Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Individuals who have previously attended Morris Harvey College or the University of Charleston as degree-seeking students, but who have not taken courses from the University for at least one academic year, may be considered for re-admission by the Executive Vice President and Chief Admissions Officer.

The student must complete an Application for Admission. The student’s standing within the Registrar, Financial Aid, Cashier, and Student Life offices must be assessed by each department’s designee. Based on their assessments, the Executive Vice President will make the final re-admission decision.

Applicants who have attended any college or university since leaving Morris Harvey College or the University of Charleston are considered readmit-transfer students and must follow both the transfer and readmit procedures

Military Students who wish to enroll should provide:

• Completed online or paper Undergraduate Application for Admission;
• Unofficial transcripts at time of admissions and then Official transcript from EACH university or college previously attended by the start of the second semester; Please submit directly to admissions@ucwv.edu or University of Charleston 2300 MacCorkle Ave SE Charleston, WV 25304 ATTN: Admissions
• Official copy of Combo JST or other military training transcript;
• If planning to use Tuition Assistance, Veterans Affairs benefits, or any other type of military funding, take steps to ensure all documentation has been submitted for those benefits. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact your Base Education Office or the Veterans Affairs Administration directly; UC is a ArmyIgnitED LOI school. Please contact taorva@ucwv.edu for guidance with setting up our Army tuition assistance benefits.
• We are proud to offer resources on all chapters of Veterans & GI Benefits, as well as Tuition Assistance guides for each branch of the military; Please contact taorva@ucwv.edu for guidance with setting up your TA or GI Benefits.
• Online applicants must submit a valid driver’s license or state issued photo identification; Please submit directly to admissions@ucwv.edu

Students who do not submit all required transcripts by the requested date will not be able to receive financial aid until all college transcripts are received.

The University of Charleston welcomes and makes every effort to accommodate home school students. Minimum admission requirements include:

• If you are under the umbrella of a diploma-granting organization, you will need to submit evidence of the coursework completed and your level of performance;
• In the absence of such a document, you will need a detailed portfolio comprised of the breadth of work you have completed to help us evaluate your level of preparation for college-level work (e.g. research project, resume, reading list, community service, athletic and/or artistic endeavors);
• If receiving WV financial aid such as WV PROMISE or WV Higher Ed Grant, the home-schooled student must also submit the GED/TASC to be in compliance with WV aid standards;
• Official transcript from an accredited university or college (if applicable);
• AP tests (if applicable);
• ACT/SAT test scores (only for placement into courses);
• Essay (recommended but not required)

The University of Charleston is now test blind in freshman and transfer admission processes. Students do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores for general admission, scholarship, or course placement purposes.

Certain degree programs, including nursing and education, require specialized test scores (TEAS and PRAXIS) for admission.

Additionally, international students for whom English is a second language must submit test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) to demonstrate English proficiency.

Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to occur on US campuses and pose a significant threat to the public health of the campus communities.

Outbreaks impose a significant cost to infected individuals in terms of mortality and morbidity. They can also be costly to the University and students by disrupting university activities and preventing students from attending scheduled classes.

The university’s goal is to provide adequate protection to the campus community against vaccine-preventable diseases by requiring students to be vaccinated against and/or screened for certain highly contagious diseases. This goal can best be achieved through a mandatory pre-matriculation immunization requirement policy.

The following requirements are consistent with West Virginia State Law and with the recommendations of the American College Health Association and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Students who fail to provide appropriate documentation for the following immunizations will be prohibited from moving into the residence halls until the documentation is provided, and the University is under no obligation to prorate or forgive room charges for any delayed entry. 

UC Student Immunization Form

Immunizations Required for All Charleston and Beckley Students

• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella). All in-seat students born after 1956 must provide documentation of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella.

     MMR and MMRV Centers for Disease Control Guidance are found here.

Additional Immunizations Required for Charleston Residential Students

• Hepatitis B. If you live in university housing, you must provide documentation of immunization for Hepatitis B. You must provide one of the following:
  • Documentation of having initiated the series of Hepatitis B immunizations and updates indicates that you continue to receive the series of immunizations on schedule until all three immunizations have been given. The student is expected to complete the immunizations within six months of initiation of the series.
  • Documentation of completion of a three-shot series for Hepatitis B
  • Documentation of a titer indicating immunity to Hepatitis B
  • HepB Centers for Disease Control Guidance found here.
• Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY (MCV4). All entering full-time students born must provide documentation of immunization against meningococcal meningitis ACWY.
  • Students must provide documentation of receipt of a dose of Meningococcal Vaccine for types ACWY, either Menveo or Menactra, not more than 5 years before enrollment in the institution.
  • The recommendation is that all individuals living in campus housing receive a booster every five (5) years.
  • MenACWY Centers for Disease Control Guidance found here.

