Students must show evidence of academic experiences which indicate their capacity to accomplish satisfactory work at Shippensburg University in their selected area of study. Criteria include graduation from an approved secondary school or equivalent preparation (as determined by the Credentials Evaluation Division of the Pennsylvania Department of Education) or successful completion of significant college-level work at another institution. The grades earned and the relationship of the course work to college preparation is of particular importance.
This is determined, in part, by scores from the SAT I: Reasoning Test of the College Entrance Examination Board or the entrance examination of the American College Testing Program (ACT). Placement test may also be required.
Letters of recommendation, interviews and statements of personal experiences in some cases can represent an important part of the evaluation process, particularly in those cases where the decision may be in question. These items are optional.
* Shippensburg University subscribes to the CEEB fee waiver program. This program provides waivers for those students for whom the fee is judged a hardship. Students should request submission of the fee waiver form through the guidance counselor.
Deadlines for submitting the confirmation deposits: April 1 or, if admitted after March 1, the deadline prescribed in the offer of admission letter. Extensions of the confirmation deposit date may be requested by sending a letter to the Dean of Admissions.
The Shippensburg University Office of Admissions may waive the submission of high school records and SAT I scores prior to the admissions decision for students who have successfully completed 30 or more credit hours of college-level work. In addition, applicants who graduated from high school more than two years ago are exempt from submitting SAT I scores.
Deadlines for submitting the confirmation deposits: April 1 or, if admitted after March 1, the deadline prescribed in the offer of admission letter. Extensions of the confirmation deposit date may be requested by sending a letter to the Dean of Admissions.
a. A minimum program of 45 semester hours at Shippensburg.
b. All course selections subject to prior approval by the appropriate academic dean.
*If you are attending a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Community College, Lackawanna College, Hagerstown Community College, Carroll Community College, Howard Community College, Frederick Community College, Raritan Valley Community College, Middlesex Community College, or Allegany College of Maryland please refer to the Academic Passport section for important additional information.
A minimum program of at least 45 semester hours must be taken at Shippensburg University. A transfer student who has completed an associate degree in an academic program parallel to one at Shippensburg University will normally complete a baccalaureate program in two additional years; however, more than two additional years may be necessary to complete degree requirements in certain programs. The official evaluation will be provided following the offer of admission to the university.
Transfer applicants from non-accredited institutions are normally evaluated on the same basis as a freshman applicant. Work from non-accredited institutions may be considered as a part of the evaluation to determine the ability of a student to perform successfully at Shippensburg University. Official transcripts of all post-secondary work must be submitted as a part of the application process. The transcript of an applicant from a non-accredited institution, however, will not be evaluated officially by the college dean until the student has completed one semester successfully at Shippensburg and has attained a cumulative quality point average of at least 2.2. Possible transfer of credits from the non-accredited institution will be considered only at that time. Once admitted, all transfer students from non-accredited institutions are expected to maintain the same academic standards required of those students already enrolled in the university.
Admission to Shippensburg University may be granted to transfer students whose records indicate reasonable probability of success. Certain programs, such as business, elementary education, biology, criminal justice, etc., require a higher quality point average for consideration. Please consult with the Office of Admissions for details. Non-transferable courses are not used in calculating cumulative quality point averages including developmental or remedial courses and vocational-occupational-technical courses. In evaluating a transfer student's application for admission, the university may take into account the total record in high school and college, quality of courses, test scores, and interviews. The major criterion used by the university in evaluating an applicant for admission is the overall quality of previous achievement.
Once admitted, all transfer students are expected to maintain the same academic standards required of those students already enrolled in the university.
This section applies only to students seeking to transfer directly from a Pennsylvania community college, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university, Lackawanna College, Raritan Valley Community College, Middlesex Community College or one of the following community colleges in Maryland: Carroll, Frederick, Hagerstown, Howard and Allegany College of Maryland. All other community/junior college applicants and undergraduate transfer applicants from a four-year college/university should consult the previous section.
Shippensburg University supports transfer students and the Academic Passport. The Academic Passport is a transfer program designed to promote and facilitate the transfer of students and to support the transfer of undergraduate courses earned by students at other universities. This encourages a seamless transfer for students into Shippensburg University.
A student is eligible for the Passport if he/she is a graduate of one of the above named community/junior colleges holding an Associate of Arts(A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree or are an incumbent student of a State System university with 12 credits or more of college-level work.
Students from community/junior colleges and State System universities may transfer credits in courses where the grade of D is earned only if the student has an overall QPA of 2.0 or higher from each institution attended. Some academic programs at Shippensburg University may require the student to repeat certain courses in which a D grade was earned.
Shippensburg University maintains Dual Admission programs with the following community colleges: Harrisburg Area Community College, Hagerstown Community College, Frederick Community College, Carroll Community College and Allegany College of Maryland. This program provides career and library services at Shippensburg University while the student is attending the community college as well as academic advisement to ensure the optimal transferability of credits. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at Shippensburg University or one of the above named community colleges. Additional agreements are currently in process.
In the acceptance and application of credits Shippensburg University will look first to apply as many credits as possible towards the satisfaction of lower division general education requirements. Next, remaining credits may be applied to satisfy requirements in the major. Lastly, credits may be applied to satisfy elective requirements.
Transcripts submitted to meet entrance requirements by transfer students are evaluated by the dean of the college to which the student has made application. The transcript will be evaluated officially when the applicant has been formally admitted to the university. In most cases, the official evaluation of the student's transcript will be mailed along with the letter of admission.
Transfer credit will be awarded for equivalent Shippensburg University courses whenever appropriate. If there is not an equivalent course, credit will be awarded based on the academic discipline and type of course. Developmental and vocational courses will not be accepted as transfer credit.
Students who feel the original evaluation of their transfer credit is not correct may request another review. Shippensburg University will work with transfer students to ensure credit is awarded in the most appropriate way possible.
Please be advised that the degree completion program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration is only offered in Harrisburg and Gettysburg. See the Degree Completion Program chapter.
Admission Requirements
* Note: Individuals seeking admission to the degree completion program recognize that transfer credits will only be applicable to degree completion program requirements. Degree completion program students who decide to change their major after matriculation will have their transfer credits re-evaluated.
Admissions Procedures
Applicants for admission to Shippensburg University's degree completion program should write, call 717-477-1231 or 1-800-822-8028, or e-mail admiss@ship.edu the Office of Admissions and request an application form. Applicants may also visit our website at www.ship.edu/DCP for more information and to download a PDF file.
Please submit the following original documents:
Mail completed application, supporting materials, and $30 application fee to Office of Admissions, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257. Application evaluation will be completed after all required application materials are received. Check the status of your application on-line at www.ship.edu or by contacting the Office of Admissions.
Shippensburg University welcomes applications from students who have been homeschooled. Please review the guidelines under the freshman/transfer sections as well as the following information:
For additional information regarding a special situation, please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
The Shippensburg University Honors Program invites applications from incoming and current students who will thrive in an atmosphere of creative learning and intellectual exploration. We welcome applications from top students, generally with SAT scores of at least 1800 (includes reading, math, and writing) or ACT scores of at least 25 and rank in the upper fifth of their high school class. While SAT scores, class rank, and grade point average are important, other factors, including evidence of leadership and community service, are also considered in admissions decisions. If incoming freshmen are not admitted to the program due to space limitations, but earn a QPA of 3.25, they may also apply for admission to the program during the second semester of their freshman or sophomore year. Transfer students who have maintained a QPA of 3.25 are also encouraged to apply.
Application forms are available on the Honors Program website at www.ship.edu/~honors or by contacting the Honors Program at 717-477-1604 or honors@ship.edu. The application deadline is March 1 for admission in the fall semester, and December 1 for admission in the spring semester.
The university offers an early admission plan as a desirable option for those mature and academically talented students who are fully ready for college before completion of the 12th year of high school.
The early admission of full-time students should be reserved for those high school students who, in the judgment of both the secondary school official and the university, are clearly outstanding academically and who demonstrate the personal maturity necessary for successful adjustment to the university. Normally such students will have exceeded the academic limits of their secondary schools and will have attained a level of maturity greater than that of their chronological peers. They should be able to logically justify reasons for early entrance. Since an assessment of social maturity is a consideration, the university requires a personal interview of all early admission candidates. With the needs of the student in mind, the institution is obligated to consider whether the first year of the university or the last year of the secondary school will be more beneficial for the student, given the student's academic ability and maturity.
Below are listed the usual academic guidelines for the selection of students through Early Admission:
The Dean of Admissions may use early admission as a desirable option for those mature and academically talented students who are fully ready for the university. However, it is not in the best interest of those not fully qualified either academically or personally to apply for early admission. Please write or call the Office of Admissions for information pertaining to application procedures.
The early admission of students as part-time students while concurrently completing secondary school requirements offers opportunities for those students to enrich their high school program while at the same time functioning within their traditional peer groups. This part-time student might also wish to engage in university-level courses during the summer sessions.
This special form of early admission may be desirable in individual situations as long as the student is capable of handling the academic demands involved. Students should first exhaust all other course options in high school before considering special student status. The following guidelines apply for special students:
Please write or call the Office of Admissions for information pertaining to application materials and procedures.
Students who do not meet regular admission criteria but who have demonstrated the potential, desire, and motivation to succeed in college may be able to gain admission to Shippensburg by successfully completing the Summer Bridge/Academic Success Program (Act 101). Students who are offered this option enroll in two courses during the summer and are required to participate in Summer Bridge programming as assigned. This program is free to those students who meet ACT 101 (Pennsylvania's Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program) income guidelines. All students are required to pay for their textbooks.
