Admission Policies

• Standardized test scores (ACT and SAT) are optional for admission.
• International citizens are required to demonstrate English Proficiency if the primary language of instruction in high school was not English. Applicants can fulfill this requirement by submitting scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. International students at high schools where English is the primary language of instruction are eligible to apply to Puget Sound test-optional.
• For students who decide to submit scores from the SAT or ACT exams, official score reports can be sent from the testing agency (code 4067 for the College Board and code 4450 for the ACT.) Puget Sound accepts self-reported test scores, but requires enrolled students to send official test scores.
• Candidates interested in applying to the Lillis Foundation Scholarship or Matelich Foundation Scholarship are required to submit standardized test scores for the purposes of scholarship selection. However, eligible applicants can still choose to be reviewed for admission under our test-optional policy. Please be assured that for Test-Optional candidates applying for scholarship consideration, test scores sent to Puget Sound will not be factored in the general review of the admission application.

Since 2015, Puget Sound has been test-optional, and applicants are not required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT exam. Standardized test scores can be a great measure of ability for some students. Other students however may not do as well on standardized tests but have the academic preparation and commitment to excel in college.

Our goal is to provide you with options to put your best foot forward in your application. Puget Sound reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, curriculum strength, writing, community leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process for the option you choose.

Undergraduate Admission to the University

Vice President for Enrollment: Tim Whittum
Director of Undergraduate Admission: Robin Aijian ‘04 
Director of Admission Operations: Martha Wilson

Each applicant to the university should present those qualities of character and the seriousness of purpose which would indicate that they will benefit from and contribute to the campus community. Each applicant is given individual consideration and a careful evaluation is made of the student’s curricular and co-curricular record.

Admission to the university extends the privilege of registering in courses of instruction only for the term stated in the letter of acceptance. The university necessarily reserves the option to refuse extension of this privilege and to deny any application.

Recommended high school course preparation for admission. The Admission Committee recommends that students complete the following pattern of coursework in high school as preparation for University of Puget Sound. The Committee recognizes that because the university is committed to maintaining an international student body, course patterns will vary considerably. Therefore, this pattern of coursework is recommended, but not required: English four years; Mathematics three/four years; History/Social Studies three years; Foreign Language two/three years of a single language; Natural/Physical Laboratory Science three/four years; and Fine/ Visual/Performing Arts one year.

First-Year Admission

Except for Early Admission or Simultaneous Enrollment, prospective first-year students may apply for admission any time after the beginning of the senior year in high school. Applications are accepted for fall and spring term admission.

First-year Admission Procedures. To apply for admission, a prospective first-year must submit the following credentials to the Office of Admission. Please note that all application materials become the property of the university unless otherwise indicated in writing when the application is submitted. Photocopies, scanned originals, or facsimile (FAX) copies of any official documents may be sent, but an application is not considered complete until original documents are received. 

1. Common Application. The university is a member of the Common Application. The Common Application, including the Member Questions section, must be completed and submitted online at commonapp.org
2. Transcripts. An official high school transcript that includes an applicant’s 9th through 11th grade academic record should be forwarded to the Office of Admission.
3. Tests. Standardized test scores (ACT and SAT) are optional.
4. School Report. (Included in the Common Application.) Applicants should submit this form to their secondary school counselors. The evaluators should forward the completed form along with a personal recommendation to the Office of Admission.
5. Teacher Evaluation. (Included in the Common Application.) Applicants should submit this form to a current or recent teacher. The evaluator should forward the completed form along with a personal recommendation to the Office of Admission.
6. Early Decision Agreement. (Included in the Common Application) Applicants intending to apply Early Decision must complete and submit the Early Decision Agreement included in the Common Application for First-Year Admission.
7. Application Fee. A $65 (U.S. funds) non-refundable processing fee must be submitted with the Application for First-Year Admission. Official fee waivers are acceptable.
8. Direct Admission. Select prospective students may be extended a conditional offer of admission through a Direct Admission platform. Direct Admitted students are not required to submit the Common Application, but are still required to submit other official documents and forms in order for their application to be considered complete. 

Regular Decision Plan. Applications are due January 15. The Admission Committee will continue to consider applications received after this date on a space-available basis. For Regular Decision applicants, notification of admission decisions is on or before April 1. The university subscribes to the National Candidates’ Reply Date of May 1 and does not require advance payments before this date. Regular Decision is the only plan available to spring term applicants. Deposits are not refundable. 

Early Action Plan. Students who wish to apply to University of Puget Sound early in their senior year may want to consider the Early Action plan. Applications are due November 1 with decision notification no later than January 31. The university subscribes to the National Candidates’ Reply Date of May 1 and does not require advance payments before this date. Deposits are not refundable. 

