Undergraduate Admission

General Undergraduate Admission Policies

The University of Mobile solicits applications from all persons who desire a quality college education and who are in agreement with the philosophy held by the University. A candidate for admission 1) is a graduate of an accredited high school, or equivalent; 2) is of good moral character; 3) gives evidence of academic ability; and 4) gives evidence of maturity. An accredited high school, for admission purposes, may be Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredited or State Board of Education approved. The equivalent of graduation from an accredited high school is defined as graduation from, or successful completion of a regular High School Diploma or High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement or equivalent, a reputable private high school, home schooling curriculum, or GED credits. Home-schooled applicants may be considered for equivalency credit provided some measurable standard is submitted, such as the ACT or other test(s) recommended by the director of enrollment services. Questions concerning high school accreditation or equivalency credit may be referred by the director of enrollment services to the admissions committee for review.

Applicants are best prepared to do college work when they have completed the following high school preparatory work: 1) four years of English with emphasis on grammar and composition; 2) three years of mathematics including algebra and geometry; 3) two years of a foreign language; 4) and three years of social sciences: history, government, and geography.

An applicant previously charged, arrested, or convicted of any crime other than a minor traffic violation, is required to complete the criminal conviction questionnaire before a final admission decision can be made. The University reserves the right to require additional documentation. After the applicant has met the entrance requirements, the Admissions Committee will review the applicant’s file to determine if the student is eligible for admission. Initial admittance to the University of Mobile does not imply automatic admission in future semesters. Any student admitted by giving false information may be dismissed.

The University of Mobile classifies entering students into one of the following categories: freshman, transfer, re-admission, international, transient, special (non-degree), audit, or early enrollment. Former students who have discontinued their studies for at least one term (fall or spring) are classified as re-admission students. Students who are not citizens or legal residents of the United States of America are considered international students. Students desiring college credit, but not planning to pursue post-baccalaureate degrees, are classified as special students. Students who take courses at the University of Mobile to be applied toward degrees at other colleges or universities are transient students. Applicants who wish to take courses on a noncredit basis may apply for admission as audit students.

Admission Requirements (Undergraduate)

Requirements for Regular Admission

Students who are admitted as freshmen or transfers and are pursuing degrees at the University of Mobile are classified as regular students. In addition to the requirements listed below, letters of recommendation and/or a personal interview with a University of Mobile representative may be requested. In addition to the admission criteria required by the University of Mobile, nursing students, worship leadership, business, teacher education, and athletic training students have specific program admission requirements established by the respective schools and external approval agencies. The requirements are described in the appropriate sections of this catalog.

Freshmen Applicants

Freshmen applicants must submit the following:

1. completed application for admission;
2. non-refundable application fee;
3. official high school transcript reflecting date of graduation, with at least a 2.75 un-weighted GPA or an official GED score report with a score of 50 or higher, mailed directly to the enrollment services office;
4. official ACT scores report stating a minimum composite score of 21, or comparable test scores report; (Applicants twenty-five years of age or older are not required to submit ACT scores reports for general admission.) See ACT requirement for the School of Nursing;
5. immunization certificate for measles, mumps, and rubella. (Applicants age 25 or older are exempt from immunization requirement.).

Freshmen applicants who graduated from non-accredited high schools may be admitted conditionally to the University of Mobile. Home-schooled applicants may be considered for equivalency credit provided some measurable standard is submitted such as the ACT or other test(s). Questions concerning high school accreditation or equivalency credit may be referred by the director of enrollment services to the admission committee for review.

Transfer Applicants (Undergraduate)

Transfer applicants must submit the following:

1. completed application for admission;
2. non-refundable application fee;
3. final official college transcript (two official transcripts if seeking teacher certification), mailed directly to the enrollment office from each college previously attended, whether or not credit was earned;
4. official ACT scores report stating a minimum composite score of 21, or comparable test scores report; (Applicants twenty-five years of age or older, or students who have earned 24 or more acceptable semester hours at regionally accredited colleges or universities with GPAs of 2.75 or higher are exempt from this requirement); See ACT requirement for the School of Nursing;
5. official high school transcript reflecting date of graduation, with at least a 2.75 un-weighted GPA or GED score report indicating a minimum score of 50, mailed directly to the enrollment office; (Transfer applicants and applicants not applying to the nursing program who have earned 24 or more acceptable semester hours at regionally accredited colleges or universities with GPAs of 2.75 or higher are exempt from this requirement. See Criteria for Accepting Transfer of Credits  for more information about acceptable transfer credits.);
6. Immunization certificate for measles, mumps, and rubella. (Applicants age 25 or older are exempt from immunization requirement.).

