Admission Requirements

We look for a few basic requirements in all students who apply to DWU. 

• Graduating from an accredited high school or the equivalent. 
• Grade Point Average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• ACT/SAT test scores are not required for admission.  
• Good moral character and future promise. 

We know that all students are unique. If you don’t meet one of these requirements, you will still be given individual consideration; just contact us at admissions@dwu.edu, and we’ll try to make your Wesleyan education a reality. If you are ready to apply, start your free application!

Application Process

Please turn in the following items:

• A properly completed application for admission.
• Official copies of high school transcript(s) or GED scores and all college, university, professional school, vocational and technical school transcripts (if applicable). 
• If you are planning to submit test scores, an official certification of the results of the ACT or SAT. Our test codes are 3906 for ACT and 6155 for SAT. 

Master of Arts in Education 

To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.7. 
• An official transcript from your bachelor’s degree-awarding institution 
• A current resume 
• A personal statement of 300 to 500 words answering the following questions:  
  • Why do I want to pursue a Master of Arts degree in education from Dakota Wesleyan University?  
  • How do I plan to use what I learn to improve education for our next generation of students? 

Master of Athletic Training

Admission to the Master of Athletic Training program is contingent upon satisfactorily completing the following requirements:

• All students must complete the application process given to them by the Athletic Training program chair. Transfer students must first complete an application to the DWU graduate program.
• Minimum of 50 hours of documented clinical observation with a certified athletic trainer
• Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA in the athletic training prerequisite coursework
• Successful completion of or enrollment in all prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of C in each course
• No program or prerequisite course can be repeated more than one time
• All required courses must have a letter grade (credit/no credit courses will not be accepted)
• Two letters of recommendation (excluding members of the ATRC)
• Demonstration of appropriate clinical conduct and performance, to include:
  • productive and reliable work habits
  • ability to work in harmony with athletes, coaches, peers and certified faculty members
  • self-motivation and the commitment to execute tasks and responsibilities as assigned and directed
  • professional grooming, dress and appearance
  • punctuality
  • patience
  • willingness to assist others in the completion of tasks and responsibilities
  • efficient and productive use of time

A maximum of 20 new students are accepted into the program annually. Applications are due by May 1. 

Successful completion of all of the requirements above does not guarantee admission into the Master of Athletic Training program. The athletic training program is a limited enrollment program based on the availability of preceptors.

To apply to the Dakota Wesleyan University Master of Athletic Training Program please contact Dan Wagner EdD, ATC or DWU Admissions.

• Following the submission of application materials, you will be invited to participate in an interview process. On-campus interviews are preferred but virtual interviews will be considered when appropriate.
• Determination of admission to the athletic training program is the responsibility of the athletic training department. You must meet all departmental and university admission requirements.
• Following the interview, you will receive written notification of admission status. You will then have two calendar weeks to accept or decline a position in the Master of Athletic Training program. Students who are accepted into the program will be officially admitted as of the first day of the next academic semester. Students who are not accepted into the program will be allowed to re-apply if they meet all prerequisites. 
• Provisional acceptance may be allowed and will follow the university procedure found in the Graduate Studies Handbook.
• You may appeal admissions decisions via the university appeals process found in the Graduate Studies Handbook.

Post-Admission Requirements

All costs associated with the following requirements are your responsibility. 

• Immunizations
  • Immunizations are your responsibility as an athletic training student accepted into Dakota Wesleyan University and into the athletic training program. Immunizations are required prior to participating in clinical education. This includes the (2) MMR, Hepatitis B and Tdap vaccinations, a Varicella vaccination or a titer proving immunity and yearly Tuberculosis testing and an annual influenza vaccination. 
  • You are required to meet all vaccinations requirements to perform clinical rotations. If you have a specific medical condition that would prevent vaccination, you should meet with the PD or the CEC for consultation. More information can be obtained from campus health.
• Physical Examination 
  • You are required to submit a copy of a physical examination that has been completed within one calendar year of acceptance. The physical examination must be performed by an appropriate provider. Dakota Wesleyan University accepts physicals performed by MDs, DOs, CNPs, PACs. Download the physical exam form.
• Liability Insurance
  • Athletic training student liability insurance is also your responsibility as an athletic training student accepted into the athletic training program. Proof of insurance is required prior to participating in clinical education. Specific requirements for the liability insurance and information on policies can be obtained from the clinical education Coordinator. Minimum coverage includes $1 million per occurrence/$3 million aggregate (student coverage).
• Criminal Background Check
  • A criminal background check must be completed before final acceptance into the MAT program. Information will be given to by the coordinator of clinical education. The coordinator of clinical education will provide you with information upon acceptance.
• Technical Standards
  • You must read and sign the technical standards required for the MAT program annually.

Master of Business Administration

To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
• If your bachelor’s degree is not in a business-related field, you may complete the required leveling courses through Peregrine Academic Services in order to meet the requirements for admission into the MBA program. The program is self-paced and can be explained in further detail by an admissions counselor.
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 
• An official transcript from your bachelor’s degree-awarding institution 
• A current resume 
• Current DWU seniors or DWU graduates with at least a 3.0 GPA can automatically enroll in the MBA program and will only be required to complete the application form. 
• A personal statement of 300 to 500 words answering the following questions:  
  • What is motivating you to enroll in the MBA program? Specifically, what do you want to learn to do in the MBA program? 
  • If accepted, what is your strategy for managing all of your priorities (school, family/friends, work, etc.)? 
  • What is your timeline? Explain your rationale. 

Graduate Certificate in Practical Church Leadership

To be eligible you must currently be working as a Pastor or an Associate Pastor.

Certificates and Degree Completion

As part of the application process for those seeking a Certificate in Organizational Leadership, Communication for the Digital Age, Nonprofit Administration or Athletic and Activities Administration or those seeking to complete an undergraduate degree, please do the following: 

• Complete the FREE application. 
• Submit official transcripts from any college courses that you have taken. 

Any other requirements will be communicated after your application is received. 

To apply for admission to Dakota Wesleyan University as an international student (F-1 status), you must submit: 

The official International Student Application

1. Official academic records from all secondary schools and postsecondary education. Official transcripts from all international secondary and post-secondary institutions must be evaluated, course by course, by Education Credential Evaluators (ECE), World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Evaluations (InCRED) before your official acceptance for admission. It is your responsibility to complete and pay for the application process. 
2. Proof of English proficiency 
   
   For international students whose native language is not English, you must verify English proficiency by: 
   
   Taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Submit the official TOEFL examination scores to Dakota Wesleyan University (School Code 6155). You must score at least 500 (paper-based), 200 (computer-based) or 71 (internet-based). 
   
   OR
   
   Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. You must score a 6 or higher on this test. 
   
   OR 
   
   Submit a Duolingo Score. You must score a 100 or higher on this test. 
3. As proof of financial support, we require the DWU Statement of Financial Responsibility for International Students form be competed in full and mailed with appropriate documentation to the DWU Admissions office. This form can be found here.

International Student Admission Requirements Deadline

• For entry at the start of the Fall Semester: June 15 
• For entry at the start of the Spring Semester: October 1 

All paperwork must be received by DWU before this date.