Admissions

Our commitment to offer quality student services extends to the ease of applying for admission, with our supportive graduate staff available to assist you throughout the process.

Application to Alvernia University is on a rolling admissions basis, which means that we are constantly accepting and reviewing applications. We prefer that you submit your application as early as possible. After receiving your completed application, we make every effort to notify you of your admissions decision on a rolling basis as quickly as possible. Should you have questions about the application or Alvernia’s graduate admission process, please contact the School of Graduate Studies.

To apply, students should complete the Application for Graduate Admission and submit the nonrefundable application fee, payable online upon submission, along with all other supporting documentation as outlined below.

Application fees may vary for students applying through the Centralized Application System.

Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling

1. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Transcripts from all institutions are required. Also, the following three undergraduate courses are required for acceptance: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics or Research, and Psychopathology. The courses must be completed prior to acceptance. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all previous undergraduate and graduate work is recommended for full acceptance.
2. Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences, or from religious or community leaders.
3. One-page personal statement that summarizes the value of the program of graduate study for their personal and professional growth and development.
4. Professional Résumé
5. Interview with Program Director and another MACC faculty member.
6. Additional evidence of potential for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certifications, samples of scholarly or creative work, and completion of specialized examinations (not required, but encouraged).
7. The MACC program allows up to 12 transfer credits. Applicants to the program who wish to receive transfer credit will need to submit course descriptions, syllabi, and transcripts for review. Only courses with a grade of B or better will be considered. The following courses must be taken at Alvernia University: MCC 500, MCC 520, MCC 560, MCC 550, MCC 600, MCC 610, MCC 670, and MCC 680.

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

1. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Transcripts from all institutions are required.
2. Two letters of recommendation. Letters are accepted from professors, employers, and supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences, or from religious or community leaders.
3. Personal Statement. One-page personal statement that summarizes the value of the program or graduate study for their personal and professional growth and development.
4. Professional Resume. Beyond work experience, you may include additional evidence of potential for success including items such as academic or professional awards, special certifications, etc.
5. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher recommended.

Master of Business Administration

1. Official transcript(s) indicating receipt (the awarding) of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required as are all undergraduate transcripts. Successful applicants generally meet the recommended cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Two letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters are evaluated by the MBA Admissions Committee for evidence of potential success during your course of study at Alvernia. Letters from professors, employers, or supervisors, religious or community leaders should include one or more of the following topics: professional achievements, contributions made on the job, skills/knowledge acquired on the job as well as challenge areas, contributions of service.
3. One-page personal statement. The personal statement is evaluated based on the following key topics: demonstrable progress in your academic and/or professional career and clearly articulated goals and objectives that summarize the value of the program of graduate study.
4. Standardized tests, specifically the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), are not required upon submission of your application. However, applicants may opt to enhance their application by providing additional evidence of academic potential. The MBA Admissions Committee may require test scores for a thorough evaluation, especially in considering an applicant with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0. Additional evidence of potential success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certifications, and samples of scholarly or creative work are not required but are encouraged.
5. A professional résumé will be evaluated for experience and skills which would allow for academic success. The MBA Admissions Committee considers the following when assessing experience: professional experience (either full or part time positions or internships), volunteer or public service experience, professional associations/affiliations.
6. An interview with the MBA Program Coordinator/Committee may be required after review of your application.

Master of Education and Pennsylvania Certifications for Educators

Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Special Education, and Teaching English as a Second Language

1. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. Transcripts from all institutions.
2. Three letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s qualities relevant to the program focus.
3. Personal statement that discusses the applicant’s professional goals relevant to the program focus.
4. Resume.
5. For international applicants: Foreign transcript evaluation and evidence of English language proficiency.

Additional Requirements for Master of Education with Pennsylvania Certifications

M.Ed. with Principal Certification

• Valid PA Instructional Certificate I or II
• Recommendations should include letters from district administrator, assistant school principal and/or school principal.

M.Ed. in Teaching English as a Second Language with ESL Program Specialist Certification

• Valid PA Instructional Certificate I or II
• If applicable, ESL Certification issued by another state.

Pennsylvania Post-baccalaureate Certifications for Educators

1. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. Transcripts from all institutions.
2. Three letters of recommendation from employers, supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences, or from religious or community leaders.
3. Personal statement discussing the applicant’s professional goals relevant to the program focus.
4. Resume.
5. Valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Certificate for applicants for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Principal (PK-12), and ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) . The applicants for the ESL Program Specialist Certification Program may also submit their ESL Specialist Certificate issued by another state.
6. Interview with program director for applicants for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.

Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Alvernia University Physician Associate Program sponsored by Alvernia University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-alvernia-university/.

