International Admissions

Mr. Taylor Neece
Assistant Vice President for Admissions

Mr. Joseph Gemignani
Director of International Admissions
Phone 951.343.4690
internationaladmissions@calbaptist.edu

International Graduate Admissions

Authorization

California Baptist University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

When to Apply

Application and the completion of the file for a particular term must be made according to the following deadlines. The closing dates for receiving international student applications and all supporting documentation are earlier than for standard applications due to the additional time needed to process documents through SEVIS.

*Not all programs are offered for each intake. See specific program details for more information.

Master's Programs - Standard Admissions Requirements

1. Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting completion of a baccalaureate degree.

2. 2.75 cumulative or last 60/90 unit GPA*

   *Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA

3. Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student's choice)

   • What are your educational goals? How will this program help meet those goals? What makes you a good fit for CBU?

   • 500 word maximum

Note: Meeting standard requirements does not guarantee admission.

Doctoral Programs - Standard Admissions Requirements

1. Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting completion of a baccalaureate degree.

   • Official transcripts for master's degree may be required for some doctoral programs.

2. 3.0 cumulative or last 60/90 unit GPA*

   *Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA

3. Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student's choice)

   • What are your educational goals? How will this program help meet those goals? What makes you a good fit for CBU?

   • 500 word maximum

Note: Meeting standard requirements does not guarantee admission.

Financial Documentation

Though an admission decision can be provided before financial documents are submitted, international students must submit proof of financial support before an I-20 will be issued. Documentation verifying the applicant's ability to meet financial obligations (tuition, fees, books, room and board, personal expenses and health insurance) for the first year is required by the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Students must send the following items before an I-20 will be issued:

• The exact amount designated to the applicant for educational purposes.

• Completion of the Affidavit of Financial Support (Sponsor Form).

Language Proficiency

An applicant whose first language is not English and/or does not have a degree from an institution where English is the only language of instruction is required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a recent test score from an approved English proficiency exam.

Degrees from the following countries are assumed to be instructed in English unless otherwise demonstrated: see GRAD Country List Addendum*

California Baptist University reserves the right to require additional English language testing/classes after the student has arrived at the University if considered necessary.

Master’s Programs
The minimum score required for standard admission to a graduate program is:

• TOEFL iBT: 83

• IELTS: 6.0 (with no bands below 5.0)

• PTE Academic: 58

• DET: 125 (with no subscores below 115)

If the applicant's score is below the required minimum, they may be granted conditional admission to the Intensive English Program (IEP) and a graduate program, with required language coursework to meet the minimum proficiency standards before beginning full graduate-level coursework. Conditional admission with IEP is not available for all graduate programs.

In addition to demonstrating English proficiency, all graduate-level students must also have completed ENG123: Intermediate Composition (or its equivalent) at a regionally accredited institution. Students who have not met this requirement must successfully complete ESL094: Advanced Academic Research (or its equivalent) during their first semester of graduate studies, regardless of language proficiency test scores.

Doctoral Programs
The minimum score required for standard admission to a doctoral program is:

• TOEFL iBT: 100

• IELTS: 8.0

GRAD Country List Addendum*
The following countries are assumed to provide university-level instruction exclusively in English (excluding foreign language courses). Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution in one of these countries are not required to submit an English proficiency exam unless otherwise specified:

Student Status

Unconditional

Applicants who have met the unconditional status GPA requirement specified by each program, who have completed the required prerequisites, provided International Admissions with the required application, documents, and fees, and have satisfied all other admission criteria, may be unconditionally admitted to the University with full graduate standing.

Conditional

Applicants who show a deficiency in any requirements may be admitted on a conditional basis. This includes applicants who have met the standard status requirements, except for English language proficiency. These students may be granted conditional status to the Intensive English Program (IEP) and graduate program. Students admitted under conditional status are limited to enrolling in IEP coursework. Students must submit an official qualifying TOEFL/IELTS score report prior to beginning graduate program coursework. Conditional status students, who need to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses, as outlined by the student's admission conditions, may do so in combination with IEP coursework if the student's language ability meets the undergraduate English language proficiency standard as determined by the IEP director/program personnel.

Special

As an alternative to regular admission, an applicant may be considered for admission with permission from the program director under Special Student Status. Special Students may enroll in no more than a total of six (6) graduate units. To continue beyond six units, students must complete program application requirements and be accepted to a specific graduate program. Enrollment as a Special Student does not guarantee or imply later admission to the graduate program; however, credit for the courses may be counted toward graduation requirements following admission to the graduate program. Certain courses may have restrictions and/or prerequisite requirements.

Note: Special Students are not eligible for Financial Aid.

Denial

Denial may occur when an applicant does not qualify for admission based on the above categories. California Baptist University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who is antagonistic to the philosophy and purpose of the University.

Appeals

Appeals on any admission decision should be made in writing and addressed to the Admission and Re-entry Committee in the Office of Student Success.

Change of Degree Program

Admission to graduate studies at California Baptist University is degree specific. Students wishing to change degree programs must apply for the desired program. No credit toward the new degree will be granted until admission to the new program has been approved.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

Information on the Intensive English Program (IEP) course progression and ESL courses can be located in the Academic Programs section of the Undergraduate University catalog.