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    Dec 03, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions



Applications for Admission

The prospective student must file a complete admission application and request the officials of schools previously attended to mail or eScript transcripts to the university as soon as the decision to apply has been made. Both freshmen and transfer students may enter the university’s trimester system in August, November, February, or June. The application for admission can be completed on the Carey website (https://indigo.wmcarey.edu/Prospects/application/).

There are separate requirements for admission to the School of Nursing and to the teacher education program of the School of Education. The student should consult program descriptions for those admission requirements.

The university reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant or forbid any student’s continued enrollment without assigning a reason.

Standards for Admission

Freshman

The university solicits applications from individuals who desire to study in a learning environment committed to the achievement of personal and professional excellence and committed to traditional Christian values. Each freshman applicant for admission must file with the office of admissions a complete application consisting of the following:

  1. A completed application for admission (available at https://indigo.wmcarey.edu/Prospects/application/​).
  2. An official high school transcript, an accredited or notarized home school transcript, or GED score report (minimum score of at least 150 on all four content areas with a total score of 600). A final transcript showing grades on all courses completed is required. An official transcript is defined as one mailed or eScripted directly from one institution to another. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
  3. A $40 nonrefundable application fee.
  4. Documented proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957.
  5. Score reports on the American College Test (ACT) or the College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). A student who has not had one of these tests must complete the residual ACT prior to being considered for admission. The cost of the ACT will be collected at the time of testing.

The admissions committee uses the “whole student” concept in selecting applicants for admission to the university. The committee considers the following factors in its decisions to accept or reject applications of individual students:

  1. Grades and College Preparatory Subjects
    Students must present official transcripts indicating they have achieved a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  2. Test Scores
    First-time freshmen applicants are required to submit official ACT or SAT test scores. A minimum score of 20 on the ACT or 950 (critical reading and math only) on the SAT if taken prior to March 2016, or 1020 (evidence based reading and writing + math) on the SAT if taken after March 2016. Home schooled students are required by the Department of Education to have a minimum ACT English subscore of 14 and a math subscore of 15 on the same test to be eligible for financial aid.

Academic Advising For Freshman

All new students are assigned an academic advisor in their major area of interest. The academic advisor will assist the student in designing a program of study that leads to the desired degree; however, the ultimate responsibility in the selection of courses that satisfy degree requirements rests with the student. Course placement in English and math will be based on ACT/SAT subscores. Students who are accepted to the university with an ACT composite score below 20 or 950 (critical reading and math only) on the SAT if taken prior to March 2016, or 1020 (evidence based reading and writing + math) on the SAT will be assigned for special academic advising.

Early Entrance Program

The following requirements are used to determine admissibility of a student at the end of the junior year of high school. Students meeting these requirements are admitted to the freshman class without reservation and are not required to complete the senior year of high school. However, Federal regulations require proof of high school graduation or equivalency (GED) in order for students to receive Federal financial aid.

  1. Fifteen units of credit must be earned by the completion of the high school junior year.
  2. A qualified student must have at least a 3.5 grade point average on the 4.0 system. 30
  3. An ACT composite score of 25 or SAT score of 1130 (math and critical reading only) or the equivalent.
  4. The applicant must have a personal written recommendation from his or her high school principal specifically recommending for early entrance.

Step-Ahead

Step-Ahead is a program for high school students or home school students who wish to enroll in college courses before completing high school. The program is offered on the William Carey University Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses. Admissions as a Step-Ahead student requires a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or 950 (critical reading and math only) on the SAT if taken prior to March 2016, or 1020 (evidence based reading and writing + math) on the SAT if taken after March 2016 and approval from their high school counselor or home school coordinator. Students wishing to take mathematics must have ACT subscores as follows: for College Algebra (MAT 131) 20+, Trigonometry (MAT 142) 20+, Pre-calculus (MAT 150) 25+, and Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAT 151) 26+. An official high school transcript and official ACT or SAT scores must accompany the registration form. When the student elects to begin full-time enrollment with the university following high school graduation, the student must reapply as a degree seeking student.

