Dakota Wesleyan University seeks students who seem best able to profit from the educational experience it provides.  Applicants for admission are considered based on the criteria listed under "Admission Policies."  No applicant shall be barred from admission because of race, color, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.  The university reserves the right to deny admission or continued enrollment to any student who imposes an unreasonable risk of harm to the health, safety, welfare or property of the university, members of the university community or him/herself.  Students can be denied admission into athletic training, education and nursing, but may be eligible for admission into other majors.

Application Procedure
Students will be considered for admission when they present:

1. a properly completed application for admission with the application fee.
2. official copies of high school transcript(s) or GED scores and all college, university, professional school, vocational and technical school transcripts; and
3. official certification of the results of the ACT or SAT. Dakota Wesleyan University’s test code for ACT is 3906 and for SAT is 6155.

Admission Policies

Freshmen
The university welcomes applications from graduates of any accredited high school or the equivalent.  Graduates who have a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA, have a minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT or 860 (combination of Math & Critical Reading) on the SAT, and have given evidence of good moral character and future promise are generally eligible for admission.  Those who do not meet the above requirements will be given individual consideration.

Transfer Students
Official transcripts for all previous college, university, professional school, vocational and technical school work must be submitted by candidates wishing to transfer to Dakota Wesleyan.  A high school transcript may be needed.  Official transcripts bearing the original seal and signature must be sent directly from the originating institution to the admissions office at DWU.  All credit-bearing coursework from previous institutions that is accepted at Dakota Wesleyan University for transfer credit will be entered on the DWU records at the same grade and point value (or equivalent as determined at the discretion of DWU) as at previous institution(s).  Transfer students must meet all requirements for good standing as stated in "Academic Regulations."  For students who do not enroll in DWU, official transcripts become the property of Dakota Wesleyan University and are retained for a period of one year. 

Readmission of Former Students
Any student who leaves the university for one semester or more and has not applied for a leave of absence is required to apply for readmission.  If credit-bearing coursework was taken during the absence, official transcripts of that coursework must be submitted directly from the originating institution to the admissions office.  The university reserves total discretion in determining whether or not to readmit a student.  Readmission may be approved if the student has no bill in the business office, is current on any federal loans, and was not dismissed for social or academic reasons.

Special Students
Students not working toward a degree who do not exceed six credit hours per semester are classified as special students.  Special students are to register for classes at the registrar’s office and do not need to go through the admission process.

Nontraditional Students
Nontraditional students are students who are 23 or older, have a spouse or are parents.  They should follow the same application procedure as freshmen.

High School Students
High school students, typically current juniors or seniors, may enroll before graduation in freshman level courses.  The courses may apply toward a degree once they have graduated from high school.   Students should work with their high school counselors when selecting a course.  

Online classes are also offered to high school students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and have recommendation from a high school principal or school counselor.   An official high school transcript is required for students enrolling in online courses.

A completed  “High School Student” registration form is needed to register. Classes are taught by DWU faculty and are transferable. Students should note that each institution of higher education applies its own credit evaluation policies in determining acceptability and applicability of courses.

Blue and White Club
Citizens age 62 and older will be allowed to audit, without tuition payment, college classes on a space available basis.  Members will be responsible for course fees when applicable. Members register for classes at the registrar’s office and do not need to go through the admission process. 

Students with a Completed Bachelor’s Degree
Students with a bachelor’s degree but who are returning to college to complete another major or minor must complete and send an application, application fee and official transcript to the office of admissions.

Students with a Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Seeking S.D. Renewal or S.D. Certification
Students with a bachelor’s degree in education who return only to complete the courses necessary to meet South Dakota state certification or renewal requirements are to register for classes at the registrar’s office and do not need to go through the admission process.

Students with a Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Seeking a Specific Education Endorsement
Students with a bachelor’s degree in education who return to complete coursework that allows an educator to instruct in a specific field must complete and send an application, application fee, and official transcript to the office of admissions.

Students with a Non-education Bachelor’s Degree and Seeking Teacher Certification Only
Students with a non-education bachelor’s degree who return to complete the courses necessary for teacher certification only must complete and send an application, application fee and official transcript to the office of admissions.

