Graduate Admissions Information

The following information regarding graduate admissions applies to all graduate programs unless additional information is provided by a college or specific program. Some programs have additional or varied admissions processes which can be seen on the college and program descriptions.  

Some graduate programs have strict limitations regarding the number of applicants that may be accepted. Applying to a program does not gaurantee admission. The decision to grant admission to a graduate program is based on a combination of many factors including but not limited to the quality and accuracy of application materials, academic records and accomplishments, professional experience, references, written submissions that are part of the application process, writing assessments, standardized or entrance exams, interviews, and determination by the program faculty of an applicant’s likelihood of success at the graduate level.  

Graduate Application Processes

Generally, the following steps may be required to apply for admission to graduate programs (not every item listed below applies to every program - see specific program requirements on the College description pages):

• Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. The application form is available at lipscomb.edu/admissions/graduate then click on “Apply by Program” to complete the online application.
• Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee. 
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae. Up to date resume detailing academic history, employment history, and person accomplishments.
• References. One to three letters of reference may be requested. See individual program for who references should be from.
• Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended. If you need a transcript from Lipscomb University, go to the Office of the Registrar’s site in order to request one. They can send your transcript through campus mail, but we cannot request it for you.
• Standardized Exam Score. Applicants may be asked to submit the scores of a standardized exam such as a GRE.
• Written Statements. Programs may require a Statement of Purpose and/or Statement of Spiritual Development.
• Writing Assessment. If required, this may be a timed assessment done in person or via video-conferencing.
• Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms.) This form should be submitted through the student’s Med+Proctor account.
• FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even those who are independent of parents must submit this form to the registrar’s office prior to enrollment.
• Formal Interview. Once all application materials have been reviewed, applicants may be contacted for an interview.
• International Applicants. See Lipscomb’s International Student website for additional requirements here.

Certain instructional practice or teacher licensure programs may require the following as part of the application process:

• Fingerprinting. All candidates will provide evidence of a satisfactory TBI/FBI background check completed for Lipscomb University.
• Level of Effectiveness Score (LOE). EDLD applicants will submit the most recent LOE score from TNCompass or an equivalent summative evaluation score if the school/district does not use the TEAM system for evaluations. 
• Years of Experience. EDLD applicants will submit a report from TNCompass demonstrating at least three years of certificated educational experience. If the school/district does not report years of experience to TNCompass (out of state, private, or charter), the applicant may submit an HR experience verification form documents the years of experience. 

Student Classifications

Students are admitted to graduate courses in one of four categories (Note: some programs offer additional or varied processes - see specific program requirements on the College description pages):

1. Graduate Student: one who has satisfied all admissions requirements. A student with an incomplete admission file will be accepted to the program at the discretion of the program director but will be placed on an academic hold, which will prevent registration for the following semester. Once the proper admissions documents have been received, the hold will be removed and the student will be allowed to register for the following semester.
2. Conditionally Admitted Student: one who has been admitted conditionally due special circumstances or concerns which may include but are not limited to prior academic performance, experience, entrance requirements, or admissions materials. Students with this status must meet whatever conditions are specified at the time of the conditional acceptance in order to have the ‘conditional admission’ status removed and be considered a regularly admitted graduate student. A transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.
3. Non-Degree Student: one who has been admitted to graduate studies for up to nine semester hours but needs to take courses over two or more semesters. This student has met all admission requirements. Those hours may be applied toward a Master’s degree if the student makes a grade of “B” or better in the courses taken for credit and if all admission requirements are met and the student is formally admitted to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student.
4. Visiting Student: one who has been admitted to graduate studies for one semester.
5. Probationary Student: one who has been readmitted to a graduate program following academic suspension from the program.