Accelerated Adult Degree Admissions
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) offers accelerated degrees specifically designed to meet the needs of busy working adults. Our faculty are professors of practice, professionals who bring their content and work expertise into
their coursework.
Begin Your New Chapter With Etown SGPS
We are so excited that you are interested in pursuing your educational goals with Elizabethtown College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies! We look forward to meeting your expectations of a flexible, convenient, and reputable institution geared toward busy working adults.
Why Choose an Accelerated Degree
Unlock your potential faster with Etown SGPS's accelerated degree programs, where ambition meets application. Our diverse range of programs are tailored for the dynamic adult learner at various stages of life. Embrace the flexibility of online learning, designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life. We’ll give you the skills, support, and credentials you’ll need to move up and move ahead.
Not only were my facilitators understanding of the unique needs of adult learners, but the counselors, admissions representatives, and financial aid team were fantastic!
Understand the Requirements for Adult Degree Programs
The accelerated adult degree program through Elizabethtown College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers a rigorous academic setting and provides students with the tools to help them advance in their profession and achieve their academic goals.
To be eligible to enter either an associate or bachelor's program, you will need to:
- Have graduated from high school or earned a GED.
- Have writing ability sufficient for success in an accelerated academic program. You will be asked to write an essay that demonstrates your ability.
- Have the time to devote to your coursework. Course requirements in a five-week accelerated class can be as high as 20 hours per week.
- Successful completion of some college coursework is strongly suggested prior to entering an accelerated program, but it is not required.
To be eligible to enter our Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL) or Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programs, you will need to:
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (waivers possible based on work experience and other factors).
- Minimum of three years of professional leadership/management experience (can include undergraduate experience).
- Show a commitment to devote considerable time to coursework in an accelerated program.
To be eligible to enter our CFP® Certification Financial Planning Education program you will need to:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Maintain an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (waivers available based on work experience and other factors).
- Three years of relevant work experience is preferred but not mandatory.
To be eligible to enter our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or M.Ed. in Educational Leadership programs you will need to:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- GRE or GMAT scores are optional.
To be eligible to enter our Master of Music Education program you will need to:
- Possess a current, valid Teaching Certification.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- GRE or GMAT scores are optional.
To be eligible to enter our Integrative STEM Education Endorsement program you will need to:
- Possess a current, valid Teaching Certification. Out-of-state candidates must contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and attain PA Certification through reciprocity before program acceptance.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
To be eligible to enter our Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program you will need to:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (applicants with a lower GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required, but may be submitted for consideration. Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 are encouraged to submit either the GRE or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
- An undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related field is not required, however, preference will be given to applicants who have taken at least three psychology courses and earned a grade of "B" or better in each.
To be eligible to enter our Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program you will need to:
- Be a licensed occupational therapist with official transcripts conferring a master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university.
- Successfully complete two graduate certificate programs through SGPS.
- Must possess the time to devote to your coursework; in an accelerated program, time spent outside of class is considerable.
To be eligible to apply to any of our graduate certificate programs you will need to:
- Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher (waivers can be granted based on professional work experience and other factors).
- Minimum of three years of professional leadership/management experience (can include undergraduate experience).
- Have time to devote to your coursework; in an accelerated program, time spent outside of class is considerable.
Have questions? Reach out to an admissions representative.
How to Apply to Etown SGPS Today
Embarking on your educational journey with us begins with a straightforward yet comprehensive application process. By submitting a few key documents through our online portal, including your academic transcripts, resume, and a reflective essay, you are taking the first step towards achieving your academic and professional goals.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the undergraduate application via the online portal.
- Submit official transcripts (college or high school/GED if no college coursework), and a current resume.
- Submit a double-spaced essay adhering to English usage standards, addressing your understanding of a rigorous accelerated program, your strategy for managing time demands, and your personal and professional goals.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $50 nonrefundable application fee, which is waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay outlining your professional goals, your current approach to leadership and management, and how you intend to apply the graduate degree to your long-term professional life.
- The application process also requires two recommendations; one must be from your current supervisor, and the other can be from someone who can vouch for your professional and academic capabilities. Detailed instructions for these recommendations are provided within the admissions portal. Rest assured, these recommendations will be kept confidential and only used as part of your application assessment.
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International students interested in applying to the program are required to submit several specific documents as part of their application process.
- This includes the College Board Certification of Finances form, which is essential for assessing financial readiness.
- Additionally, a copy of the photograph page of your passport must be provided for identity verification. Standardized test scores from exams such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, EIKEN, PTE, or Cambridge English are also necessary, unless your bachelor’s degree was taught in English.
- Finally, transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) to ensure that your academic credentials meet the program's standards.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $25 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a personal statement to demonstrate your commitment to professional advancement and contribution to financial planning and advisory.
- The application process also requires two recommendations; instructions for these are available in the admissions portal.
- As an optional step, you can upload proof of certification in CPA, CMA, CIA, CFA, or other relevant financial services credentials. These materials combined will provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications and aspirations for the graduate program.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $50 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay addressing your motivation for pursuing the graduate program, a statement of professional goals, and goals for the application of the graduate program to your professional life.
- Applicants should also supply two letters of recommendation in support of your academic and professional abilities for success in the program.
