Undergraduate Admissions

Admission Requirements

Students to the undergraduate program (bachelor’s degree) must have completed at least a high school education from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an institution evaluated by a NACES or AACRAO member agency recommending the U.S. equivalency. These programs are not offered to Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) students.

Admission Procedures

Students must submit the following to be considered for admission: 

• Complete the Admission Application Form

• Application fee of $100                 

• Proof of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent: a copy of a high school diploma, a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or college official transcript indicating that the applicant fulfilled the requirements for graduation from an accredited high school

• Proof of English Language Proficiency

• Photo Identification (state-issued identification, driver’s license, or valid passport with photo and date of birth)

In addition to the admission requirements and procedures, students must submit the following documents: 

• A foreign credential evaluation report

Students with high school or college diploma and transcripts that are not in English are required to have their diploma and transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved authority at students’ expense. CalUMS-VA only accepts credential evaluations completed by a credential evaluation organization which is a member of the NACES or AACRAO.

• Financial Statement that shows adequate funds to support tuition, living expense and other fees for completion of the program for the student’s first-year study (if international student)

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Students can submit one of the following test scores to demonstrate their English language proficiency. English proficiency examination must be taken within the past two (2) years. An official test report is required.

The following students may be exempted from the English language proficiency requirement: 

1. those who completed their bachelor, master or doctoral degree from an accredited university in the United States, Canada (except Quebec), Commonwealth Caribbean (Antigua, Barbuda, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Vis, St, Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago), Nigeria, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand;

2. those who successfully completed at least eight (8) units (or credits) at a graduate program from a U.S. higher education institution accredited by an agency, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; 

3. those who completed their post-secondary education from an institution located in a country where English is the main language of instruction as evaluated and determined by the Admissions Office; and

4. those who successfully completed the highest level of English language program at the institutions which entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University.

English Language Development (ELD) Course Requirement

Students who do not have acceptable test scores will be required to enroll and complete the English Language Development (ELD) course until they achieve adequate proficiency in the English language.  Students must achieve one of the following test scores to enroll in the ELD course.

Admission Evaluation

Once an application and all supporting documents have been received by the Admissions Office, the application package will be reviewed and evaluated on an individual basis. The applicant may be asked to provide additional evidence of academic proficiency. The admission decisions are based upon the academic and professional background of the student, as well as competitive and programmatic factors. Processing time is approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks. 

After the admission evaluation is finalized, the student will be notified of the admission decision in writing.

Post-Admission Procedure

Once a student is admitted to a program, he or she will be assigned to an academic advisor who will advise the student in academic planning. Orientation for new students is held within a week prior to the beginning of each academic quarter. All students receive information regarding student services, student expectations, student rights and responsibilities, student conduct policies, library services, and learning resource services.

 International Student: The Admissions Office will issue the letter of acceptance along with the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form) to the student who has completed all the admissions requirements and procedures of the program.

 Students who have been issued an I-20 Form must report to the University within seven (7) days after arriving in the U.S. or the I-20 will be voided.

Transfer Credit Policy

Up to one hundred twenty-eight (128) quarter units are accepted in transfer from another institution in Bachelor’s degree programs. Transfer credits will be counted towards the maximal length of study at the University. Twelve (12) quarter units for  Bachelor’s degree shall constitute one (1) quarter to be used in the determination of time limitations for graduation.

Deviations and substitutions for the requirements must be approved by the Academic Dean prior to the start of classes.