Alvernia will offer two pathways to obtain a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies: a Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track and a traditional post-baccalaureate track. Alvernia’s traditional post baccalaureate program is designed for students who have obtained a baccalaureate degree.

Admission Requirements for post-baccalaureate track:

CASPA

• All students must apply to the Physician Associate Program via CASPA

Bachelor’s Degree

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree awarded from an institution accredited by a US recognized higher education accrediting agency (currently referred to as regional accreditation agencies by CHEA).

Grade point Average (GPAs)

• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 and minimum Science and Prerequisite GPA of 3.0.

Prerequisite Courses

• No less than “C” in any prerequisite course.
• Applicants may have two outstanding prerequisites at the time of CASPA application submission, but these must be completed and verified prior to matriculation.
• All prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of CASPA application submission.
• Pass/Fail grades for prerequisite courses will not be accepted.
• AP credit will not be accepted for prerequisite courses.

Academic Rigor

• The program will review all transcripts submitted by each applicant for evidence of academic rigor in each semester of study. Completing more than one STEM class per semester in one or more semesters will strengthen the application.

GRE

• All students must take the GRE examination.

Direct Patient Care Hours

• The Program defines direct patient care hours as any experience where the applicant provides hands-on patient care and is exposed to patient care delivery and/or the provider-patient relationship. We require a minimum of 200 direct patient care hours with at least 8 hours direct interaction with a PA. Additional hours will strengthen the application. Any hours credited as part of education or training will not count. Direct patient care hours may be paid or volunteer.

Community Service

• Evidence of community service and a commitment to service is not required but recommended. Evidence of community service will strengthen the application based on the number of community service hours.

Leadership

• Evidence of leadership is not required but recommended. Evidence of leadership roles will strengthen the application based on the number of leadership roles.

Interviews

• No Interview is required but there will be an optional accepted students’ day on campus.

Custom Essay

• All applicants will be required to answer three short-answer essay questions within the CASPA portal that are specific to the Alvernia University PA program.

Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation are required, including at least one from a healthcare professional and one from a professor/instructor.
  • If an applicant is five (5) or more years post-graduation, a letter of recommendation from a second healthcare professional or a direct supervisor of employment can be submitted in place of one from a professor/instructor.  

Criminal Background Check

• All applicants must pass a criminal background check prior to matriculation.

Technical Standards

• All applicants must meet the programs officially published technical standards at the time of matriculation and continue to meet them while enrolled in the program.

International Students

• We will not enroll applicants who have graduated from foreign or domestic medical institutions alone. International applicants must have completed at least one year of study in a US or English- Speaking Institution and fulfill our minimum requirements for the English proficiency examination.
• Applicants who have completed course work outside of the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, or any other English-Speaking country must take an English proficiency examination. The PA Program requires one of the following minimum proficiency examination scores:
  • TOEFL = 100
  • IELTS = 7.5
  • Duolingo = 130

Special Considerations

• Alvernia University Alumni
• Local applicants from the Pennsylvania counties of Berks, Chester, Montgomery, Lebanon, Schuylkill, and Lehigh
• All past and current military experience, including veteran, active duty, and reserve status
• Applicants who speak Spanish, or any other language in addition to English, including sign language.

Advanced Placement Policy (A3.16 a, b, c)

Advanced placement is not granted for any student entering the Alvernia University Physician Associate Program.

• All students must complete the full Physician Associate Program.
• No external course work will satisfy Physician Associate Program requirements.
• Applicants who have graduated from, or attended, foreign or U.S. medical schools, or who have advanced degrees in biological sciences or similar programs, will not be granted automatic acceptance into the Physician Associate Program. Nor will transfer credits from graduate or postgraduate programs be accepted.
• No transfer credit is accepted. No courses will be waived.
• No credit is granted for pre-admission experiential learning.

Post-Selection Requirements

Non-Refundable Deposit

Candidates who accept a seat in the program must pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit to secure their place in the cohort. Additional information and details regarding the deposit can be found in the acceptance letter.

CASPer

Accepted candidates must complete the CASPer online, open-response situational judgment test prior to matriculation. The CASPer test must be completed no later than Aug. 1 of each year prior to entering the program. To register for the CASPer test, visit acuityinsights.app/casper.
 

Prior to matriculation, each student must meet the following program, college, and university requirements no later than Aug. 1 of each year prior to entering the program:

• All requirements for admission, including providing verified official transcripts from previously attended colleges/universities.
• Background check.
• Fingerprinting.
• Negative substance abuse test for illegal drugs and substances or controlled substances (students with a controlled prescription will need to meet with the Alvernia University Medical & Counseling Center).
• Immunizations as required by the Alvernia University Medical & Counseling Center and CDC Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers.
• Provide proof of active health insurance. Alvernia University does not offer student health insurance plans. However, below are websites that provide options for health insurance coverage. These are just suggestions; neither the University nor the PA program has any affiliations with either of these sites or coverage options.
  • healthcare.gov
  • pennie.com
• Required Matriculation Documents (need to be uploaded to CORE ELMS, the program’s clinical tracking platform):
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Photo/Video Release Form
  • Immunization Release Form
• Attestation to technical standards (or university accommodations if applicable).
• Attestation to student handbook/policies.

