Whether your goal is to update your professional skills, advance your career or embark on a second career, Lenoir-Rhyne offers a graduate program that is right for you.
With more than 20 master degree programs to choose from, flexible scheduling with evening and weekend classes and experienced faculty to provide the guidance you need to succeed – LR makes earning your master’s degree a reality.
Programs are offered across our three LR campus locations, including many that are fully online, allowing you to begin in any semester and complete the program at a pace that fits your busy schedule.
The first step toward enrollment at Lenoir-Rhyne is to submit all components of the application.
After submitting all materials, the average turnaround time to receive an admission decision is 5-10 business days, unless you are considering a cohort-based program such as Dietetic Internship, Doctor of Nursing Practice or Occupational Therapy
Once admitted, the admission packet provides detailed instructions on the enrollment process, including how to reserve a space in our upcoming semester. Upon admission, the enrollment deposit secures your spot in the program and allows you to proceed with the next steps.
Prior to the start of the semester, LR provides additional information about orientation and registration, including courses to start your graduate program.
Please note: You are required to turn in immunization information to be eligible to register.
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall semester: August 1
Spring semester: December 1
Summer semester: May 1
LR accepts applications after these priority deadlines; however, we recommend applying by these dates for a seamless enrollment process.*
The following programs accept applicants during specific terms:
Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nursing accepts applications for summer and fall terms.
Post-Master’s DNP accepts applications for fall term.
Doctor of Nursing Practice accepts applications for fall term.
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy accepts applications for fall term. See program specific requirements section below for decision deadlines and additional information.
Dietetic Internship program accepts applications for fall term.
*Certain programs have different applications deadlines, which may occur earlier. Please review program specific guidelines section below for your intended program.
Through our curriculum, students will gain the confidence to work in a variety of criminal justice administrative positions in local, state and federal law enforcement...
Robert Stallings, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Admission Tracks
Students can enroll in our graduate programs through traditional admission or career admission – designed for applicants who have distinguished themselves in the workplace or community.
Traditional admission is designed for applicants who have received their baccalaureate degree within the past six years, have limited professional work experience or any applicant who prefers traditional admission procedures. Traditional admission procedures, including standardized test scores may be required for some of our graduate programs.
Candidates for admission to the Graduate School as a degree-seeking student through the traditional admission must submit all additional documentation, including scores on requisite standardized entrance exams, if requested by the specific graduate program.
Master of Arts in Teaching: Praxis II Content Knowledge Exam required
The Graduate School values your work experience and offers Career Admission which is designed for applicants who have distinguished themselves in the workplace, military or community. Career applicants demonstrate they are capable of graduate studies through documentation of professional work, letters of professional endorsement, and written expression.
Candidates for admission to the Graduate School as a degree-seeking student through Career Admission must:
Possess an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an appropriate discipline having met the GPA requirement for the desired program of study;
Request official copies for all college transcripts to be forwarded directly to the Division of Enrollment Management;
Submit the online application for the desired program along with the required non-refundable application fee;
If you have significant work experience (career admission track), please detail thoroughly on your resume so this may be prioritized when reviewing your application. Ideally, candidates will possess a combination of an undergraduate degree and a minimum of six years of professional work experience. To demonstrate exemplary work experience, the applicant should submit the following materials: Detailed resume that highlights specific career accomplishments; Letter of endorsement from an employer or professional within the chosen field which attests to the applicant’s qualifications for graduate level work; Writing sample clearly articulating goals and life experiences which have impacted the student’s decision to pursue this specific graduate degree; Any other documentation (e.g. work sample, portfolio, performance reviews, etc) that the candidate believes would strengthen the application. Be available for an interview upon request.
Submit all additional documentation as required by the specific graduate program.
Not all graduate programs consider the career admission track. Programs not accepting Career Admission Track are M.S. in Occupational Therapy, M.A. in Teaching and M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies.
Start Your Application
Your application is considered complete once LR has received your application form and all your required supporting documents:
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Graduate Admission Processing Department
625 7th Ave NE, LRU 7227
Hickory, NC 28601
A candidate for admission to The Graduate School will:
Possess an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an appropriate discipline.
Submit official copies of all college transcripts.
Submit a completed application for the desired program along with the required $35 application fee.
Possess an undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Refer to Program-Specific Requirements below for Counseling (Post-Master’s) Clinical Mental Health Licensure and Counseling (Post-Master’s) School Counseling Licensure, Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Teaching, and Dietetic Internship.
Submit a writing sample describing goals and life experiences which influenced the decision to pursue a graduate degree (1-3 pages).
Submit a resume describing education, work, and volunteer experience; if you have significant work experience, detail thoroughly on your resume so it can be prioritized when reviewing your application.
Submit academic or professional recommendation.
Submit all additional documentation as required by the specific graduate program;
Submit standardized test scores (GRE, MAT, PRAXIS II, or GMAT) if requested by the specific program or if it strengthens your application.
