Post-Graduate Policies

Post-Graduate Admission

The application process requires the following steps for students. Interested students may submit documents in person, via fax, e-mail, or U.S. post. For application documents, please contact the Office of Admissions at the appropriate campus.

All applicants must complete an Application for Admission and pay the non-refundable application fee. This may be completed on the University’s website or in the Office of Admissions.
Complete the Enrollment Agreement which includes emergency contact information, acknowledgement of University policies, and student information release.
A TOEFL score of 550 or an equivalent score on an internationally recognized test, if English is not the primary language.
Submit proof of an earned master’s degree in specified field of study:
Candidates for the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Business Futures must have an earned master’s in business administration, management, or related field(s) that demonstrates exposure to managerial functions; or a master’s degree in an unrelated field with significant business/managerial experience.
Candidates for the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Enterprise Architecture must have an earned master’s in the computing field such as information technology, software engineering, or related fields that demonstrates exposure to information technology.
Resume outlining a minimum of five years of significant professional work experience in the related field of study; this requirement may be waived or altered for an applicant by the Program Admissions SubCommittee.
A 750 word Statement of Purpose indicating the applicant’s interest in pursuing the advanced degree and the relationship to their future goals.
A 750 word research and writing sample; a specific topic is provided for each cohort.
Two letters of recommendation that demonstrate capability to succeed at post-graduate level studies

International students must adhere to the University’s additional admissions requirements for international students, outlined in detail in the University’s catalog.

Acceptance requires a student meet the following criteria:

A 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the master’s degree in the student’s field of study.
Approval and acceptance by the Programs Steering Committee’s Admissions Sub-Committee.
Successful completion of BUS801 Qualitative Research and Academic Writing with a grade of 3.0 or higher.
Transfer Credit
No more than 20% for the degree may be transferred from another institution.

Sources of Credit

Credit can only be achieved by achieving a 3.0 grade in the according course at Stratford University.

Academic Calendar

The University post graduate programs use the same academic calendar as the other programs. Cohorts begin at the start of term five each year.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete the required courses in the program of study at the University
Complete all required classroom modules, externship hours (if applicable), and all program requirements
Achieve a minimum grade of 3.0 in each course and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0
Fulfill all degree requirements within five calendar years from beginning the first course
Satisfy all financial obligations
Complete an academic checkout form signed by the designated department representative

Students who do not meet these requirements may petition for re-admission and must develop a degree plan to provide for completion. Stratford University reserves the right to update or change the curricula at any time. Any candidate for a degree is held to compliance with changes for the uncompleted portion of the program of study. If it is determined a student will not be able to fulfill the graduation requirements, the University reserves the right to discontinue a student’s enrollment.

Processes and Requirements

Students must complete the academic checkout forms prior to enrolling for their last term. This must be signed by various departments and it is the student’s responsibility to complete it. After grades are posted for their final term, the designated department representative reviews the transcript and approves it. The diplomas are ordered after the designated department representative’s approval. Diplomas are typically ready within one academic term. Students may have their diploma mailed to them or it can be picked up on-campus. International students should contact the Office of the Registrar the February before graduation for forms requesting invitation letters.

Ceremonies

Stratford University holds graduation ceremonies in June for graduates of all programs. It is a special event for the University, students, and their families to celebrate the personal and academic accomplishments of the student. Students should contact the Office of the Registrar for information about signing up for the ceremony. Caps and gowns are available in Student Support Services and are assessed a fee which can be found in the catalog addendum. Student may apply to walk at the ceremony ahead of their official graduation, if they will complete the same term as the ceremony is being held. This must be approved by the campus president. Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony. Students must complete the academic checkout process through the Office of the Registrar in order to obtain their diploma.