Graduate Students

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Post Baccalaureate Certificate program must submit the following:

• Graduate Credential/Non-Degree Application
  A completed Graduate Credential/Non-Degree Application.

• Educational Requirements
  Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

• Program-Specific Recommendation
  For the Operations Management Certificate, completion of an introductory statistics course is recommended.

Pathway to the MBA Program

Students who wish to continue from the Graduate Credential/Non-Degree program into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program must apply separately for admission to the degree program and meet the following prerequisite requirements or their equivalents:

• Financial Accounting

• Management Accounting

• Microeconomics

• Business Finance

• Statistics

• Management or Marketing

MBA Admissions Overview

Quincy University values the diverse perspectives and professional experiences students bring to the MBA program. Applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Each application is reviewed holistically, with emphasis on the applicant’s potential for successful completion of the program.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students may begin coursework at the start of any academic term, even if the full application process has not yet been completed.

Application Review Process

Completed applications are submitted to the Quincy University Office of Graduate Studies and reviewed by the MBA Director. Admission decisions are based on academic preparation, professional experience, and demonstrated potential for graduate-level success.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Graduate Application
  A completed Application for Graduate Admission.

• Official Transcripts
  Official transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions. Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree.

• Letters of Recommendation
  Two recommendations from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic ability and/or professional potential.

• Educational Requirements

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree

  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or significant professional experience as determined by the MBA Director

  • Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.80 are encouraged to submit a statement of explanation

  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission

  • A graduate degree in a relevant field or at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience may be considered in lieu of GPA requirements

• International Students
  Applicants from non-English-speaking educational institutions must submit TOEFL results. A score of 550 is generally considered acceptable for graduate admission. International applicants must also provide financial documentation authorized by a bank official demonstrating the ability to finance their education.

• Written Autobiographical Sketch
  A 300-word statement describing how the applicant’s work and life experiences have shaped their academic interests and professional goals.

• Professional Résumé
  Submit a current résumé to admissions@quincy.edu.

• Prerequisite Coursework
  Students must complete the following prerequisites:

  • Principles of Financial Accounting

  • Management Accounting

  • Principles of Management or Principles of Marketing

  • Business Finance

  • Principles of Microeconomics

  • Statistics

Admission Decisions

Once all required materials are received, the MBA Director will determine whether to accept or deny the application. Admission is typically limited to applicants who demonstrate strong potential for success in graduate study. Evaluation criteria include:

• Overall or upper-level undergraduate GPA (or other relevant academic indicators)

• Letters of recommendation

Special Status Admission

Quincy University recognizes that some individuals may not meet all formal admission requirements but wish to pursue MBA coursework for professional development or intellectual enrichment. Experienced professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the learning environment may be granted special status, provided they do not exceed five percent of the total accepted students at any given time.

Special status students may audit courses; however, to earn the MBA degree, all program and graduation requirements must be fulfilled.

Program Admissions Overview

Applications are encouraged from individuals in all academic and professional fields. Each applicant is reviewed on an individual basis, with primary consideration given to the applicant’s potential for successful completion of the program. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.

While it is generally preferred that accepted students begin coursework in the fall semester, applicants may begin at the start of any academic term, provided space is available.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials to the Quincy University Office of Graduate Studies:

• Graduate Application
  A completed Application for Graduate Admission.

• Official Transcripts
  Official transcripts mailed directly to the Quincy University Office of Graduate Admissions from each college attended. Quincy University graduates are not required to request official QU transcripts.

• Letters of Recommendation
  Two recommendations from professionals who can address the applicant’s academic and/or professional potential.

• Educational Requirements
  Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree. Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher may be recommended for admission. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

• International Students
  Applicants from non-English-speaking educational institutions must submit TOEFL results. A score of 550 or higher is generally considered acceptable evidence of a student’s ability to successfully pursue graduate-level study in an English-speaking environment. International applicants must also submit bank-authorized financial documentation demonstrating the ability to finance their education.

• Writing Prompts
  Applicants are required to respond to program-specific writing prompts related to counseling. Responses should reflect the applicant’s best effort, with each response limited to 500 words or fewer.

• Entrance Examination Results (Optional)
  A score of 380 (400 preferred) or higher on the Miller Analogies Test, or an equivalent score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), is preferred but not required.

