Standards for Admission
Minimum admission requirements for graduate programs at Lewis University include a completed Lewis University graduate application and official transcripts from previous college-level academic coursework. An earned baccalaureate degree, with a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for full admission. Applicants who have previously completed graduate coursework must possess a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA for full admission. A maximum of 12 credits (grade of B or higher) may be considered for transfer from previously completed graduate coursework that meets degree requirements as determined by the program administrator.
In addition, each graduate program has its own program-specific standards for admission. Refer to the specific graduate program section for these standards.
Graduate application forms can be found on the University Website at www.lewisu.edu/apply or obtained by e-mailing grad@lewisu.edu or by calling (815) 836-5610.
Entering International Students
After entering international students have completed the online application, students will need to submit the following documents to the Office of International Admission. No admission decision can be made until all documents have been received.
Travel Document Copies
- Passport copy which includes full name and picture
- If student is currently in the United States, please send a copy of visa and I-20 form
Transcript Evaluation
Student must submit a Transcript Evaluation for any school attended outside of the United States. For secondary school (high school) transcripts, students should request a general evaluation report. For post-secondary (college or university) transcripts, students must request a detailed course-by-course evaluation report.
Do not send transcripts to Lewis University. All transcripts must come directly from the evaluation companies. Please allow 2 – 3 weeks for the evaluation to be completed. Students may request a report from any of the following evaluation companies. Or any credential evaluation service that is a member of NACES.
- One Earth Evaluations
- Educational Perspectives
- ECE
- WES
* Exemption / Waiver of evaluation requirement - A transcript evaluation may not be required if the previous school was located in the United States. If the student graduated from an American high school or attended an American college/university, then send official transcripts directly to Lewis University. Additional exemptions are if the foreign school has International Baccalaureate curriculum, or accreditation from a regional or national US accrediting institution.
English Proficiency, Minimum Requirement:
Only one score is required:
TOEFL-iBT
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79; with a writing subscore minimum 20
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IELTS Acad.
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6.0; with a writing subscore minimum 6.0
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| PTE-A |
52; with a writing subscore minimum 50
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| Duolingo |
105; with a writing subscore minimum 100
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| GTEC |
1200 |
ELS Level
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112
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IELTS scores can be submitted by email. TOEFL scores must be submitted directly from the student's ETS account (Lewis University code 1404). ELS 112 Certificates must be emailed from the student's ELS Center.
* Exemption / Waiver of English requirement – If the student attended school in a country where English is the official spoken language, then the English requirement may not be required. List of countries exempt from the English requirement can be provided through the Admissions Office.
* Additional Note: Lewis University reserves the rights to test the English writing skills of all incoming undergraduate/graduate students and to place students in courses which will help them improve in specific areas.
Graduate Applicants Only: Additional Requirements
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Statement of Purpose – A personal statement about your goals and reasons for choosing this program at Lewis University. Should be double spaced, and 2-3 pages in length.
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Letter of Recommendation – two letters from previous professors or professional colleagues. Must include the recommender’s original signature, full name, title, and contact information.
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Resume or C.V – updated with your most recent educational and professional credentials.
Specific Programs Only: Additional Requirements
SAT or ACT scores – only required if the student plans to participate in intercollegiate athletics (NCAA Division I & II, playing for Lewis University teams). Also required if you plan to study Bachelor’s (undergraduate) programs in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Environmental Science.