Admission Policies and Procedures
Office of Admission
Application Fee
Admission as a Full-time, First-time Degree-seeking college freshman
Admission as a Full-time Degree-seeking transfer student
Admission of Part-time/Non-degree seeking student
Readmission of former student
Admission of International students
Admission of HS student for Part-time study
First Class/Dual Credit
Veterans
Conditional Admission
Degree Completion Programs
Readmission for Military Servicemembers

Admission Policies & Procedures

Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies (CGES) seeks men and women who aspire to enter an exciting and challenging world through a high-quality, liberal arts education which promotes character and leadership through learning, social responsibility, and service. CMU's admission standards are intended to identify those who are most likely to succeed in a university program of studies. Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, gender, national origin, age, or federally defined disability in its recruitment and admission of students.

Central Methodist University reserves the right to restrict, deny, or revoke an offer of admission or the admission of any person otherwise eligible for reasons determined to be in the best interest of the institution by the officers thereof. These reserved rights shall be administered in a manner strictly consistent with state and federal non-discrimination laws.

Certain degree programs that lead to licensure in the state of Missouri may not be available to those persons who are or have been incarcerated.  Please contact the Office of Admissions for additional information

Office of Admission

The CGES Office of Admission at CMU is staffed with experienced professional admission representatives and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Inquiries and requests for information can be made online or by email to cges@centralmethodist.edu.

Application Fee

There is no fee to submit a paper or online application for admission.

Admission as a Full-time, First-time Degree-Seeking College Freshman

First-time freshmen are those who are entering college for the first time or have successfully completed 23 or fewer non-developmental, post-high school college credit hours other than dual credit. Those with 24 or more such credit hours may apply as transfer students even if their enrollment is on a part-time basis.

• Application for Admission. All applicants must submit a completed online or paper application for admission to the CGES Office of Admission.
• Academic Transcripts. All applicants must submit official transcripts of their high school records clearly indicating their grade point average and class rank to verify eligibility for admission and financial assistance. Home-schooled students should submit a state-certified transcript. Those who have attempted any college and/or post-secondary courses (including dual credit) must also submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. All transcripts are part of the students' permanent college record. In addition, all official transcripts must be received in the CGES Office of Admission before a student will be eligible to attend classes and receive financial assistance.
• Test Scores. All first-year applicants must submit results of the American College Testing (ACT) program (use code 2270 to submit your ACT scores to CMU) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) (CMU code:6059)
• Admission Standards.
• To receive unconditional admission to Central Methodist University, applicants have two pathways:
  

  1) Unconditional admission with a high school GPA of 2.5 and an ACT composite score of
  18 or SAT Concordance of 960.

  2) Unconditional admission with a high school GPA of 2.75 with a college preparatory
  high school transcript as outlined below and no required ACT or SAT score (the high
  school GPA will be determined by the weighted GPA, if that GPA is noted on the high
  school transcript).

  Students falling below the minimum standards may be admitted on conditional admission
  status. An offer of acceptance is made to a student with the condition that he or she remains in
  good standing.

  College Preparatory High School Curriculum for unconditional admission with a high school GPA
  of 2.75 and no required ACT or SAT score

  Students must complete the following high school unit requirements (one unit = one year):
  • English 4 units:
  One unit may be speech
  Two units must focus on composition or writing skills.

   Acceptable courses
  • English Literature
  • Speech
  • Debate

  Unacceptable Courses:

  • 
    Yearbook
    • Acting
    • Theater
    • Drama
    • Business English
    • Media

  Mathematics 3 units
  
  

  All units must be Algebra I or higher-level courses

  
  Acceptable courses
  • Algebra I
  • Algebra II
  • Trigonometry
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus
  • Geometry
  • Analytical Geometry
  • Math Analysis
  
  

  Unacceptable Courses:
  • Computer Math
  • Programming
  • Consumer Math
  • Pre-Algebra
  • Accounting
  • Basic Math
  • Technical Math
  • Computer Science
  • Personal Finance

  Science 3 units
  One unit must be a laboratory course

  Acceptable Courses:

  • 
    Earth Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Physics

  Unacceptable Courses:

  • General Science

  Social Sciences 3 units
  
  

  Acceptable Courses
  • World History

  • American History
    • American Government
    • Principles of Democracy
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Economics

