Admissions Information

General Admission Criteria for Graduate Programs

Regular admission into graduate studies at Herzing University will be based on the following criteria:

1. Prior Degree Requirement for Master’s Degrees: Prospective graduate students must have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree at a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by an approved foreign credential evaluator. Students enrolling in the RN to MSN or Post Masters MSN must have a degree from a programmatically accredited institution.

2. Prior Degree Requirement for Post-Master’s Certificates: Prospective students entering a post-master’s certificate program must also have an earned a) a Master of Science in Nursing degree to pursue a nursing post-master’s certificate or earned b) a Master of Business Administration degree (or related master’s degree in a business discipline, as determined by the program chair) to pursue a business post-master’s certificate. Prior degrees must originate from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, for admission into a post master’s certificate program. Equivalent foreign credentials will also be considered. Please note: Some program versions may have additional prerequisite requirements. Please reference the program outline for specific information.

3. Program Grade Point Average: (PGPA):
   A. Business and Healthcare: Prospective graduate students in Business and Healthcare programs must have achieved a PGPA of 2.70 or better for all undergraduate courses attempted or a PGPA of 3.00 or better for at least 6.00 semester credit hours of graduate study, as evidenced by an official transcript from each college or university attended.
   B. Nursing: Prospective graduate students in Nursing programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing with a PGPA of 3.00 or higher; and if previously enrolled in a graduate nursing program, the applicant has not failed a clinical course, or has been suspended from, or on probation in, that graduate nursing program.

4. Interview: Prospective graduate students must complete an interview with the graduate program chair or a Herzing University admissions representative.

Non-discrimination Policy

Herzing University admits students of any race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disabled and/or Vietnam era veteran status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at Herzing University. Herzing University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disabled and/or Vietnam era veteran status in the recruitment, admission or treatment of students, the recruitment, hiring, or treatment of faculty and staff, and the operation of its activities and programs, as specified by state and federal laws including but not limited to the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX of 1972 Educational Amendments to the Higher Education Act, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Sections 503/504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and all other laws which pertain to access, equality and nondiscrimination. For further information or inquiries regarding Herzing University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, please contact Human Resources, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste 210, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203, telephone: (414) 271-8103.

International Graduate Student Admission

International Graduate Student Admission (Students Intending to Study at a U.S. Campus Location).

Herzing University is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to accept and enroll non-immigrant students.

In order to be issued an I-20 authorization from the University, non-immigrant applicants must meet the University’s general admissions requirements, as well as program admission requirements where applicable, provide the following documentation, and be accepted into Herzing University:

1. A certified copy of college transcripts, which includes all courses pertinent to receiving the bachelor’s degree, evaluated by a transcript evaluation service approved by Herzing University; or a transcript evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE); or translated and certified as an official document by an active Herzing University international affiliate college or university.

2. Sufficient financial statements demonstrating the ability to finance, and a notarized statement of financial support when applicable, or a certified government sponsor letter indicating that tuition will be paid in advance of each academic period and that all necessary living expenses for the international applicant will be provided. (Form I-134 may be needed and is available online from USCIS.)

3. Proof of English-language proficiency through any one of the following: (If you are a citizen of a country where English is the official language or primary language you may not need to supply additional documentation of language ability. An International Admissions Coordinator can help you identify what documentation may be needed.)

a. A score of 550 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL.

b. A score of 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL.

c. A score of 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL.

d. A score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS.

e. A score of 3.9 or higher on the iTEP.

f. A score of 100 or higher on the DET.

g. A score of 53 or higher on the PTE Academic.

h. Documentation of successful completion from a University-approved college preparatory ESL program of an intermediate English course from an accredited designated ESL center college or university or an ESL center.

i. Documentation of a minimum of 4 years of successful completion of secondary or post-secondary studies (i.e., high-school level) in an English-speaking school whose language of instruction is English.

j. Documentation of alternative measures of English language proficiency, as deemed appropriate by Herzing University.

k. Other options may apply for students attending through an affiliate program. Specifics are outlined in the affiliate agreement or corresponding exhibits.