Dual Credit

William Carey University offers a cooperative program in area high schools whereby specific courses may be offered for college credit in addition to high school credit. Approval of courses for college credit is based on criteria including teacher qualifications, curriculum, and instructional methods. Admission as a dual-credit student is only available to qualifying junior and senior-level students at cooperating high schools. Admission requires a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or 950 (critical reading and math only) on the SAT if taken prior to March 2016, or 1020 (evidence based reading and writing + math) on the SAT if taken after March 2016 and approval from their high school counselor. Students wishing to take mathematics must have ACT subscores as follows: for College Algebra (MAT 131) 20+, Trigonometry (MAT 142) 20+, Pre-calculus (MAT 150) 25+, Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAT 151) 26 for Calculus I and Statistics. An official high school transcript and official ACT or SAT scores must accompany the application form. When the student elects to begin full time enrollment with the university following high school graduation, the student must reapply as a degree seeking student.

Free Throw

William Carey University provides an opportunity for first time freshmen students who do not meet regular admission requirements to demonstrate their ability to succeed at the university level by completing a term of courses prior to regular admission. Students with an ACT score of 16 or SAT score of 790-810 (critical reading and math only) if taken prior to March 2016 or SAT score of 870-890 (evidence based reading and writing + math) if taken after March 2016, are required to participate. Students with ACT score of 17-19 or SAT scores of 820-930 (critical reading and math only) if taken prior to March 2016 or SAT score of 900 to 980 (evidence based reading and writing + math) if taken after March 2016. Students must be advised for 12 hours of coursework by the Office of Student Assistance for the first term of Free Throw. Students must successfully complete the first term of the FreeThrow program with a 2.5 GPA or higher in order to gain admission to WCU as a transfer student. Following successful completion of the Free Throw term, the student must reapply as a degree seeking student.

Credit By Examination

Advanced placement and college credit are awarded to students who have college-level subjects in high school and who have earned the minimum score required by the university on the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced placement tests. No credit will be awarded for scores less than 3, and some academic departments may require a score higher than 3. Credit for knowledge gained by nontraditional means may be substantiated by certain minimum scores on some of the CEEB College-Level Examination Program tests or the American College Test Proficiency Examination Program tests. For more detailed information, see Credit by Examination , under General Academic Regulations. For credit to be given, an official advanced placement transcript must be submitted. To gain credit by examination, an official transcript from the testing agency must be submitted and reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. An official transcript is defined as one mailed or eScripted directly from one institution or agency to another. It bears the institution’s or agency’s seal, the signature of the registrar, and the date of issuance. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

Transfer Student

The university solicits applications from transfer students from junior or community colleges, senior colleges, and/or universities. Students must possess a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college work previously attempted and be in academic good standing from the last institution attended. For students with fewer than 12 transfer hours, requirements for first-time freshmen students must also be met.

An applicant who has college level work must submit the following:

  1. A completed application for admission (online at www.wmcarey.edu).
  2. A $40 nonrefundable application fee.
  3. An official academic transcript from each college or university previously attended. An official transcript is defined as one mailed or eScripted directly from one institution to another. It bears the institution’s seal, the signature of the registrar, and the date of issuance. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
  4. Documented proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957.

Nondegree Status

If a student wishes to complete certain undergraduate courses and not pursue a degree, the admissions committee may grant that person nondegree status provided the applicant fulfills the following admission requirements.

Nondegree Freshmen

  1. A completed application for admission indicating nondegree status (available at www.wmcarey.edu)
  2. An official high school transcript, an accredited or notarized home school transcript, or GED score report (minimum score of at least 150 on all four content areas with a total score of 600). A final transcript showing grades on all courses completed is required. An official transcript is defined as one mailed or eScripted directly from one institution to another. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
  3. A $40 nonrefundable application fee.
  4. Documented proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957.
  5. Score reports on the American College Test (ACT) or the College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). A student who has not had one of these tests must complete the residual ACT prior to being considered for admission. The cost of the ACT will be collected at the time of testing.

