a copy of your MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
The Admissions Decision
The final decision is made after all application requirements have been met. The University uses a rolling admission system and applicants are generally notified of their status within two weeks of the receipt of all materials.
Admissions Statuses:
There are three admissions/enrollment statuses for graduate students at Wilmington University: 1) Conditional Acceptance; 2) Full Acceptance; 3) Admitted. Below is a description of each status.
Conditional Acceptance:
In order for a graduate student to be Conditionally Accepted, he or she must have completed an Application for Graduate Admission and paid the required, non-refundable application fee. Students who are Conditionally Accepted are eligible to enroll in coursework, but are NOT eligible to receive financial aid. The purpose of this status is to enable new students to quickly enroll in coursework while waiting for other required documentation to be received by the Office of Admissions.
Full Acceptance:
A graduate student who is Fully Accepted has completed the following requirements:
1) Application for Graduate Admissions;
2) Application Fee; and
3) Official College Transcripts indicating the successful completion of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students who are Fully Accepted are eligible to enroll in coursework AND are eligible to receive financial aid.
Admitted:
When ALL required documents have been received by the Office of Admissions, a student’s admissions status is File Complete. Required documents vary depending on the type of graduate student and the degree program. For example, an interview/program planning conference is required for most graduate programs. When the interview is documented by the Office of Graduate Admissions, the student’s status will be changed to File Complete. Graduate students with this status are eligible to enroll in coursework AND are eligible to receive financial aid. The student’s participation in meeting these requirements is essential in the ability to petition to graduate. All documents must be submitted in order for a student’s degree to be conferred.
Application Expiration Policy
All applications for admission are valid only for the semester for which you apply. If you would like to change the semester in which you intend to begin classes, an application deferral request can be submitted within the Admissions portal.
Readmission
A student who discontinues study in any program for 12 months or more is required to reapply and pay a new application fee. The student must meet all of the admission and program requirements in effect on the date of readmission. A student will not be able to register until the readmission process is completed.
Re-entry
A Wilmington University graduate who has returned to take course work in a graduate-level degree program is classified as a re-entry student. The student must submit an updated graduate application and application fee which can be completed on the website or by visiting any location.
University Policies Regarding Applicants with Felony Convictions
Wilmington University adheres to policies regarding applicants with felony convictions by requiring applicants to submit a description in writing with the application for admission outlining the type of offense, the circumstances of the offense, and the date and jurisdiction of conviction. The student must complete a background check and submit all requested supporting documentation before the application packet is reviewed by a committee. The process can take 6-8 weeks to complete.
Appeal Process: If a student is denied admission to the university due to a felony conviction, the student may appeal the decision only if a change in status of the final case disposition or new information has been determined.
University Policies Regarding Substance Abuse
Wilmington University policies regarding substance abuse are detailed in the Wilmington University Student Handbook that is distributed to all students and on the Wilmington University web site at www.wilmu.edu.