4. Valid copy of the student’s passport approved by the government where the student hold citizenship. Additional Documentation may be requested.

International Graduate Student Admission (Students attending completely online courses from their home country. Students who apply for transfer to a physical U.S. campus will need to meet all criteria under the International Undergraduate Student Admissions – U.S. Campus section).

1. A certified copy of college transcripts, which includes all courses pertinent to receiving the bachelor’s degree, evaluated by a transcript evaluation service approved by Herzing University; or a transcript evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE); or translated and certified as an official document by an active Herzing University international affiliate college or university.

2. Proof of English-language proficiency through any one of the following: (If you are a citizen of a country where English is the official language or primary language you may not need to supply additional documentation of language ability. An International Admissions Coordinator can help you identify what documentation may be needed.)

a. A score of 550 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL.

b. A score of 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL.

c. A score of 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL.

d. A score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS.

e. A score of 3.9 or higher on the iTEP.

f. A score of 100 or higher on the DET.

g. Documentation of successful completion from a University-approved college preparatory ESL program of an intermediate English course from an accredited designated ESL center college or university or an ESL center.

h. Documentation of a minimum of 4 years of successful completion of secondary studies (i.e., high-school level) in an English-speaking school whose language of instruction is English.

i. Documentation of alternative measures of English language proficiency, as deemed appropriate by Herzing University.

j.  Other options may apply for students attending through an affiliate program. Specifics are outlined in the affiliate agreement or corresponding exhibits.

3. Valid copy of a government issued student identification card or passport.

Herzing University is also authorized to accept and enroll international applicants currently attending other U.S. institutions who wish to transfer. In addition to providing the items listed above, transfer applicants must do the following:

1. Notify their current institution of their intent to transfer.

2. Submit to Herzing University the I-20 issued by the school from which they are transferring in order to have Herzing University issue a new one.

3. If accepted into Herzing University the student is responsible to make sufficient arrangements with their previous institution for transfer into Herzing University. The student is solely responsible in maintaining compliant status with all regulations around their visa status.

Note: International students cannot receive U.S. federal financial assistance, nor can they work legally in the United States without permission from the USCIS. The level of career development offered to international students/graduates will vary and will depend on the employment opportunities permitted by applicable law and/or on the students’/graduates’ visas. Herzing will provide career-planning strategies if requested by international students. Applicants applying from abroad should check with their consulate or embassy for other pertinent requirements.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

A non-degree seeking student is a student enrolled for courses not leading to a recognized degree. Applicants not seeking a degree must complete an application and meet the General Entrance Requirements for the University. In addition, the applicant must meet specific program criteria (if any) for a technical course related to a program major. The University may waive prerequisites for technical courses when appropriate prior education or experience can be shown. If space is available, the applicant will be accepted as a non-degree seeking student. The applicant must pay for the course(s) desired, complete all applicable forms, sign an enrollment agreement, and pay the Learner Resource Fee. Non-degree seeking students who apply for and are admitted to a degree program may have credits transferred to the degree program for courses they have satisfactorily completed as a non-degree seeking student. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for employment assistance or financial aid.

Special Nursing Program Requirements for Admission

Master of Science in Nursing-Direct Entry Requirements

The Master of Science in Nursing program with a direct entry pathway is intended for students who do not have a previous degree leading to Registered Nurse’s License.

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Have earned a non-nursing baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university recognized by the US Department of Education, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; and if previously enrolled in a nursing program, the applicant has not failed a nursing course in, or been suspended from, or on probation in, that nursing program.
• Earn an aggregate score of 66 or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
• Students who have completed a Practical Nursing program will not be admitted with an encumbered practical nurse license.
• Students who have previously attended a nursing program and failed one or more nursing courses will not be eligible for admission.

