Admission Requirements | Ana G. Méndez University

Admission Requirements

Diploma and Undergraduate Degree Programs 

General Requirements 

The applicant must submit 1) an application for admission, and 2) evidence of a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent. 

Additional requirements will apply to specific academic programs.

Acceptable documentation of a high school diploma or recognized equivalent include:

  • A high school transcript demonstrating an earned high school diploma.
  • A GED Certificate.
  • A state certificate awarded after passing an authorized test and that the state recognizes as equivalent to a high school diploma, such as the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or a state-recognized equivalent of a high school diploma.
  • The applicant must provide the official transcripts of credits from the transferring institution. 
  • Successfully completed homeschooling at the secondary level according to the laws of the state in which the student resides. Acceptable documentation varies by state.

The admissions officer shall examine any document to corroborate, in their best judgment, that it is original and has no visible alterations to comply with the requirements. If AGMU has reason to believe a student’s diploma or transcript is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary or postsecondary school education, it will complete additional steps to try to determine if the document is acceptable. These additional steps may include contacting the granting institution or confirming with a relevant department or state agency. AGMU reserves the right not to accept documents for the validity of which it cannot determine. 

Applicants seeking admission to undergraduate programs must meet the following guidelines to complete the undergraduate student enrollment process: 

  1.  For students seeking to transfer to AGMU, AGMU must receive official transcripts from postsecondary institutions within forty-five (45) calendar days from the beginning of the term to complete the student file. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the cancellation of the student’s enrollment and admission.
  2. All official transcripts and diplomas from institutions outside of the United States that are not in English must have a commercial translation or evaluation.
  3. Students must submit a full-color front and back copy of a valid identification (government-issued ID) with a photo to evidence of an address where the applicant resides (i.e., driver’s license). 
  4. International students must submit two (2) forms of evidence, including a passport of their country and valid identification (government-issued ID). Additionally, prospective students should note:
    1.  AGMU reserves the right to restrict the size of enrollment in selected programs based on limited facilities and other institutional factors; and 
    2.  AGMU reserves the right to deny or rescind admission to any applicant or student, for reasons that include, but are not limited to, the falsification of the admissions application or the submission of fraudulent documents.

Specific Admission Requirements by Program

Associate of Science in Nursing

  • Students must first meet all admission requirements of Ana G. Mendez University.
  • Hold a high school diploma or an equivalent.
  • Submit an official high school transcript with the application for admission.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.25
  • Interview

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

  • Satisfactory completion of 30 or more transferable credits.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
  • Submit official transcript of credits from the institutions attended.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Students must first meet all admission requirements of Ana G. Méndez University.
  • Hold a high school diploma or an equivalent.
  • Submit an official high school transcript with the application for admission.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.50
  • Interview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

  • Students must provide a conferred Associate of Science in Nursing degree from an Accredited College with a GPA of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0 and the official transcripts.
  • Students must provide documentation of an unencumbered Registered Nurse license from the United States (US) and territories. The license must be verified. 
  • Students will receive 60 credits for the Associate of Science in Nursing.
  • Students must provide a resume showing at least 2 years of work experience as a Registered Nurse in the US and territories. Students must be interviewed by the School of Nursing Dean or their designated person. 
  • Students will receive 30 credits once their RN license is verified.

Master's Degrees Programs 

General Admission Requirements

The applicant must submit 1) an application for admission, 2) an official transcript providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.25*. 

*Applicants with a CGPA of less than 2.25 may be admitted to the institution at the discretion of the Dean of Academic Affairs or the designated academic representative via a documented personal interview.

Additional requirements will apply to specific academic programs.

The admissions officer shall examine any document to corroborate, in their best judgment, that it is original and has no visible alterations to comply with the requirements. If AGMU has reason to believe a student’s diploma or transcript is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary or postsecondary school education, it will complete additional steps to determine if the document is acceptable. These additional steps may include contacting the granting institution or confirming with a relevant department or state agency. AGMU reserves the right not to accept documents for the validity of which it cannot determine. 

