Vanguard University

Program available on-campus, fall semester start

Current Vanguard University Biological Sciences students seeking entrance into the 4+1 Accelerated program should contact the Biological Sciences Department directly.

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MS in Biotechnology should also submit the following:

• Statement of Purpose: Write a detailed one-page statement explaining why you wish to study Biotechnology at Vanguard and what professional career you plan to pursue with your degree.
• Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters should be on institution/organization letterhead from individuals with knowledge of academic and/or professional ability and potential.

Prerequisite Courses or Requirements

Applicants must also have completed:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or comparable science major
• Biology: 4 courses (lecture and lab, 16 semester units or 24 quarter units)
• General Chemistry: 1-year sequence (lecture and lab, 8 semester units or 12 quarter units)
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above

Program available on-campus or online (for students residing in CA) for spring and fall semester starts

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MS in Clinical Psychology should also submit the following:

• References: (3) letters of recommendation from people who can speak about various aspects of your suitability, such as academic ability (professor), professional performance (i.e. work performance), clinical/leadership/relationship ability, or other relevant experience. The recommender cannot be a family member or friend.
• Personal Statement (750 words): Provide a detailed statement describing your significant life experiences and how they have lead you to pursue a degree in Clinical Psychology. In addition, discuss your future plans and professional goals as a result of obtaining this degree.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.

Prerequisite Courses or Requirements

Applicants should also have completed:

• A Bachelor's degree in Psychology OR all of the following courses:
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology or Human Development
  • Counseling Theories or Theories of Personality

It is required that all prerequisite courses have been completed with a grade of B- or better. For assistance with questions regarding prerequisite requirements or whether any exceptions would apply, please email gradadmissions@vanguard.edu.

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MA in Education should also submit the following:

• References: Download the paper version of the Graduate Education Reference. Each applicant is required to secure three references as part of the application process. One of these should be from a professor from whom you took class(es) in your field of study; two others should be professional references.

• Personal Statement (250 words): Write a statement of purpose describing your reasons for applying to VU’s Graduate Program in Education. Discuss professional goals and aspirations, future plans as a result of furthering your education in this graduate program, the relationship between your professional goals and your Christian faith, and any additional information concerning your preparation for graduate study.

• Verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirements (via the CBEST, qualifying SAT or ACT scores, AP scores, or qualifying undergraduate coursework).

Program available for fall and spring starts. 2 and 3 semester track options also available. 

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MA in Education should also submit the following:

• References: Download the paper version of the Graduate Education Reference. Each applicant is required to secure three references as part of the application process. One of these should be from a professor from whom you took class(es) in your field of study; two others should be professional references.

• Personal Statement (250 words): Write a statement of purpose describing your reasons for applying to VU’s Graduate Program in Education. Discuss professional goals and aspirations, future plans as a result of furthering your education in this graduate program, the relationship between your professional goals and your Christian faith, and any additional information concerning your preparation for graduate study.

• Verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirements (via the CBEST, qualifying SAT or ACT scores, AP scores, or qualifying undergraduate coursework).

Program available online for spring & fall semester starts

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MSN should also submit the following:

• References: Download the paper version of the Graduate Nursing Reference. Each applicant is required to secure two professional references as part of the application process (Vanguard Alumni only need one reference). A separate letter should accompany each reference form. These should be completed by professionals who are familiar with your work as a nurse and are not related to you.
• Statement of Purpose (250 words): An explanation of your reasons, including your professional aspirations and personal sense of mission, for applying to Vanguard’s Master of Science in Nursing.
• Resume: Please provide a detailed resume listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.
• Copy of California Registered Nursing (RN) License
• Evidence of All Required Immunizations and Report of a Current Physical Exam: Applicants should read the instructions and submit the following requirements online at http://vanguard.complio.com/. Print out the Physical Exam form and take to your physician.

Program available online for spring & fall semester starts

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate should also submit the following:

• References: Download the paper version of the Graduate Nursing Reference. Each applicant is required to secure two professional references as part of the application process (Vanguard Alumni only need one reference). A separate letter should accompany each reference form. These should be completed by professionals who are familiar with your work as a nurse and are not related to you.
• Statement of Purpose (250 words): An explanation of your reasons, including your professional aspirations and personal sense of mission, for applying to the certificate program.
• Resume: Please provide a detailed resume listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.
• Copy of California Registered Nursing (RN) License
• Evidence of All Required Immunizations and Report of a Current Physical Exam: Applicants should read the instructions and submit the following requirements online at http://vanguard.complio.com/. Print out the Physical Exam form and take to your physician.

Prerequisite Courses or Requirements

Applicants must have completed the following: 

• MSN or DNP degree from an accredited college or university (NP not required).
• Two years of experience as an RN in the last 5 years.
• 3 units in each Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Physical Assessment.
• One to two years of psychiatric nursing experience highly recommended for non-NP applicants.

Program available on-campus or online for spring, summer and fall semester starts

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MA in Leadership Studies should also submit the following:

• References: Download the PDF version of the Reference Form. You need two (2) references: an academic reference and a pastoral reference. A form and letter must be submitted by both to complete your application.
• Personal Statement (one page): Write a detailed statement of purpose which describes your reasons, including vocational reasons, for pursuing a graduate degree in Leadership Studies at Vanguard. Also, describe how your Christian faith is related to your desire to pursue the Master of Arts in Leadership Studies.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Please provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.

Program available in a hybrid format for spring and fall semester starts

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology should also submit the following:

• Professional Resume or LinkedIn Public Profile URL

Program available on-campus or online for spring, summer and fall semester starts

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MA in Theology should also submit the following:

• References: Download the PDF version of the Reference Form. You need two (2) references: an academic reference and a pastoral reference. A form and letter must be submitted by both to complete your application.
• Personal Statement (one page): Write a detailed statement of purpose which describes your reasons, including vocational reasons, for pursuing a graduate degree in Theology at Vanguard. Also describe how your Christian faith is related to your desire to pursue the Master of Arts in Theology program.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Please provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.

Prerequisite Courses or Requirements

Applicants should also have taken the following courses*:

• Old Testament Survey
• New Testament Survey

Questions about prerequisite courses? Email gradadmissions@vanguard.edu.

*Independent reading option available to suffice for prerequisite courses.