RN-MSN Nursing Program Entry Requirements

The RN-MSN programs are intended for licensed registered nurses (current, unrestrained license) who hold an Associate Nursing degree and are interested in advancing their careers.

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Have earned an Associate Nursing degree (ADN/ASN/AASN) from a regionally accredited college or university recognized by the US Department of Education, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Documentation of a registered nurse license, active and unencumbered.
• Students who have previously attended a nursing program and failed one or more nursing courses or been suspended from, or on probation in, that nursing program will not be eligible for admission.

Please Note: Students enrolling in the RN-MSN are not eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students will, however, acquire the baccalaureate-level knowledge and competencies delineated in The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008).

Graduate Nursing Program Requirements

Conditional Enrollment for MSN

Applicants who do not meet all admission criteria for the MSN program may be considered for conditional acceptance into the MSN programs:

• Applicants who do not meet the undergraduate PGPA but have achieved a minimum PGPA of 2.50 in their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
• Applicants who have met the undergraduate PGPA requirement, but have been dismissed, placed on probation or academic warning in a nursing or related healthcare graduate program.

The perspective student will be required to meet the following requirements in order to be conditionally admitted:

• Letter: Prospective MSN students applying for conditional admission must submit a minimum of a one-page typed personal statement of future career goals and detailing their plan for success in the graduate program. The letter must be reviewed and approved by the Nursing Department Chair and Director of Campus Operations/Academic Dean of Online Learning.
• Recommendations: Prospective MSN students applying for conditional admission will initiate 3 letters of recommendation for the graduate program. At least, one of which must be a professional recommendation from a supervisor or colleague in a professional, medical setting, or from a previous nursing instructor.
• Interview: Prospective graduate students applying for conditional admission will be required to complete an admission committee interview with the Program or Department Chair.

In order to be fully admitted, the conditionally admitted student must successfully complete their first six graduate hours with a PGPA of 3.00 or higher. In the event the student does not attain this expectation, he or she will be dismissed from the University.

Graduate Admission Criteria for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post Master’s Certificate (PMC) Programs

In addition to the requirements stated in the General Admission Criteria for Graduate Programs above, the following criteria must also be met for MSN and PMC programs:

1. Prospective students must live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the specific graduate nursing program for which the student is applying. Moving to a state where Herzing University is not authorized to offer the selected graduate nursing program will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
    
2. Prospective students must also hold a current, active, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the same state in which they live. (NOTE: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident of the state in which the licensed is issued will be deemed to have met this requirement.) 

   A student who has earned a BSN degree but has not received licensure results may be provisionally admitted to the MSN program. The admitted student must sign an acknowledgment that they must provide evidence of a current, active, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the state in which they live by the end of the first 8-week session. Failure to provide evidence by the last day of the session will result in the student being unregistered from the MSN program. All grades will be expunged, and federal funds will be returned. A student who subsequently completes the licensure requirement may re-apply for admission, however, may be required to repeat the previously attempted coursework.

3. If prior credits have been earned in another graduate nursing program, the Program Chair will conduct a review for transferability into the program. Clinical courses are not eligible for transfer into the Herzing University graduate nursing programs.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Successful completion of an MSN program with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 or higher
  • MSN must be an ACEN, CCNE, or NLN accredited program
• May not have failed from previous doctoral program
• Unencumbered RN license

Students who meet the requirements listed above, must also provide the following documentation:

• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Background/clinical compliance check

Students receiving VA Educational Benefits

Herzing University students receiving VA Educational Benefits and are taking clinical or externship courses will have their courses identified and verified by the VA if the courses are taken outside of the physical campus. No action is needed by the student.