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Post-baccalaureate students who have completed an undergraduate degree and the necessary prerequisite courses may apply to enter the professional phase of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. Students will apply through Graduate Admissions (ATCAS system accessed at: ATCAS | Applicant Login Page Section (liaisoncas.com) and upon acceptance to the University, will matriculate through the professional phase of the MSAT program. Graduate admission occurs on a rolling basis. A review of applications may continue until all available slots are filled. There are 24 available openings in each MSAT cohort.

To begin the professional phase of the MSAT program, post-baccalaureate students must provide proof of:

• Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Transcripts from all institutions are required.
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree is required.**
• Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses (must pass these courses with a “C or better”):
  • Biology with lab (3-4 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 (6-8 total credits)
  • Physics with lab (3-4 credits; can be non-calculus based)
  • Chemistry with lab (3-4) credits)
  • Nutrition (Sports nutrition is preferable) (3 credits)
  • Psychology (3-6 credits)
  • Kinesiology (3-4 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (3-4 credits)

**Students whose GPA is below 3.0 with unique academic coursework and / or extensive professional experience may be eligible for initial acceptance. Students are required to achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to graduate from the MSAT program.**

Post-baccalaureate candidates must also provide proof of the following current certifications:

• First Aid
• CPR with AED (Adult, Child, Infant) for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent)

Students who meet these standards and begin their professional phase coursework will only be required to complete graduate- level MSAT coursework.

Upon acceptance to the professional phase of the MSAT program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Obtain a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance form (ACT 151),
• A Criminal History Record Check (ACT 34),
• and an FBI Criminal Clearance (ACT 114).

All clearances are required upon acceptance into the professional phase of the program and must be renewed yearly. Clearances must be completed prior to beginning any clinical hours. Formal clinical education begins during the professional phase of the MSAT program (years 4 and 5). Clearances with violations are reviewed on an individual basis and may be subject to non-acceptance and progression related to clinical agency requirements. 

Students must also complete the Background Checks Notification form.

• Submit a completed health record to the Health & Wellness Center and complete the Authorization to Release Medical Information form.
• Obtain specific immunizations which includes a two-step TB Test, Diphtheria/Tetanus Booster, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, the series of Hepatitis B vaccinations, and a Pneumococcal vaccine or waiver.
• Required yearly influenza vaccine or documented refusal.
• Obtain yearly Blood-borne Pathogens and OSHA training and complete the Communicable Disease Policy.
• Maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Provide transportation for all clinical experience off-campus (public or private).
• Provide proof of current health insurance.

Progression Policies

• An individual athletic training course or required pre-requisite course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. However, students must achieve an overall GPA of 3.0 to graduate from the MSAT program.
•  Students may repeat/delete only one MSAT (AT) course throughout the athletic training program.
• Students who receive a grade of less than a “C” in an athletic training course may not progress in athletic training courses for which that course is a prerequisite.

Five Year Combined BSHCS and MSAT Degree

Traditional Undergraduate and Transfer Students seeking admission to this program should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Master of Science in Nursing

1. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE accredited program or international equivalent at a college or university.
2. Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a BSN Program.
3. Completion of an undergraduate statistics and research course with a grade of “C” or better. If not completed, the course must be taken in conjunction with graduate courses at Alvernia University.
4. Two (2) recommendations (preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees) regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing. (*) In lieu of letters, MSN candidates must obtain references using specific form supplied with the admission packet.
5. Current resume.
6. Photocopy of valid Pennsylvania license as a Registered Nurse.

(*) Waived for BSN graduates of Alvernia University

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy - Entry Level Post Baccalaureate

1. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college or university.
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree is required.
3. Transcripts from all institutions of 2- or 4-year colleges or universities the applicant has attended.
4. Evidence of completion of the following coursework with a grade of “C” or higher:
   1. A minimum of six (6) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of anatomy and physiology with a lab component.
   2. A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of introduction to sociology or anthropology.
   3. A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of introduction to psychology.
   4. A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of lifespan development or developmental psychology.
   5. A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of psychopathology.
   6. A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of statistics.
5. Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional or service experiences. These may be from religious or community leaders but not relatives or personal associates.
6. A two-page personal statement that summarizes the value of the program of graduate study for the applicant’s personal and professional development.
7. Scores submitted from a graduate entrance exam such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). This requirement will be waived for Alvernia Alumni, and other students who have earned a bachelor’s degree within 5 years prior to submitting an application.
8. Additional evidence for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certificates, continuing education, or completion of specialized examinations (not required, but encouraged).
9. Evidence of an observation of occupational therapy practitioners working in a clinical setting is required.

