Admission Policies

The Admission Office is responsible for managing the admission process for prospective students. Admission is granted on a selective basis. The Admission Committee, consisting of College administrators, faculty, and staff, reviews policy set by the Admission Office to admit students who show promise of success at the College. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, disability, national and ethnic origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in administration of its admission and financial aid policies.

Admission Requirements

As the admission requirements for each graduate program varies according to the accreditation standards governing each program, see the “Admission Requirements” section for the relevant graduate program.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be granted to individuals enrolling in select graduate programs. Advanced standing, if granted, is based on a review of prior learning that may include successfully completed academic coursework at another degree-granting institution; other relevant programs/courses taken in the workplace, from professional organizations or in other training contexts where appropriate certification is available; and/or documented applicable work experiences.

A maximum of 65 percent of the total number of credits toward the degree may be granted for advanced standing (unless otherwise stated in an institutional agreement). Specific credit maximums, advanced standing requirements and required documentation vary by graduate program.

When considering granting advanced standing, the graduate program may consider and/or require the following:

  • Academic Coursework
    •  Official transcript documenting successful completion of course(s).
    • Course syllabi or copy of course catalog with course description.
    • Course is a professional or graduate level course from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education institutional accreditor. (Graduates of non-U.S. accredited colleges/universities may need transcript/syllabi review by World Education Services, the Academic Credential Evaluation Institute, or another approved credential evaluation service.)
    • Course clearly meets the defined goals and objectives of a specific course being offered by the College.
    • Student earned a minimum of a B in the course.
    • Course was taken no more than seven (7) years prior to the transfer of credit application completion date.
    • Course must be equivalent to or greater than the amount of credit assigned to the specified College course.
  • Other Courses or Programs
    • Continuing education course/workshop/seminar/program descriptions, proof of completion and certification awarded.
  • Work Experiences
    • Letter from employer(s) specifying the nature and extent of program-related work experiences.

Transfer Credit

The following criteria guide The College of Idaho’s decision regarding whether transfer courses or credits are accepted for transfer for its graduate programs:

  • Official transcript documenting successful completion of course(s).
  • Course syllabi or copy of course catalog with course description.
  • Course is a professional or graduate level course from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education institutional accreditor. (Graduates of non-U.S. accredited colleges/universities may need transcript/syllabi review by World Education Services, the Academic Credential Evaluation Institute, or another approved credential evaluation service.)
  • Course clearly meets the defined goals and objectives of a specific course being offered by the College.
  • Student earned a minimum of a B in the course.
  • Course was taken no more than seven (7) years prior to the transfer of credit application completion date.
  • Course must be equivalent to or greater than the amount of credit assigned to the specified College course.
  • No more than 45 percent of the graduate program’s total credits can be accepted as transfer credit (unless otherwise stated in an institutional agreement).

Re-Admission Policy and Procedures

In most instances, students withdrawing from The College of Idaho, regardless of the reason, must apply for re-admission.

Students in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing who leave the College for one or more terms and do not request a leave of absence, or whose leave of absence has expired, may re-enroll in the College within six (6) years of their first term of enrollment. To apply for re-enrollment, the student should complete the Returning Graduate Student form at least one month in advance of the time the applicant wishes to re-enroll (three months are preferred). The director/chair of the relevant graduate program and/or their designee will consider the applicant and may ask for letters of reference, medical documentation, etc., and will review the student’s credentials on file at the College. The graduate program has the right to conduct interviews, secure documentation, evaluate past grades/performance, etc. Since the reason each applicant left is unique, the information required by the graduate program may vary. The graduate program has the right to reject an applicant’s request for re-enrollment. If re-enrollment is approved, the applicant will be held to the requirements in place at the time of re-enrollment. The graduate program will consult with the Dean of Graduate Studies to establish placement and academic conditions for re-enrollment. If a background check is required for the program of study, a new background check will be required.

Former students who have been administratively withdrawn or dismissed from The College of Idaho or who left in good standing but are seeking to return to the College more than six (6) years after their first term of enrollment may be required to complete the admission process used for all new applicants.