Nicholls State University

Graduate Admissions Information

Prospective graduate students must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the specific admission requirements of their respective program. Visit the links below for both general admission and program admission requirements, as well as details on how to apply. Please note that applications for admission are received by the Nicholls Office of Admissions; however, admission decisions are made by the respective programs.

Nicholls Graduate School Admission Requirements:

To be admitted to Nicholls as a graduate student, applicants must:

  • hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university,
  • provide official transcripts showing all previous undergraduate and graduate work attempted (whether or not credit was earned),
  • submit a formal application to the Office of Admissions at least 30 days in advance of registration,
  • have a grade point average of at least 2.50 on all undergraduate work, or 2.75 on the last 60 hours,
  • attain the minimum combined GPA/GRE or GPA/GMAT score required for the specific degree program, or is eligible for a waiver and
  • meet all other admission requirements of the particular degree program.

Probational status:
Applicants who meet all criteria for admission except grade point average requirements may be admitted on academic probation. Prospective students with a grade point average of at least 2.0 on all undergraduate work attempted or 2.5 on the final 60 hours attempted may petition their academic dean for admission on probation. The petition may be approved provided the applicant presents the minimum GRE or GMAT scores and any other evidence requested by the dean to indicate the applicant’s potential for success at the graduate level.

Pre-program student status:
Applicants may be admitted as pre-program students if they wish to pursue a graduate degree but have not met all of the requirements for admission to a graduate program (for example: no GRE score, insufficient GMAT score or no teaching certificate). See Admission as a Non-Degree or Pre-Program Student.

Provisional admission may be granted to students who are in the process of obtaining transcripts or copies of their teaching certificates (a requirement for most curricula in Education). Students admitted provisionally normally are dropped from the rolls of Graduate Studies if subsequently found ineligible for admission or if all admission requirements are not met within 30 days. In such cases, there is no refund of fees. The student’s dean, at his or her discretion and with justifiable cause, may grant waivers to such students allowing completion of the current semester only.

Enrollment for subsequent semesters will not be permitted at the graduate level until all admissions criteria have been met.

All applicants for graduate study in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will undergo a criminal background check; specific programs may require additional criminal background checks after matriculation. All background check(s) will be performed by the College’s designated provider and paid for by the student.

Admission of Transfer Students

Students who have attended another graduate school and wish to apply to the Nicholls Graduate School must:

  • be eligible for readmission to the graduate school of the college or university from which they are transferring and
  • meet Nicholls Graduate School requirements.

NOTE: Students may transfer credit earned from a regionally accredited college or university to Nicholls as long as:

  • the hours of credit transferred does not exceed one third of the total credit hours required for their degree program,
  • they earned no lower than a B in the transferred courses and
  • the transfer credit is applicable to the degree program.

Students must formally petition their academic dean for acceptance of transfer graduate credit. Credit earned at another institution while under academic or nonacademic suspension will not be accepted by Nicholls for transfer. Transfer credits are subject to the six-year time limitation to satisfy all master’s degree requirements.

For information on graduate admission requirements for international students, please refer to the International Student Services website. CLICK HERE.

The Non-Master’s Alternative Certificate Program allows students with a bachelor’s degree to earn teacher certification. Applicants must meet the following admission criteria:

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Have a 2.5 undergraduate grade point average.
  • Must have successfully completed Praxis I (Pre-Professional Skills Test) unless candidates:
    • scored a 22 or higher on the ACT OR
    • scored a SAT combined verbal and mathematics score of 1030 OR
    • possess a master’s degree or higher.
  • Must have successfully completed Praxis II (Content Knowledge) for the respective certification area.
  • Undergo a criminal background check; specific programs may require additional criminal background checks after matriculation.  All background check(s) will be performed by the College’s designated provider and paid for by the student.

Visit the Louisiana State Department of Education Web site to view the current list of Louisiana Praxis/NTE tests and score requirements.

To access information concerning Praxis, visit Praxis Information or www.ets.org/praxis.

Non-degree students:
A non-degree, or certification-only, student is one who has been admitted to Graduate Studies, but does not wish to pursue a graduate degree at Nicholls.

Pre-program students:
A pre-program student is one who has been admitted to Graduate Studies, and who wishes to pursue a degree, but has not met all of the requirements for admission to a graduate program (e.g., no GRE score, insufficient GMAT score, or no teaching certificate).

Credit as a non-degree or pre-professional student:
No more than twelve semester hours of graduate credit (and no grade less than B) earned while in a non-degree, certification-only, or pre-program classification may later be applied toward a degree at Nicholls. In Business Administration, however, no graduate credit earned as a non-degree or pre-program student may later be applied toward the M.B.A. degree at Nicholls.

