Undergraduate Programs

Application for First Year Admission

Wagner College is a member of The Common Application. The College also provides an institutional application for admission should a prospective student not wish to submit a Common Application. Both applications for admissions are available at www.wagner.edu/apply. Applications should be submitted as early as possible in the senior year of high school but will be reviewed throughout the academic year. A non- refundable fee of $60 must accompany the application. An official high school transcript, two recommendations, a personal statement written by the applicant are the base requirements for all applicants. If submitting test scores for consideration, as Wagner is SAT optional, please send scores from the SAT I of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB #2966) or the ACT Program (ACT #2984).

Admission Criteria

The First-Year applicant is reviewed on the following:

• academic grades earned in a college preparatory program

• rank in class, if available

• standardized test result, e.g., scores from the SAT I or ACT (Optional, as test scores are not required for admission.)

• personal statement

• audition (required for Theatre scholarship candidates)

• supplementary application and interview (required for applicants to the Physician Assistant Program)

• 2 recommendations either from guidance director, principal, teacher, or employer.

• 21 academic units distributed as follows: (a unit equals one year of study)

English - (4 units)

History - (3 units)

Mathematics - (3 units)

Foreign language - (2 units)

Science - (2 units)

14 units

The following are acceptable as elected units: art (1), computer science (1–2), history (1–2), languages (2–4), literature (1), mathematics (1–2), music (1–2), natural science (1–3), religion (1), social studies (1–3) - 7 units.

Other criteria for admission that are considered include students’ participation in extracurricular and community activities and additional recommendations that attest to students’ academic abilities. A personal interview with an admissions counselor is strongly recommended.

None of these factors is considered in isolation; all are weighed together. The Admissions Office seeks as complete an understanding of candidates as is possible to ensure that the student will successfully complete the course of study at Wagner College while contributing to the intellectual and social community of the College.

Procedures for Admitted Students

The admitted applicant is required to notify the Admissions Office of a decision to enroll by May 1, as stipulated in the letter of admission. This notice must be accompanied by a $300 tuition deposit. In addition, resident students must also submit a non-refundable room deposit of $300. This deposit will be applied to college fees. Health and personal information forms will be available to all admitted students upon notification of their decision to enroll. Health and personal information forms are required of all deposited students before the start of the semester. The health report requires a thorough physical examination by a qualified physician, including proof of immunizations.

Wagner requires all financial aid applicants to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal assistance. The FAFSA may be filed at https://www.studentaid.gov . New York State residents are expected to apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). An electronic TAP application will be emailed to you by New York State.

Early Action Program

This non-binding program is designed to give well-qualified applicants an opportunity to obtain decisions on their applications by January 15. Applications must be submitted by November 15. A student may be considered for early action on the basis of three years of high school work. The scores of the SAT I or ACT will also be reviewed if the student decides to submit them.

Academic Scholarships

Wagner recognizes students of academic distinction and talent as academic scholars. Academic scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement as measured by high school average, rank in class, (if available), and SAT or ACT scores (optional). Extracurricular activities are also taken into consideration. Students may also qualify as academic scholars in the performance area of theatre. To receive a scholarship based on performance, students must audition with faculty from the theatre program. This audition may take place on campus or virtually.

Honors Program Candidates

Each year identified incoming first-year students will receive an invitation to become part of the Honors Program based on their academic performance in high school. Students who accept this invitation will meet with the Director of the Honors Program during orientation week, and will become Honors Program Candidates. After finishing their first semester at the college with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above, the candidates will be vested as full members of the program. Other students may apply for admission to the Honors Program as late as the first semester of their sophomore year. Students in the Honors Program must maintain a 3.5 grade-point average each semester to remain active in the program.

International Students

Wagner College welcomes all international students. In addition to the application requirements listed above, international students must submit two official copies of their transcripts from any high school and/or college that they attended. One copy must be in the original language of issue, and the other copy must be a certified translation into English. Students also must include a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and, when applicable, official test scores. All transcripts must be evaluated by an external agency (such as World Education Services, available online at www.wes.org) to determine U.S. equivalency.

International applicants must satisfy the English language requirement by submitting a TOEFL score of a minimum of 81 (internet-based exam) or a 550 (paper test), IELTS band score of at least 6.5 or a Duolingo score of 105 or higher. Students can opt to take the SAT in lieu of one of the aforementioned English language proficiency examinations. If a student has completed two or more years of high school or college instruction in English, the SAT I test is highly recommended. An English language proficiency examination is not needed if an international student is transferring from another college or university located within the United States.

It is mandatory that all newly admitted international students submit a completed physical examination form. To avoid financial difficulties for international students, an I-20 form will not be issued until an applicant is formally admitted and submits a statement of financial support that specifies the resources that are available to defray all educational and living expenses required for study.

Transfer Admission

Students transferring in courses from other accredited institutions as determined by Wagner College should expect to receive 1 unit for every transferable 3-4 credit course. Wagner College operates on a Unit system: 1” unit” signifies the satisfactory completion of work requiring the attendance of approximately 3.34 hours in lectures or recitations weekly. One (1) unit typically equals one college course.