Supporting Documentation for Master Programs 

Acceptable documentation to meet AGMU’s requirement related to the prior academic experience and/or achievement include: 

  • Official Transcript of Credits documenting graduation with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution and earned CGPA.
  • Certification prepared by a post-secondary institution or by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, or by an appropriate government agency, board, etc. confirming completion of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and earned CGPA. 

Applicants seeking admission to Master programs must meet the following guidelines to complete the graduate student enrollment process: 

  1. AGMU must receive official transcripts of credits from post-secondary institutions within fortyf ive (45) calendar days from the beginning of the term to complete the student file. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the cancellation of the student’s enrollment and admission.
  2. All official transcripts of credits and diplomas from institutions outside of the United States that are not in English must have a commercial translation or evaluation. 
  3. Students must submit a full-color front and back copy of a valid identification (government-issued ID) with a photo to evidence of an address where the applicant resides (i.e., driver’s license). 
  4. International students may submit a citizenship card or certificate of citizenship (i.e., passport of their country). 

Additionally, prospective students should note: 

  • AGMU reserves the right to restrict the size of enrollment in selected programs based on limited facilities and other institutional factors.
  • AGMU reserves the right to deny or rescind admission to any applicant which can include the falsification of the admissions application and/or the submission of fraudulent documents.

Master of Arts with specialization in Public Relations

Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Master of Science with specialization in Telecommunications and Networks Systems Administration

  • Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, or Computer Sciences from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
  • Successfully completed an advanced mathematics course at the undergraduate level.

Master of Social Work

  • An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
  • An interview.
  • An essay, written at the time of the interview.

Advanced Standing Program in the Master of Social Work - Additional Admission requirements

The Advanced Standing Program in the Master of Social Work has additional requirements. Students admitted are given up to 27 credit hours of advanced standing to BSW graduates that meet the following conditions:

  1. Degree granted from a CSWE BSW accredited program.
  2. A graduation GPA of at least 3.00.
  3. Social Work major courses passed with grade A or B.
  4. Field Practice courses passed with a grade of A.
  5. Having completed the baccalaureate degree within five years or less of requested admission.

If all five conditions are met, an evaluation of transfer credits will be conducted by the MSW Program director. Courses will not be validated for students from programs not accredited by the CSWE.

Master of Education with specialization in Teaching of English as a Second Language

  1. Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Education from an accredited university with a GPA of 2.75.
  2. A video conference interview in English.
  3. Write an essay in English.
  4. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in Education must meet the following additional requirements:
  5. Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in any other discipline with a GPA of 2.75, with at least 12 credits in English and 12 credits in Spanish.
  6. It is strongly recommended that students review and become familiar with the teacher certification requirements established by the state in which they intend to seek employment.
  7. Students residing in the State of Florida must provide evidence of a passing score on the Florida Basic General Knowledge Test before registering for EDUC 617.

Master of Science in Nursing with a Role in Administration

  1. Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution with a minimum CGPA of 3.00.
  2. Applicant must hold an unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
  3. Submit evidence of credits at the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree with the admissions forms.

Further details of the admission requirements can be found in the Catalog.


Doctorate Degree Programs

General Admission Requirements 

The applicant must submit 1) an application for admission and 2) an official transcript of credits providing evidence of an earned master’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.30. The applicant must also submit the following documents to the Department Director for admission consideration 1) an Essay and 2) an updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. 

Additional requirements will apply to specific academic programs.

The admissions officer shall examine any document to corroborate, in their best judgment, that it is original and has no visible alterations to comply with the requirements. If AGMU has reason to believe a student’s diploma or transcript is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary or postsecondary school education, it will complete additional steps to determine if the document is acceptable. These additional steps may include contacting the granting institution or confirming with a relevant department or state agency. AGMU reserves the right not to accept documents for the validity of which it cannot determine. 

Supporting Documentation for Doctorate Degrees 

Acceptable documentation to meet AGMU’s requirements related to prior academic experience and/or achievement include: 

  • Official Transcripts of Credits documenting graduation with a master's degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution and earned CGPA.
  •  Certification prepared by a post-secondary institution or by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, or by an appropriate government agency, board, etc. confirming completion of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and earned CGPA. 

