Admissions

Palm Beach Atlantic University is committed to serving the learning needs of graduate students by offering the opportunity to earn graduate degrees by attending classes on the West Palm Beach campus, Orlando campus, or Online campus.

PBA strives to maintain a student body which represents a broad variety of abilities, backgrounds, and career goals. All qualified men and women are welcome to apply without regard to race, color, age, sex, handicap, religion, or national or ethnic origin. The Evening and Graduate Admission office is located in the Enrollment Services Center. The Evening and Graduate Admission staff is available to meet with prospective students and help determine which program would fit their needs based on their educational goals, previous college coursework and work experience. Prospective students are welcome anytime, although appointments are advisable to ensure the best service possible. Schedule an appointment by calling 561.803.2122 for the West Palm Beach Campus and 407.226.5955 for the Orlando Campus.

New students may begin classes in the fall or spring semester. Students can be admitted unconditionally, conditionally and provisionally. For details, contact the Evening and Graduate Admission Office.

Palm Beach Atlantic University offers the following graduate degree programs:

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Counseling
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
  • School Counseling
  • General Counseling Studies (Non Licensure)  
• Master of Science in Leadership with Tracks (On-ground and Online)
  • Organizational Leadership Track
  • Corporate Leadership Track
  • Non-Profit Leadership Track
• AA to Master of Science in Leadership
• Master of Divinity
• Master of Divinity/ Master of Business Administration Dual Degree
• Master of Science in Nursing- Health Systems Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Hybrid Online)
• Doctor of Pharmacy
• Doctor of Pharmacy / Masters of Business Administration Dual Degree Program

Graduate Admission Requirements

The various degree programs at Palm Beach Atlantic University have specific admission requirements. Each degree program’s admission requirements are as follows:

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The DNP-FNP program prepares nurses for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is recommended for professional nurses to practice at the highest level and equips them to meet the changing face of healthcare. Applicants should hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing.  Degree plan of Master’s prepared applicants will vary based on transcript review.

Admission Requirements:

1. Completed online Graduate application at www.pba.edu/admissions.
2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited university and nationally accredited nursing program
3. Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, minimum nursing courses 3.0 GPA
4. No GRE required; however, applicants who score less than 3.0 (cumulative and nursing) on a 4.0 scale must provide acceptable GRE scores of 50th percentile on both verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 on the analytical writing section
5. Minimum of one year’s work experience as an RN or current employment as an RN.
6. Graduating senior nursing students may apply to the graduate nursing program with the following conditions.
   1. The requirement for a supervisor recommendation is waived.
   2. Currently enrolled PBA nursing students only need to submit one letter of recommendation.
   3. Acceptance is provisional until the applicant provides evidence of
      1. A valid Florida RN license.
      2. Current employment as an RN.
      3. Acknowledgment from the supervisor that they are aware the applicant has been accepted to graduate school.
7. Required documents below may be submitted directly to PBA admissions or through NursingCAS* at www.nursingcas.org.
   1. Official Transcripts from all schools attended
   2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   3. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and leadership potential, including one from a current supervisor
   4. GRE scores if applicable
   5. Current and active Florida license OR a valid RN license from another state and proof of application to Florida Board of Nursing
   6. Personal statement supporting future goals, faith, and interest in obtaining a practice doctorate (no more than 500 words)
8. Personal interview with the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee
9. After interview and upon acceptance, applicants must:
   1. Submit Admissions Deposit of $400 (non-refundable; will be applied to tuition upon enrollment)
   2. Provide Documentation to the School of Nursing
      1. Background Check with Fingerprints
      2. Drug Screen
      3. Proof of Immunization/Titers
      4. PPD or other TB Test
      5. CPR
      6. Florida RN License
      7. Proof of Health Insurance

*The advantage of submitting documents directly to PBA Admissions is that it is simpler and quicker, but transcripts must be sent directly to PBA Admissions at 901 S. Flagler Drive, P.O. Box 24708, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33416 or submitted electronically to Data_team@pba.edu . The advantage of NursingCAS is that if a student already has a completed profile including transcripts, they do not need to re-enter or submit that information. There is a nominal fee associated with applying through CAS.

