/Institutions/Hardin-Simmons-University/json/2019-2020/Graduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Hardin-Simmons-University/json/2019-2020/Graduate-Catalog.json

Application Process

Time Limit for Application

Application materials and credentials will be retained by the Office of Admission for one year past the semester for which the application is made.

Application Materials

Materials submitted for application are confidential. Students should not request copies of transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation from the Office of Admission or the Office of the Registrar.

Meningitis Vaccination

Texas legislation mandates that every new student and new transfer under the age of 22 to any Texas university, regardless of living on campus or off campus, will be required to have a Meningitis Vaccination sometime within the 5 years prior to the first class day and at least 10 days prior to the first class day. In addition, HSU requires every new incoming student under 22 years of age provide proof of the meningitis vaccine prior to registering for classes. (A returning student following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester is also considered a new student.) Exceptions to this law would be:

1. The student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses; or
2. The student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training; or
3. The student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus; or
4. The student is incarcerated in a Texas prison.

A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the Meningitis Vaccine if the student submits to HSU:

1. An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the U.S., stating that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccine would be injurious to the health and well- being of the student; or
2. An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccine for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. Students must use the official Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) form. It may be ordered electronically. The form is then mailed from DSHS to the student, and it may take up to two weeks to receive it. It must be completed, notarized and provided to Hardin-Simmons University Nurse’s office. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the DSHS form and have it notarized. The site to request the form is: https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov/

The latter exemption does not apply during a disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency declared by a Texas Department of State Health Services authority and is in effect for the location of the university the student attends. Texas law states that acceptable evidence of your Meningitis Vaccination must include:

1. Student’s name and date of birth.
2. Month, day, year the vaccine was administered.
3. Signature or stamp of the physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel; OR
4. An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority (as from the Texas Public Health Department); OR
5. An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.
6. The student has to have received the vaccine or a booster during the 5-year period preceding the first day of class.

The vaccine can be obtained through the health department, some pharmacies, and perhaps some private physicians. It is important you consult your physician regarding the need for the Meningitis Vaccine to prevent bacterial meningitis

Criminal Record/Activity

Previous criminal activity may influence admission to the university. The application requests information about past criminal activity. The effect of such past activity depends on its nature and the program. The university may refuse continued admission or terminate admission for students who become involved in criminal activity while at HSU. Misrepresenting past or present criminal activity may result in immediate termination from the university.

International Students

Additional requirements apply to international students. International students must apply early in order to allow for the completion of both the admission process to the university and the requirements of the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration.

1. Complete the graduate admission application. Application deadline for fall semester enrollment is April 1. Application deadline for spring enrollment is September 1.
2. Submit the required credentials. All required credentials must be either original documents or photocopies signed and stamped by a school or government official. Please note that each graduate program has required supplemental items to submit as well.
   1. Non-refundable $50 application fee (HSU Central>Self Service>Students>Student Information>Student Self Service>Student Finance>CashNet-Make a Payment)
   2. One of the following as proof of English proficiency if your native language is not English (students seeking Texas Teacher Certification must provide the required TOEFL score):
      1. An official transcript showing the completion of one year of full-time study at a school located in the United States
      2. An official statement of the completion of one year of full-time study at a school where English is the official language of instruction
      3. An official TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based exam, a 213 on the computer-based exam or a 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT). TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. HSU school codes: TOEFL-6268
   3. Official transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree. If degree is not from the United States, an evaluation of the transcript must take place to determine HSU equivalency. Contact the HSU International Admissions Counselor for help at globalengagement@hsutx.edu.

   Upon receipt of all required materials, credentials will be evaluated and a decision will be made regarding admission to Hardin-Simmons University. Approved applicants will receive a letter of notification. The following steps must be completed.

3. Complete all required international forms.
   1. Statement of financial backing and a notarized bank statement to provide evidence of available financial resources.
   2. SEVIS I-90 fee. This fee is required by the United Sates Department of Homeland Security.
4. Complete health form at:https://www.hsutx.edu/admissions/international/international-graduate-students/ . If you cannot provide documentation of health care coverage, you will be required to purchase insurance, and the premium will be added your account.
5. The university requires that all international students post a deposit of $500.00 USD before an I-20 is issued. An I-20 will not be issued until the deposit is posted. The international deposit of $500 USD may only be utilized toward payment of the student’s final semester’s expenses and will not be released at an earlier date. If an international student graduates, transfers to another school, or decides to leave Hardin-Simmons University for any other reason, the deposit will be applied to the balance due to HSU and any residual amount refunded to the student. Should an I-20 be issued and a student fail to enroll, the deposit is forfeited by the student.

Once you have been approved for admission to Hardin-Simmons University, and once your $500.00 USD deposit has been received, an I-20 will be mailed to you. This document, along with a valid passport and evidence of support (usually a bank statement or affidavit of support) must be taken to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Upon arrival of these documents, the Embassy or Consulate will consider the issuance of a student visa for your entry into the U.S. as an F-1 Foreign Student.

*An HSU taught hybrid course is conside red a “face to face” course.

Professional Teacher Certification

A student desiring to obtain a professional certification (one requiring graduate leveling work or a master’s degree) must apply for graduate study and receive the approval of the dean of the College of Human Sciences and Educational Studies or the university certification officer.

Second Master’s Degree

A student may transfer a maximum of six hours from a previously completed master’s degree toward a second master’s degree (consult section on transfer work in this catalog). Official transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate work are required. The student must complete a minimum of 60 hours on the two degrees. (For the Master of Divinity degree’s policy for transfer work from a previous master’s degree in religion, please see Logsdon Seminary Catalog).