Nondegree Transfer

  1. A completed application for admission indicating nondegree status (online at www.wmcarey.edu).
  2. A $40 nonrefundable application fee.
  3. An official academic transcript from the college or university most recently attended. An official transcript is defined as one mailed or eScripted directly from one institution to another. It bears the institution’s seal, the signature of the registrar, and the date of issuance. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
  4. Documented proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957.

The student registered in nondegree status is subject to all university regulations governing registration, attendance, and academic standing. Credit earned in nondegree status is recorded on the student’s permanent record and may be applied in an undergraduate degree program when the student has satisfactorily established degree status by meeting entrance requirements to the university.

Nondegree status students are not eligible for Federal financial aid or institutional scholarships.

Readmission

A former William Carey University student (one who was not registered during the preceding trimester) must submit a completed application for readmission to the office of admissions. The applicant for readmission should meet the minimum academic standards required of current students. Those not meeting minimum academic requirements are evaluated for admission by the admissions committee. All decisions of the admissions committee are subject to appeal. A student who has been out of school only during the summer does not need to apply for readmission.

Admission Status

Students may attend William Carey University under several status categories depending upon the level of compliance with published admissions requirements.

  1. An accepted student is one who has been officially accepted for admission, whether freshman, transfer, or readmission.
  2. A conditionally accepted student is a freshman with a 17, 18 or 19 ACT score.
  3. A probational student is one who does not meet the minimum admissions standards but is allowed to attend William Carey University by action of the admissions committee. The student must meet the minimum academic standards required of current students on a minimum of six semester hours and a maximum of two trimesters.
  4. An accepted lacking student is one who has been provisionally accepted based on preliminary coursework and is awaiting acceptance pending receipt of all official supporting documents.
  5. An incomplete student is one who has not supplied all necessary documents to be complete in admissions.

Students in an accepted lacking status may be allowed to register. The students must be prepared to pay at least 50% of all charges by the end of the first week of class and provide all documents required for admission by the end of the first term of attendance. No financial aid will be processed or paid on students who have not been officially accepted. Students who do not comply with the admission requirements, or who, upon receipt of official documents, do not meet the minimum standards for admission will be removed from classes, will receive no grades, and will be refunded according to the tuition refund policy. Permission for registration does not indicate official acceptance to William Carey University.

Nondisclosure

A student must certify that he or she is not under suspension from any college or university. Nondisclosure or misrepresentation when completing the application for admission may result in disciplinary action taken on the student, including possible dismissal from the university. In addition, students who find after enrollment that they are ineligible to return to the last institution attended and fail to report this immediately to the office of admissions will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

Academic Renewal

Academic renewal is provided for qualifying undergraduate students who were not successful with their initial college experience and who have not attended college for the previous five years. The policy allows the student to have one or more terms of previous college work forgiven. More information is available in the admissions office.

International Students

William Carey University is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enroll nonimmigrant alien students on the Hattiesburg campus only.

International students who wish to be admitted to William Carey University must meet the requirements listed below. They must also meet additional requirements listed in either the freshmen or transfer subsections.

Freshmen students are those students who have attempted less than 12 hours of credit at an institution of higher learning (college or university), and transfer students are students who have attempted 12 or more hours of credit at an institution of higher learning.

  1. Application—Application for admission can be downloaded from the Carey website (www.wmcarey.edu). Applications may also be requested by mail through the office of international admissions on the Hattiesburg campus. A US$40 application fee, which allows for a student’s application to be processed, should be mailed to the Office of International Admissions at WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401.
  2. Academic Records—The following information is required for consideration for undergraduate admissions.
    • Freshman Students (first time college students):
      Official academic records indicating the level of secondary completion or course work completed at a foreign institution(s) must be provided. Properly certified English translations must accompany each transcript. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of International Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway,  Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