Additional Admission Requirements for Nursing Programs

Applicable Programs

Additional admissions requirements apply to all programs with direct patient contact in clinical or internship settings. This includes, but may not be limited to, the following programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner  
• Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner  
• Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner  
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education  
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration   
• Master of Science in Nursing in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner   
• Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  

Additional Requirements

Immunizations and Health Checks

Verification of basic, required health and immunizations is required for all students admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing programs prior to enrollment in the first clinical practicum course. Students who are unwilling to secure additional immunizations that may be required by specific clinical site facilities will not be allowed to enter those facilities. This will jeopardize the student’s ability to complete the program. Students will submit required immunizations to the approved vendor of the University one month prior to the start of the clinical term, as well as keep their information updated throughout the program. The inability to meet the health and immunization requirements will inhibit the student from continuing in the program.

Drug Testing

Prior to admission, applicants for the above-listed programs must pass the required drug test prior to program admission. Additional drug testing may be required as the student moves into clinical courses. Drug testing is administered through the University-approved vendor.

Background Checks

Prior to program admission, and using the University’s approved vendor, applicants for the above-listed programs must complete the required panel of criminal/civil background checks. This includes producing a current driver’s license, a photo ID, and valid nursing credentials. If this process results in an adverse finding, such as any criminal conviction other than minor traffic infractions or a suspended driver’s license, the student will be denied program admission. Applicants who have been convicted of, or filed an Alford plea or nolo contendere plea to misdemeanor charges (other than minor traffic infractions) will not be admitted to the Nursing Program. A student may be required to pass additional background checks as the student moves into clinical courses. Finding of a criminal conviction, other than minor traffic infractions, on any subsequent background check following program admission will result in program dismissal. The student will be required to pass subsequent checks to the satisfaction of the clinical site. Certain sites may require additional checks through their own systems and processes, at additional cost to the student.

Student Requirements for Health and Immunizations

Healthcare Policy Acknowledgment

All graduate nursing students who have been admitted into one of the above programs hereby accept and acknowledge the following statements of policy to continue in any of these programs. Students in healthcare programs may be exposed to blood borne infectious diseases. Additional verification of the status of a student’s health may be required during the program if deemed necessary to meet safety requirements.

1. A student will be required to pass a criminal/civil background check. A student convicted of a criminal act will be denied admission to the program or program dismissal if currently enrolled. Students with positive background checks will not be admitted to the program, even if the incident is dismissed, or the student found not guilty. Note that students with misdemeanor traffic violations with convictions, Alford plea or nolo contendere pleas will be asked to acknowledge that they:
   1. May not be able to work in clinical sites required in the program (and thus would not be able to complete the program).
   2. May not be able to obtain a license from the state, even if the program is completed.
   3. May not be able to secure a job, even if licensed.

2. Throughout their nursing program, a student must continue to hold a current, active, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the same state in which they live and participate in clinical courses. To fail to meet this requirement will result in dismissal. (NOTE: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident of a compact-member state will be deemed to have met this requirement.)

3. A student may be subject to drug and/or alcohol screening in conjunction with clinical courses. A positive result from a screening is grounds for removal from the clinical course and program dismissal.
    
4. Clinical hours may be scheduled at any time of the day or day of the weekday, night, late night, weekends, or holidays-and the student must be available to attend clinical sites at any time the student is assigned.
    
5. Clinical sites will require the student to have his/her immunizations up to date and/or have additional immunizations prior to the start of the clinical.
    
6. Successful completion of clinical coursework may require that the student be able to perform common physical tasks related to his/ her duties to the satisfaction of each clinical site.
    
7. Patient privacy and the privacy of patient records must be protected, and failure on the part of the student to protect patient privacy or patient records is grounds for removal from the clinical site and dismissal from the program.
    
8. Missing clinical site assignments can be a basis for dismissal from the program unless the student has well-documented mitigating circumstances that are acceptable to the University. Timely progression through clinical courses is expected to be documented in the designated clinical tracking program associated with the course. Students who do not document their clinical assignments can be dismissed from the program. Students who do not attend clinical can be dismissed from the program.
    
