Admissions


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 Ohio University Front Door  Graduate Catalog - Undergraduate Catalog -



This section outlines general information about applying for admission to Ohio University. Contact the Office of Admissions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time for more specific information or for application materials. You can also request application materials through our after-hours answering service or by fax or e-mail.



Office of Admissions

Ohio University

Chubb Hall 120

Athens OH 45701-2979
Telephone 740-593-4100
Fax 740-593-0560
E-mail uadmiss1@ohiou.edu
Web http://www.ohiou.edu~admis/


Admissions Requirements and Procedures

Selective and Limited Admission

If you are planning to apply to Ohio University, please note that admission is selective - it is granted to the best qualified candidates - and admission to the university does not guarantee admission into a specific program of study. Contact the specific academic department or the Office of Admissions for details regarding selective and limited admission policies.

If you are considering applying for admission to Ohio University, we expect your high school background include these courses:

  1. Four years of English, with an emphasis on composition

  2. Three years of mathematics (algebra I, algebra II, plane geometry; precalculus is encouraged for prospective engineering or business majors), one of which should be taken in the senior year

  3. Three years of social sciences (history, social studies, etc.)

  4. Three years of natural sciences (physics is encouraged if you plan to pursue an engineering major)

  5. Two years of foreign language

  6. One year of visual or performing arts (art, band, chorus, music, orchestra, theater, etc.)

Exceptions to this program of study may be made in light of overall academic preparedness.


Categories of Admission

Freshman Applicant

If you(1) soon will receive a high school diploma from a chartered or accredited secondary school or a GED equivalency certificate, and (2) have not been enrolled for 12 or more quarter hours (or 9 or more semester hours) of coursework at a college or university, you are considered a freshman applicant. You must have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) High School Equivalent Certificate by the time you plan to enter college.

Consideration for admission is based upon your high school performance (class rank, grade-point average, and curriculum); aptitude test scores (ACT or SAT); the strength of your high school program; and special ability, talent, or achievement.

Even if you have earned credit for college courses as a high school student through one of the post-secondary options or other concurrent enrollment programs, you are still considered a freshman applicant.

To apply, submit a completed application for admission (included in the Application Bulletin), the nonrefundable $30 application fee, ACT or SAT scores, and an official high school transcript (sent directly to the Office of Admissions from your high school) or GED score report (sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the appropriate state GED office, official testing center, or GED Testing Service).

If you are financially disadvantaged, the application fee may be waived upon written recommendation from your high school guidance counselor.

Beginning in October and continuing through April, those who have submitted completed application materials will be notified of their admission status for fall quarter. Admission decisions and notification are made on a rolling basis for all other quarters. Following acceptance for admission, you will receive information about financial aid (if you apply for financial aid) and a residence hall contract and agreement form. Since all freshmen are required to live in university housing, you should submit the $100 residence hall deposit (by May 1 if you are applying for fall quarter) to confirm your enrollment. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your admission offer. Refunds of housing deposits will be made until May 1. You and your parents will also receive details about the Precollege Orientation program for entering students after your deposit has been received.


Transfer Applicants

All campuses of Ohio University consider you to be a transfer applicant if you have registered for 12 or more quarter hours (or 9 or more semester hours) at another institution. However, to be considered for transfer admission at the Athens campus of Ohio University, you must complete at least 30 quarter hours (20 semester hours) of transferable credit, with a minimum of a 2.5 accumulative grade-point average (g.p.a.) on a 4.0 scale, from a regionally accredited university. Credits for test results and non-university training are not included in these requirements. You must also be in good standing with, and eligible to return to, your previous institution.

If you wish to transfer from an institution without regional accreditation, you may be required to have a g.p.a. substantially above 2.5. Some colleges and programs at Ohio University have additional requirements for transfer student admission, including a g.p.a. higher than 2.5. Please refer to the Colleges and Curricula section of this catalog for each college's or school's specific requirements.


Since most of our programs and procedures are set up to begin fall quarter, you are strongly encouraged to apply for that term.

To apply, submit a completed application for admission form (included in the Transfer Application Bulletin) and the nonrefundable $30 application fee. You must also arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the registrar at each college or university you have attended. Since all students seeking admission to a degree-granting college must have graduated from an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate, you may be requested to provide a final high school transcript or GED certificate.

Space is available in university residence halls for transfer students. After you have been accepted for admission, you will receive a housing contract.