Criteria for Accepting Transfer of Credits (Undergraduate)

1. Courses in which applicants have earned a grade of D or F are not accepted as transfer credit. (Exceptions in accord with articulation agreement with Alabama community colleges.)
2. Coursework transferred in, or accepted for credit toward a degree, must represent collegiate coursework relevant to the degree, with course content and level of instruction equivalent to that of the University’s own undergraduate program.
3. A maximum of 64 semester hours of credit may be transferred from community colleges toward a bachelor degree.
4. A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit earned through correspondence or extension courses may be applied at the bachelor level. A maximum of 15 semester hours of credit earned through correspondence or extension courses may be applied at the associate’s level.
5. Transfer applicants who have earned 24 or more acceptable semester hours at regionally accredited colleges or universities with GPAs of 2.75 or higher and who are not applying to the nursing program are exempt from the ACT requirement and are not required to submit high school transcripts. See ACT requirements for the School of Nursing.
6. Coursework transferred in, or accepted for credit toward a degree, must have been completed at institutions accredited as degree-granting by post-secondary regional accrediting commissions at the time the coursework was completed. Coursework taken from non-accredited institutions must be validated before it can be considered as part of the student’s permanent record. Successful completion of 24 semester hours of coursework at the University of Mobile (12 hours of the core curriculum and 12 hours in the major) with a minimum GPA of 2.00 is required before this coursework may be considered for validation. Students seeking Alabama teacher certification may not apply coursework validated from non-accredited institutions since the Alabama State Department of Education does not recognize this credit.
7. Successful transfer applicants have achieved at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average from all previously enrolled institutions and must be eligible to return to each institution previously attended to be considered for unconditional admission to the University of Mobile. Applicants must also have a minimal grade point average of 2.75 from most recently attended institutions. Applicants with grade point averages below a 2.75 from the most recently attended institution may be considered for admissions by the admissions committee and may be required to submit additional information. The admissions committee evaluates transfer applicants who have received academic discipline from other institutions and applicants whose GPAs fall below 2.75.
   1. Students admitted conditionally must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.75 before their status is changed to regular. Two consecutive academic periods (semesters) are usually allowed for the student to do so.
   2. The admissions committee honors academic suspension earned at other institutions. Unusual cases with extenuating circumstances may be considered after one full academic period (semester) (four months) has elapsed. Coursework taken while on suspension must be validated before work can be considered as part of the student’s permanent record. Successful completion of 24 semester hours of coursework at the University of Mobile (12 hours of the core curriculum and 12 hours in the major) with a minimum GPA of 2.00 validates otherwise acceptable credits earned while on suspension.
   3. The University of Mobile admissions committee also honors academic dismissal from other institutions. Unusual cases with extenuating circumstances may be considered after three or more calendar years have elapsed. If admitted, a student in this category is usually allowed two academic periods (semesters) to achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Coursework taken while on dismissal must be validated before work can be considered as part of the student’s permanent record. Successful completion of 24 semester hours of coursework at the University of Mobile with a minimum GPA of 2.00 is required before coursework taken elsewhere while on dismissal from the University of Mobile may be considered for validation.
   4. The University of Mobile honors academic bankruptcy granted by regionally accredited colleges and universities. A final official transcript from the granting institution must document the academic bankruptcy. The transcript must be received prior to admission to the University. All grades for the bankruptcy period are omitted from the overall GPA calculations by the University of Mobile’s registrar’s office.

Requirements for Re-Admission Applicants (Undergraduate)

Students who discontinue studies at the University of Mobile for at least one term (fall or spring) are classified as re-admission students. Re-admission applicants must submit the following:

1. completed application for reinstatement;
2. final official college transcript (two official transcripts if seeking teaching certification), mailed directly to the enrollment office from each college attended since enrollment at the University of Mobile, whether or not credit was earned; and
3. any required documents not received at the time of original application.
4. Successful re-admission applicants have achieved at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average from all previously enrolled institutions and must be eligible to return to each institution previously attended to be considered for unconditional admission to the University of Mobile. Applicants must also have a minimal grade point average of 2.75 from most recently attended institutions. Applicants with grade point averages below a 2.75 from the most recently attended institution may be considered for admissions through the admissions committee and may be required to submit additional information for the admission decision process. The admissions committee evaluates transfer applicants who have received academic discipline from other institutions and applicants whose GPAs fall below 2.75. The admissions committee may choose to consider for admittance conditionally.

Requirements for International Applicants (Undergraduate)

Students who are not citizens or legal residents of the United States of America are considered international students. International applicants must submit the following:

1. completed international student application;
2. non-refundable application fee;
3. official certificate of completion of secondary school education; (Students who have earned 24 or more acceptable hours from another regionally accredited institution may be exempt from this requirement. See Criteria for Accepting Transfer of Credits  for more information about acceptable transfer credits.)
4. final official college transcript (two official transcripts if seeking teacher certification), mailed directly to the enrollment office from each college previously attended, whether or not credit was earned;
5. evaluation and English translation of transcripts from colleges or universities not located in the United States;
6. Immunization certificate for measles, mumps, and rubella. (Applicants age 25 or older are exempt from immunization requirement.).
7. financial affidavit;
8. photocopy of the following, if transferring from an institution located in the United States: SEVIS I-20, I-94, a valid passport, and transfer eligibility form; and
9. official TOEFL score: (Paper Based score of 500 or better/Computer Based Score of 173 or better/iBT score of 61 or better). An ACT or SAT may be used in lieu of the TOEFL for students whose native language is English. A minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT or 980 on the SAT is required.