Five Year Combined BSHS and MSOT Degree

Students seeking admission to this program should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Master of Social Work

Traditional MSW (60 credits)

1. Post-baccalaureate with any undergraduate degree
2. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts from all institutions are required. Students who are completing the baccalaureate degree must forward an official copy of the final transcript for full acceptance to the program.
3. Statistics- 3 credits
4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree is required.
5. Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences, or from religious or community leaders.
6. Professional Résumé
7. A one-page personal statement that summarizes their personal value system and goals as related to the profession of social work.
8. Additional evidence of potential for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certifications, samples of scholarly or creative work, and completion of specialized examinations (not required, but encouraged).
9. A personal interview with the program director might be requested as part of the application process.

Advanced Standing (33 credits)

1. Graduates from CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program
2. Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree from a CSWE accredited college or university. Official transcripts from all institutions are required. Students who are completing the baccalaureate degree must forward an official copy of the final transcript for full acceptance to the program.
3. Statistics- 3 credits
4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the BSW baccalaureate degree is required.
5. A grade of “C” or better in both practice and fieldwork courses
6. Two letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences, or from religious or community leaders.
7. A letter of recommendation from the BSW program chair that will include information on final fieldwork evaluation.
8. Professional Résumé
9. A one-page personal statement that summarizes their personal value system and goals as related to the profession of social work.
10. Additional evidence of potential for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certifications, samples of scholarly or creative work, and completion of specialized examinations (not required, but encouraged).
11. A personal interview with the program director might be requested as part of the application process.
12. An applicant whose undergraduate grade point average is below the required 3.0 may be considered for admission contingent on providing an additional statement related to their potential for academic success including recent work experience.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

1. Completed Application for Admission through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) at: http://www.ptcas.org/home.aspx
2. Official transcript(s) demonstrating the achievement of a bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from each college or university attended revealing a Cumulative GPA of 3.25, Science and Prerequisite GPA of 3.0, or better. The following Prerequisite courses must be completed with a final grade of “C” or better:
   • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II - 4 credits each with lab
   • Biology - 3-4 credits
   • Chemistry I and II - 4 credits each with lab
   • Physics I and II - 4 credits each with lab
   • Social Sciences - 6-9 credits (psychology, sociology/anthropology, humanities)
   • Statistics - 3 credits
   • English Composition/Writing - 3 credits
3. A minimum of 100 hours of observation, which includes experience in both outpatient and inpatient physical therapy settings. It is recommended that these observations be diverse, providing each applicant with perspective on the depth and breadth of physical therapy practice across setting and across the lifespan.
4. Three letters of reference from a: licensed PT, a professor from a course they have completed, and another non-family member who can speak to character and attributes that will make the applicant successful in graduate study and as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The licensed Physical Therapist should not be a member of the applicant’s family or a family friend. If more than three references are received, one from each category (a maximum of three) will be used for consideration and ranking.
5. GRE taken within the past five years with a minimum score of 150 on Verbal and Quantitative and 3.5 on Analytical (Alvernia Code 1619).
6. A written essay 500 words or less, addressing the question as stated. Content, as well as spelling and grammar, are deemed to be important for readability and consideration by faculty.
7. All prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of application to the DPT Program.
8. Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in high school if accepted by undergraduate admissions upon entrance into the university will be accepted as fulfilling the Prerequisites for entrance into the DPT Program. These courses must appear on the undergraduate transcript.
9. All decisions are contingent upon maintaining admissions criteria throughout the final semester.
10. Successful completion of a formal interview that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to engage in professional verbal communication with the DPT Admissions Committee
11. Non-science Prerequisites, (statistics, social science, psychology) may be completed online. For science prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology) may have the lecture portions taken online but the laboratory must be taken in a traditional laboratory setting.

Important Dates:

January 15: General Applications close
March 1: General applicants notified of decision

Doctor of Philosophy

1. Completed application for admission.
2. Official transcript(s) indicating that the PHD applicant has earned an appropriate undergraduate and graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Three letters of recommendation from former professors, from employers or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences, or from religious or community leaders
4. One-page personal statement that summarizes the value of the program of doctoral study for their personal and professional growth and development.
5. Professional Résumé
6. Interview with Ph.D. Program Director
7. Additional evidence of potential for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards, special certifications, samples of scholarly or creative work, and completion of specialized examinations (not required, but encouraged).
8. Scores submitted from a graduate entrance exam such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) may be needed in consideration of an applicant with a Master’s degree GPA below 3.25.