Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University does not permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, ancestry, national origin, religious creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, physical or mental disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or medical condition, under any program or activity under its control. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the University actively encourages applications from members of all groups that are under-represented in higher education.
General Admissions Requirements
National University offers certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level programs. Students must meet all University and programmatic admission requirements to be approved to pursue their program of interest.
Meeting the admission requirements is an indicator that the student is qualified to enter and pursue the degree program. The University emphasizes that a student’s success depends upon applying oneself to the degree program studies.
State regulatory information is available at https://www.nu.edu/state-authorization/.
If the University determines that a student does not meet stated admissions requirements, their studies will be interrupted.
Please see the Basis for Admissions, Transfer Credit Policy, and Program Information for additional information and program-specific admissions requirement information.
National University’s College Board Institutional Code is 4557.
Online Requirements
National University offers many programs in an online format. In an online course, students will be able to view the syllabus, complete assignments and assessments, engage with varying course materials (videos, interactive presentations, assigned reading), participate in threaded discussions, interact with peers and the instructors, as well as review instructor feedback. Students should log in on the first day of class and anticipate checking their online course multiple times per week. Students are provided access to online courses beginning on the Sunday before the term begins through three weeks after the term ends. Students should ensure they have a reliable internet connection and a reliable computer to access their course.
As of August 2024, the following are the minimum system requirements that are needed to successfully access your courses on the Brightspace (D2L) platform.
Technical Requirements
Windows Users
- Recommended OS: Windows 10, 11
- Supported OS: Windows 10 22H2+
- Secure High-Speed Internet connection (e.g.: DSL, Cable, etc.)
- Soundcard & Speakers
- Screen Resolution: 1280 X 1024 or better
- Recommended Browsers: Firefox, Chrome
- Supported Browsers: Chrome 126+, Edge 126+, Firefox 126++
- Headset with microphone using USB/wired connection
Mac Users
- Recommended OS: OS X 10.14
- Supported OS: OS X 10.13
- Secure High-Speed Internet connection (e.g.: DSL, Cable, etc.)
- Soundcard & Speakers
- Screen Resolution: 1280 X 1024 or better
- Recommended Browsers: Firefox 126+, Safari 14+, Chrome 126++
- Headset with microphone using a USB/wired connection
Mobile Users
- Recommended OS: Android 13+, IOS 16+, Chrome OS 90+
- Supported OS: Android 11+, IOS 16+
- Recommended Browsers: Chrome, Safari
- Secure High-Speed Cell Service, Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Connection
- Headset with microphone
Satellite & Cellular Internet Connections: If this is the only connection you have access to, please note that you may experience sporadic issues while working in your online courses. If you report these problems to the IT Helpdesk, we will attempt to address them with your Satellite or Cellular connection provider.
Wireless Routers/Connections: While working in your online courses via a wireless router or wireless connection you may experience problems such as various error messages. If you contact the IT Helpdesk, please be aware that part of the troubleshooting process may be to have you bypass your wireless router or connection. If bypassing the wireless router resolves the problem you are experiencing, you will either need to continue to bypass the router or contact the router’s manufacturer’s support to further diagnose the source of this problem.
Notes:
Web browsers listed have been validated with the online course platform. A student risks running into problems with the course software if they choose to use a non- supported browser.
National University maintains a Technical Requirements web page that is updated frequently with Windows and Macintosh hardware and software requirements, including both recommended and supported web browser software. For further information, please check https://www.nu.edu/online-education/.
Application Requirements
Each potential student must apply and be accepted to the University before enrolling in a specific course of study. To apply to the University, a completed online application must be submitted. Students may work with an Enrollment Advisor for assistance with submitting an online application by emailing admissions@nu.edu or calling (855) 355-6288.
Once accepted to National University, the enrollment advisor can direct the student toward the specific program application requirements.
Additionally, a Social Security Number (SSN) and/or IDN must be recorded on a student’s education record if the student has or will receive U.S. Federal Title IV funding, U.S. Federal Veterans Affairs funding, and/or U.S. educational tax credit/1098-T.
If a student prefers to have the SSN omitted from their education record and is not receiving these types of funding, they can complete the Social Security Number Override Verification Form.
Should the University be made aware that U.S. Federal Title IV funding, U.S. Federal Veterans Affairs funding, and/or U.S. educational tax credit/1098-T has or will be disbursed to a student, the student’s SSN will be added to the student’s education record by the Office of the Registrar. If this occurs, the Office of the Registrar will notify the student that the SSN Override has been administratively rescinded.