Requirements for Special (Non-Degree) Applicants (Undergraduate)

Students not planning to graduate from the University of Mobile, nor enroll as regular students, are classified as special students. Students entering under the special category who later wish to change to degree-seeking status must meet all requirements for regular admission to be considered as degree-seeking students. Special applicants must submit the following:

1. completed application for admission;
2. non-refundable application fee; and
3. official transcript from the educational institution most recently attended (college or high school) mailed directly to the enrollment office. Students who are not high school graduates and have not attended college are required to submit official GED score reports. Students planning to enroll as special students must provide evidence that they have achieved a 21 or better on the ACT and a minimum 2.75 GPA, have a score of 50 or better on the GED, or have achieved a 2.75 GPA on 24 or more transferable college semester hours. Students who wish to be considered as special students but do not meet the admission requirements may be reviewed by the admissions committee for special consideration.

Requirements for Transient Applicants (Undergraduate)

Students who wish to enroll in courses at the University of Mobile to be applied toward degrees at other colleges or universities will make application as transient applicants. Transient applicants must submit the following:

1. completed application for admission;
2. non-refundable application fee; and
3. completed transient student application, including an approval statement signed by a designated college official of the institution from which the student wishes to be a transient.

Requirements for Audit Applicants (Undergraduate)

Applicants wishing to enroll in courses on a non-credit basis may apply for admission as audit students. Audit applicants must submit the following:

1. completed application for admission; and
2. non-refundable application fee.

Classroom seating is open to auditing students on a space available basis only. Priority is given to degree-seeking students.

Requirements for Early/Dual Enrollment for High School Applicants

The University of Mobile allows eligible high school students to enroll in college classes prior to the completion of their high school course work and/or concurrent enrollment while attending high school classes, either on the college campus or at the high school. Students may enroll in courses for which high school prerequisites have been completed and may receive college credit for their work. Any high school credit awarded is a matter between students and their high school and/or appropriate local/state board or agency. In order to be considered for acceptance in the Early Enrollment Program the student must:

1. Have successfully completed the tenth grade and be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment;
2. Provide a written recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal. Student participation in the Early Enrollment program is dependent upon both academic readiness and social maturity. Recommendation from a school official indicates that the student has demonstrated both;
3. Meet or exceed the grade point average and standardized test score admission requirements at the University of Mobile; and
4. Participate in an orientation program prior to attending class.

Requirements for Conditional Admission (Undergraduate)

An applicant who does not meet the established admission criteria may be considered for conditional admission. Applicants with GED score reports indicating scores between 45 and 49 are included in this category. An applicant considered for conditional admission may be required to take the following courses based on high school grades and area ACT scores: English 100 , Success Strategies 100 , and Mathematics 101 . Grades earned by students admitted conditionally are reviewed at the end of their first academic period (semester). Students who demonstrate acceptable progress and fulfill the conditions of admission will be allowed to continue studies as regular students.

Specific Program Requirements (Undergraduate)

Admission to the Nursing, Worship Leadership, Business, Teacher Education, and Athletic Training Programs

In addition to the admission criteria required by the University of Mobile, nursing, worship leadership, business, teacher education, and athletic training students have specific program admission requirements established by the respective schools and external approval agencies (e.g. State Board of Nursing or the State Board of Education). The requirements are described in the appropriate sections of this catalog.

Admission of Students to the Center for Adult Programs

Academic programs for adults are an integral part of the University of Mobile. They are especially designed to meet the needs of working adults and other non-traditional age students. Students may earn the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, or the Bachelor of Science degree offered through the Center for Adult Programs in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Leadership and Cultural Studies, or the RN to BSN Program for Career Nurses. Interested students should contact the Dean of the Center for Adult Programs. Applicants interested in enrolling in the University’s Basic Core Program or one of the areas of studies leading to a bachelor degree, both of which are designed for working adults, may submit application materials to the enrollment coordinator in the Center for Adult Programs. In addition to the admission criteria required by the University of Mobile, the Basic Core Program and the areas of studies leading to a bachelor degree have specific program admission requirements. Please see the appropriate section of this catalog for information on admission to the program(s).

Early Admission Into Graduate School

The MBA program allows University of Mobile students early admission into graduate school.  The MBA is paired with undergraduate majors in Accounting, Business Administration, or Computer Information Systems. Interested students should contact the dean of the School of Business.

Americans with Disabilities Act

It is the policy of the University of Mobile to provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The University coordinates support services for students with disabilities and is an accommodation resource for faculty and administration. Eligibility for service requires prior documentation of the disability. The office of enrollment services or registrar can provide additional information.