Grantham University

Admission, Transfer Credits and Requirements

Grantham accepts applications on a continuous basis throughout the year. A student has the option of enrolling as a degree candidate or on a course-by-course basis.

Grantham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in admitting students to its programs or in administering its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs or other school-administered programs. Admission policies are based on inclusiveness – Grantham believes that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a college degree.

Admissions Process

Once a student has shown an interest in Grantham, he/she will be required to submit the Admissions Application Transfer Credit Evaluation form, along with other necessary documents requested by Admissions. Upon receipt, the University will commence the process of review and assessment. 

Grantham accepts applications on a continuous basis throughout the year. A student has the option of enrolling as a degree candidate or on a course-by-course basis (non-degree).

Applicants with high school or previous education in a foreign country who do not reside in an English-speaking country (ex. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), must demonstrate English language proficiency. Official documentation must be submitted with the admission file and admission granted before the applicant may begin the program.

The Computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Test

he computer-based TOEFL test (TOEFL CBT) measures English-language proficiency in the following areas:  Listening, Structure, Reading, and Writing.  Prospective students who take the TOEFL CBT must score 213 or higher on the computer-based or 79 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL to gain admission to the University.  Complete information on the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org . Although the TOEFL CBT is no longer offered, scores from this test are valid for two (2) from the administration date.

Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)

The TOEFL program has  phased in  the Internet-based version of the TOEFL test - TOEFL iBT. Prospective students who take the TOEFL iBT must score 61 or higher to gain admission to the University. The TOEFL iBT measures how well a student reads, listens, speaks and writes in English and uses these skills together in the University classroom.

The Paper-based TOEFL Test

In areas where TOEFL iBT is not yet available, the paper-based version of the TOEFL test will be offered to continue to provide access to TOEFL test takers in these areas.
The paper-based TOEFL test measures:  Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension.  A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based version is required for admission to the University.

Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

In lieu of the TOEFL, prospective students may also submit scores from the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).  A minimum score of 750 is required for admission to the University.  Complete information on the TOEIC is available at www.toeic.com .

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

In lieu of the TOEFL, students may also submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  A minimum score of 6.5 is required to gain admission to the University. Complete information on the IELTS is available online at www.ielts.org .

Placement Tests and Remedial Courses

To promote academic success, all undergraduate students new to Grantham University are required to complete placement tests to measure English and mathematics skills prior to enrollment unless an exemption applies (see below).  Because academic success depends on developing sound English and mathematical skills early in the degree program, the placement tests are an important part of Grantham's effort to recognize and fulfill the individual needs of its incoming students. 

Students will be exempt from English and/or mathematics placement tests if they meet one of the following two (2) criteria:

1. Prospective student has taken the ACT or SAT assessments in the past five (5) years and achieved a minimum score as described in Table 1.2:

Table 1.2

2. Prospective student has earned a minimum grade of “C” in a college-level freshman composition or equivalent writing course and/or a college-level algebra or equivalent mathematics course within the last ten (10) years, based on documentation. In addition to being exempted from one or both placement tests, a student may also receive transfer credit that would fulfill degree program requirements for English and/or mathematics courses.

 
Online placement tests are available after the evaluation process.  The Registrar’s office administers these tests.  The Registrar’s office will send a notice of test availability along with instructions on how to take the test(s).  There is no charge for these placement tests.  Each online placement test is automatically graded, and the student will receive a pass/fail score immediately.  A minimum score of 70% is required to pass either online placement test.  A student may take each online placement test only one time.  A student may use personal resource materials when taking the tests, but may not solicit help from others or from tutoring services.

To help ensure success in future courses, a student who does not achieve the minimum required score on the online placement tests will be required to enroll in EN030 and/or MA030 or their equivalent. These remedial courses (3-SCH each) do not count toward the specific degree program requirements at Grantham, but will be a part of a student’s Individual Education Plan.

All students will be required to take section one of the math placement test. Those students wishing to enter a technical degree program such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering Technology or Electronics Engineering Technology should meet a higher level of math proficiency to determine recommended competency by passing the second section of the math placement test with a satisfactory score.