All required documentation MUST be provided one month prior to the start of the semester

All candidates will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

Admission Requirements:

1. Complete all required pharmacy pre-requisite courses from a regionally accredited institution. See pba.edu/pharmacy-admissions for list of pre-requisites.
2. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all pre-requisite courses
3. All pre-requisites should be completed by May of the year a student plans to enter the Pharm.D. program. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
4. All coursework must be completed within the past 10 years.
5. For course substitution requests, please contact Pharmacy Admissions at (561) 803-2750
6. Submit:
   • Online PharmCAS application & application fee by February 1 of the year a student plans to enter the Pharm.D. program.
   • Send official transcripts from all coursework, PCAT scores (code 104), and three (3) letters of recommendation directly to PharmCas.
   • Complete the PBA Supplemental Application.
7. After all of the above has been received and verified, the Pharmacy Student Recruitment and Admissions committee will review applicants to determine who is invited an invitation for a campus interview.
8. After interviews are completed, candidates are notified within two-weeks regarding their admission into the Pharm.D. program.

Master of Business Administration

Admission Requirements:

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
2. Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
3. Submit:
   • Online application & application fee
   • Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
   • GMAT
   • Two confidential MBA recommendation forms
   • Current resume with complete work history and dates
   • Enrollment essays (prompts provided)
4. Interview with the Admission Committee

Note: All candidate applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee.  For details, please contact the Office of Evening and Graduate Admission at 561.803.2122.

Master of Divinity

Admission Requirements:

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree in biblical or ministerial studies from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a non-ministry major are required to complete 24 hours of specific foundational coursework on the undergraduate or graduate level. Students completing pre-requisite coursework for entry into the Master of Divinity program must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across all pre-requisite courses to be considered for full entry into the program. 
2. Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, with exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
3. Submit:
   • Online application and application fee
   • Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
   • Two specific confidential M.Div. recommendation forms (Academic and Ministerial)
   • Two writing samples (requirements provided by admissions counselor)
   • Informed Consent form (provided at Admissions interview)
4. Faculty Interview- Once candidates submit all required documents, the complete application is reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee to determine invitations for an interview.

*A baccalaureate-level student who has completed all 43 hours of general education requirements and 48 approved hours in Bible, ministry, or cross-cultural studies (91 hours total) may apply for Early Graduate Admission. Upon approval, the 91 baccalaureate-level hours will be accepted to meet the M.Div. admission requirement of a baccalaureate degree. Qualified students should apply for early admission in the first semester of their junior year. Early Graduate Admission students must achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, and must complete the general education and major-specific courses indicated in the Undergraduate Catalog. All other regular admissions standards and process apply to Early Graduate Admission students.

Note: All applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Master of Divinity/ Master of Business Administration Dual Degree

Admission Requirements:

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree in biblical or ministerial studies from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a non-ministry major are required to complete 24 hours of specific ministry foundational coursework on the undergraduate or graduate level. Students completing pre-requisite coursework for entry into the Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration program must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across all pre-requisite courses to be considered for full entry into the program. 
2. All students must meet the prerequisite Ministry requirements prior to acceptance but MBA foundational courses (12 credit hours) can be completed congruently while in the graduate program.
3. Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, with exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
4. Submit:
   • Online application and application fee
   • Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
   • Two specific confidential M.Div. recommendation forms (Academic and Ministerial)
   • Two writing samples (requirements provided by admissions counselor)
   • Informed Consent form (provided at Admissions interview)
5. Admissions and Faculty Interview- Once your online application for admission is complete by meeting all the admission requirements and providing the required documents, you will be invited to an interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee. 

