Student Affairs (SAF), MS

Admission Requirements

Admission to Harding University is determined on an individual basis with the following criteria considered: (1) academic preparation, (2) character, (3) educational interests and (4) academic potential. Effort is made to admit all students who qualify and who can benefit from the unique educational program and opportunities available at Harding irrespective of their religious faith, national origin, sex, race or color. When applying, students should be aware of the distinct purpose of Harding University and be willing to commit themselves to upholding institutional values.

Applicants for the Master of Science degree programs must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or more, or 2.75 on the last 60 hours, attested by official transcript(s); OR an earned master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, attested by an official transcript.
2. Earn the required score on one of the following entrance exams or hold a current teaching license:
   • Miller Analogies Test, minimum score of 380
   • GRE general exam, minimum score of 286 (Quantitative and Verbal combined).  

Application Procedure

1. Complete the online application.

2. Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to MHW@harding.edu.

   *Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.

3. In addition, applicants must submit

   1. three letters of reference that focus on the applicant’s academic and professional abilities

   2. documentation of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization

   3. a professional resume

   4. official test results from the MAT or GRE

4. Applicants must complete a personal interview with the professional counseling faculty. The interview will include a writing prompt and assessment of the candidate’s professional objectives, professional commitment, level of self-awareness, and compatibility with the counseling program. 

Provisional Admission

A student who does not fully meet the requirements listed above may receive provisional admission, with the approval of counseling faculty, if he or she:

1. Holds a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with a cumulative grade point average below 2.50 but not less than 2.35, attested by official transcript(s). Provisional status is removed when the student completes 12 graduate level hours with at least a 3.0 grade point average, six of which must be in the academic area of concentration.

Other Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, students must consult with the director of their program or assigned advisor concerning the required course of study, register for classes online through Campus Pipeline each semester, and complete financial registration with the Business Office online.

Leveling courses, if required, will not be included within the semester hour requirements for the Master of Science degree programs.

Courses completed outside of Harding University will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, if a student has completed courses that are outdated or do not provide the necessary content, students may have to repeat courses at the discretion of the program director.

Admission to the Student Affairs Program does not guarantee retention.

At least one semester before the initial internship semester in the Student Affairs Program, request for admission to field placement must be made by filing the required application forms with the director of field experiences in Student Affairs. Applications must be submitted by week 9 of the semester preceding field placement.

Transfer and International Students

Students may transfer semester hours from other accredited graduate schools, subject to the approval of the chair of Mental Health and Wellness. Student Affairs students may transfer a maximum of 9 semester hours in which they have a grade of B or higher. All coursework to be transferred must be completed before a student’s last semester.

Students who (1) speak English as a second language, and have (2) not previously completed an undergraduate degree from an institution within the United States accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation must meet a minimum score on a nationally recognized test of English language proficiency such as the TOEFL or IELTS. 

The minimum scores acceptable for admission to the university are 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.0 on the IELTS. Scores must not be older than two years prior to the date of application to the university. Please note that individual programs may have more stringent minimum requirements.

Academic Standing Requirements

An average scholarship level of 3.00 is required in all course work. No grade below a C is acceptable for graduate credit (but will be used to calculate GPA), and only 6 semester hours of C credit may be counted. These must be balanced by 6 semester hours of A credit. Courses in which a grade of C or lower has been received may be repeated. If a student receives a grade of F, D, or a third C, the student is placed on academic probation.

Graduation Requirements

Requests for degree may be submitted prior to a student’s final semester but must be submitted no later than the first week of the final semester. The graduation fee must be paid to the Business Office the last semester before graduation.