International Applicant

If you are a citizen of another country, you will be considered for admission as an international applicant. Admission requirements include a secondary education diploma or its equivalent, and an excellent academic record.

You should plan to apply for admission at least five months before the date you wish to enter Ohio University. To apply, you will need to submit an International Student Application for Admission (along with the nonrefundable application fee), secondary school transcripts, academic test results, records of any university-level work, a short statement of your academic and career goals, and a completed affidavit of financial support. All documents, including test results, must be submitted in English and certified as true copies. All documents become the property of the university and cannot be returned.

If you are accepted for admission, you will be required to take an English placement test when you arrive on campus to determine if you will need additional English language instruction (provided by Ohio University's Ohio Program of Intensive English). If you need additional English language instruction, you may have to delay registering for regular classes until your English skills have improved enough to assure your success in the classroom.

Upon being admitted, you will receive the appropriate materials to use for securing your student visa. A few weeks later, you will receive a housing contract, which you should complete and return to Housing at least six weeks prior to your arrival on campus.

International student application materials may be obtained from the Office of Admissions, Ohio University, Chubb Hall 120, Athens OH USA 45701-2979, telephone 740-593-4110. Further information about services for international students is available from the Office of International Student and Faculty Services, Ohio University, Scott Quad 172, Athens OH USA 45701-2979, telephone 740-593-4330.

High School Enrollment Options Applicant.

If you are a high school student, you may enroll in university classes concurrently with your high school enrollment to earn college credit or both high school and college credit. Students enrolling in the summer may pursue college credit only (Option A).

Those from high schools within commuting distance to the university may be considered for enrollment under two options: (A) you enroll to receive college - and not high school - credit for courses, and you pay applicable fees; or (B) you enroll to receive both high school and college credit, and you are not required to pay for tuition and textbook fees. Additional information and application materials for these options are available from the director of admissions. Please note that if you have taken college courses as a high school student under one of these options and plan to apply for admission to Ohio University as a full-time student, you will need to re-apply as a freshman applicant, not a transfer applicant, even though you have already earned college credit. Credit earned at Ohio University under these options will become part of your permanent record and will be figured into your accumulative grade-point average.

Early Admission Applicant.

Under special circumstances, Ohio University will consider admitting you as a regular university student after your junior year of high school, but before your high-school graduation. Submit a completed application for admission (included in the current Application Bulletin), the nonrefundable application fee, your high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a statement explaining your reasons for wanting to enroll, and a recommendation from your high school attesting to your readiness to begin college-level studies. You will be required to earn your high school diploma or GED certificate by the beginning of your sophomore year in college to continue university enrollment. Additional information on this option is available from the director of admissions.

Re-Enrolling Student.

If you have previously attended one of Ohio University's campuses but are not currently enrolled (excluding summer quarter) and wish to return as an undergraduate student, you are considered a re-enrolling student. If you have been dropped from the university, you will need to apply to the college where you were last enrolled to be reinstated; if your records have been placed on hold, you will need to make arrangements to resolve the situation through the appropriate office before re-enrollment can be considered.

To receive information about registration, contact the registrar's office at 740-593-4191. If you have attended another college or university since you were last enrolled at Ohio University and wish to transfer credit, arrange to have a transcript sent to the Office of Admissions from each post-secondary institution you have attended.

Relocating Student.

If you are currently attending one of Ohio University's regional campuses and wish to relocate to the Athens campus, you are considered a relocating student. Relocation is possible for any quarter, though you should have a g.p.a. of 2.0 or better to be eligible for relocation.

To apply for relocation, complete a relocating student card, available from the registrar's office or from the Student Services Office at your regional campus, and submit it to the registrar's office on the Athens campus.

Nondegree Student Applicant.

If you wish to carry a limited number of courses at the university and are not interested in earning a degree, you are considered a nondegree student applicant. To apply, complete a nondegree student application, available from the Office of Admissions. You must have a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply as a nondegree student. You will be required to submit transcripts of high school, GED, or previous post-secondary work. The application must be received two weeks before the first day of classes for the quarter for which you are applying. Transcripts must be received no later than one week before the first day of classes. Contact the Office of Admissions for eligibility requirements.

The university currently charges a $20 nonrefundable application fee for nondegree applicants, although summer-only nondegree students are not charged. If you later wish to enter a degree program, you will need to reapply for admission.