9.  The student further understands that the cost of tuition and fees at Herzing University does not include the following:

• The cost of any required immunizations, drug testing, and background checks.
• The cost of transportation to and from school or clinical sites, including parking.
• The cost of any required uniforms and apparel.
• The cost of criminal background checks or substance abuse tests.
• Any other cost that is not specifically identified above as being part of Herzing University tuition and fees.

10.  A student in this program is a potential representative of Herzing University and the healthcare profession, and the student’s actions and in-actions may reflect on Herzing University and the clinical sites to which the student is assigned. Therefore, the student must conduct himself or herself in a professional manner, demonstrating integrity and accountability. Failure to behave professionally can be a basis for dismissal from the program.

Clinical Practicum Placements

Students select and arrange their own clinical practicum placements, with support from Herzing University. Herzing University secures clinical affiliation agreements for students accepted and enrolled in the program. Herzing University does not guarantee clinical placements.

Nursing Students Re-entry

Nursing students seeking readmission and reentry after academic dismissal will be eligible for re-entry one time only. Nursing students dismissed a second time, seeking re-entry, must begin the program from the beginning, with the approval of the Academic/Graduate Dean.

Students who are withdrawing and are on academic warning must consult with their advisor to determine if they are eligible for reentry.

Re-entry into the program must be completed within 3 semesters of the last date of attendance (LDA). Students who cannot return to the program within the specified period of time and are in good academic standing may reapply to the program. The transfer policy on previously taken credits at Herzing will apply. Students who reapply to the program may be required to re-take specialty courses.

The program must be completed within five years. Students may re-enter as many times necessary within the five-year time limit. Exceptions are approved by the Academic/Graduate Dean.

Nursing Students Receiving VA Educational Benefits

Herzing University students receiving VA Educational Benefits and are taking clinical or externship courses will have their courses identified and verified by the VA if the courses are taken outside of the physical campus. No action is needed by the student.

Special Social Work Program Requirements for Admission

Admissions Criteria to the University

The MSW program will adhere to the University policies that establish requirements for admission to the graduate program. Admission will be based on the following University criteria:

1. Prior Degree Requirement for Master’s Degrees: Prospective graduate students must have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree at a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by an approved foreign credential evaluator.
2. Program Grade Point Average: (PGPA): Prospective graduate students in Social Work must have achieved a PGPA of 2.50 or better for all undergraduate courses attempted or a PGPA of 3.00 or better for at least 6.00 semester credit hours of graduate study, as evidenced by an official transcript from each college or university attended.
3. Interview: Prospective graduate students must complete an interview with the graduate program chair, designee, or a Herzing University admissions representative.

Admission Criteria to the MSW Program

The Program Chair and/or a committee comprised of faculty in the Social Work program will review and evaluate the application to ensure that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.

The requirements for admission to the traditional MSW program track are:

• Prospective graduate students must have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree not in social work from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree at a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by an approved foreign credential evaluator;
• Transcript from baccalaureate degree program;
• 2.5 cumulative GPA in baccalaureate degree; and
• A personal statement addressing each prompt 1-4 below.

The requirements for admission to the advanced standing MSW program track are:

• Prospective graduate students must have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree in social work from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree at a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by an approved foreign credential evaluator; within 7 years of the date their BSW was conferred, OR, have a BSW license in good standing.
• Transcript – BSW from a CSWE accredited program;
• Cumulative 2.75 GPA; and
• A personal statement addressing prompts 1-5 below.

Optional Recommendations for both traditional and advanced standing MSW tracks:

• Completed recommendations from prior professors, supervisors, and/or a social worker will be considered in the application if provided. These could attest to the applicant’s critical thinking skills, time management, honesty, dependability, values, appreciation of diversity, commitment to social justice.

Students transferring from another institution must meet all criteria outlined above.

Note: The program will simultaneously admit students into both the institution and program.

