Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements
Complete an admissions interview conducted in person or via online methods.
- Sign and submit an attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion. Equivalencies include a GED Certificate. Home schooled students must present a diploma that meets the requirements of the state in which it was issued. (Students with non-US credentials please see International Student Admissions Requirements below).
- Submit a completed application
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration, University of the Potomac.
- Submit grade reports or scores from any recognized college equivalency examinations (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, and Advanced Placement).
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs. (Note: An ACE evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for corporate educational training.)
- Submit military training documents. (Note: An ACE military evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for military training.)
- Provide proof of high school (or equivalent) completion. Equivalencies include a GED Certificate. Home schooled students must present a diploma that meets the requirements of the state in which it was issued. (Students with non-US credentials please see International Student Admissions Requirements below)
Download Forms
Download High School Request Form (DC/VA/Online) — fill out the form and email it to admissions@potomac.edu
Have questions regarding admissions requirements?
Fill out the form and get all admission information you need regarding your chosen program.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
In addition to the general requirements, applicants for a graduate program must provide the following:
- An undergraduate degree in order to enroll in University of the Potomac master’s programs: four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in other countries.
- International applicants 16 with a 3-year undergraduate degree may be admitted on the recommendation of the Admission Committee which will be based on students’ preparation.
- Two Letters of recommendation from individuals who may be a direct supervisor or university faculty member.*
- One required essay, in MSWord document form, addressing the student’s preparation for the graduate program.
- Three years of professional work experience preferably at the mid-level or senior level manager’s position. Proof of experience can be provided in the form of a current resume or letter from supervisor at current place of employment.**
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not required for admission but is strongly preferred for students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in a business related discipline or lack the pre-requisite courses in business, finance and economics.
*This requirement may be waived for those students with Master level transfer credits.
**This requirement only applies to applicants for the Executive MBA program.
International Admissions Requirements
Official academic evidence of completion of secondary education (highschool or equivalent) for undergraduate applicants; official academic evidence of completion of undergraduate education for graduate applicants; official academic evidence of completion of graduate education for doctorate applicants. Academic evidence should be translated into English. Document can be either:
- Original verification letter from secondary/high school institution officer or certified (attested) copy
- Original or certified (attested) copy of transcripts from secondary or post-secondary education
Proof of sufficient finances shown in U.S. currency/dollar. One or more of the following:
- Personal funds – official bank statement
- Sponsors – affidavit of support accompanied with official bank statement
- Scholarships – official scholarship letter
Official proof of English language proficiency (any one of the items listed below)
- TOEFL overall minimum scores: undergraduate PBT 500 / graduate 550 / doctorate 600; IBT undergraduate 60 / graduate 79 / doctorate 85.
- TOEIC overall minimum scores: undergraduate 670 / graduate 720 / doctorate 720.
- IELTS overall minimum scores: undergraduate 6.0 / graduate 6.5 / doctorate 6.5.
- Successful completion of the last three years of secondary education (high school or equivalent) in which the official language of the Country was English.
- Completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with at least a C average at a U.S. postsecondary institution (college or university) at which English was the language of instruction.
Pay U.S. $100 non-refundable application fee.
A copy of the photo page and address page of passport (2 pages).
Doctoral Programs Admissions Requirements (DP)
This program is focused on first-time doctoral students who do not have any previously completed doctoral credits from a previous institution. To be considered for admission into the Doctoral Program (DP) program, students must submit the following documentation and meet the requirements below:
- A University of the Potomac application form
- Registration acknowledgment form
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration
- Doctoral students must have an earned master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution.
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs.
- Submit military training documents.
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Two letters of recommendation letters (academic or professional)
- One required essay, in MSWord document form, addressing the student’s preparation for the doctoral program, proposed research area, and professional goals
- You must complete a in person, phone or video interview with UOTP
- GRE or GMAT scores (no minimum score or time limit); optional
Doctoral Completion Program (DCP) Admissions Requirements
This program is for students who have previously completed doctoral courses and/or partial dissertation chapters from a previous institution. To be considered for admission into the Doctoral Completion Program (DCP) students must submit the following documentation and meet the requirements below:
- A University of the Potomac application form
- Registration acknowledgement form
- Transcripts showing your completed coursework in the program of study from your previous doctoral program
- A written statement on your intent to complete doctoral programs (i.e., reason for not completing your previous program, role of degree in your career path, proposed research area, and plan for doctoral program success)
- Two letters of recommendation letters (academic or professional)
- Scholarly work sample (optional)
- 36 credits can be reviewed for transfer credits
- No more than 5 years since you were last enrolled in a doctoral program, unless a waiver granted by the Office of Academic Affairs
- Only coursework completed in the last 10 years is eligible for transfer credit, unless a waiver granted by the Office of Academic Affairs
- You must have completed all doctoral coursework at the prior institution, with a minimum of a cumulative GPA of 3.0
- You must not have been academically dismissed from your prior institution
- You must complete a in person, phone or video interview with UOTP
- GRE or GMAT scores (no minimum score or time limit); optional
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49.
The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with University of the Potomac when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. The overall score minimum requirement for undergraduate is 80, for graduate is 90, and for doctorate is 100. Tips for Your Test Experience Applicants One-Pager Student Sharing Results Instructions
Submit an Application
We welcome you to apply. We have convenient and inclusive acceptance criteria. Get in touch with an Admissions Counselor today, we’re excited to work with you through the application process.
Graduate Program Applicants: Make Sure your Essay is Top Notch
Your essay is a reflection of your motivations and ability to communicate. Take time to write a great essay and ensure you are responding to the topic appropriately and with enough detail. Write a few drafts of your essay and be sure to check your spelling and grammar after every round of edits.