      Scholastic Testing—First time freshmen applicants are required to submit official ACT or SAT test scores. A minimum score of 20 on the ACT or 950 (critical reading and math only) on the SAT if taken prior to March 2016, or 1020 (evidence based reading and writing + math) on the SAT if taken after March 2016. Official copies of these scores must be sent to the Office of International Admissions.
    • Transfer Students:
      Official academic records indicating course progress from any institution(s) of higher education or official transcript(s) from the U.S. institution(s) attended are required. An official transcript is defined as one mailed directly from one institution to another. All records must be in English before an I-20 from William Carey University is issued. Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of International Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

      Transcripts from foreign institutions must be sent to: World Education Services (www.wes.org) for credential evaluation. The results from the evaluation must be mailed to William Carey University. This process takes from 30 to 60 days.

      Students transferring from any American college or university must coordinate the transfer of their I-20 record from their current institution to William Carey University. The requirements for obtaining such transfers are established by each individual institution.
  3. Language Proficiency—Students who are not from nations where English is considered the official or second language are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 523 is required on the paper-based TOEFL; a minimum score of 193 on the computer-based TOEFL; or a minimum score of 70 on the internet-based TOEFL. Students who wish to take the IELTS must meet the minimum requirement score of 5.5. Students who do not meet the minimum English proficiency required are invited to apply for admission to the William Carey University English Language Center.
  4. Certification of Finances—Proof of financial support for the duration of the international student’s stay in the United States is required. This document can be downloaded from the Carey website (www.wmcarey.edu).
  5. Proof of Immunizations—Documented proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957. Additionally, each student must have a chest x-ray and Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) performed in the United States and submit the results to the office of international admissions prior to starting class.
  6. Major Medical Coverage—Proof of medical coverage while attending an institution of higher education in the United States is required. All international students are required to have a policy with the university. students will be assessed for the policy coverage at the beginning of each trimester. More information on the health insurance policy adopted by William Carey University is available online (www.wmcarey.edu).
  7. Advance tuition Payment—An advance tuition payment of US$500.00 is required before an I-20 from William Carey University will be issued. This advance covers the on-campus housing prepayment (US$150.00) and any other initial or miscellaneous expenses associated with the first academic term at William Carey University. This advance payment is nonrefundable.

Additional Information—In order to receive an F-1 VISA, international students must schedule an appointment with the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy in their country within 90 days of departure. They must take along their documentation, letter of acceptance, and I-20 for presentation and review. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the entering student be honest and have copies of all documentation sent to William Carey University available for review by the U.S. custom official at the consulate, embassy, or U.S. port of entry. Custom officials may at any point of the student’s travel to the United States deny him/her entry into the country.

Although international applicants meet current English language proficiency requirements prior to their admittance to William Carey University, some may still require additional language assistance during their transition period to the U.S. education system. Individualized tutoring sessions, English classes, and learning workshops have been established to promote, support, encourage, and strengthen these students’ English language skills.

International students should refer to the university calendar  for dates of trimester breaks and religious and national holidays (i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas) in preparation for holiday travel.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the director of international admissions on the Hattiesburg campus, 601-318-6103, 800-962-5991 (toll free), or admissions@wmcarey.edu

English Language Center

The English Language Center (ELC) prepares students to use English effectively when English is not the primary, native language. The ELC program grants students certificates of completion that are used to waive the language examination requirements at William Carey University for undergraduate or graduate study. By combining small class instruction with the latest in instructional technology, the English Language Center is able to meet the language needs of all students and assist them with a smooth transition into their degree program.

William Carey University is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enroll nonimmigrant alien students on the Hattiesburg campus only. International students who wish to be admitted to the English Language Center must meet the requirements listed below.

  1. Application—Application for admission can be downloaded from the Carey website (www.wmcarey.edu). Applications may also be requested by mail through the office of international admissions on the Hattiesburg campus.
  2. Application Fee—This one-time US$40 application fee, which allows for a student’s application to be processed, should be mailed to the Office of International Admissions at WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401.
  3. Academic Records—The following information is required for consideration for undergraduate admissions.
    • Freshmen students (first time college students): Official academic records indicating the level of secondary completion or course work completed at a foreign institution(s) must be provided. Properly certified English translations must accompany each transcript.
    • Transfer students Official academic records indicating course progress from any institution(s) of higher education or official transcript(s) from the U.S. institution(s) attended are required. An official transcript is defined as one mailed directly from one institution to another. All records must be in English before an I-20 from William Carey University is issued.