Prompts: 

1. Master’s level social work addresses a variety of social problems and issues. Describe why you would like to earn a Master of Social Work degree. What specific populations do you want to work with and why? Describe the specific social problems you most want to understand and provide your rationale. How does this relate to the specialization to which you are applying? Cite empirical evidence, if necessary, using APA format.
2. Read the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics and describe how your personal values align with the values of the profession. Discuss how the Code of Ethics provides a framework for professional social workers.
3. Describe how your education and experiences have prepared you to be successful in a graduate program. You may wish to address time management skills, social support, and self-care practices which may help you to be successful as a graduate student.
4. Social work has a commitment to addressing social injustice. Discuss an experience or situation in which you were compelled to advocate for change. How do you envision advocating, in your career as a social worker, for people experiencing injustice?

Advanced Standing Additional Prompt:

1. Describe the most important things that you learned in your BSW field placement. Identify the most challenging part of the experience for you? What did you learn about yourself as a helper? What knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive/affective processes do you need to enhance or extend to develop your advanced social work practice? Do you have an active social work license? If so, provide the state and license number.

Transfer of Credit and Prior Learning Assessment

Herzing University is committed to awarding students entering and studying at the University the maximum credit possible for credits taken at other recognized post-secondary institutions as well as for their prior learning.  See transfer of credit in the Academic section.

Applying for Admissions

Prospective students are expected to complete an interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor. The advisor will provide information about programs, start dates, student services, and employment opportunities for graduates. Once all admission requirements have been fulfilled, the advisor will generally invite the prospective student to submit an application for admission to the University. The applicant will be notified in writing of the action taken by the University with respect to his/her application. When an application has been accepted, the applicant must establish appropriate financial arrangements and complete the necessary documentation. Once the applicant has completed these arrangements, signed a University Enrollment Agreement, and paid an enrollment fee, the applicant will be considered an enrolled student and will be automatically registered for appropriate classes. Students do not have to register for classes; the University will schedule students for the applicable courses in each academic period based upon their program of study. Students will have the right to request adjustments to their schedule, and these requests will be accommodated whenever possible.

Application for admission is on a continuous basis; however, those who apply first are accepted first, and enrollment is limited. No one will be admitted to class after the second day of the term unless approved by the Director of Campus Operations/Academic Dean of Online Learning and the campus President.

Admission Applications

Although it is preferable for a prospective student to visit Herzing University to complete an application, these documents may be obtained in the following ways:

1. Contact Herzing University by phone or e-mail to request the necessary forms.
2. Complete a Herzing University application online at https://enroll.herzing.edu.

New Student Orientation

Herzing University’s new student orientation (or online tutorial) helps entering students prepare for college. It also enables students to become acquainted with Herzing University and its services. Students attending face-to-face orientation will have the opportunity to meet the campus staff and faculty members and receive a review of important college policies and procedures. The University will send each enrollee a notification announcing the time and date of the new student orientation or online tutorial. The Herzing University Catalog is the official policy of the University. Students should seek clarification from the catalog if they are told or read any information inconsistent or contradictory with the official policy of the catalog, even in the unlikely event it is presented in orientation.

Students in the nursing programs are required to attend an additional clinical practicum orientation prior to entering the clinical site. This is presented in a Blackboard collaborate session at various times early in the first semester the student enrolls.

International Student Orientation and On-boarding Seminar

The International Student Orientation and On Boarding Seminar is designed to aid new international students in making a successful transition into the U.S. classroom and U.S. culture. It is mandatory for all international students to attend and complete both the Orientation and On Boarding Seminar unless approved for waiver by their respective Director of Campus Operations/Academic Dean of Online Learning. Students who fail to comply with attendance or successful completion may be required to retake each respective session, be placed on an academic improvement plan, or dismissed from the University for failure to make sufficient progress.