• Professional Résumé
  Submit a current professional résumé to admissions@quincy.edu.

• Relevant Coursework
  While applicants from all undergraduate majors are considered, prior coursework in the behavioral sciences (such as psychology or sociology) is desirable. It is recommended, though not required, that applicants have completed the following courses or their equivalents:

  • Introduction to Psychology or Sociology
  • Personality Theory
  • Statistics or Research Design
  • Abnormal Psychology

Application Review Process

The Counseling Program Admissions Committee reviews each application using multiple evaluative measures. No single factor automatically qualifies or disqualifies an applicant. In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an in-person interview with the Counseling and College Student Personnel Program Admissions Committee or its designated representatives.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials to the Quincy University Office of Graduate Studies:

• Graduate Application
  A completed Application for Graduate Admission.

• Official Transcripts
  An official transcript from the college or university from which the baccalaureate degree was conferred. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from any additional colleges or universities attended, at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

• Letters of Recommendation
  Two completed recommendation forms from individuals who can address the applicant’s academic and/or professional potential.

• Educational Requirements
  Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree. Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher may be recommended for admission. Applicants with GPAs between 2.8 and 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

• Written Essay
  A 300–500 word essay describing how the applicant’s work and life experiences have influenced their chosen area of study and how those experiences relate to the concept of servant leadership.

• Professional Résumé
  A current professional résumé.

• International Students
  Applicants from non-English-speaking educational institutions must submit TOEFL results. A score of 550 is generally considered acceptable evidence of a student’s ability to successfully pursue graduate-level study in an English-speaking environment. International applicants must also submit bank-authorized financial documentation demonstrating the ability to finance their education.

Admission Review and Decision

After receipt of all required materials, the Admissions Committee will determine whether the applicant is accepted into the program. Admission is limited to applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and who demonstrate promise of success in graduate study.

An applicant’s potential for success is evaluated using a combination of the following indicators:

• A grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework; and/or

• For teacher licensure candidates, proof of passing the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (or approved alternate) and the appropriate Illinois state content test(s);

• A satisfactory academic and professional record as demonstrated through letters of recommendation and/or an interview conducted by members of the MSEd Steering Committee;

• A 300–500 word essay addressing the applicant’s abilities and experiences directly related to the area of study.

Early Graduate Coursework Option

Students who have completed their undergraduate major coursework, hold senior status, and meet the required grade point average—but who have not yet had their bachelor’s degree conferred—may enroll in one graduate course during their final year at Quincy University. Graduate credit will be held in escrow pending acceptance into the master’s program.

Final Review

The Admissions Committee reviews each application using multiple evaluative measures. No single factor automatically qualifies or disqualifies an applicant. In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an in-person interview with the Admissions Committee or its designated representatives.

Direct Admit Pathway

The Direct Admit pathway is designed for high-achieving students entering Quincy University as freshmen who intend to pursue Occupational Therapy.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the Direct Admit pathway must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current high school senior applying for admission to Quincy University

• Declare an undergraduate major that includes Pre-Occupational Therapy coursework (such as Biology, Exercise Science, Psychology, Health Sciences, or another approved major)

• Minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.5

• Minimum ACT composite score of 23 or SAT composite score of 1130

• Minimum ACT Math sub-score of 23 or SAT Math score of 540

Application Process

Applicants must complete the following steps by March 1 of each academic year:

• Submit the Quincy University Freshman Application

• Complete the QU OTD Direct Admission Pathway Application Form

• Upload official high school transcripts

• Submit a personal statement (500–750 words) addressing:

  • Interest in occupational therapy

  • Alignment between Quincy University’s mission and the applicant’s professional goals

  • Experiences that demonstrate commitment to the occupational therapy profession

• Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or occupational therapist

Selection Process

Applicants to the Direct Admit pathway are evaluated using structured scoring rubrics. Final admission decisions may result in one of the following outcomes:

• Offer of acceptance

• Placement on a waitlist

• Non-selection

Ongoing Requirements for Direct Admit Students

Students accepted through the Direct Admit pathway must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

• Meet all annual benchmarks outlined in the OTD Student Handbook

Standard Admit Pathway

The Standard Admit pathway is designed for applicants who have earned, or are nearing completion of, a bachelor’s degree and are seeking admission to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or near completion of a bachelor’s degree (minimum of 90 earned credit hours)