      Transcripts may be mailed to William Carey University, Office of International Admissions, WCU Box 13, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be sent to: World Education Services (www.wes.org) for credential evaluation. The results from the evaluation must be mailed to William Carey University. This process takes from 30 to 60 days.
  4. Language Proficiency—Students who are not from nations where English is considered the official or second language are required to take either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 433 is required on the paper-based TOEFL; a minimum score of 120 on the computer-based TOEFL; or a minimum score of 40 on the internet-based TOEFL. Students who wish to take the IELTS must meet the minimum requirement score of 3.5.
  5. Certification of Finances—Proof of financial support for the duration of the international student’s stay in the United States is required. This document can be downloaded from the Carey website (www.wmcarey.edu).
  6. Proof of Immunizations—Documented proof of two immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) if born on or after January 1, 1957. Additionally, each students must have a chest x-ray and Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) performed in the United States and submit the results to the office of international admissions prior to starting class.
  7. Major Medical Coverage—Proof of medical coverage while attending an institution of higher education in the United States is required. All international students are required to have a policy with the university. students will be assessed for the policy coverage at the beginning of each trimester. More information on the health insurance policy adopted by William Carey University is available online (www.wmcarey.edu).
  8. Advance tuition Payment—An advance tuition payment of US$500.00 is required before an I-20 from William Carey University will be issued. This advance covers the on-campus housing prepayment (US$150.00) and any other initial or miscellaneous expenses associated with the first academic term at William Carey University. This advance payment is nonrefundable.

Additional Information—In order to receive an F-1 VISA, international students must schedule an appointment with the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy in their country within 90 days of departure. They must take along their documentation, letter of acceptance, and I-20 for presentation and review. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the entering student be honest and have copies of all documentation sent to William Carey University available for review by the U.S. custom official at the consulate, embassy, or U.S. port of entry. Custom officials may at any point of the student’s travel to the United States deny him/her entry into the country.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the director of international admissions on the Hattiesburg campus, 601-318-6103, 800-962-5991 (toll free), or admissions@wmcarey.edu.

Applications for Housing

The housing application must be returned to the housing office. A $150 prepayment is required to reserve a room in a residence hall in Hattiesburg. The prepayment is refundable if a written request is made 30 days prior to the first day of classes.

Housing Policy for Single Students

Philosophy for Residential Life

The university holds to the philosophy that living on campus provides an increased opportunity for developing better student relationships, encourages the exchange of cultural and intellectual thought, and promotes an environment for living and learning as part of the overall educational mission of the university.

Residence Regulations

All full-time undergraduate students on the Hattiesburg campus are required to live on campus and participate in a university meal plan unless they meet one of the following criteria: age 21, commute from home of parents (50 mile radius), are married, or have children. Residence hall students who turn 21 by the start of the term in which they wish to live off campus, have senior classification, and are in good standing with the university may apply to live off campus. Any unmarried student under age 21 living off-campus without official approval will be required to pay full room and board charges for the trimester in which the violation occurs.

Students must furnish their own linens, pillows, and, if desired, window curtains. Mini-blinds are furnished.

Housing is not provided on the Tradition campus.

The university reserves the right to inspect rooms and to move any student to another assignment for reasons of space management or for the maintenance of order. At the beginning of each school term, students without roommates may choose one of three options: 1) move together voluntarily with another student who is without a roommate, 2) be reassigned with another student who is without a roommate, or 3) pay the private room rate. Whatever the option chosen, the student must coordinate his or her actions with the resident hall director on the Hattiesburg campus.

Students will not be allowed to remain in student housing for any period of enrollment in which they are not registered for course work.

The university has a zero tolerance policy for theft and illicit drugs in university housing.