Early Decision Plan. Students who have selected University of Puget Sound as their first choice and wish to commit to enrolling early in their senior year may want to consider the Early Decision plan. The application for admission is due on November 1. Notifications of acceptance are  available by December 15 (along with a tentative notification of financial aid, if admitted). Students must pay the enrollment deposit by January 15. Deposits are not refundable. 

Early Decision is a binding agreement. Students may apply to other colleges simultaneously, but they may only apply to one college or university through the Early Decision plan. Students accepted under this plan are expected to withdraw their applications from other colleges and submit a deposit to University of Puget Sound.

For complete information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities, please refer to the “Student Financial Services” section of this Bulletin.

Simultaneous Enrollment While in Secondary School. Students who have advanced beyond the levels of instruction available in their secondary school may enroll simultaneously in courses at University of Puget Sound and at their secondary school. Admission is contingent upon an outstanding high school record. Students interested in simultaneous enrollment should contact the Office of Admission for more information.

Deferred First-Year Admission. Students offered undergraduate admission to Puget Sound may request a deferral of enrollment, which must be approved by the Office of Admission. Generally, deferrals may be granted for one semester or one year, but not longer. If the deferral request is approved, any academic merit scholarship will also be deferred to the future entry term. 

Admitted first-year students requesting a deferral must confirm their enrollment, along with the non-refundable $500 deposit, on or before the posted response deadline. Once they have confirmed their enrollment, students may request to defer their enrollment for either a single semester or one year by submitting the deferral request form including an explanation of their plans for the deferral period on or before the deferral deadline. First-year students who are granted a deferral should not undertake academic work for college credit (or matriculate) at another institution during this period, unless approved by the Office of Admission. Once a student’s deferral has been approved, an additional non-refundable $500 deposit will be due to hold the student’s place in the class.

Students who intend to matriculate at another institution but desire to eventually enroll at Puget Sound must reapply for admission at a future date as a transfer student. 

Credit Transfer Policies

Advanced Placement. The university participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. The university normally will grant lower division credit for scores of 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement (AP) Examination, and in selected instances for scores of 3. Students may be allowed up to a total of sixteen (16) units of advanced standing credit by examination, including AP and IB credit. AP credit may be applied toward university core requirements and students may earn exemptions from first-year Puget Sound courses. Details regarding specific examinations, grade requirements, credit awards, and course exemptions are available from the Office of the Registrar.

International Baccalaureate. University of Puget Sound will grant one (1) unit of lower-division credit for a student’s results on each International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination passed with a score of 5, 6, or 7. Additionally, one (1) unit of lower division elective credit will be allowed for Theory of Knowledge if a student has earned the IB Diploma. Students may be allowed up to a total of sixteen (16) units of advanced standing credit by examination, including AP and IB credit. Details regarding specific course exemptions are available from the Office of the Registrar.

College Classes While in High School (including Running Start). College credits earned prior to high school graduation may transfer if such credits appear on the transcript of a regionally-accredited college or university. Students may be allowed up to a total of sixteen (16) units of advanced standing credit. This includes coursework completed through concurrent enrollment programs, such as Washington’s Running Start and College in the High School programs. All other transfer restrictions apply, including credit limits, general transferability, university core requirements, and major and minor credit policies.

Transfer Admission

Students who have attended other regionally accredited colleges or universities may apply for Transfer Admission. Each student is admitted on a selective basis. The following general criteria are applied:

1. Honorable dismissal from the institution(s) previously attended.
2. Good academic standing at the institution last attended, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 to be considered.

Transfer of Credit. The university will evaluate for transfer all courses that are appropriate to a Puget Sound baccalaureate degree program. Transferability will be determined through a course evaluation in accordance with the policies established by the faculty and administration.

To be transferable, a course must be offered by a regionally accredited university or college recognized by University of Puget Sound. Personal development, remedial, technical, or vocational courses are not transferable.