Up to 18 units (approximately 60 credits) may be awarded for credits earned from an accredited two-year institution and up to 27 units (approximately 90 credits) for credits earned from an accredited four-year institution.

If a student has attended both a two-year and four-year institution, only 18 of the max 27 units can be transferred from the two-year institution. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis will not be accepted for transfer. Wagner College will accept comparable courses in which a grade of “C -”; or higher was earned. Please note that specific programs require a higher grade be achieved for transfer credit. (See Nursing Transfer Credit Policy below.) All Wagner students must complete a minimum of 36 units to graduate. Transfer students should be aware that more than the minimum of 36 graduation units may have to be completed in order to meet major and/or general education requirements at Wagner College. Students who enter Wagner with transfer credits may transfer in additional credits according to the following table:

Transfer Units awarded upon entry Additional Transfer Units allowed after entry (General/Major)

0 – 7.5 units 4/2

8 – 16.5 units 3/2

17 – 25.5 units 2/1

26 units and Above 0/0

Exceptions may be made for students participating in study abroad programs and other Wagner approved programs.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Wagner College amended its Pass/Fail policy for transferring courses to the college. While courses on a Pass/Fail basis typically are not accepted for transfer, for courses taken in the Spring and Summer 2020, Wagner will accept courses with a Pass grade (or institutional equivalent [if a school uses “S” for Satisfactory or some other indicator for what our Pass means]), provided the transferable course fulfills all other criteria for acceptance based on Wagner’s transfer policy. Undergraduate and graduate programs in Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Education may have letter grade requirements. Please check with these departments for clarification.

All official transcripts and test scores (AP, IB, etc.) must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of classes in the students first semester at Wagner. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of transfer credit eligibility. Students who do not submit transcripts and scores on time must complete all required coursework for their major at Wagner College.

Please note that transferrable credits do not necessarily guarantee reduced time to graduation as this depends upon the specific requirements of your academic major. It is highly recommended that students consult with their academic advisor to see how their transfer credits will be applied to their academic plan.

Students Entering Wagner as First Time Freshmen with College Credits

First-Time Freshmen who have completed college coursework at an accredited degree granting college or university with a grade of “C -” or greater while in high school may transfer a total maximum number of fifteen (15) combined transfer courses to Wagner College. This includes AB/IB examinations and all other college level courses.

Transferrable credits do not necessarily guarantee reduced time to graduation as this depends upon the specific requirements of the students’ academic major. It is highly recommended that students consult with their academic advisor to see how their transfer credits will be applied to their academic plan.

All official transcripts and test scores (AP, IB, etc.) must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of classes in the students first semester at Wagner. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of transfer credit eligibility. Students who do not submit transcripts and scores on time must complete all required coursework for their major at Wagner College.

Nursing Transfer Credit Policy

Prerequisite courses eligible for nursing transfer must have a minimum of a “B-”; grade or higher from a regionally accredited institution, as determined by Wagner College. All nursing transfer students m complete at least one year of matriculation before beginning nursing courses. Students can only retake one prerequisite science course to remain in good academic standing. Students may enter Wagner College by transfer from other accredited colleges and universities. To remain in good standing, nursing students may retake only one prerequisite science course, must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2, and are required to pass the ATI TEAS entrance examination.

To be eligible for transfer into Wagner, students must meet the general admission requirements and be in good academic standing at their previous institution, as attested by an official transcript from that college or university. The Admissions Office and the Office of Academic Advising and Accessibility (OAAA) make the transcript evaluation and determination of the acceptable units. These credits will count toward units for graduation, but the grades earned will not be used in computing the student’s cumulative and major grade point averages. More than the minimum of 36 graduation units may have to be completed in order to meet major and/or general education requirements at Wagner College. Up to 18 units may be awarded to a student who has earned an acceptable Associate’s Degree from an accredited two-year college, as determined by Wagner College. Junior standing requires a minimum of 17 units. Up to 27 units may be awarded to a student who has attended an accredited four-year institution. Only non-prerequisite units in which a grade of C- or higher was earned will be transferred.

Transferrable credits do not necessarily guarantee reduced time to graduation as this depends upon the specific requirements of the students’ academic major.

Advanced Placement Examinations

Wagner College provides advanced placement and advanced unit standing in general education subjects for entering and current students who qualify. Qualification is usually determined by means of Advanced Placement examinations (AP), administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.

First Time Freshmen who have scored a “three” (3) or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are eligible to receive transfer credit. The total maximum number of combined transfer courses (units) for First Time Freshmen may not exceed fifteen.

All official transcripts and test scores (AP, IB, etc.) must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of classes in the students first semester at Wagner. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of transfer credit eligibility. Students who do not submit transcripts and scores on time must complete all required coursework for their major at Wagner College.

Transferrable credits do not necessarily guarantee reduced time to graduation as this depends upon the specific requirements of the students’ academic major.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Students are also able to gain units by examination in a series of approved subject examinations through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the Education Testing Service. A total of 9 units may be earned through examinations. The Registrar of the College can supply students with the procedures to be followed. A minimum grade of 50 is required and there will be a fee assessed for each test. Advanced placement means that the student may take required units in more advanced courses, thus bypassing lower-level courses.