Individuals who wish to enroll in graduate courses part time but do not wish to pursue a degree may enroll under visitor status. As a visitor, students may earn college credit, and an official transcript of these credits will be available upon request to the Office of Records and Registration.

Applying credit to graduate work:
While classified as visitors, students may only earn a maximum of 12 semester hours of graduate work that may be applied toward a master’s degree. However, credits earned under this type of admission may not be used automatically toward any graduate degree. All requirements for regular admission must be met prior to petitioning for graduate degree credit. Petitions must be submitted in writing.

Maintaining visitor status:
An appointment for registration will be prepared for the next regular semester or session following initial enrollment in visitor status. Students who do not re-enroll as visitors for that particular semester or session must apply for re-admission before returning to the university.

A senior may petition to register for a maximum of 12 hours of graduate coursework by completing the appropriate petition form with his or her academic dean prior to registration. Form can be found at https://www.nicholls.edu/graduate/forms/.

The petitioner must meet the following requirements:

  • Have at least a 3.20 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) on all undergraduate work pursued.
  • Lack no more than 30 semester hours to complete baccalaureate degree requirements.*

If granted permission to enroll in graduate coursework while pursuing an undergraduate degree, the student must adhere to and/or be aware of the following:

  • Student may earn no more than 12 graduate credit hours while completing baccalaureate requirements.
  • Student may not carry more than 15 semester hours (both undergraduate and graduate) during a regular semester or ten semester hours during a summer session. This shall include all baccalaureate requirements and no more than six semester hours of graduate credit for a semester or four for a summer session.
  • Courses taken for graduate credit CANNOT be used to satisfy undergraduate requirements.
  • Undergraduate status is retained until the baccalaureate degree is earned.
  • While taking undergraduate and graduate courses as an undergraduate student, the student must maintain a minimum of 3.0 on all graduate courses AND must maintain a minimum of 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA. If these grade conditions are not met, then the student will not be allowed to petition for enrollment in other graduate courses while pursuing his or her baccalaureate degree.
  • Taking graduate courses as an undergraduate does not imply or guarantee that the student will be accepted into any specific graduate program at Nicholls State University. After receiving a baccalaureate degree, a student must apply for graduate school admission and meet all admission requirements as outlined for a specific program and be accepted into a program to apply previously taken graduate courses to the program.

NOTE: This option is not available for courses offered through the executive MBA program due to specific admission requirements.

Petition for Pursuit of Graduate Work as an Undergraduate Senior

Admission Requirements by Program:

Evening Admissions Requirements

To be admitted into the Master of Business Administration program at Nicholls State University, applicants should possess the following:

GMAT 
MBA applicants must:

  • have a minimum GMAT score of 450
  • score at least 950 on the formula: GMAT total score plus 200 times the GPA earned on all work attempted while pursuing the baccalaureate degree OR
  • score at least 1,000 on the formula: GMAT total score plus 200 times the GPA earned on the last 60 hours attempted while pursuing the baccalaureate degree.
  • Official GMAT score report, must be sent from the Educational Testing Service to Nicholls State University (Institutional Code 1B6BL44).

GRE
MBA applicants must:

  • have a minimum GRE total combined score of 300 in the verbal and quantitative.
  • Official GMAT score report, must be sent from the Educational Testing Service to Nicholls State University (Institutional Code 6221).

Executive Admission Requirements

Each EMBA class is limited to 15 individuals. Therefore, admission is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

 

Candidates should possess the following:

  • A Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three or more years of full-time professional experience, five preferred.
  • Acceptable score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).  An applicant with significant and meaningful supervisory, technical, and/or budget responsibilities may request that the GMAT be waived as a requirement for admission to the EMBA Program.  The request for the waiver shall be submitted in writing to the EMBA Director and clearly state the basis for the wavier.  A current resume shall accompany the request.  A final decision will be made by the Graduate Program & Instruction Committee.
  • For international students only, a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) total score of 550 (or a minimum computer-based score of 213) and a listening comprehension score of 55.
  • For Credential Evaluation Services – https://www.nicholls.edu/international/

SELECTION
When selecting candidates, the Graduate Business Programs and Instruction Committee considers each applicant’s career achievements, academic ability and motivation. For applicants required to take the GMAT, the test score is taken into consideration along with work experience and grade point average. All applicants are required to be interviewed by the Committee – the interview may be via telephone or in person.