Details are located under the School of Academic Programs and Services in this catalog or at www.ship.edu/~asp.
Shippensburg University provides educational learning experiences for interested adults on a part-time basis. Undergraduate courses are available for high school graduates or those who have achieved equivalency status as well as for students who have received a bachelor's degree but are not interested in pursuing a master's degree or certification.
This non-degree status is for those who wish to add to their specific subject area knowledge, to review or improve certain skills or to broaden their interests. Non-degree students will be scheduled after degree-seeking students to ensure space exists for regularly admitted students. Contact the Registrar's Office for more information.
Non-degree students who wish to matriculate must apply through the regular admission process. All prerequisite course work requirements of degree-seeking students apply to non-degree students. A maximum of 30 credit hours earned in non-degree status may be credited toward an undergraduate degree. Non-degree students are required to meet the minimum academic standards outlined under Academic Policies and Procedures.
Individuals who apply for regular admission and are denied may not attend the university as a non-degree student.
Visiting students are those who wish to enter the institution for one semester for the purpose of earning credit which is to be used for graduation at another institution. Please refer to Visiting Student Program under Academic Policies and Procedures for PASSHE participants. These students should contact the Office of the Registrar at Shippensburg University concerning application procedures.
Students from outside the United States who do not hold immigrant visas or permanent resident/resident alien status must complete a Shippensburg University international application for admission. Students may complete an application on-line at www.ship.edu/admiss or by requesting an application from the Office of Admissions. For evaluation purposes, an official copy of the complete academic record (courses and grades) from the secondary school (and post-secondary school, if applicable) must be sent from those schools directly to either:
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
USA
ECE Phone number: 414-289-3400
ECE Fax number: 414-289-3411
ECE E-mail: eval@ece.org
ECE Website: www.ece.org
OR
World Education Services (WES)
P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10011-0745
USA
WES Phone number: 212-966-6311 or 800-937-3895
WES Fax number: 212-966-6395
WES E-mail: info@wes.org
WES Website: www.wes.org
ECE or WES will then forward their official evaluation of your credentials to the Office of Admissions. A Course-by-Course (CxC) report IS REQUIRED of those applying to or who wish to transfer credit into any of our degree programs. These documents should include the complete academic record/transcript indicating receipt of the diploma/degree (if applicable).
Applicants must also supply official results (sent directly from Educational Testing Services, ETS) of the TOEFL examination. Official scores from the Paper Based, Computer Based, or Internet Based TOEFL are acceptable. (Students whose native language is English must submit SAT scores instead of the TOEFL). Immigration regulations also require a Financial Support Statement and documentation to demonstrate the capacity to meet educational and related expenses. Once these documents have been processed and approved, the Office of Admissions will notify the student of their status.
International students are required to pay out-of-state tuition and are not permitted to work off campus without proper authorization. Limited on-campus employment is sometimes available for qualified students after their first semester. All international students are required to carry adequate health and accident insurance.
Immediately upon arrival on campus, holders of F-1 visas are required to report to the Director of International Programs, Student Life Center, McLean Hall, bringing with them their passport, I-94, I-20, and visa.
Further questions regarding international students at Shippensburg University should be addressed to the International Student Services Office, Student Life Center, McLean Hall, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299 USA, 717-477-1279.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grants a limited number of tuition waiver scholarships at each of the fourteen state universities. The award is a remission of out-of-state tuition costs, but does not cover room and board, insurance, activities fee, or residence hall room deposits.
Any non-U.S. citizen eligible for an F-1 undergraduate student visa may apply for this scholarship making formal application to the university. However, only a limited number of scholarships are available in any given year. Once an international student has been granted a tuition waiver, the scholarship is renewable on a semester-by-semester basis for as long as the review committee considers reasonable for the completion of the student's academic program. This renewal is contingent upon full-time student status, an acceptable quality point average, and participation in the Shippensburg International Student Organization. If a student is seeking fall admission, application for the waiver should be made by March of the same year. If a student is seeking spring admission, application for the waiver should be made by October of the previous year. Applications for the scholarship can be obtained by contacting the Office of International Student Services at the university.
Students who have a four year degree and are interested in earning teacher certification must have achieved a 3.0 QPA in their baccalaureate degree program. Those interested in teacher certification should contact the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at 717-477-1141 for an application. Those seeking a master's degree along with certification courses should enroll through the Office of Admissions at 717-477-1231. The certification portion of the master's program will be developed by the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services.
Students who previously attended Shippensburg University and wish to resume their studies must apply through the Registrar's Office (not the Admissions Office) for readmission.
For more information on applying, see Readmission of Students in the Academic Policies and Procedures chapter or contact the Registrar's Office at 717-477-1381.