Advanced unit standing allows units received through these exams to be applied toward the 36 units required for graduation. Advanced standing units are not counted in determining scholarship indices.

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)

Wagner College will also consider NOCTI credits for transfer. Students must score a 70% or higher on the NOCTI Individual Score Report for each course taken. NOCTI score reports should be sent to the Wagner College Registrar’s Office for transfer credit consideration.

Transferrable credits do not necessarily guarantee reduced time to graduation as this depends upon the specific requirements of the students’ academic major.

International Baccalaureate Policy

Wagner College recognizes the International Baccalaureate as a challenging program of study and takes this into consideration when reviewing an applicant’s record. Students who present scores of 4 or better on the IB higher level examinations may be granted advanced standing and/or credit. Credit is offered on an individual, course-by-course basis by the Registrar.

All official transcripts and test scores (AP, IB, etc.) must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of classes in the students first semester at Wagner. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of transfer credit eligibility. Students who do not submit transcripts and scores on time must complete all required coursework for their major at Wagner College.

Transferrable credits do not necessarily guarantee reduced time to graduation as this depends upon the specific requirements of the students’ academic major.

Transfer Credit Limits

Student Category	Maximum Transferable Credits
Incoming Freshmen / Students Without an AA Degree	15 units maximum (includes AP/IB credits)
Students with an AA Degree	18 units maximum (includes AP/IB credits)
Transfer Credits from 4-Year Institutions	27 units maximum
Nursing Program Students	10 units maximum
Physician Assistant Program Students	4 units maximum
Student-Athletes	The general transfer credit rules apply to student-athletes; however, additional steps are required for NCAA compliance.

Students transferring the maximum allowable credits may be subject to a program review during their first semester to determine which credits are most appropriate based on their academic path and program requirements before final acceptance is confirmed.

Requirements for NCAA Student-Athletes

All general transfer credit rules outlined above apply to student-athletes. However, additional steps are required to ensure compliance with NCAA eligibility guidelines. Student-athletes at Wagner College must comply with both institutional academic policies and NCAA eligibility requirements. To protect their athletic standing:

Athletics Department Approval Required
All student-athletes requesting transfer credit must obtain approval from Athletics Department before submitting transfer credits to the Registrar.

Purpose of Approval
Transfer credits can affect a student-athletes NCAA eligibility, including:

Progress toward degree (PTD) requirements
Percentage-of-degree completion benchmarks
Time-to-degree limits enforced by the NCAA

Without proper coordination, student-athletes risk losing eligibility to practice, compete, or receive athletic scholarships.

Compliance Coordination
Student-athletes must work with the Athletics Compliance Office and Academic Advising to ensure all transfer credits align with NCAA regulations and maintain their eligibility status.

Financial Aid and Transfer Credits

All students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Financial Aid Office before or during their first semester to understand how transfer credits may affect their financial aid eligibility.

Impact on Aid Eligibility:
Transferred credits may alter a student’s graduation timeline, which can impact:

Federal Direct Loan Limits
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress is required to maintain financial aid and is calculated based on attempted and completed credits. Transfer credits will affect these calculations.

Graduation Planning:
Transferring credits may reduce the time to degree completion, potentially affecting long-term aid eligibility if not properly planned.

Admission of Veterans

Veterans of the armed services are encouraged to apply for admission. A veteran may be awarded up to 2 units toward graduation upon completion of the junior year. Questions should be addressed to the Registrar.

Time Limit for an Undergraduate Degree

Students are expected to complete all degree requirements within ten (10) years from the date of their initial enrollment in the program. If a student does not complete the degree within this 10-year timeframe, they must submit a formal request for an extension. Approval of an extension is at the discretion of the Program Chair, who will evaluate the request based on academic progress, currency of completed coursework, and any extenuating circumstances. Coursework completed more than ten years before the date of graduation may be subject to review, revalidation, or may no longer apply toward the degree, as determined by the academic department.

Requirements for a Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students admitted for a second baccalaureate degree are required to complete a minimum of 9 units at Wagner College. In addition, the course requirements of the major as prescribed by the academic department responsible for the major must be met. The courses completed as part of the major count toward the 9 units required by the College. In no case, however, may the total units taken at Wagner College be fewer than 9. Units earned through proficiency examinations or life experience cannot be counted toward the 9 unit minimum required for a degree at Wagner College. Second degree candidates are not required to complete the general education requirements with the exception of international students who must meet the English requirements in this bulletin for international students admitted as First Year or as transfer students.

Admission of Non-Degree Students

Non-degree students are those who take units without matriculating and are not working toward a degree. A maximum of 8 units may be taken as a non-degree student. At that point, students who wish to matriculate must re-apply for admission as a matriculated student through the Admissions Office.

Admission to Summer Sessions

Students from other colleges and universities, as well as outstanding high school students who have completed their junior year, are invited to enroll in summer courses. Application for admission and requests for information should be addressed to the Admissions Office. A non-refundable deposit is required of all visiting students at the time of registration.