Admission to the School of Professional Studies

Admission to the School of Professional Studies

Trinity’s School of Professional Studies seeks women and men interested in undergraduate study who demonstrate academic potential, have a record of scholastic achievement, and possess the capability for independent learning outside of the classroom setting. Trinity regards these characteristics as essential for intellectual and personal growth.

Applications from qualified students of diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged. Trinity admits students without regard to race, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability.

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Admission Requirements and Procedures for First-Year Students

Secondary School (or Equivalent) Requirements

Candidates for admission to the School of Professional Studies must have a high school diploma or GED (high school equivalency certificate).

Entrance Examination

Applicants are not required to submit entrance examination scores.

Interviews and Campus Visits

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the campus and arrange for an interview with an admissions representative. Prospective transfer students should contact the Office of Admissions for an appointment.

Application Procedure

To apply for admission to the School of Professional Studies as a first-year student, candidates must:

  1. Complete the online application for admission.
  2. Applicants who have not taken college course work or have completed fewer than 24 credits in an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning should have high school transcripts sent directly from the institutions attended to the Office of Admissions.
  3. Applicants who have completed 24 credits or more at an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning should send only their official college transcripts from all institutions attended. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
  4. Submit a statement of purpose (see application for explanation).
  5. Send one letter of recommendation supporting the application for admission. The letter must come from a recent employer and/or instructor and attest to the applicant’s aptitude for further academic growth and capacity for independent study.
  6. All supporting materials should be sent to:

    Office of Admissions – School of Professional Studies
    Trinity Washington University
    125 Michigan Avenue, N.E.
    Washington, DC 20017

Application for admission to Trinity are considered on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline for application; however, candidates should apply and arrange for all credentials to be forwarded at least six weeks prior to the semester in which they wish to enroll.

All materials received by Trinity from applicants or third parties (high schools, undergraduate institutions, graduate institutions, recommendations, etc.) will become the property of Trinity. Trinity does not return or release materials submitted to the Admissions Office to applicants or to third parties.

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Admission Requirements and Procedures for Transfer Students

Transfer Admission Requirements

Candidates who have attended appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning may apply to the School of Professional Studies. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.

Transfer Credits Satisfying Degree Requirements

Courses eligible for transfer must meet the following requirements:

  • The course must have been completed at an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
  • Courses taken as either Pass/No-Pass or Credit/Non-Credit are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
  • Courses that have been audited are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
  • For transfer to undergraduate programs, the course must have been completed with a final grade of “C” or better, although certain academic programs require higher grades to count toward major or minor requirements. Transfer courses taken at the undergraduate level must be applicable to Trinity’s liberal arts curricula. However, transfer credits may be approved to satisfy the requirements of the major or minor field(s) as determined by the appropriate Program Chair(s).

Interviews and Campus Visits

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the campus and arrange for an interview with an admissions representative. Prospective transfer students should contact the Office of Admissions for an appointment.

Application Procedure

To apply for admission to the School of Professional Studies as an undergraduate transfer student, applicants must:

  1. Complete the online application for admission.
  2. Submit a statement of purpose (see application for explanation).
  3. Send a letter of recommendation from a professor, faculty advisor, or employer, supporting the application for admission.
  4. Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. If you have earned fewer than 24 credit hours, also submit your high school transcripts. To request that transfer credits be evaluated and applied to your academic record, you are required to submit official transcripts for each school attended. *Please note: students applying to the School of Professional Studies who matriculated from high school 10-years ago or more and with demonstrated work experience, may submit alternate evidence of high school completion, such as a high school diploma. 
  5. All supporting materials should be sent to:

Office of Admissions
Trinity Washington University
125 Michigan Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20017

Application for admission to Trinity are considered on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline for application; however, candidates should apply and arrange for all credentials to be forwarded at least six weeks prior to the semester in which they wish to enroll.

All materials received by Trinity from applicants or third parties (high schools, undergraduate institutions, graduate institutions, recommendations, etc.) will become the property of Trinity. Trinity does not return or release materials submitted to the Admissions Office to applicants or to third parties.

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Admission Requirements and Procedures for Post-Secondary Certificate Programs

The post-secondary certificate programs require proof of high school graduation or the equivalent (diploma, GED, etc.)

Applicants to the post-secondary certificate programs should show potential for academic success and similar ability to degree-seeking students also enrolled in the courses. Students with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or equivalent will be given priority consideration.

Students who have completed a Trinity certificate and wish to continue in a full degree program should submit the online application for consideration to their desired undergraduate degree program.

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Admission Requirements and Procedures for Non-degree Students

Individuals interested in taking courses at Trinity on a part-time, non-matriculating basis may apply as non-degree students. They may be eligible to take undergraduate courses providing they have a high school diploma from an accredited institution. Prospective non-degree students must complete an application for non-degree status with the Office of Admissions.

Individual courses are offered on a space-available basis only and students must satisfy all prerequisites for courses. Admission into these courses does not imply admission to Trinity. A non-degree student may apply for status as a degree student according to the applicable admissions policy. No more than nine undergraduate credit hours earned as a non-degree student may be applied toward the degree. No additional course work may be undertaken prior to acceptance into a degree program at Trinity.

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Admission Requirements and Procedures for International Students

International applicants must submit all credentials for admissions as a first-year, transfer, or non-degree student. The student is responsible for submitting all transcripts from institutions attended outside the United States for evaluation. To apply for admission to Trinity, international applicants must present the following documents:

  • Complete the online application for admission.
  • A copy of the applicant’s official high school or college/university transcript. Transcripts must be translated into English and evaluated by an accredited agency such as the World Education Services, Inc. (www.wes.org) or the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (www.aacrao.org).
  • A letter of recommendation from an instructor or supervisor from a previous college/university or workplace, supporting the application for admission.
  • Any student for whom English is a second language must demonstrate competency in English. Official TOEFL score reports must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. (A basic score of 550 on the paper exam, 213 on the computer-based exam, or 79-80 on the internet exam is required.)
  • Proof of financial responsibility, such as a Declaration/Certificate of Finances or an official bank statement for the first year of study.
  • A 250 – 500 word essay, written in English. (The applicant may choose to write about his/her future ambitions, goals, a special talent or unusual interest that sets him/her apart from peers, or a significant professional or community experience.

Trinity will issue the Form I-20  (for the F-1 / Student Visa) to applicants who:

  • Are admitted to Trinity.
  • Are proficient in the English language.
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover expenses for at least one academic year.

Deadlines: All required documents must be submitted by July 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term. Financial aid is not available to international students.

All materials received by Trinity from applicants or third parties (high schools, undergraduate institutions, graduate institutions, recommendations, etc.) will become the property of Trinity. Trinity does not return or release materials submitted to the admissions office to applicants or to third parties.

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Declaration of Intent

Upon notification of acceptance, the applicant will be asked to submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI). The DOI confirms an accepted candidate’s intention to enroll at Trinity in the School of Professional Studies. Registration for courses cannot be processed until a DOI has been received.

Disclaimer

Trinity reserves the right to change, without prior notice, any policy or procedure, tuition or fee, curricular requirements, or any other information found on this web site or in its printed materials.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@trinitydc.edu.

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