Apply to Graduate School

Apply - Non-Degree Application

This classification is for individuals who generally never plan to obtain a degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University.  

Admission as a non-degree student is granted on a semester-by-semester basis and is only permissible when space is available. While a student may not be required to submit an additional application for subsequent semesters (depending on the length of time between enrollment), permission to enroll in more than one semester under the status must be pre-approved.

Students seeking enrollment for multiple semesters should contact the the Office of Admission for current policies and procedures. Non-degree students will be considered for admission upon meeting the requirements listed below. Because this classification is designed for students taking courses purely for their edification, academic advisors are not assigned.

Applicants who are under current suspension from Lenoir-Rhyne, or who were denied admission as degree-seeking first-year, transfer or graduate students are not eligible for non-degree status. A non-degree student is not eligible for financial aid.

Graduate Non-Degree Student

The collegiate environment continues to be an academic resource beyond the completion of the undergraduate degree. In order to make its resources available for a broad range of purposes not confined to the pursuit of specific degrees, a student who holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree may register for individual courses at the graduate level without making a formal application to a degree program.

A student not pursuing a graduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne applies to the university as a non-degree student and is required to furnish proof of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Admission as a non-degree student does not guarantee future admission into a specific degree program, nor into a public school licensure program.

A non-degree student who holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree may take either undergraduate or graduate courses. Under this classification, a student may enroll in no more than 6 hours of graduate-level classes or 12 hours of undergraduate-level classes. Upon completion of six hours of graduate courses, a student must apply to a degree-seeking program in order to continue graduate coursework. A non-degree student is not eligible for financial aid.

Campus Offerings: Online

GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.

Location Offerings: Hickory, Asheville and Online

Online instruction is offered through synchronous “streaming” classrooms, or asynchronous delivery through online video presentations.

GMAT or GRE test scores may be requested. Minimum GMAT score is a 450; minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5.

Choose a General MBA or specialize in a specific area of interest:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics and Information Technology
• Entrepreneurship
• Executive Management
• Healthcare Administration

Campus Offerings:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Hickory and Asheville
• School Counseling: Hickory and Asheville

Application Deadlines

• Summer: March 1
• Fall: June 1
• Spring: October 1

Interview Dates

Only those applicants who have met the application requirements will be invited to interview. Applications should be completed no less than one week before the applicant's desired interview date.

Virtual

• April 21, 2026
• August 4, 2026

Hickory On-Campus

• March 24, 2026
• July 21, 2026

Asheville On-Campus

• June 18, 2026

Counseling Certificates

Students who are currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling program may choose to complete certificates in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling or Trauma Counseling. These certificate programs offer tailored coursework seamlessly integrated with your existing counseling degree. Visit the counseling certificates page for additional information.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Post-Master's Certificate is open to applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree in counseling in a different specialty area (e.g. school counseling). This certificate will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor in N.C. (and most other states).  The number of courses will be determined based on a transcript review and letter of requirements from the licensure board. 

Please note that courses taken in the post-master's certificate program are not eligible for financial aid, because they are not part of a degree-seeking program. 

• Most likely, the courses would include the following:
• COU 520 - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• COU 566 - Advanced Counseling Techniques, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
• COU 592 - Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I (300)
• Any other courses required by the licensure board.

The School Counseling Post-Master's Certificate is open to students who have previously earned a graduate degree in counseling in a different specialty area (e.g., Clinical Mental Health Counseling). This certificate will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a School Counselor in N.C. (and most other states). 

Please note that courses taken in the post-master's certificate program are not eligible for financial aid, because they are not part of a degree-seeking program. 

• The number of courses will be determined based on a transcript review and letter of requirements from the licensure board.  Most likely, the courses would include the following:
• COU 510 - Introduction & Foundation of School Counseling
• COU 515 - Advanced School Counseling
• COU 516 - School Counseling and Special Education
• COU 590 - Internship in School Counseling I (300)
• Any other courses required by the licensure board.

The Trauma Counseling Post-Master's Certificate is open to applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling. This certificate will provide students with advanced training in working with survivors of trauma.

• The Trauma Certificate includes the following four courses:
• COU 556 - Foundations of Trauma Counseling
• COU 557 - Child Trauma Effects Across the Lifespan
• COU 558 - Advanced Trauma Interventions
• One approved elective that may include interdisciplinary courses (Narrative Medicine, Public Health, etc.), and other trauma-related electives within Counseling or other graduate programs. 3 credits.

