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 561.803.2100 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 Accountancy
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Community Development
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Ethics and Organizational Behavior
- Master of Science in Health Science
- Master of Science in Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Concentration
- School Counseling Concentration
- Play Therapy Concentration
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling Certificate
- Master of Science in International Development
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Arts, Christian Studies
- Master of Arts, Christian Studies and Master of Science, International Development
- Master of Arts, Philosophy of Religion
- Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies
- Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration Joint Degree
- Master of Divinity / Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- 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 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. PBA offers five tracks in the DNP program: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 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:
- Completed online application at www.pba.edu or NursingCAS application at http://nursingcas.org/ (NursingCAS is the Centralized Application Service for students applying to nursing programs)
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited university and nationally accredited nursing program
- Applicants for Post-Master’s DNP track must have Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited university and nationally accredited nursing program
- Graduates of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s BSN, RN to BSN and RN to MSN tracks are eligible for seamless admissions to the University’s DNP program. Contact the Graduate Admissions office for details.
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, minimum nursing courses 3.0 GPA
- 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
- Minimum of one year’s work experience as an RN or current employment as an RN.
- Required documents below may be submitted directly to PBA admissions or through NursingCAS* at www.nursingcas.org.
- Official Transcripts from all schools attended
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and leadership potential, including one from a current supervisor
- GRE scores if applicable
- Current and active Florida license OR a valid RN license from another state and proof of application to Florida Board of Nursing
- Personal statement supporting future goals, faith, and interest in obtaining a practice doctorate (no more than 500 words)
- Personal interview with the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee
- After interview and upon acceptance, applicants must:
- Submit Admissions Deposit of $400 (non-refundable; will be applied to tuition upon enrollment
- Provide Documentation to the School of Nursing
- Background Check with Fingerprints
- Drug Screen
- Proof of Immunization/Titers
- PPD or other TB Test
- CPR
- Florida RN License
- 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:
- Complete all required pharmacy pre-requisite courses from a regionally accredited institution. See https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/gregory-pharmacy/admissions for list of pre-requisites.
- A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all pre-requisite courses
- 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.
- All coursework must be completed within the past 10 years.
- For course substitution requests, please contact Pharmacy Admissions at (561) 803-2750
- Submit:
- Online PharmCAS application & application fee by June 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.
- After all of the above has been received and verified, the Pharmacy Student Recruitment and Admissions committee will review applicants to determine who is eligible to receive an invitation for an interview.
- After interviews are completed, candidates are notified within two-weeks regarding their admission into the Pharm.D. program.
Master of Business Administration
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree in business administration from a regionally accredited institution or a baccalaureate degree in another major with successful completion of foundational business courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, micoreconomics and statistics.
- Submit:
- A completed online application and $45 nonrefundable fee
- Official transcript from college/university where bachelor’s degree was conferred and from college/university where prerequisite courses were taken
- GMAT scores taken within the past five years*
- A current resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Faculty interview - Once candidates submit all required documents, the complete application is reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee to determine invitations for an interview.
*GMAT/GRE requirement is waived for applicants whose GPA from an AACSB accredited business school is above 3.25, or for others whose record of work and scholarship similarly demonstrates to the Graduate Admissions Committee their ability to succeed in a rigorous MBA curriculum.
Master of Accountancy
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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/GRE scores taken within the past five years
- Two confidential MBA recommendation forms
- Current resume with complete work history and dates
- Enrollment essays (prompts provided)
- Interview with the Admission Committee
Note: All candidate applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. For details, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 561.803.2100.
Master of Science in Community Development
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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
- Official GRE or GMAT test score*
- Two confidential recommendation forms (submitted directly on the application)
- Enrollment essays (uploaded directly on the application.
- Faculty interview
* Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Millers Analogy Test (MAT). GRE/GMAT 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.
Master of Science in Computer Science
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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
- Official GRE or GMAT test score*
- Two confidential recommendation forms (submitted directly on the application)
- Enrollment essays (uploaded directly on the application)
- Current resume with complete work history and dates
- 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.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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
- Official GRE or GMAT test score*
- School Administrator Commitment Form
- Two confidential recommendation forms (submitted directly on the application)
- Enrollment essays (uploaded directly on the application)
- Faculty interview
* Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Millers Analogy Test (MAT). GRE/GMAT 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.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts, Christian Studies (MACS) Admission Requirements:
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Criteria for Application:
- Applicants must hold an earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. (A GPA that falls below this minimum threshold may be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission with probationary status.)*
- An undergraduate student majoring in PBA’s School of Ministry may apply for early graduate admission to the MDiv degree program. In addition to the normal admissions requirements and process, these applicants must have completed the following: 1) all forty-three (43) credit hours of general education requirements, 2) all the required courses in their major according to the Early Graduate Admission requirements as stated in the PBA undergraduate catalog, 3) at least ninety-one (91) credit hours with a mini- mum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission Requirements (additional details are supplied in the online application):
- Online application
- Personal faith and calling essay (minimum 500 words)
- Research paper or academic essay if your undergraduate degree is in religious studies, Biblical studies, theology, or another related field, as requested.
