Office Of Undergraduate Admissions

New First-Year Students

Application procedures and requirements vary by program. To have a complete application on file, applicants may need to submit, in addition to an application: transcript, test scores, recommendations (optional for most programs), and a personal essay (optional for most programs). Some programs and schools have additional requirements or technical standards. These requirements are posted annually on the admissions requirements web page and are communicated to individual students on their applicant portal. 

It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange to have all supporting credentials on file with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Office prior to the deadline dates.

Other Categories

It is the responsibility of persons who apply as international students, readmission students, transfers, or for the Summer Session to arrange to have all supporting credentials on file with the Office of Admissions and the Financial Aid Office before deadline dates. 

Students who have followed the College Entrance Examination Board college level program in secondary schools and have performed satisfactorily in the advanced placement examinations are eligible for college credit.  Duquesne University grants credit and placement for achievements that merit such consideration. 

Applicants who hope to receive advanced placement credits must request that scores be sent to the University.  Credit will be given for minimum advanced placement scores as determined yearly by the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Science and Engineering.

Duquesne University partners with a number of high schools to offer students college-level learning experience before they leave high school. Students learn new and exciting subjects and earn college credits as they discover what college life will be like. In most cases, these credits will be transferable no matter where they choose to go to college. 

Student Eligibility

Students who meet all the following criteria are qualified to participate in the program:

• The student is in high school, grades 11-12.
• The student is making satisfactory progress toward fulfilling applicable secondary school graduation requirements, as determined by the School District. The School District will determine satisfactory progress based on credits earned.
• The student demonstrates readiness for college-level coursework in the intended subject area of study, as determined by the high school.

Courses

The following criteria apply to all high school courses:

• The courses are non-remedial.
• The courses are in core academic subjects; specifically English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history and geography. 
• The courses offered to students enrolled for college credit are identical to those offered to students who are not enrolled for college credit, including the use of identical curriculum, assessments and instructional materials.
• The courses enforce prerequisite coursework requirements identical to those enforced for the courses when students are not enrolled for college credit.

Student Registration

Only students who are taking classes for college credit should complete the registration form. A parent's signature is required on the form. Submit registration form with a check to the teacher who is teaching the course. Checks should be made payable to Duquesne University. The costs for the 2023-2024 academic year are:

• $371 for a three-credit course

Registrations for courses completed in the spring are due March 1. Registration in these classes is a binding contract between the University and the student. Students will receive final grades, which will result in an official Duquesne University transcript. If a student does not complete the course, a withdrawal grade ("W") will be issued. Course fees will be assessed, and payment will be due regardless of a student's completion of the course. Payment in full must accompany the registration form, and no refunds will be issued. 

Transferring Credits After Taking Classes

To transfer credits to another university or college you must request a copy of your transcript from the University Registrar. It is the student's responsibility to determine if the credits will transfer to the university or college of his or her choice.

University Contacts

McAnulty College of Liberal Arts
412.396.6389 / liberalarts@duq.edu

School of Science and Engineering
412.396.4793 / palmerp1@duq.edu

University Registrar
412.396.6212

Please review The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
FERPA prohibits postsecondary educational institutions from disclosing the education records of students to most third-parties without the student's consent. Under the provision of FERPA, parents are third parties, and student information may not be disclosed to parents without the student's consent.

A student may acquire credits by achieving a satisfactory score on one or more of the College Level Examinations - Subject and General. Examinations may be taken at any CLEP Center. Students should check with their Success Coach to make sure that they are eligible to receive credit for the particular exams they plan to take.

Students whose total credits, including CLEP credits, do not exceed sixty (60), are permitted to take CLEP exams. Students who have failed or withdrawn from a course cannot receive CLEP credit for that course.

Duquesne University offers its most highly qualified and outstanding freshmen the opportunity to participate in the Honors College. Students meeting the Honors College’s standards of admission receive an invitation to join this selective program. The criteria for invitation to the Honors College is fluid, based on SAT or ACT scores, high school GPA, and other admissions data. Students must also demonstrate a commitment to our humanities curriculum when accepting the invitation to join the University Honors College. 

