Admissions

Graduate Requirements

Applying to a graduate program at the University of Mount Olive is a straightforward and supportive process designed for working adults, licensed educators, career changers, and professionals seeking advancement. Below is a detailed look at the admission criteria, documentation, and program-specific expectations for online or hybrid graduate study.

General Graduate Admission Requirements
All students applying for graduate admission to the University must complete an application, hold a conferred undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school, and meet programmatic requirements as determined by the degree program or school.
Program-Specific Requirements

Each graduate program includes additional requirements based on licensure expectations, leadership readiness, or professional competencies.

Business Masters of Business Administration (MBA), MBA-Accounting & MBA-Healthcare Management
  • Free online application
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A GPA of 2.5–3.0 will be considered with the submission of a personal statement. Official transcript required.
  • Resume required
GRE / GMAT Not Required
Education Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Educational Leadership
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or international institution
  • Official transcripts showing conferral of a 4-year bachelor’s equivalent degree are required from degree-granting institutions other than the University of Mount Olive
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Four years as a licensed professional educator
  • Three letters of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the candidate’s academic ability and/or leadership potential. Physical signature required.
  • Writing requirement: Letter format using 12pt font (e.g. Times New Roman), double spaced, addressed to the Division of Education. Essay length: 2–3 pages. The letter must include your personal definition of educational leadership and a description of your career goals and interests in pursuing graduate study.
GRE / GMAT Not Required
Counseling Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2026
Early Decision Deadline March 30
Final Deadline May 30
  • Two personal statements (250 word minimum each): (1) How does the M.S. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health program support your professional goals, and why is this graduate degree the right one for this season of your life? (2) Describe a time when you received feedback that was difficult to hear. How did you respond? How did the experience impact you?
  • Submit a resume
  • Letters of recommendation from professional sources (undergraduate professors/advisers, employers, organizational leaders, or clergy) that speak to the applicant’s character, fitness for the counseling profession, and ability to manage graduate-level coursework. Must include the organization’s logo, recommender signature, and contact information. Submitted as a PDF document.
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A GPA of 2.5–3.0 will be considered based on submission of the personal statement. Official transcript required.
  • Invitation to participate in a pre-admissions interview conducted by program faculty. Invitation does not guarantee acceptance.
  • Online new student orientation is required prior to the start of the program.
GRE / GMAT Not Required
Doctorate Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership K-12 Supervision (Ed.D.)
  • Free online application
  • Hold a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or international institution in an education-related area. Official transcripts showing conferral of both a 4-year bachelor’s equivalent degree and a graduate master’s degree are required from degree-granting institutions other than UMO.
  • 3 years of proven educational leadership and/or supervisory experience
  • Attend an interview with members of the University of Mount Olive Education Department
  • A letter of recommendation/support from the applicant’s current Superintendent
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all online graduate programs at UMO require the GRE or GMAT?
No. UMO does not require GRE or GMAT scores for online graduate admission, regardless of program. Admission decisions are based on academic history, professional experience, and program-specific materials such as essays or recommendations.
Can applicants with a GPA below 3.0 still be admitted?
Yes. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for admission if they submit a personal statement. This allows the admissions team to better understand academic potential and professional readiness.
Do online graduate applicants need professional experience?
Some programs — particularly Educational Leadership or licensure-aligned pathways — require documented professional experience in education. Others, such as the M.S. in Counseling, evaluate applicants on academic preparation, personal statements, and readiness for graduate-level work.
What documents are required for online or hybrid graduate admission?
Most applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement. Some programs also require letters of recommendation, a writing sample, or an interview with program faculty. Requirements vary by degree — review the program-specific details above.
How soon can I start an online or hybrid graduate program at UMO?
UMO offers rolling admissions for most online and hybrid graduate programs, with specific deadlines for fall cohorts. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to receive timely guidance and ensure all documents are processed before the start term.
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Apply to a Graduate Program

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