Graduate Program Admissions
Each applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an undergraduate background appropriate for graduate study in the selected area of specialization.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: December 1
- Summer Semester: April 15
Requirements for English and History
Applicants to the graduate programs in English or History must, at the minimum, meet one of the following criteria for admission:
1. A GPA of 3.0 in the major or minor fields of study.
2. A minimum of five courses in the field of study with a minimum GPA of 2.67 and adequate scores in the GRE general test as determined by the department.
Requirements for Psychology
Applicants for admission to the graduate program in Psychology must complete the GRE General Test and submit official scores unless one of the following is true:
1. The student attended Washington College for undergraduate education and achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. The student was an undergraduate Psychology major or minor at Washington College and is recommended for the Graduate program by two or more of our tenured/tenure-track professors, regardless of GPA.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above are expected to earn a 25th percentile score or higher on every component of the exam. In addition, they must at the minimum meet one of the following criteria for admission:
1. Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a GPA of 3.0 or better or a combination of undergraduate coursework and GPA deemed appropriate for full admission by the department.
2. A combination of undergraduate coursework and GPA deemed appropriate for provisional admission and completion of Psychology 500, Statistics in Psychology and Education, with a grade of B or better.
3. A combination of undergraduate coursework and GPA deemed appropriate for provisional admission and a score at or above the 50th percentile on the GRE Psychology subject test.
Applying for Admission
All applicants for admission must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620-1197:
1. A $50 application fee (check payable to Washington College).
2. A completed graduate admission application form.
3. All official undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts.
4. A one to two page statement of purpose.
5. Two letters of recommendation and accompanying forms.
6. Applicants to the Psychology program must also submit Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude test results.
Departmental review of graduate applications begins upon receipt of all relevant materials by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applications are processed on a rolling basis; however, applicants who wish to maximize their opportunity for admission should submit all materials at least two months prior to the semester in which they wish to begin coursework. Incomplete applications remain on file for a period of one year, after which they are discarded. The College notifies candidates of admissions decisions by US mail. Candidates admitted to the program are expected to confirm their decision to enroll within four weeks. The College requires a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $300 to reserve the student’s place in the Program. Enrollment deposits do not constitute a fee, but will apply toward future tuition charges. The academic departments reserve the right to attach provisions to admission to the graduate program.
Employees as Students
Washington College employees may take graduate courses in their first term of employment. However, they are expected to submit an application to a program of study following the application deadlines outlined previously.
1. New employees or employees who have not applied for admittance to a graduate program or have a pending application, may register for no more than two courses in their first term.
2. Employees who have not applied for admission to a program of graduate study after completion of two courses must seek admission to a degree program or officially declare their intent to pursue course work as a non-degree student. Students who have not declared a degree status upon completion of two courses will be unable to register for subsequent terms.
Transfer Policy
Washington College will accept up to nine hours of transfer credit from other accredited graduate institutions. Generally, courses must have been taken within seven years of date of application for transfer credit and earned a grade of “B” or better. Department chairs review transfer credits and consider course content, date of course credit, and special conditions. The Graduate Council is authorized final responsibility for accepting transfer credit in cases where questions arise, either from the student or the department chair. As a matter of general policy, Washington College does not grant transfer credit for courses taught in the mini-course format, for a period of one week or less.
Registration
The graduate schedule and pre-registration materials generally become available 1-2 months prior to the start of each term. They may be obtained from, and should be returned to, the Registrar’s Office, Bunting Hall, Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620-1197. Payment should accompany registration and may be made via cash, money order, or certified or personal check. Credit cards are not accepted at the Registrar’s office.
WC employees who wish to take graduate courses must complete the Employee Tuition Waiver and Registration form in addition to the Graduate Course Registration form. The form may be found athttp://hr.washcoll.edu/pdf/tuitionwaver_employee.pdf. (Submit both forms and your check for Course Registration at the HR office for verification and signature PRIOR to submitting it to the Registrar’s office.
Registration for graduate classes will be closed one week prior to the beginning of classes in order for enrollment to be adjusted and any under-enrolled courses cancelled. Graduate courses require a minimum of five students in order to be held.
Matriculation
Students not formally admitted to the Graduate Program may enroll in individual classes as non-degree students. Students may complete up to two courses as non-degree students with no official declaration of intent. Upon completion of two courses, the student must be admitted to a degree program or officially declare their permanent status as a non-degree seeking student. Students not declaring an official status will be unable to register for subsequent terms. Only two courses completed prior to formal admission will be counted toward completion of course requirements for the Master’s Degree.
Withdrawals and Refunds
Students may withdraw from courses without academic penalty by the withdrawal date listed on the Academic Calendar by filing a withdrawal form with the Registrar’s Office. Students who fail to notify the Registrar’s Office forfeit their right to any potential refund. Tuition and the audit fee are the only charges eligible for full or partial refund; the registration fee is not refundable in whole or in part.
Fall and spring refunds
Before classes begin - 100% refund; before 2nd week - 75% refund; before 3rd week - 50% refund; thereafter - no refund. The fee for auditing is not refundable after the second week of classes.
Summer refunds
Before classes begin - 100% refund; before 4th class meeting - 75% refund; before 6th class meeting - 50% refund; thereafter - no refund. The fee for auditing is not refundable after the second week of classes.
