Graduate Admission 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. Whether you’re pursuing counseling, educational leadership, or a business-focused graduate degree, UMO outlines clear, transparent requirements to help you prepare a strong application. Below is a detailed look at the admission criteria, documentation, and program-specific expectations for online or hybrid graduate study.
General Requirements
What We Look For
Individual Review
Each applicant is reviewed on an individual basis. An interview or additional documents may be requested as part of the review process.
UMO is transfer friendly. Students interested in potential transfer credit should submit official transcripts and copies of prior course syllabi to their admissions representative for consideration.
Program-Specific Requirements
- 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 or GMAT are not required
- 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 12-point font (e.g. Times New Roman), double-spaced, addressed to the Division of Education
- Essay length: 2–3 pages
- The letter of application must include your personal definition of educational leadership and a description of your career goals and interests in pursuing graduate study
- GRE or GMAT are not required
Applications are accepted for for Fall and Spring admissions.
Fall 2027 Early Decision March 1 Fall 2027 Final Deadline April 15
Spring 2028 Early Decision September 30 Spring 2028 Final Deadline November 1
- Submit responses to two personal statements (250-word minimum each):
- How does the Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health program support your professional goals? And, why is this graduate degree in counseling the right one for this season of your life?
- Describe a time when you received feedback that was difficult to hear in the moment. How did you respond? How did the experience impact you directly?
- Submit a resume
- Submit letters of recommendation from professional sources (e.g. undergraduate professors/advisers, employers, organizational leaders, or clergy) that speak to the applicant’s character, fitness for the counseling profession, ability to manage graduate-level coursework, and areas of strength and growth. Letters must include the organization’s logo, a recommender signature, and recommender contact information. Submit as a PDF.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A GPA of 2.75–3.0 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 to interview does not guarantee acceptance.
- Online new student orientation is required prior to the start of the program
- GRE or GMAT are not required
- 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 a 4-year bachelor’s equivalent degree and graduate master’s degree from degree-granting institutions other than UMO are required.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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, so applicants should review the program-specific details above.
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.
Start Your Journey
Apply today and a personal UMO Admissions Representative will help guide you every step of the way.