General Policies for Transfer Students

1. One University of Puget Sound unit is equivalent to four (4) semester credits or six (6) quarter credits.
2. Transfer students are limited to 16 units (96 quarter credits or 64 semester credits) of transfer credit and must earn at least 16 more units at Puget Sound to complete the 32 units required for a bachelor’s degree.
3. The maximum activity credit allowed within a Puget Sound degree program is 2.0 units. Activity credit includes athletics, music performance, theater performance, forensics, and any other student participation program.
4. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) examination scores should be submitted with the application materials. Puget Sound does not provide credit for CLEP examination scores or for military training.
5. No more than four (4) academic units taken with a pass/fail or credit/no credit grading option may apply toward the 32 units required for graduation. In addition, all university core requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
6. All coursework will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine fulfillment of university core requirements. All students must complete the Connections core requirement at Puget Sound. Courses that transfer in fulfillment of core requirements may not be completed through independent study nor be graded on a pass/ fail basis.
7. A student who matriculates at Puget Sound after completing a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree through a Washington State community college, or a comparable transfer degree through an Oregon (AAOT) or California (AA-T or AS-T) community college, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, shall be awarded.
8. 16.00 total units of transfer credit and be considered to have completed both first-year seminar courses (100-level Connections and Critical Conversations Seminar) as well as the three Divisional graduation requirements.
9. Sixteen (16) units must be completed in residence in order to obtain a Puget Sound degree. At least four (4) units for a major and three (3) units for a minor must be completed in residence.
10. Following admission to and enrollment in the university, if it is learned that a student misrepresented his or her academic record when applying for admission, he or she may be subject to immediate expulsion.

Special Regulations

1. Within a baccalaureate degree program, the university makes a clear distinction between the first 16 units (first and sophomore years) and the last 16 units (junior and senior years) of coursework. The following educational programs are considered part of the first and sophomore years, and are acceptable in transfer to a combined total of 16 units:
   1. Accredited college or university 
   2. Advanced Placement (AP)
   3. International Baccalaureate (IB)
2. These educational programs are also subject to the individual transfer credit limits established by the university before being accepted into a degree program.
3. Once a student has 16 or more units, that student cannot count credit earned through one of the above first and sophomore-level educational programs toward the Puget Sound degree.
4. Credit will not be granted for dual enrollment or simultaneous matriculation with two or more institutions.
5. Specific courses not commonly offered in baccalaureate degree programs will be examined. If equivalencies can be established by the appropriate departments, schools, or administrative officers, the courses will be acceptable for transfer.
6. Decisions are petitionable to the Academic Standards Committee for just cause.

Transfer Admission Procedures. Credentials required for admission to the university with advanced standing include the following as described below. Please note that all application materials become the property of the university unless otherwise indicated in writing when the application is submitted. Photocopies, scanned originals, or facsimile (FAX) copies of any official transcripts or test scores may be sent, but an application is not considered complete until original documents are received.

1. The Common Application. The university is a member and exclusive user of the Common Application for Transfers. The Common Application, including the Member Questions section, must be completed and submitted online at commonapp.org.
2. Transcripts. Official transcripts of the student record from each college and university previously attended and, upon request, a high school transcript must be sent to the Office of Admission. Any student who has completed less than one full year of college work should submit a high school transcript. All transcripts must be sent by institutions previously attended and not by way of the student. Official evaluation of the transcripts will be provided to the student upon acceptance for admission.
3. Application Fee. A $65 (U.S. funds) nonrefundable processing fee must be submitted with the Common Application. Official fee waivers are acceptable.
4. College Report. (Included in the Common Application.) This form is available online at commonapp.org. Applicants should submit this form to the Registrar’s office at their current institution. The college official should forward the completed form to the Office of Admission.
5. Academic Evaluation. (Included in the Common Application.) One Academic Evaluation is required. This form is available online at commonapp.org. Applicants should submit this form to a current or recent college instructor. The evaluator should submit the completed form online or forward the completed form along with a personal recommendation to the Office of Admission.
6. Official scores of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations may be submitted with the application materials. No credit is given for military experience or CLEP examination scores.

Direct Transfer Agreements. Puget Sound accepts the direct transfer agreements from Washington (DTA), Oregon (AAOT), and California (AA-T, AS-T) for students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The full list of all transfer credit policies and limits appears in the Academic and Administrative Policies section of the Bulletin under Transfer Information.

Second Baccalaureate. Students who have already attained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (including Puget Sound) may apply to enroll at Puget Sound for a Second Baccalaureate degree.

