Graduate Applications

How to Apply

GWU’s Graduate School provides high-quality graduate programs to students who hold bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions and who are, for the most part, full-time professionals—teachers, counselors, administrators, or nurses—working in their fields.

The curricula emphasize knowledge of the literature of the discipline, research and professional practice, and continual learning within the context of community.

Admissions Requirements For Graduate Study

To apply for initial admission to graduate study, the applicant should submit the following:

  • completed application with a $40 non-refundable processing fee.
  • An official transcript of all previous academic work beyond high school to be sent directly from each institution attended. Doctoral Programs require Graduate transcripts only. The Privacy Act requires that each student request in writing that transcripts be released to the Graduate School Office. Transcripts can be sent by mail or electronically to:
Gardner-Webb University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 1896
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
Email: [email protected]
  • Scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); Miller Analogies Test (MAT); or for appropriate programs, PRAXIS II Subject Assessment.
  • Three professional references on graduate reference forms and five professional references for Ed.D. applicants.
  • For appropriate programs, evidence of A level North Carolina teacher’s license or equivalent.
  • For the Nursing, School Counseling, and Mental Health Counseling programs, proof of criminal background record check for all states of residence for the past five (5) years. For the Nursing program, immunization records.

Please consult your program’s admissions requirements page for specific information related to that program.

When all documents have been received, they will be evaluated by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and the chair or coordinator of the program area. The applicant will be notified of the decision. Prospective counseling majors must schedule an interview with the appropriate faculty members before formal admission.

Students are notified of their admission status as soon as possible after completing the admissions process. Because of the confidential nature of some items of information required for admission, the University reserves the right to reject any applicant without stating a reason.

Additional Requirements And Forms For International Students

  • International students who have course credits from a university outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated before admission can be granted. We recommend using World Education Services (WES) for your evaluation. Visit www.wes.org for more information about how to begin this process.
  • Depending upon your current VISA status, you may be in need of applying for an I-20. Please fill out the I-20 Request Form and return to the admissions office.
  • Graduates who have just graduated from another university in the U.S. may need to fill out the I-20 Transfer Form.
  • International students must provide some sort of documentation indicating financial support. Typically, this will come in the form of either a bank statement or letter from your bank. A balance must be indicated that proves you can pay for one year of study in your program.

Additional Admission Forms