Once a student has reviewed his/her score, he/she may speak with his/her Admissions Representative regarding course selection (including remedial courses) upon initial enrollment at Grantham. These courses may qualify for Tuition Assistance or Veterans Affairs funding.

Undergraduate Admissions

Grantham University requires the following documentation prior to the evaluation process, as appropriate to the undergraduate student:

1. A copy of high school transcript (showing completion), high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate;
2. Military students may submit Form DD214 indicating high school graduation or equivalent in lieu of a high school transcript, high school diploma, or high school equivalency certificate (This document would be considered official proof of high school graduation or equivalent);
3. A copy of all college transcripts;
4. Employer course certificates with description of course content and class hours;
5. Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) transcript, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) score, Coast Guard Institute (CGI) transcript, Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) transcript and/or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript.

A student may send copies of transcripts or documents for the evaluation.  However, proof of graduation in the form of an official transcript that confirms graduation from high school or its equivalent is required within six (6) months of matriculation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in dismissal from the University. In addition, any transfer credit(s) awarded through the use of an unofficial transcript will be rescinded if an official transcripts or documentation and verification of statements are not received by the University within six (6) months of matriculation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first.  An official transcript is one mailed directly to Grantham from the Registrar of the issuing educational institution.  Grantham will not return documents submitted directly by prospective students.

After the evaluation is complete, an Evaluations Representative will prepare a custom curriculum of the remaining courses necessary for graduation, known as an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

High School Student applicants

A high school student who wishes to enroll at Grantham University may apply for admission as a non-degree seeking student and may enroll in no more than four (4) credit hours (undergraduate coursework) per enrollment period. Exceptions may be granted by the Provost for students wishing to enroll in more than four (4) credit hours. A high school applicant must submit a copy of his/her official high school transcript with a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission. The prospective student must also have demonstrated one of the following:

1. ACT with a minimum average selection index of 18
2. SAT with a minimum average selection index of 440 Math and 440 English
3. PSAT with a minimum average selection index of 147
4. Demonstration of successful completion (grade “C” or higher) of college coursework in which college credit was earned
5. The student must present a recommendation and permission from the high school Guidance Counselor

Students must attain high school diploma or equivalent before being allowed to enroll into a degree program.

Home School applicants

A home school student who wishes to enroll at Grantham University may apply for admission as a non-degree seeking student and may enroll in no more than four (4) credit hours (undergraduate coursework) per enrollment period. Exceptions may be granted by the Provost for students wishing to enroll in more than four (4) credit hours. The prospective student must also have demonstrated one of the following:

1. ACT with a minimum average selection index of 18
2. SAT with a minimum average selection index of 440 Math and 440 English
3. PSAT with a minimum average selection index of 147
4. Demonstration of successful completion (grade “C” or higher) of college coursework in which college credit was earned
5. Provide state verification of minimum 11th grade level competency

Any applicant who is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance and has not completed secondary school through home schooling must meet one of the above criteria to establish eligibility to benefit from instruction at Grantham University.  No student below the compulsory age of attendance (17) will be permitted to enroll until it is determined that enrollment won’t be detrimental to the student’s success. For persons not meeting the requirements for enrollment, a record will be made showing the reasons for acceptance.  All exceptions to the above guidelines will be based on review and approval of the record by the University Provost.  Students must attain high school diploma or equivalent before being allowed to enroll into a degree program.

Process for Record of Exceptions for Home School applicants

Two recommendations are required. One must be completed by the home-school administrator and the other must be completed by a parent or guardian.  If the educational administrator is the parent or guardian, the second recommendation must be from an individual meeting the following criteria:

1. The student and the individual granting the recommendation shall not be relatives
2. The student and the individual granting the recommendation shall not reside at the same address
3. Examples of suitable recommendations may originate from: Member of clergy, Law enforcement officer, University/college faculty member or equivalent (Grantham excluded), Librarian, Official learning/tutoring center representative, employment Supervisor

Application essays are required of all home school applicants.  The 500 -1000 word essay must describe how the applicant has been successful with his/her home-school independent learning environment and why he/she will benefit from distance learning college-level coursework. In addition, the applicant must submit evidence of the coursework completed and level of performance reflecting acceptable accomplishments. A telephone interview will be conducted with the applicant by the University Provost.