- As an optional step, you can upload GRE/MAT scores.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $50 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- Prepare a brief personal statement (1 page) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work in peacebuilding, your career objectives, and your particular interest in the Master of Music Education program.
- Submit a current, valid teaching certificate.
- Request official transcripts demonstrating musical study and completion of a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. If below the minimum GPA, you may submit a narrative demonstrating excellence and persistence in your course of study.
- Submit two recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential. Instructions for these are available in the admissions portal.
- Prepare a diversity and inclusion statement that demonstrates how you seek to build belonging and cross-cultural awareness in your teaching. This can be a reflection on current practices as well as aspirations for graduate study.
- As an optional step, you can upload GRE/MAT scores.
- Once you have submitted all of the admissions materials, please contact Dr. Kevin Shorner-Johnson to schedule a time to take the Master of Music Education Theory Entrance Exam.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $25 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume and a copy of your current valid Teaching Certification.
- Additionally, prepare a writing sample that demonstrates higher-order thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- The application process also requires two recommendations from current supervisors that (1) speak to the ability of the candidate to complete the program, fieldwork, and internship hours and (2) address the willingness of the candidate's school/district to accommodate these hours. Instructions for these are available in the admissions portal.
- As an optional step, you can upload GRE/MAT scores.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $50 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume or CV.
- Additionally, prepare a personal statement addressing your academic and professional goals, and preparation and motivation to attend graduate school.
- The application process also requires two recommendations. Please include letters from those who can speak to your educational and professional experience. Instructions for these are available in the admissions portal.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and select applicants.
- Selected applicants will be invited to complete an interview. Final admissions decisions will be determined after the interview. We take a holistic approach to application review and will review all applications received.
- If you have any questions or concerns about whether you meet our application requirements please do not hesitate to reach out to either MCP Program Director Elizabeth Dalton or Associate Director of SGPS Admissions Don Sharples.
There are two ways to enter the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program:
If you would like to accelerate the completion of the doctoral program and do not choose to receive any graduate certificate designations on your transcripts, please follow these instructions:
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal choosing the GPS Graduate Application, indicating the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy as your major and designating the two certificate programs you plan to pursue as part of the PPOTD. This portal will include the submission of a $25 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will also need to request official transcripts from institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay addressing your statement of professional goals, current approach to leadership/management and long-term goals for the application of the PPOTD to your professional life. Instructions for these are available in the admissions portal.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and select applicants.
- Selected applicants will be invited to complete an interview. Final admissions decisions will be determined after the interview.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
If you prefer to receive certificate designation on your transcript for each of the areas you pursue within the PPOTD, it will require taking each graduate certificate individually. Please follow these instructions:
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
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Complete the graduate application via the online portal choosing the GPS Graduate Application, designating the first certificate program as your major and indicating that you plan to pursue the PPOTD and then designating your second certificate choice. This portal will include the submission of a $25 nonrefundable application fee, waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will also need to request official transcripts from institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay addressing your statement of professional goals, current approach to leadership/management and long-term goals for the application of the PPOTD to your professional life. Instructions for these are available in the admissions portal.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and select applicants.
- Selected applicants will be invited to complete an interview. Final admissions decisions will be determined after the interview.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- Contact or meet with our admissions staff for guidance and to find out more information.
-
Complete the graduate application via the online portal which includes the submission of a $25 nonrefundable application fee, which is waived for Elizabethtown College graduates.
- You will need to request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 1-2 page essay addressing your motivation for pursuing the graduate certificate, a statement of professional goals, and goals for the application of the graduate certificate to your professional life.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If there are any questions or concerns, the admissions team will contact you for further discussion.
- After successfully completing your Elizabethtown College graduate certificate, students may complete the Advance in Graduate Certificate or Degree form in the JayWeb student portal to apply to a future graduate certificate or graduate degree. Additional materials may be required, depending on the program of interest.
Fast-Track Application Process
Etown seniors, alumni, and employees now have access to a two-step, fast-tracked application process for certain eligible graduate degree programs and graduate certificate programs. If you have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your undergraduate studies, you are eligible for this simplified process.
- Submit your application (complete the graduate application via the online portal).
- Submit your transcript (if you are an Etown alum we will handle the retrieval of your transcript).
Upon submission of these documents, you will be automatically accepted. This process is designed to make your transition to further your education easier. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact our Admissions staff.
Your Guide to Transfer Credits at Etown SGPS
Students can transfer up to 95 credits to SGPS from accredited four-year institutions, and up to 64 credits from accredited two-year colleges, technical, or trade schools. The total combined credits from both types of institutions cannot exceed 95. For credit transfer, courses must be college-level, have a minimum grade of C-, and remedial courses are not accepted. To graduate, students must complete at least 30 credits at Elizabethtown College, including 15 credits for an associate degree to fulfill residency requirements.
Apply to the Elizabethtown College School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Connect with our Admissions Coordinators for a Comprehensive Transfer Credit Evaluation. When you reach out to one of our admissions coordinators, they will conduct a thorough evaluation of your completed credits. If you possess professional certifications or military credits, you may qualify for additional transfer credits and you can take our Professional Learning Assessment.
After the evaluation, you will receive detailed information regarding which credits are eligible for transfer. You can then kickstart your educational journey with Elizabethtown College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies, leveraging the credits you've earned from your previous institutions.
