Catalog

Graduate Admissions Requirements

GRADUATE ADMISSION POLICY 

Our graduate programs are designed for scholars looking for advancement in their professional careers and growth within their disciplines. Applicants seeking admission into a graduate program are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculating.

 

Term

Program

Priority Deadline

Spring semester

Master of Business Administration

November 1

Fall semester

Master of Architecture

March 1

 

Master of Business Administration

July 1

 

Master of Interior Design

March 1

 

Master of Science in Architecture

March 1

 

GRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Individual programs may have additional unique requirements. Please see program sections for more information.

 

Woodbury University’s Online Application

 

When submitting your online application, a (non- refundable) $88 application fee must be paid, or an approved fee waiver must be applied.

 

GPA Requirement

 

The GPA for admission purposes will be calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits earned in the semester in which the 30th semester (45th quarter) credit occurs will be included in the GPA calculation. 

 

Official Academic Transcripts

 

Official transcript from the college/university where a bachelor’s degree was completed or is to be completed showing the final 30 semester units or 45 quarter units. This transcript must confirm that a bachelor’s degree has been granted from a regionally accredited institution by the time of matriculation. The GPA for admission purposes will be calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits earned in the semester in which the 30th semester (45th quarter) credit occurs will be included in the GPA calculation.

Electronic Submission of Transcripts

Upload unofficial transcripts to the Woodbury Online Application, or submit official transcripts via Parchment, Naviance, Scoir, or the National Student Clearinghouse.

Submission of Transcripts by Mail

Official transcripts submitted by mail must include original signature(s) of school official(s) and be sealed in an unopened envelope. Mail transcripts to:

 

Woodbury University

Office of Admissions

7500 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91504-7846

Letters of Recommendation

Submit two professional and/or academic letters of recommendation.

 

Electronic Submission of Recommendation Letters

 

Request letters of recommendation from your selected references be uploaded directly through the Woodbury Online Application.

 

Entrance Examinations

 

GMAT/GRE scores are not required for admission to Woodbury University graduate programs.

Personal Statement

School of Business

Electronically submit a two- to three-page essay via our online application system describing your qualifications for acceptance into the MBA program. Address your leadership potential, motivational aptitude, and career goals. Discuss how Woodbury’s MBA or MOL will assist you in accomplishing your goals.

 

School of Architecture

Electronically submit a one- to two-page essay via the Woodbury Online Application that describes your educational and/or professional background and your reason for pursuing a graduate architectural education at Woodbury’s School of Architecture.

Master of Science Architecture ONLY - Research Statement

Submit a one- to two-page essay outlining your specific area(s) of interest and identifying any faculty members you believe could serve as advisors for your work. We are only able to accommodate students whose research interests match that of a faculty member who is available to serve as an advisor.

 

School of Media, Culture and Design

Electronically submit a one- to two-page essay via the Woodbury Online Application for the Master of Arts in Social Justice program that answers the following questions: How would you like to change the world? What tools (in what field) will you use to address a specific social problem? Please discuss any relevant experience. 

Professional Résumé

Applicants are required to submit a professional résumé or curriculum vitae. This information should list your academic research, professional experience, and/ or published work.

Portfolio

School of Architecture

All graduate design applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work conveying the scope of their design sensibilities when applying for the Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Interior Design (MID), or Master of Science in Architecture (MSArch).

Submit your portfolio via SlideRoom. A nominal fee is charged by SlideRoom for this service. Full instructions and requirements are listed on the site. For general artwork, we recommend scanned images rather than photos for best resolution. URLs can also be submitted by uploading a PDF or document containing the link.

GRADUATE TRANSFER CREDIT INFORMATION

All graduate programs can accept graduate level transfer credit, with a maximum amount that equals 20% of the program (rounded down).

Prior Degree Requirements

MArch: An accredited pre-professional architecture degree is required for admission to the two-year program. Individuals holding pre-professional degrees in architectural studies from NAAB-accredited 4+2 programs are eligible to apply. Individuals holding other pre-professional design degrees in architectural studies are evaluated based upon careful review of transcripts and portfolios for equivalency. Individuals holding bachelor degrees in fields other than architecture are eligible to apply for the three-year program.

 

MID: Individuals holding bachelor degrees in any discipline can apply to the Master of Interior Design three-year track, while individuals holding bachelor's degrees in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Arts, or Architecture are eligible to apply to the two-year track.

 

MSArch: Individuals holding accredited professional architecture degrees (BArch, MArch, DArch, or international equivalents) are eligible for the program.

 

MBA, MOL, & MSJ: Holders of bachelor degrees from regionally accredited four-year institutions in any discipline are eligible for the program.

 

GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

(In addition to the above-mentioned program requirements)

Transcript Evaluation

Submit certified English translations of all non-English- language documents along with official transcripts. Official course-by-course transcript evaluations must be received directly from a NACES-approved organizations.

English Proficiency

Provide proof of English-language proficiency by submitting one of the following test scores received within two years of the date of application:

  • Minimum TOEFL MyBest of 80
  • Minimum IELTS of 6.5
  • Minimum Duolingo score of 105
  • Minimum iTEP score of 3.9
  • Minimum PTE Academic score of 58
  • Minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5

OR

  • Completion of a transferable English composition course (non-ESL) with a grade of “C” or better from an accredited U.S. college or university
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
  • Completion of an accredited English-language program with the highest proficiency level from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) or the American Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
  • Students graduating from secondary or post-secondary schools where English is the language of instruction will automatically be reviewed for a waiver of this requirement.
  • Transfer students who have completed college coursework in the U.S must have completed a transferable English course or have 24 credit hours of credit-bearing academic study at an accredited university to be eligible for an English proficiency waiver.

I-20 Checklist

A Form I-20 is generated after the applicant has accepted an offer of admission by submitting non-refundable commitment deposit along with the following documentation:

  • Passport: Submit a copy of the applicant’s passport, along with that of any dependent(s) who will apply for (an) F-2 visa(s)
  • Bank Statement: Bank statement issued no earlier than six months from enrollment date. Optional at the time of application submission.

    Financial support must be sufficient to cover student expenses for one full academic year. Bank statements must be original and on letterhead from a checking, savings, or time deposit account. Brokerage (stock funds), real estate, or any other non-liquid assets are not acceptable. All bank statements must be in English and in U.S. dollar currency or foreign equivalents. Affidavits of Support are required for any documents not in the name of the applicant.

  • Transfer I-20 Form: The Transfer I-20 Form is only required for applicants who are currently in the United States on F-1 visas granted by other institutions.

Submission of falsified documentation will result in denial of admission or termination of enrollment.

 

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Applicants to the certificate programs must self-certify high school completion or higher to be eligible.

READMISSION AFTER ABSENCE FROM UNIVERSITY

Students who are absent from degree studies remain in active status for three semesters (excluding summer sessions). If not enrolled by the fourth semester of absence, students must reapply for admission to the University to re-establish degree status. Official transcripts of all college or university work must be submitted for evaluation upon reapplying. Transcripts will be assessed based on catalog pre-requisites and degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission and matriculation.

Readmission After Five Years

Admitted students who were enrolled but have been continuously absent for more than five years must complete a readmission application. In addition, applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended.

Readmission After Formal Withdrawal

Admitted students who were enrolled but have formally withdrawn from the University must complete a readmission application (regardless of the length of their absence). Upon submission, a University representative will contact re-applying students with further details on needed documentation.

 

*International applicants may need to submit further documentation for I-20 processing.