Master of Arts in Christian Studies 

Admission Requirements:

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree in Christian Ministry/Biblical Studies/ Ministerial studies from a regionally accredited institution or a baccalaureate degree in another major with successful completion of 15 hours of specif iced, pre-requisite coursework on the undergraduate or graduate level. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a non-ministry major are required to complete 24 hours of specific foundational coursework on the undergraduate or graduate level. Students completing pre-requisite coursework for entry into the Master of Arts, Christian Studies program must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across all pre-requisite courses to be considered for full entry into the program. 
2. Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Submit:
   • Online application and application fee
   • Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
   • Two specific confidential M.Div. recommendation forms (Academic and Ministerial)
   • Two writing samples (requirements provided by admissions counselor)
   • Informed Consent form (provided at Admissions interview)
4. Admissions and Faculty Interview- Once your online application for admission is complete by meeting all the admission requirements and providing the required documents, you will be invited to an interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee. 

Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling/School Counseling/General Counseling Studies - Non Licensure)

Admission Requirements:

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
2. Achieve undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
3. Submit:
   • Online application and application fee
   • Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
   • Three confidential Counselor Education recommendation forms
   • Essay (prompt provided)
   • Official GRE or MAT test score*
4. Faculty Interview

* Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Millers Analogy Test (MAT). GRE/MAT are waived for students that have earned a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher..

Note: Admission decision recommendations are made by the Counselor Education Program’s Faculty Selection Committee and include consideration of each applicant’s articulation of career goals, record of academic achievement, relevant preparation and experience, potential success in becoming a counselor, and attitude of openness to diverse cultures and people.

Master of Science in Leadership

Admission Requirements:

1. Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
2. Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
3. Submit:
   • Online application and application fee
   • Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred
   • Two confidential Leadership recommendation forms
   • Enrollment essays (Written on site or submitted electronically)
4. Interview with the Admissions Counselor

Master of Science in Nursing- Health Systems Leadership

Admission Requirements:

1. Completed online application at www.pba.edu  AND NursingCAS application at http://nursingcas.org/  (NursingCAS is the Centralized Application  Service for students applying to nursing programs)
2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited university and nationally accredited nursing program
3. Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, minimum nursing courses 3.0 GPA
4. No GRE required; however, applicants who score less than 3.0 (cumulative and nursing) on a 4.0 scale must provide acceptable GRE scores of 50^th percentile on both verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 on the analytical writing section
5. Current and active Florida license OR a valid RN license from another state and proof of application to Florida Board of Nursing
6. Must have proof of full-time work experience from date Florida license is granted; students must be able to maintain full-time work status while in the program
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
8. Three letters of recommendation attesting to applicant’s academic ability and leadership potential, including one from a current supervisor
9. Personal statement supporting future goals, faith, and interest in obtaining a practice doctorate (no more than 500 words)
10. Personal interview with the School of Nursing  Graduate Admissions Committee
11. After interview and upon acceptance, applicants must:
    1. Submit Admissions Deposit of $400 (non-refundable; will be applied to tuition upon enrollment)
    2. Provide Documentation to the School of Nursing
       1. Background Check with Fingerprints
       2. Drug Screen
       3. Proof of Immunization/Titers
       4. PPD or other TB Test
       5. CPR
       6. Florida RN License
       7. Proof of Health Insurance

12. All required documentation MUST be provided one month prior to the start of the semester.

Special Graduate Admission (All Graduate Programs)

Auditing

Students may not audit graduate classes.

International Student Admission

International student applicants must meet the following requirements, in addition to those specified for admission to the graduate program:

1. Official transcripts in English from all prior colleges and universities attended are required. Official transcripts must be original documents bearing all necessary authoritative seals, stamps, and other evidence that prove their authenticity to the satisfaction of the specific Graduate Admission Committee. Transcripts from institutions outside the United States and its territories/possessions must be evaluated by Joseph Silny & Associates (or another evaluation company recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) unless accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting body.
2. Proof of ability to meet the financial requirements while in attendance at PBA is required. Applicants needing a student visa are required to show financial capability for their full-degree program and may be required to have an amount equal to the estimated cost of the first academic year on deposit at PBA before a certificate of eligibility and an acceptance letter will be issued. Continuation of the visa after the first calendar year may require further proof and certification of the applicant’s financial ability.
3. An acceptable score must be attained on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the student’s native language is not English or if the bachelor’s degree was not earned at a regionally accredited institution where all instruction was in English. The TOEFL Bulletin of Information and registration form can be obtained in a number of cities outside the United States. They are often available at American embassies and consulates, or at offices of the United States Information Service (USIS).
4. International students who hold a student visa are required to carry a full course of study during every semester except the summer term. A minimum full-time graduate load at PBA is nine credit hours.
5. A student presenting a baccalaureate degree from an international institution in which a three-year baccalaureate degree is recognized as standard may be eligible for provisional admission to a graduate program once all other admission criteria have been satisfied.  Upon successful completion of 12 graduate credit hours with a 3.0 GPA within a specified Palm Beach Atlantic University degree program, the student’s provision will be removed.