  
   Unacceptable Courses
  • Personal Finance

  Students falling below the minimum standards may be admitted on conditional admission status. An offer of acceptance is made to a student with the condition that he or she remains in good standing.
• High School Equivalency.: Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify for
  admission by passing the test of General Educational Development (GED) with a score at
  least 2250 and an ACT composite score of 18 or above (SAT 960 or above).
• Homeschooled Students:Homeschooled students must submit a valid homeschool transcript that includes their grade point average, and they may receive unconditional admission by meeting the criteria established for students graduating from a traditional high school.
• Early Enrollment of Freshmen. High school applicants of exceptional ability may be admitted and enrolled following completion of their Junior year of high school. Early enrollment applicants must complete all of the procedures for regular Freshman admission, have a personal interview, and obtain the written consent of their parents and their high school principal.
• Advanced Standing. Central Methodist University awards credit for scores of 3 (three) or higher on some of the Advanced Placement (AP) tests available through the College Entrance Examination Board. Each AP exam must be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Registrar and department chairperson. CMU will consider granting credit for a limited number of subject examinations available through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). CMU recognizes the high achievement and academic excellence of students who have participated in the International Baccalaureate degree program. Usually, a score of 4 (four) or above on the Higher Level IB exam or a score of 5 (five) or above on the Standard Level IB exam will be assessed as equivalent credit for specific courses. Specific course equivalents will be designated in consultation with the appropriate Division Chair, Dean, and Registrar. Students must provide an official copy of the score report from IB, sent directly to the Office of Admissions. For further information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 660-248-6210.
• High School Equivalency. Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify for admission by passing the test of General Educational Development (GED) with a score at least 2250 or HiSET and an ACT composite score of 18 or above (SAT 960 or above).
• Advanced Standing. Central Methodist University awards credit for scores of 3 (three) or higher on some of the Advanced Placement (AP) tests available through the College Entrance Examination Board. Each AP exam must be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Registrar and department chairperson. CMU will consider granting credit for a limited number of subject examinations available through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). CMU recognizes the high achievement and academic excellence of students who have participated in the International Baccalaureate degree program. Usually, a score of 4 (four) or above on the Higher Level IB exam or a score of 5 (five) or above on the Standard Level IB exam will be assessed as equivalent credit for specific courses. Specific course equivalents will be designated in consultation with the appropriate Division Chair, Provost, and Registrar. Students must provide an official copy of the score report from IB, sent directly to the CGES Office of Admissions. For further information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 660-248-6210.

Admission as a Full-time Degree-Seeking Transfer Student

Transfer students are those who have successfully completed 24 or more non-developmental, credit bearing, post-high school college credit hours. Those with fewer hours apply as first-time freshmen. The University subscribes to the transfer of credit guidelines set by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education of the State of Missouri.

• Application for Admission. All applicants must submit a completed online application for admission to the CGES Office of Admission. Online Application
• Academic Transcripts. To verify eligibility for admission and financial assistance, transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended (including dual credit courses) clearly indicating cumulative GPA. Applicants must provide a copy of their high school diploma or official transcript (with completion date, GPA, and class rank), GED, or state certified copy of home school transcript. An ACT or SAT score must also be submitted. All transcripts are part of the students' permanent college record. In addition, all transcripts must be received in the Office of Admission before a student will be eligible to attend classes and receive financial assistance. When CMU accepts associate's and bachelor's degrees from other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning, we honor the means by which those institutions granted credit (including credit granted by internal testing-out procedures, Advanced Placement scores, International Baccalaureate scores, CLEP scores, etc.). [12/11]
• Admission Standards. Transfer students with 24 or more transfer credits must have a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all previously attempted college course work and be eligible to return to the last college attended. Those who do not meet these criteria must present a letter of appeal to the CGES Committee which will determine whether the student will be admitted.

Admission of Part-time/Non-Degree Seeking Students

Part-time students, those registered for fewer than 12 semester hours, and students who are not seeking a degree are required to apply through the Office of Admission. Students who decide to continue their education at CMU in a full-time, degree-seeking capacity are required to follow the admission guidelines for full-time admission. Entering students who are turned down by the Extended Studies Committee but who choose to enroll part-time, must be treated as non-degree-seeking students and are ineligible for financial aid. Any part-time student who wishes to receive financial aid must petition the Financial Aid Committee in order to receive or keep financial aid.

Readmission of Former Students

Former students who wish to return to CMU must apply for readmission through the CGES Office of Admission. Students who left CMU in good standing academically and in good standing with the Business Office are routinely readmitted. Students who left CMU under academic or financial suspension will be considered for admission by the Extended Studies Committee on an individual basis. Former students attending other institutions during their absence from CMU must submit an official transcript from each college attended. All transcripts must be received in the CGES Office of Admission before a student will be eligible to attend class and receive financial assistance.

