Admissions Policies

Part of the application to Messiah University includes an official transcript from the educational institution that conferred the degree. Additional official transcripts will be required for those seeking to transfer credits, and/or at the request of a program director.

To make the application process as smooth as possible, please ensure that official transcripts are sent directly from the academic institution(s). There are two options for sending transcripts:

• Electronic transcripts should be emailed to Graduate Admissions. Please remember that electronic transcripts are considered official only if they are sent via an official transcript service like Parchment or eSCRIP-SAFE.

• If using traditional mail, send transcripts in a sealed envelope to: Graduate Admissions, Messiah University, One University Ave, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Messiah University welcomes transfer students across many graduate programs. Applicants should review the transfer policies and procedures to determine if a program accepts transfer credit. 

Transfer policies and procedures

Process for transfer credit approval

There are multiple admissions decisions offered to applicants:

Degree Seeking Admission

Applicants who have met all requirements for admission and are moving toward candidacy with full graduate status for a master’s or doctoral degree as described in the official letter of acceptance are considered to be degree seeking students.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who have submitted all graduate program application materials except official transcripts or letter(s) of reference may be provisionally admitted to Messiah University, pending graduate program director approval. Those with provisional status have one semester to submit all of the required admissions materials. The student will not be eligible to register for a second semester until the provisional designation is removed. Any request for an exception to this registration block must be submitted to the graduate program director. This information will be detailed in a letter from the director or admissions committee of the applicant’s chosen program.

Conditional Admission

Applicants whose application does not meet the criteria for degree-seeking or non-degree seeking status, but who appear to have the capability to successfully complete graduate courses may be admitted to Messiah University on a conditional admittance status. A conditionally admitted applicant must satisfy the conditions of admittance in order to continue in the program. The specific conditions and length of time permitted to meet the stated conditions will be detailed in a letter from the director or admissions committee of the applicant’s chosen program.

Non-Degree Seeking Admission

Applicants who meet all requirements for admission to a specific graduate program, but who do not intend to pursue an advanced degree at Messiah University may enroll as a non-degree seeking student.* This classification includes students who may be taking graduate courses for transfer credits, personal enrichment, professional development credits, Act 48, continuing education or licensing requirements, etc. Students may take up to 9 credits as a non-degree seeking student. Any student changing from non-degree seeking to degree seeking must fulfill the admission requirements for degree seeking students prior to proceeding beyond the 9 credit limit for non-degree seeking students.

*Note: not all programs admit non-degree seeking students.

Deny

Applicants may be denied if the candidate does not meet the admissions criteria and the program faculty has concerns about the candidate’s ability to be successful in the program. This decision will be detailed in a letter from the director or admissions committee of the applicant’s chosen program.

A candidate who applies and/or interviews, but whose admission is denied, has the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in written form to the director of enrollment, graduate and professional studies within 30 days of the original decision. The letter should clearly state the grounds for appeal. Applicants whose appeal is accepted will be reconsidered for admission by the respective graduate program. A final decision will be detailed in a letter from the director or admissions committee of the applicant’s chosen program.

Application for admission to the School of Graduate & Professional Studies at Messiah University is limited to the semester indicated on the application. If an applicant's plans change, a one-time option for deferring admission for up to two semesters from the initial semester of acceptance is possible. If an applicant defers, there is no guarantee that all coursework will be available upon their enrollment. Therefore, it is recommended that accepted students who are considering deferring admission consult with Graduate Admissions prior to declaring their intentions. 

Note: Students accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Athletic Training and Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship Program may not defer their admission. Contact Graduate Admissions with questions about deferring admission.

We understand that plans can sometimes shift, and students may need to take a break, whether it's a leave of absence, medical leave, or withdrawing from their studies. Fortunately, in many programs, new classes begin every eight weeks, providing students with the opportunity to resume their studies whenever they are ready.

Students who have withdrawn from the University (not enrolled in at least one course at Messiah University during the past semester - fall, spring or summer) must file an application for re-enrollment with graduate admissions at least twenty (20) days prior to the beginning of the semester for which re-enrollment is being sought. Students who are granted a leave of absence will be considered withdrawn if they do not enroll in at least one course at Messiah University during the semester following their leave of absence or medical leave.

Students applying for re-enrollment who have earned graduate credits at another institution since their most recent enrollment at Messiah University, and who want those courses to be considered as transfer credits and/or for enrollment decisions, must submit transcripts from each institution attended before a re-enrollment decision can be made.

To be eligible for re-enrollment, applicants must be in good standing with the University and the academic program must have the capacity to accept additional students. Additional conditions of re-enrollment may be imposed by the specific graduate program for which the applicant seeks re-enrollment.

If a student does not register to take any courses in a particular semester (fall, spring or summer) but plans to take one (or more) the following semester, the student is eligible for a one-semester leave of absence. In order to be granted the leave, students must communicate their plans to the University by completing a notification of leave of absence form, available on FALCONlink (search for Graduate Notification for Leave of Absence/Withdrawal). Students are responsible for understanding the implications of a leave of absence on financial aid, as well as registering for appropriate future course work.

*Please note that students will be withdrawn from the University if they do not register for a course in the semester following leave.

Students who have not been enrolled in courses at Messiah University for two years or more must re-apply for admission to the graduate program by completing the full application required of the requested program.

Messiah University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a member institution, Messiah University is authorized to deliver distance education courses and programs in all SARA-member states and territories.  Although a non-SARA state, Messiah University is also authorized to deliver distance education to students residing in California.

SARA has no effect on state professional licensing requirements.  However, licensing requirements vary from state to state.  See below for more information.

Complaint Process

In accordance with SARA policy you can find our process here: Graduate Student Complaint Process

Messiah University is approved to offer programs that may lead to licensure or certification in the state in which you reside or plan to reside.  It is important to note that licensing requirements vary by state; and therefore completion of a Messiah program does not guarantee professional licensure.  It is recommended that students utilize our searchable database for specific information listed by state. 

Please note: states revise their licensure requirements without notice. Messiah University will update information as it is known.  In addition, the University will perform an annual check of licensure requirements by state. Students enrolling in the M.A. in Counseling program can find state licensing information at the links below.

American Counseling Association
American School Counselor Association