Options for Receiving Credit

Several methods of receiving Ohio University credit for work previously completed or for general knowledge and experience are available through Ohio University. For further information on any of the following methods, contact the University Examiner, Ohio University, Chubb Hall, Athens OH 45701-2979, telephone 740-593-4119.


Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

If you have taken examinations provided by the Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Board and achieved a score of three or higher, you may be able to receive Ohio University credit and placement for your efforts. Scores must be sent directly from the College Board to the Office of Admissions.

Ohio University also participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) sponsored by the College Board. Subject to approval by the appropriate department in each case, Ohio University will allow credit for satisfactory performance on the CLEP subject matter examinations, provided you take the examinations before you formally enroll in the university. The university does not award credit for scores achieved on the CLEP general examinations. Policies on credit for test scores are subject to change; check with the Office of Admissions for current information.

Detailed information about both the AP and CLEP programs is available from high school guidance offices, from the Office of Admissions, or by contacting the College Board, Box 593, Princeton NJ 08540.

Experiential Learning and Course Credit by Examination.

You also may be able to earn credit without attending formal classes through two programs offered through the university's Office of Lifelong Learning: Experiential Learning and Course Credit by Examination. Experiential Learning allows you to acquire credit for college-level experience gained through work, volunteer activities, or hobbies by compiling a portfolio of learning that is reviewed by an appropriate university faculty member and assigned a credit value. Course Credit by Examination allows you to study or review a given subject on your own. You are tested on the subject within six months of enrollment. A letter grade is assigned and credit awarded based on your performance on the examination. Further information on Experiential Learning is available from Adult Learning Services, telephone 740-593-2150; further information on Course Credit by Examination is available from the Office of Independent Study, telephone 740-593-2910. (See also the Office of Lifelong Learning section of this catalog.)


Credit for the International Baccalaureate (I.B.)

If you participated in this program as a high school student, you may be eligible for credit and/or placement. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions.


Credit for Armed Forces Courses.

Some courses provided by the armed forces are the equivalent of college courses, and transfer credit may be obtained by presenting certificates or a diploma describing the training received. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education, is used to determine what credit might be granted. Blanket credit is not granted for military service, nor is credit granted for the Military Occupation Specialty (M.O.S.). Transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force or Army/American Council on Education must be submitted for credits from Air Force and Army schools. To request credit for training from other branches of the military, submit a certificate or diploma.


Credit for Training Programs.

Some courses offered by business and professional organizations are considered the equivalent of college courses, and you may receive transfer credit, subject to department or school approval, by presenting transcripts or certificates of completion from the training program. The National Guide, published by the American Council on Education, is used to determine what credit can be granted.


Transfering Credit

All college-level credit earned with a grade of C- or higher at a regionally accredited institution is accepted as transfer credit at Ohio University and can be used to satisfy degree requirements in the same manner as credit earned at Ohio University. Remedial courses taken at the college or university level, however, are not transferable.

Normally, courses in which you have earned a grade of D or lower are not acceptable for transfer. However, a course with a D grade will transfer if it meets two conditions: if the course was a specific prerequisite (as stated in the previous school's catalog) for a later course that you took in the same department, and if you earned a grade of C- or better in that later course. If you have coursework that meets these conditions, contact the Office of Admissions to arrange to receive credit.

If you have attended an institution that does not have regional accreditation, you may be required to have a g.p.a. substantially above 2.5 and may have only part, or in some cases none, of your previously earned credit accepted at Ohio University. Any credit earned at such an institution is accepted only provisionally and must be validated by your performance at Ohio University.

All grades for transfer credit are converted on your academic record to either a T grade symbol (if credit has been equated to a specific Ohio University course) or a U symbol (if credit has not been equated.) The number of transferable quarter hours of credit is recorded on the academic record, but the grades you earned are not recorded. As a result, if you are a transfer student, you enter Ohio University with no g.p.a. on your academic record. However, your overall g.p.a. earned at other institutions may be considered part of the criteria for admission into certain programs.

Shortly after you have been accepted for admission as a transfer student, the Office of Admissions will send a tentative transfer credit evaluation report.

If you have enrolled at one college or university with the intention of transferring to another institution at a later date, you should identify the receiving institution as soon as possible so that you can ensure the applicability of your current course-work to the general education and major requirements of the institution where you will be transferring.


The Transfer Module.

