Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements
University of the Potomac admits students who are high school graduates or who have an equivalent form of high school completion. To be admitted proof of high school completion or its equivalent is required.
Applicants to University of the Potomac must:
- Complete an admissions interview conducted in person or via online methods.
- Provide proof of high school (or equivalent) completion. Sign and submit an attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion. Equivalencies include a GED Certificate. Home-schooled students must present a diploma that meets the requirements of the state in which it was issued. (Students with non-US credentials please see International Student Admissions Requirements)
- Submit a completed application.
- Pay non-refundable application fee.
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration, University of the Potomac.
- Submit grade reports or scores from any recognized college equivalency examinations (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, and Advanced Placement).
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs. (Note: An ACE evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for corporate educational training.)
- Submit military training documents. (Note: An ACE military evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for military training.)
Download Forms
Download High School Request Form (DC/VA/Online) — fill out the form and email it to admissions@potomac.edu
Have questions regarding admissions requirements?
Fill out the form and get all admission information you need regarding your chosen program.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
In addition to the general requirements, applicants for a graduate program must provide the following:
- An undergraduate degree in order to enroll in University of the Potomac master’s programs, a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in other countries.
- Two Letters of recommendation from individuals who may be a direct supervisor or university faculty member.*
- One required essay, in MS Word document form, addressing the student’s preparation for the graduate program.
- Three years of professional work experience, preferably in a mid-level or senior-level manager’s position. Proof of experience can be provided in the form of a current resume or letter from the supervisor at the current place of employment. **
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not required for admission to the MBA but is strongly preferred for students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline or lack the pre-requisite courses in business, finance, and economics. Similarly, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the MSIT or MHCA but is recommended.
*This requirement may be waived for those students with Master level transfer credits.
**This requirement only applies to applicants for the Executive MBA program.
International Admissions Requirements
- Official academic evidence of completion of secondary education (high school or equivalent) for undergraduate applicants; official academic evidence of completion of undergraduate education for graduate applicants; official academic evidence of completion of graduate education for doctorate applicants. Academic evidence should be translated into English. Document can be either:
- Original verification letter from secondary/high school institution officer or certified (attested) copy
- Original or certified (attested) copy of transcripts from secondary or post-secondary education
- Official proof of English language proficiency (any one of the items listed below)
- TOEFL (iBT) overall minimum scores: undergraduate 70 / graduate 79 / doctorate 85.
- IELTS overall minimum scores: undergraduate 6.0 / graduate 6.5 / doctorate 6.5.
- Duolingo Certified minimum score: undergraduate 80 / graduate 90 / doctorate 100.
- PTE minimum score: undergraduate 50 / graduate 59 / doctorate 59.
- WAEC score of C6 or higher in English subject
- TOEIC overall minimum scores: undergraduate 670 / graduate 720 / doctorate 720.
Evidence of English Proficiency requirement is waived for:
– Students who have completed a high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degree (residential studies) from an accredited school in the United States or other countries listed on NAFSA website accessible here.
A copy of the applicable student visa may be requested to verify in-person studies.
– Students who hold a passport from the countries listed on NAFSA website accessible here and have completed a high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from an accredited school in such a country.
– International students seeking to transfer from an accredited U.S. institution, who have successfully completed at least 1 academic term of a degree program at that school.
- Proof of sufficient financial funds shown in U.S. currency/dollar (either one or a combination of two or more of the below-listed documents):
- Personal funds – official bank statement
- Sponsors – affidavit of support accompanied by official bank statement.
- Scholarships – official scholarship letter
- A copy of the photo page of the passport, and if currently in the U.S., a copy of current visa and most recent I-94.
- International students transferring from another educational institution must submit copy of current I-20 form; and SEVIS I-20 Transfer Form completed by the previous institution.
Doctoral Programs Admissions Requirements (DP)
This program is focused on first-time doctoral students who do not have any previously completed doctoral credits from a previous institution. To be considered for admission into the Doctoral Program (DP) program, students must submit the following documentation and meet the requirements below:
- A University of the Potomac application form
- Registration acknowledgment form
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration
- Doctoral students must have an earned master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution.
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs.
- Submit military training documents.
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Two letters of recommendation letters (academic or professional)
- One required essay, in MSWord document form, addressing the student’s preparation for the doctoral program, proposed research area, and professional goals
- You must complete a in person, phone or video interview with UOTP
- GRE or GMAT scores (no minimum score or time limit); optional
Doctoral Completion Program (DCP) Admissions Requirements
This program is for students who have previously completed doctoral courses and/or partial dissertation chapters from a previous institution. To be considered for admission into the Doctoral Completion Program (DCP) students must submit the following documentation and meet the requirements below:
- A University of the Potomac application form
- Registration acknowledgement form
- Transcripts showing your completed coursework in the program of study from your previous doctoral program
- A written statement on your intent to complete doctoral programs (i.e., reason for not completing your previous program, role of degree in your career path, proposed research area, and plan for doctoral program success)
- Two letters of recommendation letters (academic or professional)
- Scholarly work sample (optional)
- 36 credits can be reviewed for transfer credits
- Only coursework completed in the last 10 years is eligible for transfer credit, unless a waiver granted by the Office of Academic Affairs
- You must have completed all doctoral coursework at the prior institution, with a minimum of a cumulative GPA of 3.0
- You must complete a in person, phone or video interview with UOTP
- GRE or GMAT scores (no minimum score or time limit); optional
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49.
The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with University of the Potomac when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. The overall score minimum requirement for undergraduate is 80, for graduate is 90, and for doctorate is 100. Tips for Your Test Experience Applicants One-Pager Student Sharing Results Instructions
Submit an Application
We welcome you to apply. We have convenient and inclusive acceptance criteria. Get in touch with an Admissions Counselor today, we’re excited to work with you through the application process.
Graduate Program Applicants: Make Sure your Essay is Top Notch
Your essay is a reflection of your motivations and ability to communicate. Take time to write a great essay and ensure you are responding to the topic appropriately and with enough detail. Write a few drafts of your essay and be sure to check your spelling and grammar after every round of edits.