Applicants seeking admission to doctoral programs must meet the following guidelines to complete the doctoral student enrollment process: 

  1. AGMU must receive the official transcripts of credits from post-secondary institutions within fortyfive (45) calendar days from the beginning of the term to complete the student file. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the cancellation of the student’s enrollment and admission. 
  2. All official transcripts of credits and diplomas from institutions outside of the United States that are not in English must have a commercial translation or evaluation. 
  3. Students must submit a full-color front and back copy of a valid identification (governmentissued ID) with a photo to evidence of an address where the applicant resides (i.e., driver’s license).
  4. International students may submit a citizenship card or certificate of citizenship (i.e., passport of their country). 

Additionally, prospective students should note:

  1. AGMU reserves the right to restrict the size of enrollment in selected programs based on limited facilities and other institutional factors. 
  2. AGMU reserves the right to deny or rescind admission to any applicant which can include the falsification of the admissions application and/or the submission of fraudulent documents. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work with specialization in Administration of Social Programs and Social Policy

  • A minimum graduate GPA of 3.30
  • A Master's Degree in Social Work or another discipline.
  • Curriculum Vitae with all of the postsecondary schools, GPA for each institution, employment history, publications, conference presentations, awards/grants received, professional licenses, and professional organizations memberships.
  • An Essay or a sample of a written academic work, published article with literature review or an essay with literature review, about research interests related to social justice. The written sample must be double-spaced and 10 pages maximum.
  • An interview.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Prospective D.N.P. students are selected for admission based on application content, academic record, curriculum of completed required courses, professional nursing licensure, and evaluation forms. Individual student transcripts and writing samples are evaluated by select faculty members, the program executive director, and the associate director of nursing. Admission to the DNP program requires:

  • A master’s degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally, nationally or internationally accredited school.
  • A minimum master’s degree GPA of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale.
  • A current, active and unencumbered RN License issued by the United States or territories.
  • Two reference forms from individuals other than relatives (suggested sources include professors, academic advisers, and professional nursing references).
  • Submit a writing sample (use APA 7th edition formatting, including headings for each section). Include the following information in your statement:
    • Problem/Issue Discuss a problem or issue in your professional practice setting that needs to be addressed from a DNP perspective. (250 words minimum).
    • Applicant’s Goals Discuss your personal and professional goals related to the D.N.P. (250 words minimum).
  • An interview with the faculty member in the department as designated by the Executive Director.
  • A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé.
  • Official documentation of all supervised, postbaccalaureate practice hours.

Further details of the admission requirements can be found in the Catalog.


Readmission to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Programs 

Once admitted to a program, a student is expected to register consecutively for each term and maintain satisfactory academic progress. 

Students who have interrupted their studies for at least one semester, excluding summer semester, must apply for readmission to AGMU and: 

  • Have a cumulative GPA that meets the retention index; 
  • Have completed the required percentage of credits of the total attempted credits;
  • Have completed any applicable period of suspension due to academic reasons, accumulated credits or for disciplinary reasons, if applicable; and 
  • Fulfill the current existing admission requirements of the program of study applied to, and all other general admissions requirements that apply. 

In addition to these requirements, a student who was not in compliance with the standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) at the time they last attended or who was dismissed from AGMU for academic or disciplinary reasons is required to meet with their assigned Academic & Retention Counselor or Director of Retention to discuss their potential readmission application and any SAP requirements. 

Students who are readmitted will be subject to the current curriculum and catalog in effect for their program of study at the time of readmission. 

International Students 

  1. Admission, readmission, and transfer requirements are the same for all applicants. In addition, international students must also satisfy additional requirements which may vary by program. 
  2. Interested applicants must contact the Director of Admissions at each campus for the related requirements and processes. 
  3. Admission for international students is also subject to the immigration laws and regulations in effect. 

Non-Degree Seeking Students 

General Requirements: 

Students who wish to take credit courses for the purpose of special certifications or transfer of credits to another institution may seek admission and will be classified as non-degree-seeking students. Nondegree-seeking students must meet the established admissions criteria and submit all required documentation, including 1) an application for admission and, in some cases, 2) additional supporting documents, such as official transcripts of credits, transient student approval, which may vary depending on the desired academic coursework. Non-Degree students do not qualify for federal financial aid. 

Additional requirements will apply to specific programs. 

