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Clark University
School of Professional Studies

undergraduate students looking up in classroom

General Admissions and Transfer

The School of Professional Studies proudly offers a Clark University education to part-time adult learners. Our approach focuses on practical education, integrating hands-on experiences with coursework taught by faculty practitioners who are leaders in their respective fields. Students come to SPS to gain the skills they need to get ahead. When they graduate, they leave with tools needed to create positive, meaningful change in their jobs, companies, and communities.

Our bachelor’s degree completion programs are intended for applicants who have previous college experience, are pursuing a second credential, or who have participated in one of Clark University’s Pathway programs.

When to Apply

Domestic Applicants

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis. To ensure you can begin during your desired start term, we recommend that all required documents are received:

  • Six weeks prior for transfer applicants.
  • Four weeks prior for applicants not transferring credits.

International Applicants

Priority deadlines are offered in rounds. Applications are viewed per round with admission and scholarship considered. However, late applications after Round 3 are accepted and will be considered per program on a space-available, case-by-case basis.

Semester Round 1 Round 2 Round 3
Fall Semester Start February 1 March 15 April 15
Summer Semester Start Date TBD Date TBD Date TBD
Spring Semester Start September 1 October 15 November 1

Application Requirements

To apply, please submit the following:

  • Online application
  • Personal essay
  • Official high school transcript or equivalent (unless high school completion is noted on a college transcript)
    • In lieu of a high school transcript, transfer students can submit an official copy of their domestic college transcript in combination with our Attestation Form. This will waive the need for a high school transcript submission.
  • English proficiency exam scores. Required for international applicants whose native language is not English:
    TOEFL: 85 (no sub-score under 20)
    IELTS: 6.5 (no band under 6.0)
    DuoLingo: 120 (no sub-score under 100)
    PTE: 61

For Transfer Credit Evaluation:

  • Official transcript from previously attended college/university from which you would like to seek transfer credit evaluation
  • Foreign transcripts—official transcripts and English translation; we recommend you submit a course-by-course evaluation of your diploma(s) and transcript(s)
  • College-level examinations—official examination
  • Military evaluation
  • Connect with an adviser about Prior Learning Assessment

Submit Application Documents

Mail or Drop Off

Mail or drop off documents to the following address:

Clark University
Office of Graduate Admissions
Carriage House
123 Woodland Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Clark University Graduate Admissions from the originating institution.

Important Codes

Note the following codes:

  • TOEFL (ETS) code: 5969
  • FAFSA code: 002139

Additional Information

The School of Professional Studies awards transfer credits for eligible courses completed successfully at regionally and programmatically accredited institutions. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation provides information about the organizations responsible for these two forms of accreditation. Official transcripts from all institutions should be sent directly to the School of Professional Studies Office of Admissions at the time of application.

Academic credits earned at institutions outside the United States are considered for transferability on a case-by-case basis. Students should submit an official English evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluator. Course descriptions and/or syllabi also should be translated into English and submitted to the School of Professional Studies Office of Admissions.

Once a new student has been accepted into a program, a major has been declared, and all official transcripts and/or exam results have been received, the School of Professional Studies conducts an official transfer credit evaluation within the first academic term. Students may be required to provide additional documentation for transfer credit evaluation.

The School of Professional Studies reserves the right to revise transfer credit awards due to course duplication, a student’s change in program of study, or other reasons deemed necessary by SPS.

Students who wish to transfer credits earned at the School of Professional Studies to another institution need to consult with that institution to determine eligibility.

Undergraduate transfer credit awards are granted on a case-by-case basis employing the following guidelines:

  • The minimum course grade acceptable for transfer credit is C, or 2.000 on a 4.000 scale.
  • Courses completed on a pass/fail scale are eligible for transfer, if the college/university policy articulates the minimum grade to earn a “pass” is equivalent to a C, or 2.000 on a 4.000 scale.
  • Credits earned in science and technology courses are valid for a period of seven years. Science and technology courses completed more than seven years ago may be considered for transfer at the discretion of SPS. Courses successfully completed in other subject areas are not subject to timelines.
  • Transfer credits also may be earned through:
    • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
  • The Excelsior College Examination Program (formerly Regents College).
    • DANTES Examination Program of the Educational Testing Service.
    • Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. A minimum score of 3 is required for all examinations.
    • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
  • A minimum score of 50 is required for acceptance of all examinations.
  • If a student is planning to use CLEP to meet the Introduction to Composition requirement, they must take the CLEP English exam with essay.