Campus Offerings: Asheville, Online

In addition to the essay noted above, applicants to the program must submit:

• One-page personal statement detailing your story of being a writer and your curiosity for what lies ahead. What do you seek for your writing from the MFA?
• Applicants should submit two writing samples. The writing samples should be 2-5 pages in length and double-spaced. They can be essays, stories, excerpts, or poetry. Applicants may submit both in one genre or demonstrate ability in two genres. If the sample is an excerpt from a longer work, please provide a summary of the structure of the whole. (Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Narrative Healthcare)
• GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.

Campus Offerings: Hickory

For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.

Admission criteria include a completed master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health science-related field. Schedule a meeting with a graduate admission counselor to discuss your interests, career goals and educational plans.

Campus Offerings: Online

For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.

Prerequisite Requirements
Competency in the basic areas of exercise science is required to begin courses in the program. Required prerequisites are Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs. The areas of competency are covered in the following courses or their equivalents: BIO 281/ 282 Anatomy and Physiology I and II.

Campus Offerings: Online

• We are currently accepting applications for fall. The fall priority application deadline is July 1.
• Each student cohort begins in the fall semester.
• Students entering are expected to be at the initial immersion which is held in late August.

For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A nursing GPA of 3.0 from all nursing schools attended (ADN and BSN).
• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (NLN or CCNE).
• Currently employed as a Registered Nurse with an unrestricted nursing license.
• No grade lower than a C on the prerequisite courses of Statistics and Nursing Research.
• Competent in computer skills.
• Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
• A philosophy statement reflecting personal and professional goals, including the reason you would like to become a Family Nurse Practitioner; describe a clinical practice problem that you would like to pursue for a potential DNP project, and how implementing this project may address a need for a change in practice. All references should be cited using APA format.
• Submit three professional recommendations (done via email through the application system). The recommendations may include academic or nursing faculty, supervisor, former or current employer or manager. At least one reference must be from clinical practice.
• Upon enrollment, a criminal background check and drug screen will be required as directed by the School of Nursing.

Campus Offerings: Online

GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.

Campus Offerings: Online

GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.

Campus Offerings: Online

• We are currently accepting applications for fall. The fall priority application deadline is July 1.
• Each student cohort begins in the fall semester.
• Students entering are expected to be at the initial immersion which is held in late August.

For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A nursing GPA of 3.0 from all nursing schools attended (AND, BSN and MSN).
• A master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (ACEN or CCNE).
• Currently employed as a Registered Nurse with an unrestricted nursing license.
• No grade lower than a B on a master's level nursing research/evidence-based practice course.
• Competent in computer skills.
• Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
• A philosophy statement reflecting personal and professional goals, including the reason you would like to become a doctoral prepared nurse; describe a clinical practice problem that you would like to pursue for a potential DNP project, and how implementing this project may address a need for a change in practice. All references should be cited using APA format.
• Submit three professional recommendations (done via email through the application system). The recommendations may include academic or nursing faculty, supervisor, former or current employer or manager. At least one reference must be from clinical practice.
• Upon enrollment, a criminal background check and drug screen will be required as directed by the School of Nursing.

After Admission
The number of clinical hours completed during the master’s program must be verified.

Campus Offering: Hickory

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy accepts applications for fall term.

Applications for the OT program are done through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy.

View our information for prospective students document which provides details about program requirements, course sequence and program costs.

For admission to the program, the minimal criteria for application review is as follows:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, prior to matriculation.
• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of all prerequisite coursework.
• Completion of all prerequisite coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• A grade of at least B- on all prerequisite courses within the past five years, prior to matriculation. If you wish to submit a prerequisite that is older than five years, a request for permission can be submitted through the Waiver of Five-Year Limit Form.

**It is important to note that each application will be considered via holistic review and based on individual merit** Additional information is located in the LR Graduate Catalog.

Prerequisite Requirements
Competency in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents as evidenced by a grade of B- or above is required to be eligible for enrollment. Required prerequisites include Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Statistics (includes Intro to Statistics), General Psychology (includes Intro to Psychology), Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Medical Terminology and Sociology (includes Intro to Sociology) OR Anthropology (includes Intro to Anthropology).

Campus Offerings: Online

• We are currently accepting applications for fall. The fall priority application deadline is July 1.
• Each student cohort begins in the fall semester.
• Students entering are expected to be at the initial immersion which is held in late August.

For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A nursing GPA of 3.0 from all nursing schools attended (ADN and BSN).
• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (NLN or CCNE).
• Currently employed as a Registered Nurse with an unrestricted nursing license.
• No grade lower than a C on the prerequisite courses of Statistics and Nursing Research.
• Competent in computer skills.
• Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
• A philosophy statement reflecting personal and professional goals, including the reason you would like to become a Family Nurse Practitioner; describe a clinical practice problem that you would like to pursue for a potential DNP project, and how implementing this project may address a need for a change in practice. All references should be cited using APA format.
• Submit three professional recommendations (done via email through the application system). The recommendations may include academic or nursing faculty, supervisor, former or current employer or manager. At least one reference must be from clinical practice.
• Upon enrollment, a criminal background check and drug screen will be required as directed by the School of Nursing.