Non-Degree Student Status

Master of Science in Counselor Education: An individual may be granted non-degree status to take 5000-level courses for graduate credit in the Counselor Education Program for licensure purposes, provided that room is available in the class and the admission is approved by the appropriate Graduate Admissions Committee. To qualify for such status, one must hold a graduate degree in Counselor Education (or a similar degree) from a regionally accredited institution.  Students may take up to 12 credit hours as a non-degree student in the Counselor Education program.

Master of Divinity: Non-Degree students may register for up to 12 total hours of Master of Divinity courses when the following conditions are met: 1) the student has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; 2) the credit hours are approved elective or language hours.  Non-degree students may not register for courses offered as part of the block schedule.  Enrollment as a non-degree student does not guarantee acceptance into the M.Div. program, and students are required to complete the full admission process to be considered degree-seeking. 

Master of Accountancy and Master of Business Administration:  Non-Degree students may register for up to 12 total hours of graduate business courses when the following conditions are met: 1) the student has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; 2) the credit hours are approved elective or concentration courses.  Enrollment as a non-degree student does not guarantee acceptance into the Master of Accountancy or Master of Business Administration program, and students are required to complete the full admission process to be considered degree-seeking.  (Effective January 1, 2018).

Non-Degree Student Status does not apply to the Master of Science in Leadership. 

Non-Regionally Accredited Baccalaureate Degrees

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university to be considered for admission to any of PBA’s graduate programs.  Hobe Sound Bible College and Pensacola Christian Bible College are the only two exceptions to this rule.  Therefore, applicants from these two colleges will be considered for admission to PBA graduate programs as if they graduated from a regionally accredited institution.

Provisional Admission

Students may be admitted on a provisional basis if approved by the admissions committee for the graduate program to which they are applying. Missing documentation must be submitted no later than the middle of the first semester of enrollment or the student will not be permitted to register for classes for the following semester.

Transfer Credit

Master of Divinity: Students in the Master of Divinity program may count up to 12 approved transfer or transient hours to satisfy elective requirements, provided the credit hours have not been used toward the completion of another degree.  In addition, students may count up to 4 approved hours of transfer or transient graduate-level Greek or Hebrew toward the M.Div. language requirements.  No student may apply more than a total of 16 hours of transfer or transient credit toward the M.Div. degree.

Master of Science in Counselor Education: Students in the Counselor Education program may transfer up to twelve credit hours toward the Counselor Education degree, provided the credit hours have not been used toward the completion of another degree. The Counselor Education department will review a student’s transfer courses and make the final determination. 

Master of Science in Leadership: Students in the Masters in Leadership program may transfer up to nine credit hours toward the LDR degree, provided the credit hours have not been used toward the completion of another degree.

• A minimum grade of “B” must be earned on courses considered for transfer
• The courses must be substantially equivalent in scope and sequence to the courses within the LDR program
• Request for transfer of credit must be made prior to the start of the LDR program
• The LDR program will review a student’s transfer course requests and make the final determination.

Special Student Status (Non-baccalaureate)

An individual may be granted special student status to take a maximum of two 5000-level courses for graduate credit. To qualify for such status one must be an undergraduate student who is within nine hours of graduating with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The Graduate Admission Committee of the appropriate Graduate Program will make final determination for admission.