Complete an interview upon request. The admissions committee determines admission decisions based on the whole application and reserves the right to admit, provisionally admit, waitlist, or deny applicants.
*If Traditional Admission, one academic recommendation letter must be submitted via email through the application system. You will need the email address of the person from whom you request a recommendation to complete this process.
*If Career Admission, one professional recommendation letter must be submitted via email through the application system. You will need the email address of the person from whom you request a recommendation to complete this process.
*Prospective students may be admitted based on unofficial transcripts and/or as courses are in progress. However, LR must receive a final transcript before a student enrolls.
Additional offering of online, with online instruction 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.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Hickory, Asheville and Columbia
School Counseling: Hickory and Asheville
*Priority application deadline for fall 2023 is June 1.
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.
Applicants who meet the graduate school admission requirements are admitted to the Graduate School at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Prospective counseling students will then be invited to apply for candidacy to the counseling program, which includes two additional essays and an in-person group interview.
Priority application deadline for fall 2023 is June 1.
Spring term deadline: November 1
Summer term deadline: April 1
If you have previously earned a master’s degree in Counseling, but need additional coursework for licensure purposes, you may apply to this track. If you have not earned a master’s degree in counseling, you must apply for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Additional requirements:
Submit letter from the licensure board (NCBLCMHC) indicating which coursework is required, if applicable.
One professional recommendation (done via email through the application system). You will need the email address of the person from whom you request a recommendation to complete this process.
Submit a writing sample describing goals and life experiences that have impacted your decision to pursue a Counseling degree and addressing the need for additional coursework (1-3 pages).
Certain pre or co-requisites may be required depending on the previous graduate coursework completed.
Be available for an interview with Counseling faculty upon request.
Should clinical fieldwork placement courses (practicum and internship) be required, the following additional requirements may be required:
Official test scores (CPCE or NCE)
Reference form (provided by LR Counseling Department) from individual familiar with applicant’s clinical work and abilities (such as previous university faculty member or clinical supervisor)
Successfully complete an individual interview with a panel of designated faculty
Priority application deadline for fall 2023 is June 1.
Spring term deadline: November 1
Summer term deadline: April 1
If you have previously earned a master’s degree in Counseling, but need additional coursework for licensure purposes, you may apply to this track. If you have not earned a master’s degree in counseling, you must apply for the Master of Arts in School Counseling.
Submit letter from the licensure board (NCBLCMHC) indicating which coursework is required, if applicable.
Official transcripts from each college or university attended, demonstrating successful or pending completion of a master’s degree in Counseling from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.**
Certain pre or co-requisites may be required depending on the previous graduate coursework completed.
One professional recommendation (done via email through the application system). You will need the email address of the person from whom you request a recommendation to complete this process.
Submit a writing sample describing goals and life experiences that have impacted your decision to pursue a Counseling degree and addressing the need for additional coursework (1-3 pages).
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.
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.
Campus Offerings: Hickory, Asheville, Columbia & Online
The Dietetic Internship (DI) participates in the spring match process for applications.
For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
For the Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetic Internship option an undergraduate degree is required with cumulative GPA of a 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
For the Dietetic Internship Certificate option a graduate degree is required with cumulative GPA of a 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
A grade of B on all recommended Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) courses. If you have made a grade lower than a B in any DPD course, please provide a written explanation in your required essays.
Have earned a DPD Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited DPD program (completed by internship date).
GRE scores are not required.
Applying to our program involves three steps:
Step 1. DICAS Application
Submit a completed application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS). You will not need to submit another application to Lenoir-Rhyne. Visit the DICAS website for current application fees.
Include a DPD Verification Statement or a Declaration of Intent if DPD courses are still in progress. Your DPD director will review and approve this verification electronically through DICAS.
Submit three recommendations completed by professionals attesting to your ability.
Submit a résumé or vitae.
It is strongly recommended (although not required at application) that students applying to the distance option have secured a commitment from an inpatient clinical rotation preceptor to precept the student if their application to the program is accepted.
The deadline for submitting an application online through DICAS for the spring 2023 match is February 15, 2023.
Step 2. Submit the following directly to Lenoir-Rhyne University
If accepted into the Solmaz Institute Dietetic Internship program, an original, signed verification statement from your DPD program will be required before program start.
Step 3. Register with D&D Digital and rank the program for computer matching
Applicants must register with D&D Digital and prioritize the program for computer matching. See D&D Digital website for current registration fee.
Tuition and Fees
All graduate students at Lenoir Rhyne University are subject to the tuition and fees described in the graduate handbook. The 2022-2023 tuition rate for the DI certificate program is $800/credit hour and the M.S. in Nutrition DI program rate is $690/credit hour. The DI Certificate option, when completed in the nine-month time frame, totals 18 credit hours. The M.S. Nutrition, DI option, when completed in the 16-month timeframe, totals 35 credit hours.Since these costs are subject to change, students are encouraged to visit Graduate Cost and Aid. Costs for books, course materials, housing and transportation vary depending on the individual and the course requirements.
*DI participation fee (estimated, assessed in addition to tuition): $275 fall semester and $275 spring semester, includes books and other materials provided to students, the RD exam review course and RD practice exam software
Books (depending on student’s resources and individual needs): variable, up to $250
Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT) online subscription: $25
Laptop/Desktop Computer and high-speed internet access: Cost varies
Two Lab Coats: $40-$80
Student AND Membership: $50
Housing/Living Expenses: 1 or 2 bedroom apartment averages about $750/month (variable)
Transportation to Experience Sites: Sites can be within a one-hour drive of your place of residence
Physical Exam: Variable
Criminal Background check: estimate $50 (assigned facility may require additional criminal background check based on its policies and requirements)
Urine Drug Screen Panel: estimate $45 (assigned facility may require additional drug screens based on its policies and requirements)
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.
Our nursing program accepts applications for fall and summer terms only.
For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and 2.7 GPA in the last 60 hours of the program.
No grade lower than a C on the prerequisite courses of Statistics and Nursing Research.
Submit required two letters of endorsement clearly stating the applicant’s qualifications for graduate-level work and ability to complete this work in an online environment. Letters may be from an employer, professional within the chosen field or an undergraduate faculty member who can attest to the applicant’s ability to do graduate-level work. New graduate applicants with less than one year experience must have one letter from an undergraduate faculty member.
Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
A criminal background check and drug screen will be required upon enrollment as directed by the School of Nursing.
We are currently accepting applications for fall 2023. 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.
Interviews are required and will be scheduled by the admission counselor.
We are currently accepting applications for fall 2023. 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.
Interviews are required and will be scheduled by the admission counselor.
After Admission
The number of clinical hours completed during the master’s program must be verified.
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 the 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.
Lenoir-Rhyne will accept P/F or Credit/No Credit due to COVID-19.
**It is important to note that each application will be considered via holistic review and based on individual merit**
Prerequisite Requirements
Competency in the basic areas of occupational therapy 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: Statistics (includes Intro to Statistics), Intro to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Sociology (includes Intro to Sociology) or Anthropology (includes Intro to Anthropology) and Medical Terminology.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies has applied for accreditation-provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The Physician Assistant Studies program anticipates matriculating its first class in October 2024, pending achieving accreditation-provisional status at the June 2024 ARC-PA meeting.
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.
The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Program will not commence in the event that provisional accreditation is not received.
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 graduates 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 will 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. The interview essay will be scored using the program’s candidate essay scoring rubric like the initial CASPA essay. Overall comprehensive candidate scores will be tabulated using data such as GPA, interview rating scores, direct patient care experience and hours, PA Studies program 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.
Admission Requirements
Completion of a bachelor's degree and all prerequisite courses from a regionally accredited institution in the United States (US) by the end of the spring semester prior to matriculation.
Required minimum overall GPA and/or in the last 60 credit hours GPA greater than 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.
Recommended prerequisite GPA of greater than 3.3 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 June 1 and final completed transcripts containing these course grades must be submitted by August 1 of the year of matriculation. Extensions for completion will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the applicant will be designated as "pending" until further review. All final reviews must be completed by August 15 of the year of matriculation.
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.
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 is given to those applicants 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.
Experiential Learning Guidelines
Minimum of 500 hours of direct, hands-on patient care is required.
1,000 hours of direct hands-on-patient experience recommended.
These experiences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Preference given to those applicants with 1,000 hours of direct hands-on-patient experience.
Recommended 20 hours of shadowing/observation of a physician assistant.
Preference given to those applicants with shadowing experience.
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.
Preference is given to applicants with 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.
*Please note that a background check and substance abuse screening test are required for students who are accepted into the program (prior to matriculation).
Prerequisite Courses
Biology course – Biology with lab designed for science majors-1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
Anatomy/Physiology – 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 Anatomy with lab and Physiology combined. (Minimum 6 semester hours or 8 quarter hours)
General Chemistry with lab – 2 semesters (Minimum 6 semester hours or 8 quarter hours)
Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
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 PA program)
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.
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:
Applicants with 1,000 hours of hands-on patient experience
Applicants with 20 hours of shadowing a physician assistant
Military Veterans
Previously earned graduate degree
Applicants that have taken the PA-CAT and submitted their scores
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
Immunization verification (positive titers for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B; documentation for Tetanus, Influenza, COVID-19; and negative PPD and/or Quantiferon-GOLD)
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.
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.
After more than two decades at LR, Dean Katie Fisher will retire at the end of May 2023. Known for her caring but firm leadership, she has influenced the culture of student life on campus and influenced individual students' lives in immeasurable ways.
Perry Bradley, security supervisor for the LR campus in Columbia, S.C. and founder of a nonprofit serving communities statewide, received the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award in a May 5 ceremony.
