Undergraduate Degree Requirements - University of Charleston

UC has specific requirements to ensure that our incoming students are ready to reach their highest potential for success:

General Freshman Admission Requirements

A student applying for general freshman admission may submit an application any time after the completion of six semesters of high school. Admission requirements are:

Minimum 2.50 academic grade point average (on a 4-point scale); or GED or TASC score of 450.

The University of Charleston is 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.

The Office of Admissions reserves the right to deny general admission or request additional application materials for applicants whose scores fall below the stated minimums.

What to submit

Completed Undergraduate Application for admission
$25.00 application fee or application fee waiver;
High school transcripts or official GED/TASC results with an average score of 450 or more, if applicable;
Students may self-report their high school GPA to be conditionally admitted; however, transcripts must be received with the GPA noted for the awarding of academic scholarship awards. All admissions standards will apply and failure to present truthful information will be grounds for revocation of the acceptance.
Applicants accepted by the University of Charleston must submit proof of high school graduation or GED/TASC to the University’s Office of Admissions prior to registering for a second semester via a final official transcript. Note: UC does not currently accept modified diplomas
Official AP score will be reviewed in July and credit granted (if applicable);
Official transcripts from an accredited university (if applicable);
Online program applicants must submit a valid driver’s license or state issued photo identification.

Special Admission Requirements

Some programs, most notably Health Sciences and Education, have special and separate programmatic admission requirements. Applicants should consult specific academic program pages for a complete description of any special or additional requirements specific to the program or programs in which they are interested.

Student Conduct Considerations

The University of Charleston reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission when the admitted student’s behaviors do not meet the University’s expectations and requirements for students. See student handbook for conduct standards.

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.

Please view our immunization policy.

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.