General Requirements

The Graduate School will consider applicants who:

• Submit a completed application.
• Submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES, AICE, or CGFNS evaluation (international schools) showing an earned baccalaureate degree and official transcripts or NACES, AICE, or CGFNS evaluations from all graduate schools attended. Applicants must also submit an official transcript or NACES, AICE, or CGFNS evaluation from any school that shows completion of required program prerequisites and content area coursework.
• Request a transcript evaluation for transfer of credit, if applicable. 
• Have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale on the highest degree completed.
• Submit a current resumé or curriculum vitae.
• Indicate acceptance of Bethel Community Expectations by signing the application form.

Applicants who have not achieved the minimum GPA, grade standards, or other assessment criteria may still apply to be considered for provisional acceptance. See Admission Categories.

International Student Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements in this section, international applicants to Bethel University's Graduate School programs must meet additional criteria for admission. The requirements vary based on whether candidates intend to enroll in a fully online program and plan to complete their program outside the United States or if they intend to enroll in a program which requires attendance in person as a residential international applicant. Both options are listed below.

Residential International Applicants

A residential international applicant is any candidate who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident alien that intends to enroll in a face-to-face, hybrid, or intensive program that requires the student to come to the U.S. Residential international applicants must obtain a U.S. Visa unless they are already living in the U.S. Residential international applicants must complete the general requirements for admission as well as the items listed below:

International student applicants whose primary language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) examination score report. This English proficiency requirement can be waived if the student received an undergraduate or higher level degree at a U.S. college or university.

• TOEFL minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test or 8 on the Essentials test.
• IELTS minimum score of 6.5.
• PTE minimum score of 55.

Additionally, international applicants seeking to obtain a U.S. Visa must submit the following:

• A copy of the I-94 (applicants living in the U.S.).
• A copy of their passport (applicants living in or traveling to the U.S.).
• A copy of their current visa (applicants living in or traveling to the U.S.).
• Documentation of health insurance or, upon arrival at Bethel University, the student may consult with the International Student Advisor who will provide the necessary information for the student.
• Transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended.  The transcript(s) is/are required to be evaluated by one of the members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) if the student's degree(s) is/are received outside of the U.S. It is advised that students receive a course-by-course evaluation that shows a cumulative GPA. 
• A completed Certification of Finances form, along with the most current bank statement(s) available, providing evidence of adequate funds based on U.S. currency to cover a minimum of one year’s full tuition and living expenses.

If an applicant is receiving funds from a sponsor(s), submit:

• Notarized letters of support from U.S. sponsor(s).  

For complete details for International students, please refer to the International Students section under Academic Information.

Additional Requirements for U.S. Permanent Resident Alien Applicants

U.S. permanent resident alien applicants must submit a copy of their green card.

Fully Online International Applicants

A fully online international applicant is any candidate who is not a U.S. citizen and intends to complete their fully online program in their home country. Note that non-U.S. citizens cannot receive a U.S. Visa if they are intending to enroll in a fully online program. Fully online international applicants must complete the  general requirements for admission as well as the items listed below:

• International student applicants whose primary language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),  International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) examination score report. This English proficiency requirement can be waived if the student received an undergraduate or higher level degree at a U.S. college or university.
  • TOEFL minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test or 8 on the Essentials test.
  • IELTS minimum score of 6.5.
  • PTE minimum score of 55.
• Transcript(s) from colleges and/or universities where the highest degree was earned is/are required to be submitted. The transcript(s) is/are required to be evaluated by one of the members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS) if the student's degree(s) is/are received outside of the U.S. It is advised that students received a course-by-course evaluation that shows a cumulative GPA.