In addition to all general requirements for admission to the University and to Graduate Studies, applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree (with mathematics training which includes three-dimensional calculus and at least nine additional hours of mathematics at the junior level or above, from accredited institutions, and approved by the Department); AND
  • Submit three letters of recommendation; AND
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.75; OR
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of coursework completed; OR
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale AND attained a combined (verbal and quantitative) GRE Revised General Test score of 300.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 2.50 on the last 60 hours of coursework.
  • Valid Teaching Certificate (except for MCLD-High Incidence Disabilities)
  • Three recommendations
  • Passing GRE score
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 2.50 on the last 60 hours of coursework.
  • Teaching Certificate for MESL (K-12 School Leadership)
  • Three recommendations
  • Passing GRE score. GRE may be waived for high GPA. (Educational Technology Leadership & K-12 School Leadership)

Admission Requirements & Application Information

  • B.S. degree in a science curriculum
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Combined GRE (verbal + quantitative) of 300
  • TOEFL score of 550 (PBT)/213 (CBT)/80 (IBT) for international students
  • Graduate faculty member agree to be major professor (agreement form in the departmental application packet)
  • Three letters of recommendation from professionals in the field
  • Cover letter and resume or CV
  • An interview with the departmental graduate committee to gain full M.S. track student status
  • Complete application (online and departmental)

The packet will serve as the program and graduate assistantship application.  Please send the completed application packet, official GRE scores, all official college transcripts, cover letter, and CV or resume to:

Dr. Christopher Bonvillain
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Biological Sciences
Nicholls State University
P.O. Box 2021
Thibodaux, LA 70310

When your application is received, you will be notified by e-mail.  For more application information, contact Dr. Chris Bonvillain.

The deadline for applying for teaching assistantships starting in the Fall semester is March 26. For assistantships starting in the Spring semester the deadline is October 25.  Applications not requesting an assistantship are accepted at any time.

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • At least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Passing Praxis I (or 22 ACT composite) and II
  • Three recommendations
  • Passing GRE score

Admission Criteria: Graduate Nursing Program

The graduate nursing program admits students in Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants should possess the following:

  • Evidence of a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited undergraduate nursing program.
  • Evidence of a valid, unencumbered Louisiana Registered Nurse license.
  • All transcripts from the undergraduate school and any work attempted at the graduate level. Submit documentation of satisfactory standing in graduate nursing program at last institution attended (if applicable).
  • A current resume, including applicant’s full name, address, telephone number(s), email address(es), academic preparation, degrees held, honors, awards, special interest work history, and other relevant information.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for last 60 undergraduate hours of required nursing degree courses, as indicated by a transcript.
  • Completed a course in introductory statistics with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.
  • At a minimum, two (2) Statements of Recommendation (Form).
  • A Statement of Intent/Purpose with rationale for pursuing study in selected concentration.

Students meeting admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the MSN program. Additionally, ICMSN programs reserve the right to limit the number of students enrolled in a course in order to make the most effective use of educational resources available.

During the first semester of enrollment of regular admission the student must:
  • File a degree plan with the MSN Graduate Coordinator, in accordance with the General Requirements of the Master’s Degree in the Graduate School section of the Catalog.
  • Submit a complete history and Student-Employment-Physical.
  • Submit current certification in CPR (every two years), annual TB results, and required immunizations. (MSN Health Requirements)
  • Submit a negative drug screen.
  • Submit an acceptable background check.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Professional Liability Insurance.

 

Non-Degree Classified Admission

For information, please call the MSN Program Office (985) 448-4690.

Admission and Progression Requirement for the Advanced Practice Concentrations (FNP, PMHNP)

Admission to the practicum component of either advanced practice concentration (FNP or PMHNP) means that the MSN degree-seeking student is eligible to progress beyond the core courses to complete the program of study. Applications for admission to the  practicum component should occur during the semester in which the student is scheduled to complete the core course work.

The following criteria will be considered for admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner or  Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations:

  • Meet regular admission criteria to MSN program (formula score is considered).
  • Cumulate Grade Point Average (GPA) rank in the MSN program. Cumulate GPA in the required advanced practice core courses: NURS 507/607, NURS 517/617, and NURS 518/618 (calculated after completion of semester).
  • Written commitment to a full-time or part-time degree plan as established by the MSN program. For limited practicum slots, preference will be given to full-time students.
  • At least one (1) year of appropriate nursing experience.
  • Drug testing will be required.
  • Evidence of CPR certification, OSHA/HIPPA Training, verification of Tb test, required immunizations, liability insurance, and health insurance.

The Graduate Coordinator will notify students of the status of their application at the close of the semester in which they have applied, following calculation of final GPA. Once admitted to the declared NP concentration, the student is expected to follow the full-time or part-time degree plan which becomes part of their record. Students who do not follow their degree plan may lose a practicum slot and will be required to reapply to the role concentration.