Students with a Completed Bachelor’s Degree and Seeking a Master of Arts in Education
Students with a bachelor’s degree who return to complete the courses necessary for a Master of Arts in Education must complete and send an application, application fee and official transcript to the office of admissions.

Continuing Education
Citizens seeking to participate in a continuing education workshop, seminar or conference for academic credit must register at the event.

International Students (undergraduate and graduate)
International students who have completed secondary school are encouraged to apply to Dakota Wesleyan University. 

Undergraduate admission requirements include:

• a $25 nonrefundable application fee;
• official academic records, all secondary and postsecondary education, with certified English translation from AACRAO or ECE evaluation agencies
• English proficiency for students from countries where English is not the native language, verified by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.  TOEFL scores of at least 500 (paper based) or 200 (computer based) or 71 (Internet based), 18 ACT or 860 SAT; and
• proof of financial responsibility and fulfillment of health requirements.

Graduate admission requirements include:

• a $50 nonrefundable application fee;
• official academic records, all postsecondary education, with certified English translation;
• English proficiency for students from countries where English is not the native language, verified by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.  TOEFL scores of at least 500 (paper based) or 200 (computer based) or better are required;
• proof of financial responsibility and fulfillment of health requirements; and
• additional requirements are necessary for graduate students.  For more information see “Master of Arts – Education” in the “Courses and Curriculum” section.

Be aware that federal financial aid is only available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens.  Students in the United States on an F-1 student visa are not eligible for federal financial aid.

F-1 status international students who apply and are accepted to an undergraduate program at the university may be considered for a DWU Global Scholarship from $2,000 to $10,000 annually.  The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight semesters with continuous full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. 

For complete details regarding international admissions, visit www.dwu.edu/admissions/international.htm. 

Nursing Program
Prospective nursing/pre-nursing students must meet certain standards to be admitted into the nursing/pre-nursing program.  These standards are not the same standards used for admission into Dakota Wesleyan University.  Students can be denied admission into nursing, but may be eligible for admission into other majors.

Associate of Arts in Nursing Admission Requirements (Mitchell and Huron)
Students who wish to be considered for the nursing or pre-nursing program must provide documentation of the following requirements:

• ACT composite score of 18 or above;
• reading placement of 11 or above, or an 18 or above in the reading portion of the ACT; and
• high school or college cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above.  Transfer students must provide documentation of earning a minimum grade of C in English composition and C- in other prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university.  Science courses must be completed in the past 10 years.  No support course can be repeated more than one time.

First priority for admission to the A.A. nursing program is given to applicants meeting all admission requirements by Feb. 1.  Qualified applicants will be admitted on a space available basis after Feb. 1.  If there is not an available opening for the A.A. nursing program, students who have met admission requirements and been accepted will be put on a waiting list and be notified by admissions if an opening becomes available.

An admission appeal process exists for students who do not meet the above requirements but have extenuating circumstances.  Address written requests for exceptions to the admission requirements policy to the Nursing Admission Committee and mail to Admissions, DWU Campus Box 902, 1200 W. University Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301.

LPN-RN Admission Requirements (Sioux Falls)
Applicants must provide documentation of the following requirements before the Nursing Admission Committee will review an application for admission to the LPN-RN program in Sioux Falls:

• Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from an accredited higher education institution;
• copy of current licensure as an LPN in South Dakota; one year of work experience as an LPN is recommended before beginning the LPN-RN curriculum;
• cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above in college, university, vocational and technical school coursework.  No support course can be repeated more than one time.  Send an official copy of all college transcripts. If coursework is still in progress, attach a current transcript that documents all of the courses in progress from that institution;
• ACT composite score of 18 or above; or Nurse Entrance Test (NET) composite score of 65 percent or above; or Test Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) minimum score of 62 percent on math and 75 percent on reading. 
• an 18 or above in the reading portion of the ACT; or a 60 percent or above composite reading score of the NET; or 75% Reading Score on the TEAS.  If one of these two are not met, a reading placement of 11 or above;
• employer verification of employment as LPN for minimum of six months.  Those students who are practicing LPNs at the time of application review will receive higher priority for acceptance.
• nursing supervisor/manager letter of reference including, nursing skill and care competencies, working relationships with healthcare team members, communication skills, professional conduct, appearance, and attendance; and
• prerequisite courses are required to be completed or successfully challenged.