Additional requirements will apply to specific programs. For information, refer to the Academic Catalog.

Transferencia

Awarding of Transfer Credit and Alternative Ways to Earn Credit

AGMU allows students to proceed expeditiously toward their degree and academic program objectives by providing guidelines for the transfer of postsecondary credit and alternative ways to earn university credit. Regardless of transfer credit status, students must earn a minimum of 25% of their degree credit hours as institutional credits to be awarded an AGMU degree.

Coursework From Regionally Accredited Institutions

All coursework from degree-granting institutions that are fully accredited at the collegiate level by their appropriate regional accrediting agency will be awarded in accordance with the following guidelines:

  1. All official transcripts must be received within forty-five (45) days after the student’s first part of term at AGMU;
  2. All College level or College preparatory courses which have both grades and credit hours will be considered for transfer if they meet the minimum grade requirement of a “C” or higher for undergraduate programs and a “B” or higher for graduate programs;
  3. Credits at the upper-division college level (300 and 400 level courses) are not accepted for transfer into diploma and associate-degree programs and are only evaluated for transfer credit into baccalaureate programs;
  4. Course credits evaluated for transfer from colleges with different credit systems (i.e., quarter hours, units, etc.) are converted to semester hours;
  5. Core/Major courses including business, technical and specialty courses, may be accepted if those credits were earned no more than 5 years prior to enrollment date.
  6. Regardless of the number of credits accepted in transfer, student must complete at least 25% of the college-level credits required to earn an AGMU degree;
  7. If initial placement in courses cannot be determined after the evaluation of transfer work, students may be required to complete entry testing in one or more disciplines to determine course placements(s);
  8. All credits that are transferred to AGMU will become part of the student’s permanent academic record and will appear on the AGMU official transcript as transfer credit;
  9. Transfer credits will be applied by the designated University officials in the most appropriate manner to the student’s program of student in the area of general electives, general education, program courses, and other academic requirements.

Coursework From Sistema Universidad Ana G. Mendez

Credits earned as any Sistema Universidad Ana G. Mendez will be accepted without a time limit unless otherwise prohibited by program requirements. UAGM courses will transfer to AGMU as a “T” on the student’s academic record and will not impact the student’s grade point average (GPA) at AGMU.

Coursework from Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions

Prior to initial enrollment at AGMU, a student may request credit for coursework earned at an institution that is not regionally accredited. All coursework approved by the designated academic administrator will be evaluated using the same guidelines as those for regionally accredited institutions. The academic administrator will determine specific course equivalency for a general education or major course or degree program requirement. Additionally, the equivalency may be granted towards elective credit. Approval of all evaluated coursework will be included in the AGMU official student transcript. Denied requests may be appealed in writing to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs or their designee.

Coursework From International Institutions

All official transcripts received from post-secondary institutions outside of the United States that are in English, or Spanish will be evaluated by our Registrar’s office using the same guidelines for regionally accredited institutions using AACRAO Edge.

All official transcripts from post-secondary institutions outside of the United States that are not in English, or Spanish must have a course-by-course commercial evaluation completed by an agency approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at the student’s expense. AGMU will perform an evaluation based on the course-by-course evaluation report received directly from one of the approved agencies and in accordance with the same guidelines as those for regionally accredited institutions.

Students will not be awarded General Education English credit for courses taken outside of the United States. These students will be required to take a placement test to place into the appropriate level English course.

Credit By Examination- Outside Agencies

AGMU accepts some form of transfer credit through credit by examination from outside agencies. No grades or grade point values will be assigned for credit by examination. Official copies of these test scores must be submitted directly to AGMU Admissions from the appropriate issuing agency.

a. Advanced Placement Exams (AP)

A student who wishes to receive credit for Advanced Placement courses must have their Advanced Placement scores sent from the College Board directly to AGMU Admissions. A student who earns a score a 3, 4, or 5 on any Advanced Placement test is awarded AGMU credit for the equivalent course according to established university guidelines. Students who obtained a 3 or higher on any AP exams should speak with their campus registrar.

b. Defense Activity Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES/DSST)

