Graduate School Admission Requirements

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Peregrine Assessment – Applicants are required to complete the Peregrine Assessment prior to admission, but it is not factored into admission decisions. HCU will provide additional instructions upon the applicant’s admission to the university.
• Foundation Requirements – To earn a graduate business degree, 36-48 semester hours are required, depending on previous academic work. See degree plan for more details.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Peregrine Assessment – Applicants are required to complete the Peregrine Assessment prior to admission, but it is not factored into admission decisions. HCU will provide additional instructions upon the applicant’s admission to the university.
• Foundation Requirements – To earn a graduate business degree, 36-48 semester hours are required, depending on previous academic work. See degree plan for more details.

*Master’s degree required*

• Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded your master’s degree.
• Master’s Research Paper – Applicants must submit a 5-7 page (not including cover and reference pages) master’s level research paper that was written and graded during their master’s program.  The submission must be a research paper covering any topic and should be authored only by the applicant. If applicants do not have a paper to submit, the
  Graduate Admissions office will then send a writing prompt to the applicant to complete and submit instead
• Résumé & Service Record – Applicants must provide a current résumé and service record. Applicants must have completed at least three (3) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
• References – Applicants must provide reference information on their application for the following:
  • Two (2) administrators from the school district or agency at a current place of employment (references from university administrators from former places of employment may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
  • One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
• Superintendent Certification (optional) – Applicants seeking a superintendent certification must submit the following additional document to be considered for admission:
  • Copy of Principal Certification issued by State Board of Educator Certification
• Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/EdDAppFee, or by check or money order.
• Other items, including an admission interview, may be requested.

*Master’s degree required*

• Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded your master’s degree.
• Master’s Research Paper – Applicants must submit a 5-7 page (not including cover or reference pages) master’s level research paper that was written and graded during their master’s program.  The submission must be a research paper covering any topic and should be authored only by the applicant. If applicants do not have a paper to submit, the
  Graduate Admissions office will then send a writing prompt to the applicant to complete and submit instead.
• Résumé & Service Record – Applicants must provide a current résumé and service record. Applicants must have completed at least three (3) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
• References – Applicants must provide references information on their application for the following:
  • Two (2) administrators from the school district or agency at a current place of employment (references from university administrators from former places of employment may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
  • One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
• Superintendent Certification (optional) – Applicants seeking a superintendent certification must submit the following additional document to be considered for admission:
  • Copy of Principal Certification issued by State Board of Educator Certification
• Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/EdDAppFee, or by check or money order.
• Other items, including an admission interview, may be requested.

*Master’s degree required*

• Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded your master’s degree.
• Master’s Research Paper – Applicants must submit a 5-7 page (not including cover or reference pages) master’s level research paper that was written and graded during their master’s program.  The submission must be a research paper covering any topic and should be authored only by the applicant. If applicants do not have a paper to submit, the
  Graduate Admissions office will then send a writing prompt to the applicant to complete and submit instead.
• Résumé /CV – Applicants must provide a current résumé and service record (if applicable).
• References – Applicants must provide reference information on their application for the following:
  • Two (2) professional references (references from university administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.)
  • One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
• Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/EdDAppFee, or by check or money order.
• Other items, including an admission interview, may be requested.

• Additional Transcripts – Individuals applying to be certified in a content area are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor; parents of a taught student; or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV and Service Record – Applicants must provide a current résumé and an official school district, charter, or independent school service record. Some specializations may require a specific length of work experience as shown on the service record. Documents may be sent to the Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Interview – An admission interview may be required.
• Certain specializations may have additional requirements. Contact your graduate admissions coordinator for more information.

• Additional Transcripts – Individuals applying to be certified in a content area are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor; parents of a taught student; or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Interview – An admission interview is required.

*Master’s degree required*

• Personal Statement – Applicants must write a personal statement, not to exceed 1,000 words.  The statement must include the following:
  • Reasons for pursuing the program;
  • Career goals and how the program will help in meeting the established goals; and
  • Experiences that relate the student’s aptitude for the program.
• Résumé & Service Record - Applicants must provide a current résumé and service record.  Applicants must have completed at least three (3) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
• References – Applicants must provide reference information on their application for the following:
  • Two (2) administrators from the school district or agency at a current place of employment (references from university administrators from former places of employment may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
  • One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
• Applicants should provide a copy of their Principal Certification issued by State Board of Educator Certification
• Other items, including an admission interview, may be requested.

*Master’s degree required*

• Résumé & Service Record - Applicants must provide a current résumé and an official school district, charter, or independent school service record.  Applicants must have completed at least two (2) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
• Teaching Certificate – Applicants must provide a copy of their current Texas, or out of state, teaching certificate.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor; parents of a taught student; or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Interview – An admission interview is required.

• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. One reference MUST be a pastoral/ministry reference. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Prompt – Applicants must provide a written response, at least 500 words, to the following questions:
  • What is the purpose of being a mental health practitioner?
  • What are the characteristics that make you a good counselor? In which of these do you excel? How do you know?
  • Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Christian Psychology, and why Houston Christian University?
  • Given your history and circumstances, describe any challenges that could prevent you from completion of this degree and how you might address them should they arise.
  • Describe your Christian faith journey, including the status of your relationship with God now and your church involvement.
• Candidate Presentation – Applicants may choose between attending a virtual interview with the admissions team or submitting a 10-12 minute video responding to predetermined questions. This will take place during the second phase of the admissions process.

• Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Prompt – Applicants must provide a written response, at least 500 words, to the following questions:
  • What is the purpose of being a mental health practitioner?
  • What are the characteristics that make you a good counselor? In which of these do you excel? How do you know?
  • Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Counseling , and why Houston Christian University?
  • Given your history and circumstances, describe any challenges that could prevent you from completion of this degree and how you might address them should they arise.
• Candidate Presentation – Applicants may choose between attending a virtual interview with the admissions team or submitting a 10-12 minute video responding to predetermined questions. This will take place during the second phase of the admissions process.

• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. One reference MUST be a pastoral/ministry reference. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Prompt – Applicants must provide a written response, at least 500 words, to the following questions:
  • What is the purpose of being a mental health practitioner?
  • What are the characteristics that make you a good counselor? In which of these do you excel? How do you know?
  • Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Christian Counseling , and why Houston Christian University?
  • Given your history and circumstances, describe any challenges that could prevent you from completion of this degree and how you might address them should they arise.
  • Describe your Christian faith journey, including the status of your relationship with God now and your church involvement.

• Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Prompt – Applicants must provide a written response, at least 500 words, to the following questions:
  • What is the purpose of being a mental health practitioner?
  • What are the characteristics that make you a good counselor? In which of these do you excel? How do you know?
  • Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy , and why Houston Christian University?
  • Given your history and circumstances, describe any challenges that could prevent you from completion of this degree and how you might address them should they arise.
• Candidate Presentation – Applicants may choose between attending a virtual interview with the admissions team or submitting a 10-12 minute video responding to predetermined questions. This will take place during the second phase of the admissions process.

• Additional Transcripts – For students pursuing licensure, you are required to submit ALL of your transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Interview – An admission interview is required.

*Applicants who have previously earned a master’s degree with psychology or counseling in the name can return to HCU to take the additional courses need to gain their LPC  certification.*

• Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Prompt – Applicants must provide a written response, at least 500 words, to the following questions:
  • What is the purpose of being a mental health practitioner?
  • What are the characteristics that make you a good counselor? In which of these do you excel? How do you know?
  • Why do you want to pursue an LPC certification, and why Houston Christian University?
  • Given your history and circumstances, describe any challenges that could prevent you from completion of this degree and how you might address them should they arise.
• Candidate Presentation – Applicants may choose between attending a virtual interview with the admissions team or submitting a 10-12 minute video responding to predetermined questions. This will take place during the second phase of the admissions process.

*Students who have previously earned a master’s degree with psychology or counseling in the name can return to HCU to take the additional courses need to gain their SSP certification.*

• Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor; parents of a taught student; or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Interview – An admission interview is required.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

*Fall and Spring admission only*

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV– Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Language Study – Candidates must have significant undergraduate course work in a biblical language(s). Candidates coming in without coursework in biblical languages will be required to complete the necessary leveling courses.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their interest in attending HCU. The statement should address their faith in Jesus Christ and general agreement with the University’s preamble.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their interest in attending HCU. The statement should address their faith in Jesus Christ and general agreement with the University’s preamble.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

*Master’s degree required*

• Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded your master’s degree.
• Ministry Experience – Applicants must have three (3) or more years of full-time ministry experience or have completed at least eight (8) hours of internship/ministry practicum courses.
• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, at least 800 words, addressing the following prompts:
  • Please describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Please describe your calling to ministry and how you have followed that call.
  • Why are you interested in HCU’s DMin program?
  • Which track do you intend to pursue—New Testament or Faith & Culture?
  • Do you have an intended area of focus for your studies? If so, what is it?
• Résumé/CV– Applicants should provide a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. One of these MUST be a pastoral reference or from a commanding officer (for military chaplains). The other reference must be a professional or academic contact. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/DMinAppFee, or by check or money order.
• Other items, including an admission interview, may be requested.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Sample- Applicants should submit a writing sample (at least 8 pages in length) and email to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.

*Fall admission only

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Digital Portfolio – Applicants should submit a flash drive, CD or DVD with 20-30 high-resolution, JPEG samples of their work. Applicants should mail their flash drive, CD or DVD to The Graduate School.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Portfolio – Applicants should submit an email attachment with 2-3 samples of their best writing. The sample must be at least 10-15 pages in length for poetry or 20-30 pages in length for fiction, and may contain one story, multiple stories or excerpts. Additional work from other genres may be included as well. Applicants should email their portfolio to verification@HC.edu.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Writing Portfolio – Applicants should submit an email attachment with 2-3 samples of their best writing. The sample must be at least 30-50 pages in length and may contain one script, multiple short scripts or excerpts. Additional work from other genres may be included as well. Applicants should email their portfolio to verification@HC.edu.

*Fall and Spring admission only.

• References – Applicants ust provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be professional or academic contacts. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Interview – An interview may be required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States
• Current registered nurse (RN) license in good standing in the state of Texas
• Applicants must be a Texas resident.
• Résumé/CV – Applicants should email a current résumé or CV, identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education, to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director
• For Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) applicants, priority will be given to applicants with 2 or more years of RN experience.

• Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded the applicant’s bachelor’s degree.  Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their conferred degree.
• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School, and how they feel this certificate will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
• Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
• References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be academic or professional. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.

• Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.