Through innovative communication and course delivery for high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs, the university provides a supportive environment for each student, demonstrating the importance of the diverse and interdependent nature of our state and society. With over 50 majors and degree options and over 40 minors available within its three University Colleges, and with three master’s degree programs currently offered, Athens State has the ability to fulfill the needs of any student to help them obtain a quality degree that can open doors to new opportunities.
The university has a selective admissions policy. Hence, in selecting students for admission, it looks for potential for academic success, the capacity and desire to learn, and evidence that the individual will thrive in a constantly evolving academic environment. The admission requirements in the university vary according to different levels and types of degrees offered. The various admission requirements are explained below.
Requirements For Undergraduate Admissions
Admission to the University is accomplished by completing the appropriate application form, paying any required application fees, and furnishing the required credentials and documentation. Since Athens State University is an upper-division institution, anyone seeking admission must have prior college-level credit as documented on official transcripts. More specific requirements for transfer to the University, including requirements under several categories, are detailed in the sections that follow. Admission to certain programs offered by the Colleges of the University may also require submission of additional forms or documentation.
Regular Admission Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled by any candidate seeing regular admission to the undergraduate programs at Athens State:
- Minimum 36 earned transferable semester hours prior to the term of admission from institutions accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; and
- No in-progress courses appearing on any official transcripts; and
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA on a 4.0 scale; and
- Minimum 15 hours applicable to general education requirements; and
- Eligible to return to previously attended colleges or universities.
The following documents are also required for Regular Admission:
- Submission of completed Admissions application and payment of non-refundable application fee; and
- Official transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges or universities received by Athens State.
Conditional Admission Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled by any candidate seeing conditional admission to the undergraduate programs at Athens State:
- Minimum 36 transferable semester hours (may include earned and courses in-progress) prior to the term of admission from institutions accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; and
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA on a 4.0 scale; and
- Minimum 15 hours applicable to general education requirements; and
- Eligible to return to previously attended colleges or universities.
The following documents are also required for Conditional Admission:
- Submission of completed Admissions application and payment of non-refundable application fee; and
- Official or unofficial transcript(s) documenting minimum 36 transferable semester hours (may include earned and courses in progress) received by Athens State.
Note: A student who is admitted under the conditional admission category will be denied eligibility to enroll in subsequent terms until all regular admissions requirements are met.
Restricted Admission Requirements
A degree-seeking student who does not meet the admission requirements for regular admission (e.g., does not meet minimum GPA, earned hours, general education hours, or is not eligible to return to previously attended college or university) may be granted restricted admission after an individual assessment review by the Director of Admissions. Admissions reviews will only be performed once the following required documents have been submitted.
The following documents are also required for Restricted Admission:
- Submission of completed Admissions application and payment of non-refundable application fee; and
- Official transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges or universities received by Athens State; students whose transcripts show courses in-progress will not be reviewed or considered for restricted admission.
Note: Restricted admission students may receive academic restrictions/conditions, may be admitted on academic probation, and/or may be expected to follow a specific plan for academic success. Students who fail to follow the conditions/plan will be denied eligibility to enroll for subsequent terms.
Requirements For Graduate Admissions
Admission to any of the graduate programs offered by the University is accomplished by completing the appropriate application form, paying any required application fees, and furnishing the required official credentials and documentation. Admission to specific graduate programs offered by the Colleges of the University may also require submission of additional forms or documentation.
Unconditional (Standard) Admission
Students seeking unconditional (standard) admission to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student must:
- Meet the minimum overall grade-point average (GPA) required for unconditional admission by the College/department offering the program (see College-specific requirements later in the catalog), AND;
- Have an earned bachelor’s degree in a field approved by the College/department offering the program, AND;
- Have earned the minimum total score on the appropriate admissions exam (i.e., GMAT, GRE, MAT) as required by the College/department offering the program within the last five (5) years, OR;
- Submit a professional resume/portfolio in lieu of exam scores if allowed by the College/department offering the program (students seeking admission using portfolio may be admitted unconditionally only after departmental review and approval), AND;
- Meet all other program-specific requirements.
Conditional Admission
Following departmental review of composite factors (bachelor’s degree, GPA, test scores, etc.), students who demonstrate reasonable potential for success in the program and who have the minimum overall GPA required for conditional admission by the College/department offering the program may be admitted conditionally (see College-specific requirements later in this catalog). Conditional status will be removed upon successful completion of a minimum of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field not directly related to the graduate program but who otherwise satisfy all requirements for standard or conditional admission may be required to complete specific undergraduate prerequisite courses or their equivalents as determined by departmental review. Students who lack undergraduate prerequisite courses will not be allowed to register for graduate courses until all prerequisite courses are completed.