The Defense Activity Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program is a test conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs) measure earned achievement in specific university courses. AGMU will award credit according to the established university guidelines. AGMU does not permit a student to use exam credit towards grade forgiveness. Students who have taken DANTES Subject Standardized Tests should speak with their campus registrar.

c. Excelsior University Examinations

Excelsior University Examinations (formally known as Regents University Exams or the Proficiency Examination Program) are developed by Excelsior University using national committees of faculty consultants and national studies to assess how well the tests measure the performance of students in actual University courses. Excelsior University Examinations are approved by the American Council on Education and Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). AGMU will award credit according to the established university guidelines. AGMU does not permit a student to use exam credit towards grade forgiveness. Students who have taken Excelsior University examinations should speak with their campus registrar. Detailed information about Excelsior University Examinations can be found online at www.excelsior.edu(link is external)(link is external).

d. International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a rigorous two-year, pre- university liberal arts program of study for the highly motivated, academically oriented secondary student. The 18 Diploma is awarded only to the student who meets curricular, service, and thesis requirements and score at the 

prescribed level on internationally standardized subject examinations. Through the IB program, a student may be awarded up to 30 university level credit hours. No grades will be assigned to credits awarded through the program. The student will not receive credit for 18 courses that duplicate credit awarded for courses attended at AGMU or credit that was awarded through other accelerated programs (i.e., AP, CLEP, credit by examination, etc.). AGMU will award credit according to the established university guidelines. AGMU does not permit a student to use exam credit towards grade forgiveness. Students who have IB scores should speak with their campus registrar.

e. Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

The AICE program is an international advanced secondary curriculum and assessment program equivalent to the British system of “A-Levels”. AS-Level courses are comprised of curriculum lasting one academic year. A-Level courses encompass all AS-Level curriculum as well as additional topics. A-Level coursework is completed over two academic years. AGMU will award credit according to the established university guidelines. AGMU does not permit a student to use exam credit towards grade forgiveness. Students who have taken AICE courses should speak with their campus registrar.

f. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP program is provided by College Board and offers students 30+ exams that cover introductory college level material. Students have the opportunity to be awarded credit according to the established university guidelines. AGMU does not permit a student to use exam credit towards grade forgiveness. Students who have taken or are interested in taking a CLEP exam should speak with their campus registrar.

Education Credit for Military Service

Students may earn university credit for military experience. Students should work directly with their campus Registrar to review military experience. The Registrar’s Office will award credit on a course-by-course basis in relation to the student's declared program of study following the ACE recommended guidelines, and with approval from the appropriate Academic Administrator.

Students using VA educational benefits are required to submit their Join Services Transcript (JST) or the Community University of the Air Force transcript. Upon receipt of the transcript, the Registrar’s Office will award credit on a course-by-course basis in relation to the student's declared program of study following the ACE recommended guidelines, and with approval from the appropriate Academic Administrator.

Credit For Licensure or Certification

AGMU may award university credit to students intended to meet requirements toward academic programs and degrees based on specific licensure or certification. Eligible students must complete the Articulation Credit Transfer Form and provide a copy of the appropriate license or certification. The designated academic administrator will review documentation and determine the award of credit for the Registrar to post on the student’s educational record.

Prior Learning Credit (PLC)

Prior Learning Credit (PLC) is a way student may be awarded appropriate credit for demonstration of knowledge gained from previous learning experiences outside the classroom. This learning may result from an industry certification, in-service training, or experience acquired during employment. Credit awarded through existing articulation agreements and MOU’s will be excluded from this process.

Prior Learning Credit Guidelines:

  1. Students must be enrolled in AGMU courses in order to be considered for PLC;
  2. Credits awarded through PLC will appear on the student’s official transcript as credit only; no grade point values will be assigned to PLC;
  3. A student cannot earn PLC for a course in which credit has already been attempted; PLC cannot be used to forgive a grade previously earned in a credit course;
  4. A student must complete 25% of each degree or certificate program's total credit hours at AGMU.

Prior Learning Credit Process:

  1. Students who are interested in PLC must fill out a PLC Application Form and submit it to the School Dean.
  2. The School Dean will contact the student to review the requirements of the portfolio.
  3. Once the student submits the portfolio, the School Dean will review and determine what PLC credit will be offered.