Campus Offerings: Online

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A nursing GPA of 3.0 from all nursing schools attended (and, BSN and MSN).
• A master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (ACEN or CCNE)including advanced pharmacology, advanced assessment, and advanced pathophysiology from a nurse practitioner program.
• Currently employed as an Advanced Practice Nurse with an unrestricted nursing license.
• Evidence of an unrestricted APRN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
• Competent in computer skills.
• A philosophy statement reflecting personal and professional goals, including the reason you would like to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Submit three professional recommendations (done via email through the application system). The recommendations may include academic or nursing faculty, supervisor, former or current employer or manager. At least one reference must be from clinical practice.
• Upon enrollment, a criminal background check, immunization update, and drug screen will be required for clinical as directed by the School of Nursing.

Accreditation Status

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Lenoir-Rhyne University Master of Science in PA Studies sponsored by Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-lenoir-rhyne-university.

Admission Process

The Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies program (PA Studies program) is a demanding 24-month program using a highly competitive admissions process.

All applicants to the PA Studies program are required to apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). There is no supplemental application.

• Applications are reviewed by the graduate admission staff and by the Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies Admission Committee.
• Applicants are considered for an interview based on the relative strength of their CASPA application in meeting or exceeding the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program admission requirements as compared to the applicant pool.
• Lenoir-Rhyne students/graduates, graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne Partners in Higher Education or veterans who meet the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program admission requirements and are verified by CASPA will receive a priority review during the admission process.
• Based on the number of applications, it is anticipated that many applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements may not be selected for a candidate interview.

This interview process is comprised of individual and group interviews along with the completion of an interview essay. Overall comprehensive candidate scores will be tabulated using data such as GPA, interview rating scores, direct patient care experience and hours, PA shadowing hours and other program requirements. After each interview session, a ranked list of highly qualified candidates will be chosen and offered a seat in the next cohort using a rolling admissions process.

The program reserves the right to modify admission requirements for subsequent admission cycles. Any updates will be posted to the Lenoir-Rhyne PA admission website. 

Eligibility

• Completion of a bachelor's degree and all prerequisite courses from a regionally accredited institution in the United States (US) by September 1st of the year just prior to matriculation for the January start of the program.
• Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above OR GPA of 3.0 and above on last 60 credit hours of college coursework, including undergraduate and graduate study, based on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants can have no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses pending at the time of application to the program in CASPA
  • Courses must be completed by September 1 and final completed transcripts containing these course grades must be submitted by October 1 of the year just prior to matriculation for the January start.
  • Extensions for completion will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the applicant will be designated as "pending" until further review.
    • Unacceptable reasons for extensions include not even having started or registered for the required prerequisite course.
    • These are rare extensions out of the applicant’s control (such as military service, acute illness or other circumstances out of the control of the applicant).
  • Completion of all prerequisite coursework is required by September 1 of the year just prior to matriculation.
    • The program will complete all final reviews by October 15 of the year just prior to matriculation in January.
    • You must successfully complete all requirements before matriculation into the program.  
• A grade of C or above is required in all prerequisite courses. A prerequisite course may be repeated, and the highest grade will be used to calculate the prerequisite GPA. However, both grades will be reflected in the cumulative GPA.
• Prerequisite laboratory requirements must be fulfilled through in-person lab experiences.

Prerequisite Courses

• Biology course with lab – 1 semester course designed for science majors (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
• Upper-level Biology – 1 semester; Highly recommend Genetics. Other options include Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Embryology, Histology, Virology, Immunology, etc. (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
• Microbiology – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
• Human Anatomy/Human Physiology with lab– 2 semesters; This requirement may be met by the applicant taking either: one semester of Anatomy (with lab) and one semester of Physiology (lab preferred but not required) or by the applicant taking two semesters of Human Anatomy with lab and Human Physiology combined. (Minimum 6 semester hours or 8 quarter hours)
• General Chemistry I with lab – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)  
• General Chemistry II or higher with lab – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
  • (Courses and labs can only count for 1 prerequisite requirement)
• Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry – 1 semester, in addition to the General Chemistry or higher with lab requirements (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
• General Psychology or higher – 1 semester; General, Abnormal or Developmental Psychology from the Psychology Department (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
  • Gen Psych-AP accepted as long as undergraduate institution gave 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours credit.
• Statistics or Biostatistics – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
  • AP Statistics accepted as long as undergraduate institution gave 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours credit)
• Medical Terminology – 1 semester or continuing education credit (No minimum credit hours and may be credit hour course completed at a regionally accredited institution or continuing education course in the United States. Documentation of successful completion, if not reflected on college or university transcript, must be submitted directly to the LR Graduate Admissions)

COVID-19 Exceptions

• The admissions committee will accept Pass/Fail coursework for 2020 and 2021. No additional documentation is required.
• If the institution moved laboratory courses online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the physician assistant studies program will review these on a case-by-case basis.
• The applicants should state this in their application.