Additional Immunizations and Tests Required for International Students

• Tuberculosis (TB). All full-time international students must provide documentation of having had a Tuberculin skin test (PPD) or blood test to screen for tuberculosis (TB) within six months prior to enrollment in the University regardless of prior BCG immunizations. If the results of either test are positive, a chest x-ray is required. A student may request a waiver from tuberculin skin testing if the student is from a country that the Centers for Disease Control have identified as having a low prevalence of tuberculosis.

Immunizations Recommended for All Charleston and Beckley Students

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV-9). All students are strongly encouraged to receive the Human Papillomavirus vaccine HPV prior to matriculation. Much like the Hepatitis B vaccine, the HPV vaccine is a three-part series of shots that has been shown to drastically reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
• Hepatitis A. All entering full-time students are encouraged to have the hepatitis A Vaccination if they travel to countries or areas where cases of hepatitis A are moderately active.
• All entering full-time students are encouraged to have an annual flu shot at the start of the influenza season.
• Meningococcal Meningitis B. All entering full-time students are encouraged to have immunization against meningococcal meningitis B through either a Bexsero or Trumenba vaccination.
  • MenBCenters for Disease Control Guidance found here.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap, Td). All students are strongly encouraged to receive a booster every 10 years after their last.
• Varicella (Chicken Pox). are strongly encouraged to receive immunization against Chicken Pox.

Students in a Health Science Program

Please consult your individual programs to see if they have specific additional immunization requirements that may differ from those of the University.

Request for Medical Immunization Exemption Waiver

A student may complete a Medical Immunization Exemption Certificate form for review for any required vaccination. The  Medical Immunization Exemption Certificate form must be completed at least two weeks prior to the student arriving on campus for the students first semester of attendance at the University. In the case of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease on campus for which the student has not been immunized, the University reserves the right to ask the student to leave campus until the outbreak is over.

Download the Medical Immunization Exemption Certificate form here.

Contact: Questions regarding a Medical Immunization Exemption Waiver should be directed to the Vice President & Dean of Students at virginiamoore@ucwv.edu or 304-357-4987.

What GPA do I need for the University of Charleston?

As a freshman applicant, you’ll need a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher, however, UC follows a holistic review process that considers more than grades alone. Students whose GPAs are below this threshold may be reviewed in light of academic history, course rigor, community involvement, personal interests, and the potential for success within UC’s student-centered environment. Students who demonstrate resilience, curiosity, or leadership experience are encouraged to highlight these strengths in their application.

Does UC have recommended high school coursework I should complete?

Although UC accepts a variety of academic backgrounds, students are better prepared for college level work when their high school curriculum includes four years of English, three to four years of mathematics, three years of science with laboratory components, and courses in social studies, humanities, and foreign language. These courses help build the foundational skills needed for writing, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Is it difficult to transfer to the University of Charleston as an undergraduate?

Students who wish to transfer to the University of Charleston must submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges before an admissions decision can be made. A minimum 2.00 cumulative college/university GPA is required for transfer admission. UC provides individualized transfer evaluations to help students understand how previous credits will apply toward their degree.

Does the University of Charleston require letters of recommendation?

No. Students are not required to submit letters of recommendation for general admission to undergraduate programs. If a student is applying with a cumulative GPA below the stated minimum requirements, letters of recommendation that provide helpful insight into your academic strengths, character, and leadership potential, are encouraged as part of your supplemental application materials. A thoughtful letter from a teacher, counselor, or mentor can offer additional context about your readiness for college and may support your application.

When should I apply?

The University of Charleston accepts applications throughout the year, which allows students to apply at the pace that works best for them. However, applying early offers important advantages such as priority consideration for housing, financial aid, and placement in high demand academic programs. Submitting your application ahead of key deadlines also gives you more time to explore scholarships, schedule a campus visit, and complete any additional requirements your program may recommend.