Resuming Studies (Re-Enroll/Re-Enter)

Re-Enter

A student who withdraws from the University may apply to return after a period of non-attendance and is referred to as a Re-Enter. The student may be required to sign new enrollment documents and all financial obligations from previous enrollment periods must be resolved prior to returning to Herzing University.

A student who was dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons must appeal to the University Appeals committee to be considered as a Re-Enter (refer to “Appeals Procedures ”). In instances where the appeal is approved, the student will be provided with an Academic Success Plan, which must be met in order to maintain enrollment in subsequent semesters.

A student applying to re-enter or re-enroll who previously completed coursework involving clinical or related skills (including courses in dental assisting, dental hygiene, medical assisting, nursing, radiology, and surgical technology) may be required to repeat some or all coursework depending on when the student was last enrolled. This is to ensure that re-entering students can perform at skill levels necessary for student and patient safety. Students who return after an interruption of studies should note that courses are not typically offered every semester and, although they may be eligible to return to school, course scheduling may impact the timeframe in which they are able to start classes. In the event that the course schedule cannot accommodate all students requiring the course, the currently active students will be given priority. In the event that the number of students that may be re-admitted as part of a cohort is limited, a program wait-list will be created.

Re-entering students are responsible for all applicable tuition and fees for repeated coursework. As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, the University routinely evaluates its curriculum, assessments, and/or policies and may, as a result, make changes.  Students who withdraw from a program or who are dismissed from a program and whose appeal is granted, may return to a program of study whose requirements are different from those in the original program of enrollment.  Such changes may result in the need to take additional coursework/and or to extend the date of graduation.  

Re-Enroll

A student who graduates from one program at Herzing University and would like to pursue another degree, diploma or certificate is classified as a Re-Enroll. The student will be required to sign new enrollment documents and all financial obligations from previous enrollment periods must be resolved prior to beginning the new program.

Certain programs may include additional requirements to re-enroll/re-enter, and students should reference specific application materials for these programs when considering program withdrawal or reapplication.

Earning a Second Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate

Earning a second master’s degree in a discipline closely related to that of an individual’s first master’s degree is rare. Less rare is an individual wishing to obtain a second master’s degree in an area that is significantly different than the first degree. In both instances, the individual often requests to apply some of the prior learning credits earned in the first program toward the requirements in the second program. The same is true of those wishing to earn two or more closely related graduate certificate programs. However, Herzing University has an obligation to ensure that each certificate or degree it awards reflects a significant immersion of the individual in a relevant, concentrated course of study and that all of the program learning outcomes are assessed and evaluated prior to graduation. To achieve this, a student seeking a second master’s or seeking additional graduate certificates from Herzing University may request that prior learning credits used to satisfy requirements in a previous master’s degree, or a previous post-graduate certificate be used to satisfy requirements in the subsequent certificate or degree program with the following restrictions:

Second Master’s Degree

1. Unless approved by the Dean of Graduate Programs, the second master’s degree must be in a discipline that is different than the first master’s degree (e.g., MSN and MBA) or where the second master’s degree plan of study is significantly different (e.g., MBA and an MS in Accounting).
2. The individual must apply and be accepted for admission to the desired master’s degree program.
3. Approval for the course(s) to be “accepted” from the previous master’s degree must be evaluated based on learning outcomes and approved on a course-by-course basis by the Graduate Program Chair or Department Chair in the discipline where the second master’s degree is being earned and submitted to the Dean of Graduate Programs for approval.
4. Except by a pre-approved, written agreement; no clinical, practicum, internship, externship, comprehensive exam, thesis, or capstone course will be accepted through prior learning credit for any such course required in the second master’s degree program.
5. All courses accepted as prior learning credit must have an earned equivalent grade of “B-” or higher and been awarded within the previous five (5) years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the Herzing University program of study.
6. A maximum of twelve (12) semester credit hours may be accepted toward the second master’s degree. Exception to this limit may be granted if it is part of a Herzing University approved articulation agreement or by approval of the Dean of Graduate Programs.