The transfer module, established by the Ohio Board of Regents to help you avoid course requirement duplication when you transfer and to smooth the process of transferring from one Ohio institution to another, is a means by which you can complete a "core set" of courses at one institution and transfer them as a unit to meet the requirements of the receiving institution.

In general, the transfer module is a set of courses (54-60 qtr. hrs. or 36 - 40 sem. hrs.) that most Ohio institutions have agreed upon as basic to a university-level education. The set includes English composition, mathematics, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, behavioral sciences, natural sciences, physical science, and interdisciplinary topics. A transfer module completed at one college or university will transfer in its entirety to the receiving institution once you are accepted. Although the transfer module will meet many general requirements, you may be required to complete additional coursework.

Since some independent colleges and universities in Ohio do not participate in the transfer module policy, check to see if the institution where you are currently enrolled has an agreement regarding the transfer module with the institution to which you plan to transfer.


Consideration for Transfer Module Admission.

The following guidelines govern transfer module admission:

  1. If you have completed the transfer module at another institution with an overall g.p.a. of 2.0 or higher and either the Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science degree, you are given preferential consideration for admission to Ohio University. You will be able to transfer all courses in which you received a grade of D or better.

  2. If you have completed the transfer module at another institution with a grade of C or better in each course and have completed 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours, you are also given preferential consideration for admission to Ohio University, but only courses in which you have earned a C or better will transfer.

  3. If you have completed the transfer module at another institution with a grade of C or better in each course and have completed fewer than 90 quarter or 60 semester hours, you will be given nonpreferential consi-deration for admission to Ohio University. Only courses in which you have earned a C or better will transfer.

Admission as a transfer student to Ohio University does not guarantee admission to all majors, minors, or fields of concentration. You are still subject to selective admission requirements of the individual college, school, department, or major program.


Transfer Module Recommendations for Transferring to Ohio University.

If you are currently enrolled at another institution but plan to transfer to Ohio University, the following general guidelines for your first two years of coursework should be used in fulfilling the 54-60 quarter or 36-40 semester hours required by the transfer module:

  1. A minimum of five quarter hours of English composition courses, with an emphasis on written composition.

  2. A minimum of three quarter hours of mathematics or quantitative skills.

  3. A minimum of nine quarter hours in arts or humanities.

  4. A minimum of nine quarter hours from two areas in the social and behavioral sciences.

  5. A minimum of nine quarter hours in the natural sciences, including at least one laboratory science course.

  6. Additional elective courses to fulfill the 54-60 quarter or 36-40 semester hour requirement.

We recommend that you work closely with the transfer coordinator at both your current institution and Ohio University to ensure that the specific courses you select under these general guidelines will fulfill the major and graduation requirements of the academic program you intend to pursue at Ohio University.


Transfer Module Recommendation for Transferring from Ohio University.

If you are planning to transfer from Ohio University to another institution, the following guidelines should be followed in selecting courses to fulfill the 54-60 quarter hours required by the trans-fer module:

  1. A minimum of five hours of English composition by completing one of the following courses:

    English 151, 152, 153

  2. A minimum of three hours of mathematics or quantitative skills from the following courses:

    Computer Science 220, 223, 230, 231, 238
    Math 115, 118, 121, 122, 130, 163A-B, 211, 250, 263A-B-C-D

  3. A minimum of nine hours selected from at least two of the following areas:

    African American Studies 110, 210, 211, 250

    Art 100

    Art History 211, 212, 213

    Classical Languages in English 234, 235, 236, 237

    Comparative Arts 117, 118, 211, 212, 213, 270, 271, 272

    English 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 210

    Film 201, 202, 203

    History 121, 122, 123

    Humanities 107, 108, 109, 117

    Music History and Literature 120,

    124, 125

    Philosophy 101, 130, 160, 216, 231, 232, 235, 240, 250, 260

    Theater 171, 270, 271, 272

    Women's Studies 100

  4. A minimum of nine hours selected from at least two of the following areas:

    African American Studies 101, 202

    Anthropology 101, 202

    Economics 103, 104, 213

    Geography 121, 131, 132, 201, 234, 241

    History 101, 102, 103, 131, 211, 212, 213

    Human and Consumer Sciences 160

    International Studies 103, 113, 121

    Linguistics 270, 275, 280

    Political Science 101, 102, 103, 210, 230, 250, 270

    Psychology 101, 273

    Sociology 101, 201, 210, 211, 220, 223, 230

  5. A minimum of nine hours, including at least one laboratory science course with at least one laboratory meeting each week in addition to lectures, from the following:

    Anthropology 201

    Astronomy 100, 100D, 140

    Biological Sciences 100, 103, 130, 131, 170, 171, 172, 173, 225, 275

    Biology 101

    Geography 101

    Geological Sciences 101, 120, 201, 211, 221, 231, 245, 256, 270, 283

    Microbiology 201, 211, 212

    Physical Science 100, 100D, 101, 101L, 105, 105L, 140

    Physics 201, 202, 203, 210, 251, 252, 253, 272, 273

    Plant Biology 100, 100L, 102, 110, 111, 220, 225, 247, 248

  6. Additional courses to fulfill the 54-60 hour requirement

    We recommend that you work closely with the transfer coordinator at both Ohio University and the institution to which you hope to transfer to ensure that the specific courses you select will fulfill the major and graduation requirements of the academic program you intend to pursue.


Transferring Technical College Credit.

If you have completed an associate's degree from a Board of Regents - approved Ohio college, you will be able to transfer credit for all the general education coursework in which you earned a grade of C- or better. Most programs will allow a limited amount of credit for technical courses. The credits will be applied toward meeting the minimum total credits required for a bachelor's degree at Ohio University. You can arrange to have a preliminary credit evaluation done to determine the applicability of credit you have earned by contacting the transfer unit in the Office of Admissions. Your request should specify the program you wish to enter and be accompanied by a transcript from the institution you are currently attending. Ohio University also has worked out certain credit evaluations with Ohio community and technical colleges that allow you to earn a bachelor's degree at Ohio University in approximately two years if you continue in the corresponding academic area. For a detailed description of these programs, contact the transfer unit in the Office of Admissions.


Enrollment Medical Requirements

There are no specific medical requirements to fulfill before entering the university, you are not required to have a physical examination, for example. However, some colleges have specific medical requirements for students pursuing certain majors.

If you are a newly enrolled international student or an international student returning after an absence of two or more years, you will need to arrange for a tuberculosis skin test through the Student Health Service on campus.

The university requires full-time students to have major medical insurance and offers an affordable plan for students and their dependents. Information on the insurance plan is included with your registration materials.


Application Deadlines

If you are in high school, we recommend that you apply for admission to Ohio University no later than December or January of your senior year, but you may apply any time after completing your junior year. You should arrange to take the SAT and/or ACT by December of your senior year so that scores can be submitted with your application materials. Although you may enroll for any quarter, we recommend that you enter fall quarter, if possible, because many course sequences begin in the fall.


February 1 is the freshman application deadline for fall quarter. Applications for other terms are accepted up to one month before the quarter or term begins.

Application deadlines for transfer students:

Applications Transcripts

Fall June 1 July 1

Winter Nov 15 Dec 1

Spring March 1 March 15

Summer May 1 June 1

Note: Application deadlines and requirements are subject to change without notice.

Campus Visits

The best way to learn about Ohio University is to visit our campus. You are encouraged to arrange a visit through the Office of Admissions, which sponsors information sessions and walking tours of the campus Monday through Friday and most Saturdays (except holidays - see the Academic Calendar section). Tour and information session times are listed on the chart. We ask that you make reservations for campus visits at least a week in advance for weekday visits and at least three weeks in advance for Saturday visits.

If you would like to speak with a faculty member or college representative in your field of interest, the Office of Admissions will attempt to schedule appointments for you. (These appointments are available Monday through Friday only.)

To arrange a visit, contact the Office of Admissions at 740-593-4100 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time Monday through Friday. For an interactive campus tour, visit the university's Web site at http://www.ohiou.edu/.


Visitors Center

For help in finding your way around Ohio University and Athens, stop at the Ohio University Visitors Center at the corner of Richland Avenue and Shafer Street. Directions and maps are available, as well as information about the university and community.


Campus visitation schedule

        9 a.m.   10 a.m.   11 a.m.      Noon   1 p.m.   2 p.m.   3 p.m.

Monday IS T IS T IS T

Tuesday T IS T IS T

Wednesday T IS T IS T

Thursday T IS T IS T

Friday T IS T IS T IS

Saturday IS T

IS - Information session

T - Campus tour

To schedule a visit, contact the Office of Admissions at 740-593-4100.


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University Publications and Computer Services revised this file (http://www.ohiou.edu/~ucat/97-98/general/admit.htm) August 24, 1998.

Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "ucat@www.ohiou.edu."