First priority for admission to the LPN-RN nursing program is given to applicants meeting all admission requirements by Oct. 1.  Qualified applicants will be admitted on a space available basis after Oct. 1.  If there is not an available opening for the LPN-RN nursing program, students who have met admission requirements and been accepted will be put on a waiting list and be notified by admissions if an opening becomes available.

An admission appeal process exists for students who do not meet the above requirements but have extenuating circumstances.  Address written requests of appeal to the Nursing Admission Committee and mail to Admissions, Dakota Wesleyan University, 1200 W. University Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301.

RN-BAN Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide documentation for the following requirements before the Nursing Admission Committee will review the application:

• Current RN licensure from the state of residence.
• All requirements for admission to DWU.
• An associate degree or diploma from an accredited higher education institution.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 for previous college work
• Application for admission to DWU RN-BAN completion program.

Admission into the RN-BAN completion program is competitive. Course size for all online nursing courses is limited to 20 students to enhance student/teacher interaction.  The Nursing Admission Committee selects applicants deemed best qualified to succeed in the RN-BAN completion program. Initial consideration of applications for fall semester admission to the RN-BAN completion program will begin on Feb. 1. Application materials received after Feb. 1 will be considered on a space available basis.
 
Application deadline for the RN-BAN completion program is April 1. After the deadline, students will be considered on a space available basis.

An admission appeal process exists for students who do not meet the above requirements, but have extenuating circumstances.  Address written requests for exceptions to this admission requirements policy to the Nursing Admission Committee in the admissions office.

Master of Arts - Education
Education program has the follwing concentrations:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Pre K-12 Principal Certification and Degree
• Secondary Certification and Degree
• Educational Policy and Administration
• History Curriculum and Instruction 

Applications will be taken at any time, however, consideration will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.  There are three terms for the graduate program, fall, spring and summer.  Preference will be given to applications received by:

• Aug. 1 for fall admittance
• Dec. 1 for spring admittance
• April 1 for summer admittance (May term included)

Graduate students will be classified in three distinct groups:

• candidates (full admission);
• provisional candidates (with plan for full admission); and
• special students (maximum of six graduate hours).

Candidate status will be evaluated by the Graduate Studies Committee and Program Committee using the following criteria: 

• attainment of baccalaureate or equivalent degree;
• previous scholarship (based upon transcripts, 2.7 minimum GPA);
• completion of graduate application packet;
• review and acceptance by Graduate Studies Committee and Program Committee; and
• completion of elementary statistics course with minimum grade of 2.7 or B-.

Graduate Student Application Procedure

• Complete Application Form - Apply online or through contact with the admissions office. 
• Graduate Application Fee - The application fee is $50.  The fee is nonrefundable.
• Statement of Purpose and Philosophy - Compose an essay that addresses the following questions: Why are you pursuing this degree?  How does this match your career goals?  What attracted you to this particular program?
• Official Transcripts - Full acceptance requires receipt of official transcripts from all previous college work, undergraduate and graduate.
• Resume - Submit a current resume.
• References - Three letters of recommendation.
• Program Acceptance - Your application will be forwarded to the Graduate Studies Committee and Program Committee for review and acceptance to the graduate program.

All programs require an elementary statistics course, with a minimum grade of 2.7 or B-, before completing nine hours of graduate coursework.

The secondary certification and degree program requires the applicant to pass the state certification content-specific Praxis II test before full acceptance can be granted.

All students born after 1956 must provide documentation of two MMR vaccines and, if the student is carrying six or more credit hours, proof of major medical insurance.

Certain programs may require additional admittance criteria (GRE, GMAT or appropriate test scores). See program for additional admittance requirements.

Mail your application, application fee, transcripts, resume, references, and statement of purpose and philosophy to Coordinator of Graduate Admissions, Dakota Wesleyan University. 1200 W. University Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301.