Please see the Data Privacy Policy for more information on how we protect and store SSNs and other Personal Identifying Information
Note: Applications are good for 365 days from the completion date for the original program of interest. New applications are required if there is a change in the program of interest.
Admissions & Evaluation Procedures
Applications may be submitted using the online application form at https://apply.ncu.edu or by contacting Enrollment Services at 866-776-0331 for assistance. Additional documents may be submitted by mail, fax, or email. Fields are available on the online application form to securely store credit card information and social security information, which should never be transmitted by email.
Applicants must request official transcripts be sent directly to the University from prior colleges and universities during the application process. Acceptance may be granted based on unofficial transcripts. However, all official, sealed transcripts must be received from U.S. institutions within 90 days of the start of the first course, and from foreign institutions within 180 days of the start of the first course.
Applicants using academic documents issued by non-U.S. academic institutions for admissions consideration may be required to have these official documents sent directly from the academic institution to the credential-evaluating agency. Please refer to the section entitled Credential Evaluation for current information regarding accepted Credential Evaluation agencies and procedures involved.
Incomplete applications and those without official transcripts or credentials evaluations for applicants with international credentials will not be evaluated. Certain programs may require additional information or documents. Applications missing all required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated.
Acceptance Requirements
As of 3/1/2023 the Acceptance Policy has been updated. Student enrolling prior to March 1st, can contact the Registrar for the previous policy.
Program acceptance requirements vary by degree-level, School, and program of study. Minimum requirements for acceptance are outlined below. Please refer to School and program sections for additional, program-specific admissions, evaluation, and application requirements or procedures.
Basis for Admissions
As of 3/1/2023 the Basis for Admissions Policy has been updated. Student enrolling prior to March 1st, can contact the Registrar for the previous policy.
NU accepts students on a continual basis. Application for admission can be submitted online any time during the calendar year via www.nu.edu. The Office of the Registrar reviews each applicant file to ensure that the prospective students meet the institutional and program-specific basis for admission requirements. Please refer to School and program sections of this catalog for program-specific admissions requirements and procedures.
Address for Submission of Transcripts
Transcript Requests from Other Institutions
Official transcripts should be sent by the issuing institution directly to:
Office of the Registrar
National University
9388 Lightwave Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
The Office of the Registrar will not accept transcripts “issued to student” as official documents unless they are in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution. Electronic transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to transcripts@ncu.edu will be considered official. The Office of the Registrar will not accept electronic transcript links that are forwarded from the student. Electronic transcripts not received from the issuing institution will not be considered official.
Upon request, the University will process the initial request for all domestic transcripts (excluding test scores), for institutions that accept electronic Third Party Orders, including payment of associated transcript fees, on the student’s behalf. If a transcript has not arrived within two weeks, it becomes the student’s responsibility to ensure that the university receives the document(s). Students must provide documents that are outstanding to ensure receipt within the required time frame.
The university will not process requests for foreign transcripts/documents. Students who have attended institutions in foreign countries or who have a high school proficiency must acquire official transcripts/documents.
Transcripts from other institutions presented for admission or evaluation become a part of the student’s academic file and may not be returned to the student or copied for distribution.
Acceptance to the University
Upon receipt of the application for admission materials, the Office of the Registrar will evaluate the application file and supporting documentation. The academic evaluation includes a review of the applicant’s educational intent, program of interest, prior college work, professional experiences, and University requirements.
Applicants will be notified of their admission status and the requirements for the degree program upon completion of the academic evaluation.
Enrollment Agreement
Students must accept and sign an enrollment agreement before beginning classes at National University. The agreement includes topics pertaining to tuition and fees, billing, attendance, financial assistance, payment options, and other matters of enrollment. Students may contact an enrollment advisor for further information.
Tuition payment options are specified in the Catalog (see the section). All payment arrangements for the first course(s) must be made before the start of the first course. Those students wanting to use student financial aid must complete all required eligibility paperwork and make the required payment arrangements before starting the first course(s). Students with provisional basis for admissions must meet official basis for admissions requirements to be eligible for financial aid.
Enrollment Verification
Requests for official letters related to enrollment, attendance, completion of degree requirements, or other academic matters at National University must be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Requests must be submitted by visiting the Parchment website to place an order for Enrollment Verification. There is no charge for Enrollment Verifications or letters. If you request an enrollment letter with specific information, include letter requirements in the Special Instructions section.