Admission of International Students

CMU's College of Graduate & Extended Studies (CGES) is not authorized to enroll students in the U.S under an F-1 VISA. Those with an F-1 Visa who wish to be considered for admission to Central Methodist University in Fayette, must apply to the Fayette campus and adhere to all requirements set forth for international applicants.

Admission of High School Students for Part-time Study

High school students of superior ability may be admitted to selected courses at Central Methodist University. The approval of the high school principal and parents are required.

Admission for First Class at CMU (Dual Credit)

The First Class at CMU (dual credit) program provides the opportunity for qualified high school students to enroll in approved classes that are taught in their local high school in compliance with the Coordinating Board of Higher Education guidelines for dual-credit programs. When students successfully complete a course, they receive both high school and college credit. The program allows students to get an early start in fulfilling college requirements.

Credit earned in the program will be applicable at Central Methodist University and is generally transferable to other accredited colleges and universities. It is the student's responsibility to ascertain the transferability of any course taken through the program. Students can best accomplish this by directly contacting colleges and departments to which they are considering transferring credit.

Administrative Information

Cost Per On Ground Credit Hour: $80
Cost for Online per Credit Hour: $100

Student Requirements for Admission to CMU First Class (Dual Credit)

• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (or equivalent) on a 4.0 scale
• High school Junior or Senior standing
• Satisfactory completion of course prerequisites
• High school transcripts must be sent in with the application for enrollment.
• Parental permission

Veterans

Military veterans may receive limited credit for military training as recommended in the Handbook of the American Council on Education. Please consult CMU's Office of the Registrar for more information. All credit will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Conditional Admission

Applicants not meeting the criteria for unconditional admission will be considered for conditional admission on an individual basis. This consideration will be conducted by the Extended Studies Committee (undergraduate applications) or the Graduate Studies Committee (graduate applications). Students admitted under conditional admission must comply with all conditions and requirements specified in writing by Central Methodist University in the acceptance letter.

Degree-Completion Program Admissions

Students transferring work from other colleges or universities must have a 2.0 grade point average for regular admission. Students with less than a 2.0 grade point average may be considered for admission on a conditional basis.

The degree-completion programs leading to certification have additional, specific entrance requirements. Please consult the appropriate degree section of this catalog for each program's specific admissions and graduation requirements.

Readmission for Military Servicemembers

 

1. Central Methodist University understands that students may be unable to attend classes or must suspend their studies in order to perform military service. Students are encouraged to continue their education once a military service obligation has ended.

In accordance with federal regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.18 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the university will promptly readmit servicemembers who seek readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.

1. Eligibility

This policy shall apply to: (1) servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days; and (2) servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for less than 30 days when such an absence would result in a withdrawal from the university.

A student is eligible for readmission under this policy if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority).

1. Notification

A student must provide written or oral notice of a uniformed service obligation to the Office of the Registrar as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. Such notice does not need to indicate when the student will return to the university.

The student must also give written or oral notice of his/her intent to return to the institution within three years after the completion of the period of service. Immediately upon the student's return to school, the student must provide notice that he/she may be entitled to the tuition and enrollment benefits outlined in this policy. The returning student may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Notification under this section must be provided, by the student, to Office of the Registrar, registrar@centralmethodist.edu or call for assistance to 660-248-6210.

1. Tuition and Fees

A returning student must be charged the same tuition and fees in effect during the last academic year the student attended, unless veterans' education benefits or other servicemember education benefits will pay the amount in excess. For subsequent academic years, the returning student may not be charged tuition and fees in excess of what other students in the program are charged.

1. Readmission Requirements

A returning student will be permitted to reenroll in the next class(es) scheduled in the same academic program, unless the student requests a later date of reenrollment or agrees to a different program. A returning student will be readmitted into the same academic program the student was enrolled in prior to the military service obligation. If the exact program no longer exists, the student must be admitted to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program. Returning students will be reenrolled with the same enrollment status, number of completed credit hours, and academic standing as the last academic year of attendance.

If the university determines that a returning student is not prepared to resume the program or is unable to complete the program, the university must make reasonable efforts to enable the student to resume or complete the program at no additional cost to the student. If such efforts are unsuccessful or place an undue hardship on the university, the university is not required to readmit the student.

In accordance with federal regulations, returning students who receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) are not eligible for readmission under this policy. However, servicemembers who receive dishonorable or bad conduct discharge may remain eligible for readmission even though they will not be entitled to the benefits outlined in this policy.