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0:

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II with laboratories (8 credits)
  • May be substituted with separate Anatomy (4 credits) and Physiology (4 credits) courses with laboratories

• Statistics (3 credits)

• Lifespan Developmental Psychology or equivalent (3 credits)

• Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

• Medical Terminology (1–2 credits)

Note: No more than six (6) prerequisite credit hours may remain at the time of application, and all prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of OTD classes. Applicants missing prerequisite courses may be provisionally accepted pending receipt of final transcripts.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the following as part of the admissions process:

• A minimum of 20 hours of observation or shadowing with a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

• Three letters of recommendation, including:
  • One from an undergraduate professor (or high school teacher for Direct Admit applicants)
  • One from a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR or OTA)

• Submission of a completed application through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)

• Participation in a virtual interview

Recommended Coursework

While not required, the following coursework is recommended to strengthen an applicant’s preparation and competitiveness:

• Sociology or Anthropology

• Ethics

• Kinesiology

• Pathophysiology

• Public Speaking or Oral Communication

• Global or Cultural Studies

• Research Methods

• Gross Anatomy

• Pre-Health Professions coursework

Direct Admit Pathway

This pathway is designed for high-achieving students entering Quincy University as freshmen who plan to pursue the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current high school senior applying to Quincy University

• Declare a major in one of the following programs:

  • Biological Sciences – Pre-Physical Therapy

  • Exercise Science – Pre-Physical Therapy

• Submit ACT or SAT scores

• Minimum unweighted high school cumulative GPA of 3.0

• Ability to meet the Technical and Professional Standards of the DPT program, with or without reasonable accommodation

Ongoing Requirements for Direct Admit Students

Students admitted through the Direct Admit pathway must:

• Maintain a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 in the following courses:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II with laboratories (8 semester hours)

  • Chemistry I & II with laboratories (8 semester hours)

  • Physics I & II with laboratories (8 semester hours)

  • Statistics (3 semester hours)

  • Biology with laboratory (8 semester hours)

  • Psychology or Human Development (6 semester hours)

• Maintain a Quincy University academic record free of academic and/or behavioral warnings

Accelerated Undergraduate Option (3+2.5 Program)

Quincy University offers an accelerated undergraduate option, known as the 3+2.5 program, for students who plan to complete both their bachelor’s degree and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Quincy University.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria by the end of their junior year may apply to enter the DPT program during their fourth year of study. The bachelor’s degree is awarded at the conclusion of the fourth year. First-year DPT courses are applied as electives toward completion of undergraduate degree requirements.

Early admission through the accelerated option is competitive and not guaranteed. Eligible students must participate in the standard DPT application process.

Additional considerations include:

• Early admission is offered only to the most academically qualified Quincy University undergraduate students.

• Students pursuing this option must demonstrate strong academic performance from the beginning of their undergraduate studies.

• Advantages of the accelerated option include reduced time to degree completion and lower overall educational costs.

• Potential limitations include reduced flexibility within the undergraduate curriculum and fewer opportunities to participate in some traditional undergraduate activities.

• For these reasons, some students—particularly student-athletes or student leaders—may choose to complete a traditional four-year undergraduate experience before entering the DPT program.

Standard Admit Pathway

The Standard Admit pathway is intended for applicants who have earned, or will soon complete, a bachelor’s degree and are prepared to begin graduate-level study in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must complete the following prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0:

• Anatomy and Physiology with laboratories (8 credit hours)

• Chemistry I and II with laboratories (8 credit hours)

• Physics I and II with laboratories (8 credit hours)

• Biology with laboratory (8 credit hours)

• Psychology (6 credit hours)

• Statistics (3 credit hours)

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the following as part of the admissions process:

• Observation hours in at least two different physical therapy settings

  • Recommended: approximately 8 hours per setting

• Two letters of recommendation, including:

  • One from a college faculty member

  • One from a physical therapist, employer, or supervisor

• Submission of a personal essay

• Submission of a completed application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)

• Participation in an interview (virtual or in person)

Technical and Professional Standards

Students admitted to the DPT program must be able to meet the Technical and Professional Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Consideration

Applicants who hold a master’s degree in a related field are encouraged to contact the program to determine whether a waiver may be available.