Acceptance to a Graduate Program

Once all required documentation has been received, credentials will be reviewed by the respective program. Applicants will be notified of the admission decision in writing following the review. Upon admission, registration may be scheduled for the next term according to the published dates for new students. Prospective students should apply early. Completion of the application process may require two to six weeks.

The following are cases of special or limited admissions:

Provisional Status Students – have not submitted all records required for admission but have presented evidence of graduate school capabilities. The Graduate Admissions Committee approves these students for admission with special status. Enrollment is permitted for one semester while records are being completed.

Probationary Status Students – have not met all the criteria for regular admission but show reasonable promise for success in graduate studies and may be accepted on a probationary basis. An academic deficiency in preparatory studies will be determined by the requirements of the department or program to which the applicant seeks admission. Students accepted on probation must consult an advisor to determine specific courses to be taken in their area or program of study. The student may not register for more than six credits while on probationary status. Students who attain a grade of B in each of the initial graduate courses attempted are removed from probation and continue as regularly accepted students. Students who do not attain this standard will be dismissed from the program.

Visiting Students – are seeking a degree elsewhere but need a specific course that is not being offered at the home institution. The visiting student must submit an application and a letter from his or her home institution giving permission to take the specific course at Holy Family University.

Non-Degree Students – are special status students not enrolled in a degree program and may register as a non-degree graduate student. The Graduate Admissions Committee approves these students for admission with special status. The student may enroll for any graduate course for which he or she has the necessary prerequisite coursework. Academic programs may restrict enrollment in selected courses or give scheduling preferences to the degree-seeking students.

Enrollment as a non-degree student does not ensure admission to a degree program. Directors of academic programs, at their discretion, may approve a maximum of six hours of coursework with grades of B or higher taken by a special status student toward the master’s degree.