To be admitted to the Master of Education in School Counseling program at Nicholls, applicants should possess and submit the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 2.50 on the last 60 hours of coursework.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Certified Background Check
  • Program application
  • Passing GRE score. GRE may be waived for high GPA.

To be admitted into the Specialist in School Psychology program at Nicholls State University, applicants should possess the following:

  • Complete undergraduate degree in Psychology or 15 hours of undergraduate psychology including statistics, research methods, physiological or abnormal psychology, psychology of exceptional children and three additional hours of psychology.
  • Obtain a minimum score of 800 (Verbal plus Quantitative) on the General portion of the GRE (taken before August 1, 2011). A minimum score of 286 (Verbal plus Quantitative) on the General portion of the GRE (taken after August 1, 2011).
  • Present evidence of a GPA of 2.50 or better on the last 60 semester hours pursued.
  • Have three rating forms, secured from the Coordinator of Graduate Studies office, completed by appropriate references and returned.
  • Complete an interview with faculty representatives of the School Psychology Specialist Program.
  • All applicants for graduate study in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will undergo a criminal background check; specific programs may require additional criminal background checks after matriculation.  All background check(s) will be performed by the College’s designated provider and paid for by the student.

HOW TO APPLY

Degree-seeking Students

Submit to the Nicholls Office of Admissions:

To begin the admissions process, applicants should submit the following to the Nicholls Office of Admission (P.O. Box 2004 / Thibodaux, LA 70310).

  • Application for Admission: An application may be submitted electronically through the Online Application for Admission.
  • Application fee: A non-refundable application fee of $20, in the form of a check or money order, must be mailed to the Office of Admissions. Cash is accepted if brought to the Office of Admissions. An application is not processed until the fee is received.
  • Official transcripts: Complete transcripts from all previously attended universities must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Download and print the Record Request Form (PDF).
  • Standardized test scores: Scores required for your program (GRE, GMAT, Praxis), if any, must be sent directly from the testing service provider.
  • Immunization form: All enrolled Nicholls students must provide written proof of immunization. Visit the Health Services Immunization page for more information and to download the form.

Submit to your program:

Each academic program determines its admission criteria and requirements. Beyond what must be received by the Office of Admissions, most programs require additional materials, such as program-specific applications, resumes, letters of recommendation, etc. Each program also has separate deadlines. Go to your program’s application information page:

Degree-seeking International Students

To begin the admissions process, applicants should submit the following to the Nicholls Office of International Student Admission (P.O. Box 2004 / Thibodaux, LA 70310).

  • Application for Admission: An application may be submitted electronically through the Online Application for Admission.
  • Application fee: A non-refundable application fee of $30, in the form of a check or money order, must be mailed to the Office of Admissions. Checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Cash is accepted if brought to the Office of Admissions. An application is not processed until the fee is received.
  • Summary of Educational Background by Years Form: This form enables Nicholls to evaluate the educational background of prospective students. Download and print the Summary of Educational Background by Years Form (PDF).
  • Official secondary school transcripts with official English translation.
  • Official certification of degree earned with official English translation.
  • ACT or SAT score report.
  • Standardized test scores: Scores required for your program (GRE, GMAT, Praxis), if any, must be sent directly from the testing service provider.
  • TOEFL score report: The TOEFL is used to evaluate the English proficiency of our prospective students and is an admission requirement. Students should arrange to take the TOEFL as soon as they decide to attend a U.S. university. The results must be sent directly to Nicholls State University from ETS. The institutional code for Nicholls is 6221.
  • Affidavit of Support and Financial Statement: The Affidavit of Support proves that students have sufficient funds to finance one year of study at Nicholls. Students must complete the first part of the form, and their sponsor must complete the second part. A financial institution must either sign and stamp the bottom portion of the form or provide verification of funds in a letter on its letterhead. Download the Affidavit of Support 2019-2020.
  • Official transcripts and course descriptions from previous university work: Complete transcripts from all previously attended universities must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Download and print the Record Request Form (PDF).
  • Copies of current I-20 and I-94 forms (if transferring to Nicholls from within the United States).
  • Immunization form: All enrolled Nicholls students must provide written proof of immunization. Visit the Health Services Immunization page for more information and to download the form.
  • Transfer Adviser Form: For applicants transferring to Nicholls from within the United States, this form must be sent to Nicholls directly by the U.S. school you are transferring from. Download Transfer Adviser Form (PDF).

Submit to your program:

Each academic program determines its admission criteria and requirements. Beyond what must be received by the Office of Admissions, most programs require additional materials, such as program-specific applications, resumes, letters of recommendation, etc. Each program also has separate deadlines. Go to your program’s application information page:

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