Admissions Requirements

Each of Winthrop University’s online programs has unique admissions requirements to ensure that every student we admit is ready to succeed in our rigorous online courses. All students are required to complete an online application and pay a one-time application fee. The basic admission requirements for each program are listed below:

Online Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)

For admission to the B.P.S., you'll need:

  • A completed online application
  • Official transcripts from each institution you've attended
  • A GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from prior institutions (including a 2.0 GPA during your last term of attendance)
  • A short essay is optional but encouraged
  • Work experience is helpful but not required
  • Minimum 30 transfer credit hours required, as this is a degree completion program

Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (prerequisite courses may be needed for holders of a non-business degree).
  • Minimum GMAT score of 400 (GRE score of 292 may be accepted in lieu of GMAT).
  • GMAT Waiver available for those who qualify.
  • 5 years or more of professional work experience (Strategic Leadership concentration applicants only).
  • Applicants must submit official transcript(s) from all institutions attended, even if the classes were transferred or if the applicant withdrew from the school.
  • International students must have a course-by-course evaluation of their international coursework conducted by an independent evaluation service. See additional international requirements below.

Online Master of Education in Counseling and Development

  • Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Three professional recommendations
    • You will be required to provide the names and e-mail addresses of your three individuals in the online admissions application. These three individuals will then receive an e-mail asking them to complete the online recommendation form
  • Resume
  • A brief statement of purpose articulating your reasons for pursuing a master's in counseling and why you are a good fit for the field of counseling (1-2 pages)
  • Background check
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • If your GPA is under 3.0, please provide GRE or MAT Test Scores
      • GRE score of 146 on the Verbal Reasoning section and 140 on Quantitative Reasoning
      • 392 or above on the MAT test

Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership

  • Transcripts
  • Statement of goals
  • Teaching degree with 3 years of teaching experience
  • A copy of your current State Department of Education Class III Professional Certificate or the equivalent from another state
  • Two recommendations: one from your current principal and one from a district-level administrator
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • If your GPA is under 3.0 please provide GRE or MAT Test Scores
      • GRE score of 151 on the Verbal Reasoning section and 153 on Quantitative Reasoning
      • 392 or above on the MAT test

Online Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (Traditional program).
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution (Advanced Standing program).
  • 3.0 GPA preferred on your last 60 credit hours or an overall GPA of 2.8 (Traditional program).
  • 3.0 GPA overall required (Advanced Standing program).
  • Three professional recommendations. Personal/character references from family members, friends, and clergy are not appropriate. If you graduated within the last five years, one reference should be an academic reference. You may also use an employer or someone who has supervised your volunteer work. You will be asked to provide names and e-mail addresses of three individuals who can complete a recommendation form on your behalf.
  • A current, professional resume that demonstrates paid and volunteer experience in the helping profession.
  • A professional narrative statement (3-5 pages) addressing the following: *
    • Your reasons for pursuing the MSW degree and your commitment to the profession.
    • Your career goals upon completing the degree.
    • How a specialization in empowerment practice will help you reach your professional goals.
    • Prior to beginning your statement, please read the NASW Code of Ethics and our statement on Empowerment Practice. This statement must be developed solely by the applicant with no outside assistance and reflect sound, professional judgement.
  • Applicants must submit official transcript(s) from all institutions attended, even if the classes were transferred or if the applicant withdrew from the school.
  • International students must have a course-by-course evaluation of their international coursework conducted by an independent evaluation service. See additional international requirements below.

* Applicants that do not meet a stated admission requirement to the Winthrop University Online MSW program are highly encouraged to complete an addendum to their professional narrative statement in which they directly address the requirement they do not meet, why, and steps they plan to take to be a successful graduate student if admitted. 

International Admissions Requirements

  • International students must have a course-by-course evaluation of their international coursework conducted by an independent evaluation service, then have the official report sent directly to us. Accepted services include World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions. Students must also demonstrate English language proficiency with one of the following:
    • A TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or of at least 79 on the internet-based test.
    • An IELTS score of at least 6.0 (the MBA program requires an IELTS score of 6.5).
    • Successful completion of level 112 of the Intensive English for Academic Purposes Program from an English Language School (ELS) center.

For a full list of international admission requirements, visit our International Students page. 

Get More Information!

If you have additional questions about admissions requirements for Winthrop University online programs, please contact a program manager toll-free at 833/257-1704 or request more information today!