Letters of non-attendance requests and inquiries may be directed to:
Office of the Registrar
9388 Lightwave Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
P 858.642.8260
E records@nu.edu
Transfer Credit
As of 3/1/2023 the Transfer Credit Policy has been updated. Student enrolling prior to March 1st, can contact the Registrar for the previous policy.
Transfer Credit Eligibility
National University accepts credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions. It may also accept credits from institutions that are accredited by an agency which is a member of Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or from collegiate institutions which are accredited by non-CHEA member agencies provided they are recognized by the Department of Education. Transfer credits from institutions that are accredited by an agency which is a member of CHEA are only accepted provided that the academic quality of the institutions can be verified and the credits otherwise comply with National University guidelines. Transfer credits from agencies which are not CHEA members are subject to additional scrutiny to validate that their academic programs adhere to the standards of institutions accredited by CHEA members.
Requests for course transfer credit must be made along with the admissions application so that an appropriate degree plan can be developed and accepted by the student. Requests by the student for consideration of additional transfer credit can be made at any time prior to degree conferral provided the maximum number of transfer credits permissible has not already been accepted by the University.
The Office of the Registrar, School Dean, or designee must approve all requests for transfer credit. Transfer courses are evaluated for currency and relevancy to NU degree programs, and whether they meet academic standards. The Admissions and Evaluation team will document which courses are accepted in transfer and which University requirements the course satisfies.
Any credit hours to be considered for transfer into a National University academic program must:
- Have been completed at a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution, an institution accredited by an agency which is a member of CHEA, or from a collegiate institution accredited by a non-CHEA member agency provided it is recognized by the Department of Education;
- Be equivalent to the degree program requirements, including specified electives;
- Appear on an official transcript from the institution where they were earned;
- Meet required minimum grade requirements for transfer credit eligibility outlined by degree or program-level (remedial college credits are not accepted as transfer credit);
- Have been completed within the specified number of years for transfer credit eligibility outlined by degree or program-level.
Note: If a student submits a transcript for basis for admission and the transcript has pending coursework or grades not posted to courses, those courses will not be evaluated for transfer credit until an official transcript is submitted with final grades for those courses. NU is not responsible for duplication of transferable courses that the student may have taken and received credit from a prior institution.
Transfer Credit Articulations and Crosswalks
NU has several partnerships with schools and organizations that allow students to satisfy 1:1 modality program requirements with previously completed coursework and certifications. To learn more about the specific requirements necessary to receive transfer credit, please click on the specific institutional and organizational partnerships linked below.
College of Business, Engineering and Technology
School of Business and Economics
School of Technology and Engineering
Sanford College of Education
Transferability of Credits and Credentials Earned at Our Institution
The transferability of credits you earn at National University is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the credits or degree you earn in your program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits, degree or certificate that you earn at this institution is not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending National University to determine if your credits, degree or certificate will transfer.
Non-Degree Applicants
Applicants who want to enhance their personal and professional knowledge but do not intend to pursue a degree, can enroll as a Non-Degree student. The application process for non-degree studies follows the standard admissions process. Non-degree applicants must provide unofficial transcripts to demonstrate that they have the appropriate academic background for the course level requested (e.g., students requesting a Bachelor-level course must have a high school diploma).
There is no limit on the number of courses a student can take while in a non-degree status. For tuition information specific to Non-Degree applicants, please see Tuition and Fees - Non Degree Tuition.
The applicant will be advised if there are prerequisites for the course requested.
If the student later applies for admission to a degree program, they will be required to complete the admissions application for the degree program of interest and submit all required documentation for admissions. The student will be evaluated as a new applicant and must meet admission requirements, tuition requirements, graduation requirements, and policies in effect at the time of application to the degree program. In addition, non-degree coursework completed at NU will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Note: Non-Degree students will be reported to the National Student Clearing House as attending less than half-time and are not eligible to receive financial aid or have their loans placed in deferment status.
Note: Non-Degree students at National University are required to follow the University Attendance Policy.
Matriculation
Upon successful completion and review of online application, students are considered matriculated at NU after attending at least one day past the add/drop period of their first course and remain active in their desired program until a plan change, dismissal, or withdrawal action is added to their record. All active students in a program are used in calculating completion rates.
Student’s Right to Cancel
Students have the right to cancel the Enrollment Agreement and obtain a full refund of charges through attendance in Week 1 (day 7 of the first course).* Applicants who wish to cancel an enrollment agreement must contact their Academic and Finance Counselor at learnerservices@ncu.edu or call (888) 628-6904 prior to attending Week 2 of your first course. Cancellation or Withdrawal will be effective on the date that the notice is received.