Transfer Credits

Grantham University awards transfer credits based on the philosophy that students should not be required to repeat courses that reach competencies they have already mastered. A prospective student may use prior college, military experience, employer courses and equivalency exams, such as CLEP, that have been appropriately evaluated for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), to obtain credit in lieu of course and credit hour requirements.

Grantham awards credit on a course-by-course basis for courses with equivalent content and value as the corresponding Grantham course(s) and for which the student earned a grade of “C” or higher. In addition, transfer credit will not be awarded for courses where the University has determined that knowledge in the field advances at such a rate that it would be detrimental to the student’s success in his/her degree program to award transfer credit for courses taken beyond a time period pre-determined by the University.

Any transfer credit(s) awarded through the use of an unofficial transcript will be rescinded if an official transcript is not received by the University within six (6) months of matriculation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first.

Residency Requirement

1. The student must complete at least 25% of the required credit hours at Grantham to earn the associate degree.
2. The student must complete at least 25% of the required credit hours at Grantham to earn the bachelor degree. 

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

An applicant who has completed secondary/university-level courses in a foreign country that are comparable to course credits in the American education system must have their credentials evaluated and sent to Grantham. Two (2) credible providers of credential evaluations are World Education Services (WES) and International Education Research Foundation (IERF).  Grantham will accept evaluations from other credible sources.

Individual Education Plan

A student’s personal curriculum, known as the Individual Education Plan (IEP), defines the program of study in semesters. 

A student’s degree program adheres to the version of the catalog under which he/she first enrolls. However, if a student withdraws from the University or fails to reenroll, his/her degree program will be updated to reflect the requirements of the current catalog upon readmission.  A student may access his/her IEP by performing the following steps:

1. Go to www.grantham.edu
2. Click on Student Log-In in the upper right section of the screen
3. Enter his/her student number and password. A student receives his/her student number upon enrollment. The default password for a student’s first log-in is his/her last name, after which the student will be prompted to change it.
4. On the left side of the screen, click on IEP

Electives

If a student is required to choose an elective, he/she may first review a list of electives offered by going to the student log-in page of the Grantham Web site (www.grantham.edu) and clicking on the Quick Downloads button and choosing the Elective Selections List from the quick downloads drop down menu.  The student may then choose the elective by logging into the student portal and performing the following steps:

1. Click IEP
2. Click Current
3. Click the Click Here to Select Your Electives button
4. Choose the desired course to take from the drop down box next to the corresponding elective
5. Check the I Agree box
6. Click Submit

The student will see the message: Thank you. This message advises the student that the request was received and will be processed by the Evaluations Department.

The student’s request will be evaluated, he/she will receive an email advising if the request was approved or denied.  The student may direct any questions to his/her Student Progress Representative (SPR).

Degree Program Changes

After a student is matriculated, he/she may decide to pursue a different degree program.  To request a change in a degree program, a student is required to download a Request for Degree Program Change form from the student portal, and return the form to degreeprogramchanges@grantham.edu.  Upon receipt of this request, Grantham will evaluate the student’s record to determine applicable transfer credits.  The student will receive the results of the evaluation within 5-7 business days.  Should the student choose to move forward with changing his/her degree program, the student must contact his/her SPR to obtain a new enrollment agreement.  A student may change degree programs only after final grades have been recorded for course(s) in which he/she is currently enrolled. 

Graduate Admissions

Admittance to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science (MS) degree program requires a student to possess a bachelor degree with a cumulative GPA  2.5 from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. No standardized tests (e.g. GRE or GMAT) are required for admission to the MBA or MS degree programs.  If the prospective student does not meet the 2.5 GPA minimum, he/she may file a request for GPA waiver for admission to a graduate program.  Grantham’s Academics Department will judge special circumstances for admission on a case-by-case basis. A prospective student who chooses not to request a GPA waiver or whose waiver request is not accepted may request admission as a non-degree student. If accepted, the student may take two graduate courses (concurrently or not) and must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher after completing both courses. Upon successful completion of the two (2) graduate courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, the student may apply for and gain admission to any graduate degree program containing the courses completed. If the student does not meet the cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher after completing two (2) graduate courses, he/she may apply for a GPA waiver if one has not been requested; otherwise the student will be dismissed from the University.

