We do not, however, see ourselves as guardians trying to keep people out. Rather, our major task is to welcome people and guide them into a positive experience. Thus, the central concern - in fact, the only concern - of our admission process is whether a person has the talent, motivation, and preparation to succeed at Wittenberg. Our adult applicants make this job easy. The very fact that someone applies to Wittenberg indicates that the person has the motivation to seek a more challenging and enriching experience. And most mature applicants know what it takes to succeed in this setting. Consequently, most of our activity consists of accepting students. Occasionally someone will present a record of such marginal achievement and incomplete coverage of fundamental subjects that the likelihood of success here is very slight. We typically counsel such an applicant to complete a series of courses elsewhere before seeking to enter Wittenberg.

So what are our requirements?
Very simply, we seek men and women capable of sustained achievement in a challenging program. The evidence that you possess this quality may extend over many years and may include both academic and non-academic indicators. And don't worry if your college record as a youngster was less than sterling. "Comeback" stories among our adult students are frequent. The issue is not whether you have been a perfect student all your life but what your capability and readiness are right now. Basic documentation is usually a college transcript, sometimes a high school transcript.

Procedurally, in all cases, we need the Adult Application for Admission, the $40 Admission fee (deferred for on-line applicants), and appropriate documentation of prior work.

There are two forms of admission:

Degree (matriculant)
Your college transcript (including community or technical college) should contain at least 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits, and we look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher. (If it's considerably lower, we'll want to talk with you about such things as your goals and your activities in other areas of life. Remember, the important thing is not the abstract quality of your record - which may be many years old - but your readiness for serious learning now.) Applicants without this level of college work must provide a high school transcript. We do not require SAT/ACT scores, although these can be useful. For comparison, note that for younger students currently completing high school, the expected college preparatory program of study includes 4 units of English and 3 each of mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and foreign language.

Non-degree (non-matriculant)
If your goal is short-term - perhaps a course or a Certificate - or if you want to try college study before declaring a degree goal, this will be your status. You can change to degree status upon completing at least 16 credits and fulfilling any conditions set forth by the Dean. All credits earned on non-degree status apply toward the degree program.

The minimum documentation required is a diploma or other verification of high school graduation. In cases such as short-term post-baccalaureate study, the Dean may waive this requirement.

Technically, post-bacc teacher licensure applicants are non-degree admits. Their procedure, however, parallels that for degree applicants, including submission of a college transcript with grades and courses that indicate suitability for the teaching profession.

Registration
We pride ourselves on a procedure that is simple and effective. Registration of new students usually accompanies the admission procedure and requires only a few minutes. Registration for Evening and Weekend courses takes place in the SCE Office. Students in Day programs often consult their major advisor as well as SCE. The guiding principle is that students should register well in advance of each term - for Summer and Fall, beginning in March and for Spring, in late October. (No payment is required at registration!) Once you've completed your first term at Wittenberg, you will follow this advance procedure, including online input of your courses.

For students who plan and act promptly, registration is a routine and simple procedure. In most cases, students who do not wish to register in person can do so by phone, FAX or e-mail.

Online Adult Admission Application