The University reserves the right to cancel or terminate the agreement if the applicant fails to accept and attend their first course, meet basic academic requirements during provisional admissions periods, violate the Student Code of Conduct, fail to make satisfactory academic progress, fail to make payment in accordance with the terms of the student finance agreement, and/or fail to meet attendance requirements as outlined in the University Course Catalog.
If students obtain loan(s) to pay for their educational program, they have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund that is owed under the refund policy.
Re-entry Enrollment
Students who have been out of attendance for less than 365 days will be allowed to return to the degree program/catalog version that they were enrolled in prior to exiting the University if the program is still active. New application paperwork may not be required unless the student changes degree program/catalog version. Unless on an approved LOA, students in the JD program will need to complete a new application for reentry.
Students who have been out of attendance for over 365 days must apply for readmission to the University under the most current degree program/catalog version. Students applying for readmission must meet all applicable University and programmatic application requirements, including the basis for admission criteria in effect at the time of re-entry and any specific programmatic requirements.
Upon re-entry, students will return to the same satisfactory academic process (SAP) status as when they left if returning to the same degree plan. If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve Good Standing for SAP at their next evaluation point when returning to the same program, re-entry enrollment may be denied, and the student should consider requesting a substantial program change.
If a student returns to the University for an additional degree, all previously completed NU courses will be reviewed to see if they qualify for application into the new degree program. Courses cannot be applied if they are at the same level as the initial conferred degree (i.e., a 2nd master’s degree). Any unsuccessful coursework attempts will remain in the previous program and shall not negatively impact the new program’s SAP status or maximum time to completion. Minimum grade requirements and other transfer credit policies still apply.
All returning students are subject to current tuition rates and fees applicable at the time of their return.
Students who are academically or administratively dismissed may not be eligible to return to the University. See Academic and Administrative Dismissal policies for additional information.
Students dismissed due to violating the Student Code of Conduct, the University’s Academic Integrity policy, or any other legal or ethical matters do not qualify for re-entry to National University. For questions regarding prior dismissal and reentry eligibility, students can contact the OSC office at osc@nu.edu.
All prior financial obligations must be addressed before a student may return and resume attendance at the University. The returning student is responsible for ensuring their previous balance is covered before their return. The student should work with our re-entry team to start the re-entry process. The re-entry team can be contacted directly at futuregraduate@nu.edu and the toll-free number is 888-628-1565 regarding any previous financial obligation to the University.
Denied Admissions and Attendance
National University reserves the right to deny admission to a potential student who does not meet the stated admission requirements for the program level of application. Please see the Basis for Admission requirements for the program to which admittance is being requested.
Please note: Students may be barred from attending classes at National University for also failing to:
- Comply with the Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Respond to official University notices
- Settle financial obligations
Students who are barred from attendance are generally given advance notice. If a student fails to respond or has a history of failing to respond, action will be taken without further notice, and the student may no longer be entitled to services of the University, except for assistance toward reinstatement. The University can drop the student from all current and future classes as appropriate. Under no circumstances may a student who has been barred from attendance attend class or receive a grade.
Students who believe they have been Subject to Discrimination:
National University students and employees abide by the Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy, as found on the NU website and in the General Catalog. Please know that any person may file an informational report with suspicions of discrimination or harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to have experienced the conduct). A report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by choosing the appropriate reporting form at this link: www.nu.edu/reportit, or in person, by mail, by telephone, by video, or by email, using the contact information listed below for the Title IX Coordinator and ADA 504 Coordinator.
ADA/504 Coordinator
Douglas Sheppard, ADA/504 Coordinator
9388 Lightwave Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
Telephone: (858) 309-3538| Office Email: adacoord@nu.edu | Email: dsheppard2@nu.edu
Title IX Coordinator
Heather Tyrrell, Director, Institutional Equity Office of Institutional Equity
9388 Lightwave Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
Telephone: (858) 640-8087| Office Email: oie@nu.edu | Email: htyrrell@nu.edu
Program Availability
Program availability varies by state. Admission is granted at the time of initial acceptance into a program and is dependent on program availability in a state where the applicant resides at the time of admission. If a student moves to a state other than the state where the applicant resided when accepted into the program, continuation in the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state of residence. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the institution of a change in residence (new state). Students who relocate while enrolled may be unable to complete their studies if they are moving to a state where the university is not currently authorized to offer a particular program. Not all programs are approved in authorized states. Students wishing to relocate to a restricted state will not be able to continue in their program of study. Students should contact their Advisor to discuss how relocation could alter their eligibility in their current program.
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