Students planning to take CLEP tests should meet with the academic advisor before registering for the exams to assure that credit sought is transferable.

  • The School of Professional Studies reserves the right to review and establish new CLEP scoring standards at any time, and such changes become effective immediately and apply to all students, regardless of matriculation date.
  • With specified exception, students must complete at least 50 percent of the total units required for a bachelor’s degree at the Clark University.
  • Student whose enrollment at Clark University is disrupted due to active duty deployment may petition for a waiver of the 50% residency requirement.  In such cases, student will be required to earn at least 25% of their degree through coursework at Clark.

Students may be eligible for PLA credit if they have accrued a foundation of knowledge and skills equivalent to the content of courses offered by the School of Professional Studies.

Awarded credits are incorporated into a student’s degree plan as transfer credits and are subject to the university’s residency requirement. Acceptable credits for PLA review are determined from approved certificates, training, and a portfolio review of prior work experience. As part of consideration for PLA credits, faculty will evaluate and map learning outcomes and achievement in alignment with NECHE accreditation requirements.

Students will be assessed a fee of $500 per approved unit.

An application can be incomplete for up to one year before it is automatically withdrawn due to inactivity. An applicant who would like to reactivate their application has one year to do so from the time of their application withdrawal.

If an applicant has any questions or would like to reactivate their application, call 1-508-793-7373 or email spsugadmissions@clarku.edu.

An applicant can request to withdraw their application for admission at any time. An applicant who would like to reactivate their application has one year to do so from the time of their application withdrawal.

To request to withdraw your application, call 1-508-793-7373 or email spsugadmissions@clarku.edu.

A student who is not able to start their studies during the academic term for which they gained acceptance must contact the School of Professional Studies Office of Admissions to request a deferral of admission. A student may request a deferral for up to one year, unless otherwise noted for specific programs. Check with the School of Professional Studies Office of Admissions for more information.

If a student does not get approved for an acceptance deferral and does not begin their studies within two academic terms of acceptance into a program, that student forfeits their acceptance and must reapply to the program for a future term. It is important for the student to inform the School of Professional Studies Office of Admissions about deferral requests as this may impact the student’s time limit on program completion and financial aid.

Students who are interested in taking courses without pursuing a degree may do so by submitting the following information:

  • Review the application instructions.
  • Completed online application
  • Official high school transcript or equivalent (unless high school completion is noted on a college transcript)
    • In lieu of a high school transcript, transfer students can submit an official copy of their domestic college transcript in combination with our Attestation Form.  This will waive the need for a high school transcript submission.

Students must satisfy the pre-requisite(s) for the courses in which they wish to enroll.

Students in non-matriculated status who would like to matriculate (i.e., pursue a Bachelor of Science degree), may do so by applying to the program.  Up to 4 units earned while on non-matriculation status may be applied to the intended degree program.

Non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

The programs and courses at the School of Professional Studies are intended for adults with college experience.  On a case-by-case basis, a youth under the age of 18 without a high school diploma or equivalent will be considered to enroll in courses as a non-matriculated student.

Factors for consideration:

  • The individual is competent at an appropriate academic level and/or artistic or technical level to be successful.
  • The individual has the ability and maturity to participate in an adult learning environment.
  • The individual is under 18 years of age and will hold at least high school Junior status by the start of the semester.
  • The individual has not completed high school or earned a GED or equivalent.
  • If the student is under 16 years of age and will hold at least high school Junior status by the start of the semester, the student must meet with and gain permission to enroll from the Associate Dean.

Underage students must complete the appropriate form which requires permission from their high school and parent/legal guardian to enroll.

If approved to enroll, student is expected to follow campus regulations and procedures applicable to Clark students, e.g., student code of conduct, registration procedures (add/drop), payment.

Grades earned will become part of the students’ permanent academic record at Clark University.

Contact Information

School of Professional Studies

Office Location
Office Hours

  • 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday

  • 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday