ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS


The College of Professional Studies is pleased to offer an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate of Science degree, a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies degree and a variety of certificate programs.

Students in the College of Professional Studies are typically working professionals who are seeking to complete their degree or credit-bearing certificate in a flexible manner. Our students have typically earned prior college credit and/or an Associate’s degree. For students without earned college credit, we require a minimum of four years post-secondary work experience, military experience, professional education, or a combination of the three before applying to our degree or credit-bearing certificate programs.

A Home for Lifelong Learning

 

 

Students in the College of Professional Studies, on average, are 37 years old with 5-11 years work experience and have generally earned at least 15 college credits. For information regarding Villanova’s programs geared towards traditional-aged undergraduate learners, please visit the Office of University Admissions website.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Transcript

  • Unofficial transcript(s) for each school attended. Official transcripts must be received before registration.
  • Official high school transcript or GED certificate is required for students who have not earned at least 15 college credits.
  • For some candidates whose prior academic coursework may not reflect their current ability, they may be asked to participate in an admissions interview. An interview can provide the admission committee with additional perspective about your potential fit at Villanova, and allow you to learn more about The College of Professional Studies in the process. 

Resume

Applicants are asked to submit an up-to-date resume that reflects their previous and present employment.

Fee

Newly applying students are required to submit a $50 application fee.

Essay

Students applying to degree program are also required to submit a 350-plus word essay that helps us learn more about your interest in the program to which you are applying and the goals you hope to achieve by earning your degree.

Please use the following questions to guide your response:

  • Why are you applying to the College of Professional Studies at Villanova University?
  • What goals do you hope to achieve after attaining your degree?
  • What have you been doing since you were last a student?
  • If you believe your transcripts and previous academic history do not present an accurate picture of your academic ability, please explain and provide any relevant context.
  • What other qualities, experiences, or strengths make you an ideal candidate?

Your statement of purpose is an important part of your admissions application. We encourage you to thoughtfully and carefully structure your essay so that it provides a clear picture of your interests, experiences, goals, and potential for success at Villanova.

Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Information Systems & Technology, Leadership, Organizational Development & Management, or Public Service & Administration - APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE

  • Unofficial college transcript(s) for each school attended. Official transcripts must be received before registration.
  • Official high school transcript or GED certificate is required for students who have not earned at least 15 college credits.
  • $50 application fee.

Accountancy 

  • Unofficial college transcript(s) documenting the award of a Baccalaureate degree. Official transcripts must be received before registration.
  • $50 application fee.

Pre-Health Professions

  • Unofficial college transcript(s) documenting the award of a Baccalaureate degree. Official transcripts must be received before registration.
  • $50 application fee.
  • A statement of purpose describing your career and educational goals, reasons for pursuing the Pre-Health Certificate, and why the Villanova program is a good fit for you. Also, please explain if you believe your transcripts and previous academic history do not present an accurate picture of your academic ability. Your statement of purpose should be around 1-2 pages. 

Fall Semester II: October 12, 2026

Spring Semester I Deadline: January 4, 2027

Spring Semester II Deadline: March 1, 2026

For a complete list of key dates and deadlines, visit the Villanova University Academic Calendar. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Official transcripts should be sent directly to CPS from the Institution:

Mail:
Villanova University
College of Professional Studies
Vasey Hall, Room 103
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

Email CPS

The College of Professional Studies welcomes Veteran and Military Service members to explore our programs. CPS offers flexible options to fit the needs of Veterans, Service members, and Military-Connected Students.  

As a proud Yellow Ribbon Program member, CPS also accepts Joint Service Transcripts (JST) to help service members earn valuable credit for their training and experience.  

For more information, please visit our Office of Veterans and Military Service Members webpage.

In addition to the above degree requirements, international degree-seeking students must also submit:

  • Official English translation of transcripts by WES or NACES-approved agency
  • TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers
  • Completed Certification of Finances form along with bank statement (dated no later than three months prior to the submission of your application) showing the ability to meet tuition and living expenses. If the bank statement is not in the applicant's name, then a letter of support must accompany the bank statement of the account holder stating he/she will financially support the application while he/she is attending Villanova.

All international CPS students must secure their own housing.

International students are only admitted to the following CPS Programs:

  • Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Leadership (BA)
  • Paralegal Professional Program

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from the College of Professional Studies for one calendar year may submit a petition for re-admission.

  • The decision to re-admit is made by the Dean, in consultation with the Directors of Admissions and Enrollment and Academic Programs.
  • Full Re-Admission Policy

Villanova accepts up to 90 transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions. In addition, CPS has transfer agreements with many local two-year colleges/community colleges. To see the full list, visit the Transfer and Community College page. See our Transfer Credit Policy for more information on which credits will transfer to CPS, as well as our procedures and guidelines.

View more details about transfer and community college agreements.

Part-time degree seeking community college transfer students (30+ credits, 3.5 GPA or better) are welcome to apply for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship by completing and submitting the form at the link below.