Standardized Test Requirements 

• GRE - Not required
• MCAT - Not required
• PA-CAT: It is recommended that applicants complete the PA-CAT prior to application to the program through CASPA. The PA-CAT measures academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for successful completion of a PA Program Curriculum. Preference points are given to those applicants voluntarily completing the PA-CAT.
• The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program requires the PA-CAT if the oldest prerequisite course will be greater than ten years before matriculation in the program. 

Program Policies

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Policy Manual provides information about the university, the PA program, policies and available resources and support. View our Program Policies.

Experiential Learning Guidelines

Experiential Learning Guidelines - Clinical Experience/PA Shadowing Hours

• Students must have signed documentation of clinical experience or PA shadowing hours.
• Minimum of 500 hours of direct, hands-on patient care is required.
• 1,000 hours of direct hands-on patient experience is recommended.
• These experiences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Extra preference points are given to those applicants with greater than 500 hours with more points given to those applicants with 1,000 hours or more of direct hands-on-patient experience.
• Recommended 20 hours of shadowing/observation of a physician assistant. Preference points are given to those applicants with 20 hours or more of PA shadowing experience depending on the number of hours performed.
• Direct, hands-on patient care experience does not include seat time, lab time or training programs.
• Telemedicine experience is acceptable, though in-person experience is preferred. Telemedicine or virtual experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Contact hours accepted. Patient care experience hours:
  • All other positions not listed here will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Committee Review.
  • Shadowing a PA, NP, MD, or DO – up to 50 hours may be counted toward Patient Care Experience Hours
• In alignment with our PA Program Mission and Vision as well as program inclusion and compliance initiatives, applicants that have shown significant interest and experience in serving urban and/or rural underserved populations as demonstrated by long-standing community service, will be given preference.
  • Applicants with demonstrated/documented community service hours for underserved populations will be evaluated during the interview. 

Three Letters of Recommendation

It is recommended that applicants have:

• At least two letters from physicians, PAs or clinical supervisors and others familiar with your clinical experience.  
• One academic recommendation is acceptable.  
• Personal recommendations are not accepted.  
• Choosing recommendation letter writers wisely is important because recommendations may positively or negatively impact applicants' scores.  

*Please note that a background check and substance abuse screening test are required for students who are accepted into the program (prior to matriculation).

Advanced Standing or Transfer Credit

The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program does not offer an advanced standing within our program, nor do we accept transfer of credit for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. All Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program coursework required for graduation must be completed at the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program.

Admissions Process Preferences

Preference during the admissions process will be given to students who have one or more of these characteristics:

• Students will get extra points toward admission for:
  • Currently enrolled Lenoir-Rhyne students (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Lenoir-Rhyne alumni (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne Partners in Higher Education
  • US Armed Forces Military Veterans or active military will receive extra points
  • Previously earned graduate degrees (MS, MA, PhD, EdD, JD, etc.), regardless of the field of study will receive extra points
  • Applicants with more than 500 hours of hands-on patient experience will receive extra points
  • Applicants with 20 hours of shadowing a physician assistant will receive extra points
  • Applicants that have taken the PA-CAT and submitted their scores will receive extra points
  • Students with higher GPAs (cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, last 60-hour GPA and science GPA) will receive extra points

Technical Standards

The Technical Standards, along with the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program policies, procedures and process for the admission and education of PA students, inform and guide the decisions of the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Program faculty. View our technical standards. 

Admitted Applicants

All successfully selected applicants are conditionally accepted into the program pending:

• Verification that all admission requirements have been satisfied
• Meets all technical standards
• Successfully passes the required routine drug test
• Successfully passes a criminal background check
• Submission of Health Forms and Immunization Records

International Applicants 

International applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and all required prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited institution in the United States are eligible to apply to the program. International student applicants may be asked to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores directly to the admission office if English is a second language. 

Campus Offerings: Online

For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal, 147, Quantitative 147, Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT score is 390.

The MPH program accepts applications for fall and summer terms only.

Priority Application Deadlines

• Summer term: May 1
• Fall term: August 1

Campus Offerings: Online

For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT score is 390.

Campus Offerings: Online

For admission to the program, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and complete a:

• Praxis II Content Knowledge Exam (content area testing tab) according to desired content area.
• Criminal background check using Castlebranch upon enrollment. The LR code is EO50. There is a fee associated with this service.

The teaching program does not consider the career admission track.