- Academic recommendation (from undergraduate or graduate institution, cannot be a relative)
- Ministerial recommendation (from minister of your current local church, cannot be a relative)
- Signed Informed Consent Form
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for PBA students and alumni)
- Official transcripts from all institutions where courses were taken (undergraduate and/or graduate)
- Any additional requested items.
- Admission Interview: Once you have submitted all the necessary application materials, the School of Ministry Graduate Admissions Committee will review applications to determine whether the applicant is invited for an admissions interview. If the interview cannot be conducted on campus, the interview will be conducted by phone or video conference. A final admission decision will then be communicated to the applicant.
*Applicants who hold an earned baccalaureate degree in a non-ministry major can only be accepted conditionally. Before full acceptance into the degree program and before taking graduate courses, they must first complete up to twenty-four (24) credit hours of prerequisite coursework (on a case-by-case basis), within one calendar year of acceptance into the degree program, and with a minimum grade of B- in each prerequisite course. Upon successful completion of prerequisite coursework, applicants must then complete a Continuation of Studies Application (con- tact the Admissions Office for further details on how to complete this application) and submit official transcripts from all non-PBA institutions where prerequisite coursework was taken. The Continuation of Studies Application will be evaluated by the School of Ministry Admissions Committee and may require an admissions interview, after which a final admission decision will be communicated to the student.
Applicants who are admitted to the M.Div./MBA Joint Degree Program may take MBA foundational courses while completing prerequisite coursework.
Applicants for the dual degree programs (M.Div. + M.S. Mental Health Counseling Dual Degrees; MACS + M.S. Global Development Dual Degrees) must complete applications for and gain acceptance into both degree pro- grams. If an applicant only gains acceptance into the M.Div. degree program, however, that applicant can still enter the M.Div. degree program (M.Div. conditional acceptance with prerequisite coursework would still apply, if required).
Master of Arts, Philosophy of Religion (MAPR) Admission Requirements:
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Criteria for Application:
- Applicants must hold an earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. (A GPA that falls below this minimum threshold may be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission with probationary status.)*
- An undergraduate student majoring in PBA’s School of Ministry may apply for early graduate admission to the MAPR degree program. In addition to the normal admissions requirements and process, these applicants must have completed the following: 1) all forty-three (43) credit hours of general education requirements, 2) all the required courses in their major according to the Early Graduate Admission requirements as stated in the PBA undergraduate catalog, 3) at least ninety-one (91) credit hours with a mini- mum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission Requirements (additional details are supplied in the online application):
- Online application
- Philosophy of Religion Essay (minimum 500 words)
- Research paper or academic essay if your undergraduate degree is in religious studies, Biblical studies, theology, philosophy, or another related field, as requested.
- Two recommendations – either academic recommendation (from undergraduate or graduate institution, cannot be a relative) or ministerial recommendation (from minister of your current local church, cannot be a relative). Academic preferred.
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for PBA students and alumni)
- Official transcripts from all institutions where courses were taken (undergraduate and/or graduate)
- Admission Interview: Once you have submitted all the necessary application materials, the School of Ministry Graduate Admissions Committee will review applications to determine whether the applicant is invited for an admissions interview. If the interview cannot be conducted on campus, the interview will be conducted by phone or video conference. A final admission decision will then be communicated to the applicant.
*Applicants who hold an earned baccalaureate degree in a non-ministry major can only be accepted conditionally. Before full acceptance into the degree program and before taking graduate courses, they must first complete up to twenty-four (9) credit hours of prerequisite coursework (on a case-by-case basis), within one calendar year of acceptance into the degree program, and with a minimum grade of B- in each prerequisite course. Upon successful completion of prerequisite coursework, applicants must then complete a Continuation of Studies Application (con- tact the Admissions Office for further details on how to complete this application) and submit official transcripts from all non-PBA institutions where prerequisite coursework was taken. The Continuation of Studies Application will be evaluated by the School of Ministry Admissions Committee and may require an admissions interview, after which a final admission decision will be communicated to the student.
Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies (MAIS) Admission Requirements:
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Criteria for Application:
- Applicants must hold an earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. (A GPA that falls below this minimum threshold may be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission with probationary status.)*
- An undergraduate student majoring in PBA’s School of Ministry may apply for early graduate admission to the MAIS degree program. In addition to the normal admissions requirements and process, these applicants must have completed the following: 1) all forty-three (43) credit hours of general education requirements, 2) all the required courses in their major according to the Early Graduate Admission requirements as stated in the PBA undergraduate catalog, 3) at least ninety-one (91) credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission Requirements (additional details are supplied in the online application):
- Online application
- Intercultural Studies Essay (minimum 500 words)
- Two recommendations – either academic recommendation (from undergraduate or graduate institution, cannot be a relative), ministerial recommendation (from minister of your current local church, cannot be a relative),
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for PBA students and alumni)
- Official transcripts from all institutions where courses were taken (undergraduate and/or graduate)
- Admission Interview: Once you have submitted all the necessary application materials, the School of Ministry Graduate Admissions Committee will review applications to determine whether the applicant is invited for an admissions interview. If the interview cannot be conducted on campus, the interview will be conducted by phone or video conference. A final admission decision will then be communicated to the applicant.
Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration Joint Degree
Admission Requirements:
- 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.
- 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.
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, with exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
- 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)
- Business Essays (300-400 words each)
- Ministry and Calling Essay (500-word minimum)
- Informed Consent form (provided at Admissions interview)
- 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 Divinity/Master of Science in Counseling Dual Degree
- Minimum Criteria for Application:
- Applicants must hold an earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. (A GPA that falls below this minimum threshold may be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission with probationary status.)*
- An undergraduate student majoring in PBA’s School of Ministry may apply for early graduate admission to the MDiv degree program. In addition to the normal admissions requirements and process, these applicants must have completed the following: 1) all forty-three (43) credit hours of general education requirements, 2) all the required courses in their major according to the Early Graduate Admission requirements as stated in the PBA undergraduate catalog, 3) at least ninety-one (91) credit hours with a mini- mum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission Requirements (additional details are supplied in the online application):
- Online application
- Personal faith and calling essay (minimum 500 words)
- Counseling essay (minimum 500 words)
- Research paper or academic essay if your undergraduate degree is in religious studies, Biblical studies, theology, or another related field, as requested.
- Academic recommendation (from undergraduate or graduate institution, cannot be a relative)
- Ministerial recommendation (from minister of your current local church, cannot be a relative)
- Signed Informed Consent Form
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for PBA students and alumni)
- Official transcripts from all institutions where courses were taken (undergraduate and/or graduate)
- Ministry Interview: Once you have submitted all the necessary application materials, the School of Ministry Graduate Admissions Committee will review applications to determine whether the applicant is invited for an admissions interview. If the interview cannot be conducted on campus, the interview will be conducted by phone or video conference.
- Counseling Interview: Once a student has interviewed with Graduate School of Ministry, they will need to be interviewed by the counseling faculty. Final decisions will not be made or communicated to a student until both interviews are completed.
Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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)
- Signed Informed Consent Form
- Official GRE or MAT test score*
- 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 International Development
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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
- Official GRE or GMAT test score*
- Two confidential recommendation forms (submitted directly on the application)
- Enrollment essays (uploaded directly on the application)
- Faculty interview
* Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Millers Analogy Test (MAT). GRE/GMAT 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.
Master of Science in Ethics and Organizational Behavior
Admission Requirements:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Achieve an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with exceptions, on a case-by-case basis
- 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)
- Interview with the Admissions Counselor
MSN Program
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application at www.pba.edu or NursingCAS application at www.nursingcas.org (NursingCAS is the Centralized Application Service for students applying to nursing programs)
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited university and nationally accredited nursing program
- Exception for qualified applicants with RN license who meet remaining criteria but enroll in RN to MSN track
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, minimum nursing courses 3.0 GPA
- 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
- Minimum of one year’s work experience as an RN or current employment as an RN
- Required documents below may be submitted directly to PBA admissions or through NursingCAS* at www.nursingcas.org.
- Official Transcripts from all schools attended
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and leadership potential, including one from a current supervisor
- GRE scores if applicable
- Current and active Florida license OR a valid RN license from another state and proof of application to Florida Board of Nursing
- Personal statement supporting future goals, faith, and interest in obtaining a practice doctorate (no more than 500 words)
- Personal interview with the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee
- After interview and upon acceptance, applicants must:
- Submit Admissions Deposit of $400 (non-refundable; will be applied to tuition upon enrollment
- Provide Documentation to the School of Nursing
- Background Check with Fingerprints
- Drug Screen
- Proof of Immunization/Titers
- PPD or other TB Test
- CPR
- Florida RN License
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Upper division undergraduate nursing students may apply to the graduate nursing Dual Enrollment BSN/MSN track with the following conditions:
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, minimum nursing courses 3.0 GPA
- Currently enrolled PBA nursing students only need to submit one letter of recommendation.