Others may petition for admission by applying directly to Honors College. Along with the application form, the required supporting documentation includes one recommendation (from a teacher who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and character. 

If students are not initially invited or accepted into the Honors College, they may reapply following the completion of their first semester at Duquesne. The deadline for current Duquesne students is February 1st. 

Costs and Credits

Honors College students pay the same tuition as other students in their schools or programs. 

Many AP credits can count toward your Honors College Core classes or toward your other course requirements. Your Success Coach will help you determine where your AP credits fit. 

IB Diploma Students

Duquesne University may award up to 30 academic credits to students completing the IB Diploma with a total score of 30 or above. Credit will be given for both higher and standard level subjects according to the advisor’s discretion. The diploma curriculum must include at least three higher level subjects. 

Non-Diploma Students

Students who do not complete the IB Diploma are able to receive advanced standing credit for IB Higher level subjects with scores of 5, 6 or 7. IB Standard Level scores of 6 or 7 will be accepted in foreign languages for a maximum of eight semester hours per language.  No credit will be given for other standard level courses. For a list of credits awarded by discipline, contact the Office of International Programs (412) 396-6113 or your academic advisor. 

Application Criteria

Duquesne University welcomes applications from qualified international students interested in entry as either freshmen or transfer applicants.

Eligibility criteria for application as a first-year freshman student include:

1. Graduation from a secondary school recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. secondary school, and
2. A demonstrated record of acceptable academic success.

Eligibility criteria for application as a transfer student include the above criteria for freshman-level applicants plus successful completion of some post-secondary study at a recognized institution of higher education either in the applicant’s home country or in another country, including the U.S.A. Duquesne University processes requests for transfer credit evaluation according to guidelines established by the academic unit to which an application is submitted. 

Application Procedures

Interested applicants should submit the following items:

1. Duquesne University Undergraduate Application Form;
2. Completed Duquesne University Affidavit of Support Form along with required accompanying financial resource certifications;
   (NOTE:  Limited scholarships are available to undergraduate international students);
3. Mandatory International Applicant’s Sheet;
4. Original or certified copies of all academic records of secondary and any post-secondary study. Credentials should be submitted in the native language and with certified English translation;
5. One letter of recommendation;
6. A personal statement; and
7. Application fee in the amount specified on the application form.

Duquesne University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign nationals.  However, no immigration documents can be issued until all application materials, including financial resource certification, have been received. In order to complete on-campus arrival orientation, language proficiency testing, and registration, accepted international students should plan to arrive approximately one-two weeks before classes begin unless informed otherwise.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Since English is the language of instruction at Duquesne University, all undergraduate students must meet the necessary language requirements to be fully enrolled in academic coursework. Minimum scores required for direct admission are:

• TOEFL (iBT 70)
• IELTS (6.0)
• Duolingo (95)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) (48)

Some applicants, however, may be exempt from English language proficiency requirements and/or English language testing if they have:

• completed four years of high school coursework taught in English at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or have a minimum 540 verbal score on the SAT.

Submission of English Proficiency Scores by Applicants to Undergraduate Degree Programs

Submission of scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), DET (DuoLingo English Test), or PTE (Pearson Test of English) is strongly recommended since these scores can assist in earning placement into partial or full academic study.  However, because Duquesne University maintains an accredited ESL Program available on campus to students who may need additional English language study, submission of TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or PTE scores is not required for application to undergraduate degree programs.  For additional details on the Duquesne University English language proficiency requirements, see “Policies and Procedures” at www.duq.edu/academic-affairs/.

Placement into Partial or Full Undergraduate Courses in an Academic Major

New students earn placement into partial or full academic courses by demonstrating sufficient English language proficiency as follows:

• Obtain a score of 70 on the iBT (internet-based TOEFL), a 6.0 on the IELTS,  a 65-74 on the Duolingo test, or a 48 on the PTE, OR
  
• Complete any required Duquesne University ESL Program courses and tests for one or more semesters, earn a clearance recommendation from the ESL Program based on academic success, AND obtain satisfactory scores on the standardized tests listed above.

Notes: TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo scores submitted by new students must be current within one year.  The Duquesne University TOEFL Institution Code is 2196.  Students accepted to undergraduate degree programs may earn up to six elective university credits for successful completion of ESL Program levels.  Continuing degree program students enrolled in the ESL Program are also required to complete the Institutional TOEFL each semester.

Applicants to English as a Second Language Program

Students interested in applying only for English language study in the Duquesne University English as a Second Language Program (ESLP) on either a short- or long-term basis may submit an application to the ESL Program to study as non-degree students. ESL students must comply with all U.S. immigration regulations for maintenance of full-time student status. Additional information on the ESL Program may be found at www.duq.edu/esl and in the catalog under Special Programs.

Additional Information on International Student Applications

Direct all inquiries and requests for additional information and application materials to:

Center for Global Engagement
Duquesne University
601 Duquesne Union
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282-1660
USA

(412) 396-6113
Fax: (412)396-5178
intladmissions@duq.edu

A non-degree/visiting student is a student taking credit or non-credit courses but not seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree at Duquesne University.

• Non-degree students must submit proof (a transcript) of any necessary prerequisites before enrollment can be finalized for courses offered by Duquesne's College of Liberal Arts, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Science and Engineering.
• Duquesne University's Schools of Health Science and Pharmacy will permit non-degree course enrollment, but permission is required by the school. Please contact rshs@duq.edu (health sciences) or pharmacy@duq.edu (pharmacy) for additional information.
• Courses offered by the Duquesne University's Schools of Music and Nursing are not eligible to non-degree students

Classes are offered throughout the summer online and on campus beginning in May, June and July.

Current Duquesne Students

Any current Duquesne University undergraduate student wishing to take summer classes is encouraged to discuss their options with their Success Coach. Students who were dismissed by their school at the close of the preceding Spring Semester for academic reasons may register for summer classes by permission of the Committee on Student Standing of their School. 

Graduates and other former students must obtain re-admittance by applying as a non-degree student before they may register for summer classes. 

Non-degree Students

Students from other universities or those wishing to take classes over the summer for their own goals (but not pursuing a degree) will apply as non-degree students. Students visiting from another university may need to show transcripts for any classes that may require prerequisites. 

To apply for admission as a transfer student to Duquesne University, the following items must be submitted: 

• An application for admission (Duquesne University application, Common Application, or Coalition application)  
• Official, final high school transcripts and/or G.E.D. scores (not required for Business, Liberal Arts, and Music majors with more than 24 college-level credits) 
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended 
• A personal essay is required for Physicians Assistant Studies applicants and should discuss the following: Tell us something unique about you, why you chose Physician Assistant Studies major, and how you expect Duquesne University to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals. Please include any examples of your research, shadowing or volunteer experiences. 
• A personal essay is recommended but not required for certain health professions programs (Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology) and optional for other programs. 
• An essay is optional for applicants to other programs 
• SAT and/or ACT scores are optional for submission 

Additional Information

• Transfer students may receive Financial Aid provided that they submit a FAFSA form by May 1
• Transfer students can live in the residence halls on campus based on availability at the time of application
• Duquesne University does not provide housing for married students

Transferring Credits

• Generally, Duquesne accepts credits from an accredited college or university that correspond to the Duquesne curriculum and in which students have earned a grade of C or higher.
• Final determination on transferable credits is made by student success coaches or deans of the school.

Maximum Amount of Credits Duquesne Accepts

Duquesne University accepts up to 60 credits from a two-year community college or up to 90 credits from a four-year college or university.

The final 30 credits must be completed at Duquesne University.

• GPA is calculated based on courses taken only at Duquesne University.
• It is possible to receive some credit from military experience, and this is determined by a student success coach in the school of study.

A student who officially withdraws from the University must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions regardless of the time interval involved since withdrawal.

A student who is dismissed for academic reasons must appeal to the Committee on Student Standing of the school from which he/she was dismissed once the application has been submitted to the Admissions Office.

Prior to being readmitted, all outstanding financial and/or judiciary issues must be resolved.