Prior to a student’s admission to Grantham University, it is recommended but not required, that a student satisfy all major-related undergraduate competencies.  See the Course Catalog for the recommended courses containing content that addresses these competencies. Recommended competencies are provided to help ensure student success in graduate programs.

Grantham University requires the following documentation prior to the evaluation process, as appropriate to the graduate student:

1. A copy of all college transcripts
2. Employer course certificates with description of course content and class hours
3. Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) transcript, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) score, Coast Guard Institute (CGI) transcript, Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) transcript, Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript and/or other military transcripts.

A student may send copies of transcripts or documents for the evaluation.  However, proof of graduation in the form of an official transcript that confirms an earned bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher learning accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is required within six (6) months of matriculation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in dismissal from the University. In addition, any transfer credit(s) awarded through the use of an unofficial transcript will be rescinded if an official transcripts or documentation and verification of statements are not received by the University within six (6) months of matriculation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first.  An official transcript is one mailed directly to Grantham from the Registrar of the issuing educational institution.  Grantham will not return documents submitted directly by prospective students.

After the evaluation is complete, an Evaluations Representative will prepare a custom curriculum of the remaining courses necessary for graduation, known as an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Transfer Credits

Grantham University awards transfer credits based on the philosophy that students should not be required to repeat courses that reach competencies they have already mastered. A prospective student may use prior college, military experience, employer courses and equivalency exams, such as CLEP, that have been appropriately evaluated for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), to obtain credit in lieu of course and credit hour requirements.

Grantham awards credit on a course-by-course basis for courses with equivalent content and value as the corresponding Grantham course(s) and for which the student earned a grade of “B” or higher.  Graduate students seeking credit for transfer courses must have earned these credits within the last five (5) years, including credits earned at Grantham.

Any transfer credit(s) awarded through the use of an unofficial transcript will be rescinded if an official transcript is not received by the University within six (6) months of matriculation or prior to graduation, whichever comes first.

Residency Requirements

The student must successfully complete at least 27 semester credit hours at Grantham to earn an MBA or MS degree.

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

A graduate applicant who has completed secondary/university-level courses in a foreign country that are comparable to course credits in the American education system must have their credentials evaluated and sent to Grantham. Two (2) credible providers of credential evaluations are World Education Services (WES) and International Education Research Foundation (IERF).  Grantham University will accept evaluations from other credible sources.

Individual Education Plan

A student’s personal curriculum, known as the Individual Education Plan (IEP), defines the program of study in semesters. 

A student’s degree program adheres to the version of the catalog under which he/she first enrolls. However, if a student withdraws from the University or fails to reenroll, his/her degree program will be updated to reflect the requirements of the current catalog.  A student may access his/her IEP by performing the following steps:  

1.   Go to www.grantham.edu
2.   Click on Student Log-In in the upper right section of the screen
3.   Enter his/her student number and password. A student receives his/her student number upon enrollment. The default password for a student’s first log-in is his/her last name, after which the student will be prompted to change it.
4.   On the left side of the screen, click on IEP

Electives

If a student is required to choose an elective, he/she may first review a list of electives offered by going to the student log-in page of the Grantham Web site (www.grantham.edu) and clicking on the Quick Downloads button and choosing the Elective Selections List from the quick downloads drop down menu.  The student may then choose the elective by logging into the student portal and performing the following steps:

1.   Click IEP
2.   Click Current
3.   Click the Click Here to Select Your Electives button
4.   Choose the desired course to take from the drop down box next to the corresponding elective
5.   Check the I Agree box
6.   Click Submit

The student will see the message: Thank you. This message advises the student that the request was received and will be processed by the Evaluations Department.

The student’s request will be evaluated, he/she will receive an email advising if the request was approved or denied.  The student may direct any questions to his/her Student Progress Representative (SPR).

Degree Program Changes

After a student is matriculated, he/she may decide to pursue a different degree program.  To request a change in a degree program, a student is required to download a Request for Degree Program Change form from the student portal, and return the form to degreeprogramchanges@grantham.edu.  Upon receipt of this request, Grantham will evaluate the student’s record to determine applicable transfer credits.  The student will receive the results of the evaluation within 5-7 business days.  Should the student choose to move forward with changing his/her degree program, the student must contact his/her SPR to obtain a new enrollment agreement.  A student may change degree programs only after final grades have been recorded for course(s) in which he/she is currently enrolled.

Re-admitted Students

Students who have interrupted their studies by failing to enroll within 56 days of the last enrollment period end date must submit a new application for admission. A student who has interrupted studies with Grantham and who has earned additional credits at another institution will be required to have a transfer credit evaluation. Previous credits earned at Grantham or at other institutions are evaluated by the same criteria used for first-time transfer students.

Students who were previously enrolled in degree programs that are no longer offered at the time of readmission may be re-admitted to those programs if the date of readmission is 180 days or less from the last enrollment period end date or withdrawal date, whichever is earlier.
 

Transferability of Grantham Credits

Acceptance for transfer of credits earned at Grantham University is determined by the institution to which the credits will be transferred. Although Grantham makes every effort to enhance the transferability of its credits to other institutions, a student should always contact the registrar at the college or university of interest to determine whether credits from Grantham will transfer to that institution.

Enrollment Agreements

An Enrollment Agreement (EA) is a contract that defines essential terms and conditions related to enrollment at Grantham University. For each enrollment period, a student must sign an EA containing information about tuition, courses in which he/she is enrolling and the method of payment. The EA is the definitive source concerning terms between the student and the University. Students should read their agreements carefully and keep them in a safe place for future reference. 

Grantham’s EA incorporates the University Catalog in effect at the time of the student’s enrollment into the University, but the University may change its policies, procedures, courses, and degree programs at its sole discretion.  When Grantham updates policies and procedures, the University’s Web site will supersede information found in this catalog.  Grantham reserves the right to update courses when necessary due to changes in technology, teaching methodologies, and textbook updates.  Grantham will notify students of any substantive changes to their degree program of study. 

A student may register for one or multiple courses for each enrollment period and is obligated only for the courses in which he/she enrolls.  The student must adhere to the terms and conditions of the EA.

Technical Requirements

The online learning environment at Grantham University requires that the student’s computer meet the following minimum technical requirements to provide an optimal learning experience.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

1. IBM compatible PC
2. Processor: Pentium III or higher
3. Operating System: Windows 2000, XP (Home or Professional), Vista (Enterprise, Business, Home Basic, Home Premium, or Ultimate – 32 bit edition)
4. Memory: 512 MB of RAM or greater
5. 15 GB Hard drive (or equivalent storage medium)
6. 12x CD-ROM CD/DVD
7. Internet connection of at least 56k
8. Display setting capable of at least 1024x768
9. Internet Explorer (web browsing software) - version 5.5 or higher
10. Flash 9 player

Special Technical Considerations

Apple Macs

Macs are capable of navigating Grantham’s web-based interface. Grantham does not support an Apple Mac, and a student is ultimately responsible to remedy any incompatibilities between the Mac platform and the Grantham online learning environment.

Several courses require the installation of third-party software. This software may or may not be compatible with Macs. It is the student’s responsibility to run the software on a compatible platform of his/her choice.

Minimum Hardware Requirements-Mac

1. Power Mac G3
2. OSX
3. 128 MB of RAM or greater
4. 12x CD ROM (CD/DVD Recommended)
5. Internet connection of at least 56k
6. Display setting 800x600 resolution, (1024x768 recommended)
7. Safari browser and/or Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater
8. Flash 7 player

Other Operating Systems

If a student chooses to use any operating system other than Windows 2000, XP (Home or Professional), Vista (Enterprise, Business, Home Basic, Home Premium, or Ultimate), Grantham cannot offer technical support. This includes, but is not limited to, the usage of any distribution of Linux, Mac OS, any emulation software, or 64-bit editions of Windows (Vista or XP).

Third-Party Software

Several Grantham courses require the installation of third-party software. If a student attempts to use a platform other than the minimum hardware requirements stipulated above, then it is the student’s responsibility to run the software on a compatible platform of his/her choice.

This list is subject to change and does not guarantee your ability to access the Internet. See your ISP and system manufacturer for more details and specifics.

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