- Acceptance is provisional until the applicant provides evidence of
- A valid Florida RN license.
- Current employment as an RN.
Master of Science in Health Science
- GPA minimum requirements
- Overall: 2.75
- Science: 3.0
- Examination
- Not required but can be used to supplement deficient GPA requirements. Standardized examination score within the 50th percentile.
- Statement letters
- Two Letters: Personal Statement & Faith Statement.
- 3 Letters of Reference
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Admissions Interview with potential faculty member in the MSHS program.
- Academic Degree
- B.S. or B.A. from a regionally accredited academic institution. International students holding equivalent degrees must be reviewed by recognized evaluation company (NACES affiliation).
Ph.D. in Practical Theology
See Admission Requirements for the Ph.D. in Practical Theology.
Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Palm Beach Atlantic University PA program has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). PBA PA program anticipates matriculating its first class in October, 2024, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the June, 2024 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Admissions Requirements
- Complete the CASPA application
- Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and Science Prerequisite GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation
- One letter is recommended to be from a physician assistant
- Other letters can be from another healthcare professional (physician, dentist, pharmacist, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physical or occupational therapist, and/or from a mentor)
- Please note recommendations submitted by relatives, friends, personal healthcare providers, or personal friends of the family are not acceptable.
- Official GRE Score (Code 5553)
- GRE scores must have been taken within the last 5 years
- A combined score of 300 and an essay of 3.5 is considered competitive
- 500 Hours of Direct Patient Care
- Minimum of Direct Patien Care (DPC) must be completed by the start of the program
- Paid or volunteer accepted
- Other allied health such as MA, CNA, EMT, and health professionals like BSN, CRT, MD, or CLT accepted
- Prerequisite Course must have been completed within 7 years of application
- Applications with no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses are reviewed
- Outstanding prerequisites must be completed by the start of the program
- Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each of the following classes/courses:
- General Biology and Lab - 4 semester hours
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II – 8 semester hours
- General Chemistry (I & II) including lab - 8 semester hours
- Organic Chemistry including lab – 4 Semester hours
- Microbiology including lab - 4 semester hours
- Psychology – 3 semester hours
- In addition, the following are not required but are recommended for a stronger application:
- Biochemistry - 3 semester hours
- Human Genetics - 3 semester hours
- Medical Terminology - 1 semester hour
- More direct patient care hours
Special Graduate Admission (All Graduate Programs)
Auditing
Professional level courses cannot be audited while Graduate level courses may be approved for audit only by permission from the Dean. A student desiring to enroll in a graduate class without being admitted to a graduate program must apply for admission as a non-degree-seeking student. See “Special Graduate Admission - Non-Degree- Seeking Status” under Admissions.
International Student Admission
International student applicants must meet the following requirements, in addition to those specified for admission to the graduate program:
- 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. PBA accepts course-by-course international transcript evaluations from SpanTran: The Evaluation Company. A student may also request a course-by-course evaluation from any of the evaluators who are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A list of current members can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members
- Proof of ability to meet the financial requirements while in attendance at PBA is required. Applicants needing a student visa are required to provide bank statements showing funds equivalent the costs to cover the first year of expenses. Continuation of the visa after the first calendar year may require further proof and certification of the applicant’s financial ability.
- An acceptable score must be attained on the Test of English as a Modern 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).
- 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.
- 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
Since the Master of Arts, Christian Studies requires 36 hours, students may transfer up to 9 approved credit hours to satisfy elective requirements. Credit hours used toward the completion of another degree may not be transferred into the M.A. degree. No transient study credit may be applied toward completion of the M.A.
Applicants may transfer up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework from a regionally-accredited institution. Since the Counselor Education program requires 51 to 60 semester hours, students may, in exceptional circumstances, transfer up to 15 hours of graduate-level work. Students in the 72 hour Master of Divinity program may transfer up to 12 approved hours to satisy elective requirements. In addition, M.Div. students may transfer up to 4 approved hours of graduate-level Greek or Hebrew to count toward the M.Div. language requirements. No student may apply more than a combined total of 16 hours of transfer and transient credit toward the M.Div. degree.
Transfer hours may be applied toward one of the PBA’s master’s programs provided the following conditions are met:
- A minimum grade of “B” has been earned on courses considered for transfer, and an official transcript is received.
- The courses are substantially equivalent in scope and sequence to courses at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
- Request for transfer of credit has been made before or during the first semester of enrollment at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
- The courses were not previously applied towards the conferral of a degree.
Credit hours used toward the completion of another degree may not be transferred into any graduate program.
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.
|