Students wishing to earn a second baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 8 additional units in residence. These units must be academic and taken for a grade. Students must also complete departmental requirements current as of the date of their post-baccalaureate enrollment. Each additional baccalaureate degree requires 8 more discrete academic, graded units. To apply for a second baccalaureate degree, students must submit:

1. The Common Application. The university is a member of the Common Application. The Common Application can be completed and submitted online at commonapp.org. Students should indicate the intent to enroll as a Second Baccalaureate Student in the Member Questions section.
2. Transcripts. Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended (if the student has previously attended Puget Sound, only transcripts for coursework taken since their last term at Puget Sound must be submitted).
3. Application Fee. A $65 (U.S. Funds) nonrefundable processing fee must be submitted with the Common Application. Official fee waivers are acceptable.
4. Academic Evaluation. (Included in the Common Application.) One Academic Evaluation is required. This form is available online at commonapp.org. Applicants should submit this form to a current or recent college instructor. The evaluator should submit the completed form online or forward the completed form, along with a personal recommendation, to the Office of Admission.
5. Official scores of any nontraditional work [including Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) examination scores] may be submitted with the application materials. No credit is given for military experience or CLEP examination scores.

Deferred Transfer Admission. Students offered undergraduate admission to Puget Sound may request a deferral of enrollment, which must be approved by the Office of Admission. Generally, deferrals may be granted for one semester or one year, but not longer. If the deferral request is approved, any academic merit scholarship will also be deferred to the future entry term.

Admitted students requesting a deferral must confirm their enrollment, along with the non-refundable $500 deposit on or before the posted response deadline. Once they have confirmed their enrollment, students may request to defer their enrollment for a single semester or one year by submitting the deferral request form including an explanation of their plans for the deferral period on or before the posted deferral request deadline. Transfer students who are granted a deferral may continue to take college courses at their current institution but should not enroll in courses (or matriculate) at another institution during the deferral period, unless approved by the Office of Admission. Once a student’s deferral has been approved, an additional $500 deposit will be due to hold the student’s place in the class.

Returning Students. Undergraduate students who formerly have attended the university (as regular matriculants) but have not been in attendance for one or more terms (excluding summer term) or whose leave of absence has expired should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Non-Matriculant Enrollment. Students who do not intend to pursue a degree, including those wanting to audit courses, may register for classes as non-matriculant students. Students interested in enrolling as non-matriculants must complete a non-matriculant registration agreement form, which may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.

1. Non-matriculants must wait until the first day of the term to register for a class.
2. Registration of non-matriculant students is on a space-available basis.
3. At the time of registration, non-matriculants must pay for registered course(s) in full, or set up a payment plan with Student Financial Services.
4. No more than three (3) units taken as a non-matriculant may be applied toward a University of Puget Sound undergraduate degree.

Deposit and Matriculation Policy

First-year. Students admitted to Puget Sound will receive a Letter of Acceptance. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required for each new student and reserves a place in the student body. Students must confirm their enrollment and submit the non-refundable deposit by May 1 for regular decision or early action admission or within 30 days of their admission notification for early decision.

Puget Sound reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission should a student fail to maintain the academic and/or personal standards demonstrated in their application.

Students must submit their medical history and immunization form prior to enrollment. 

Transfer Students. Students admitted to Puget Sound will receive a Letter of Acceptance and a transfer credit evaluation.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required for each new student and reserves a place in the student body.

Puget Sound reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission should a student fail to maintain the academic and/or personal standards demonstrated in their application.

Students must submit their medical history and immunization form prior to enrollment. 

International Students

Application and Academic Credentials. University of Puget Sound welcomes applications from international students. The university is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. Along with all required application materials, applicants should include those items outlined in this section of the Bulletin which are germane to their class standing. Academic credentials must be translated into English and must be sent directly by the institutions previously attended. Hand-carried documents or copies of documents sent by students will cause a delay in the application process. Please note that all application materials become the property of the university unless otherwise indicated in writing when the application is submitted.

English Proficiency. Students attending secondary school where the primary language of instruction is not English must submit their scores from one of the following: SAT, ACT, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 85 on the TOEFL iBT, 105 on the Duolingo Exam test, or 6.5 on the IELTS is recommended.

Financial Statement. Students on an F-1 Visa (Student Visa) must also provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover one full year of study by filing Puget Sound’s International Student Verification of Finances.

International students must not depend upon earnings from employment, anticipated financial assistance, or scholarship grants.

Summer Term

Non-matriculating students may register for summer classes by completing a non-matriculant registration agreement form available from the Office of the Registrar. Non-matriculating students seeking regular student standing for summer term must complete the appropriate application form outlined previously.

Attendance in a summer term does not guarantee a student matriculating status.

Graduate Admission to the University

School of Education

To apply for the MAT or MEd degree, a student must complete an online School of Education application. For more information, please visit pugetsound.edu/admission/graduate-admission. All materials should be submitted directly to the Office of Admission. Questions about the admission process should be referred to the Office of Admission.

Application Procedures

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

University of Puget Sound Education Studies minors and/or Bachelor of Music in Music Education majors and all other University of Puget Sound graduates see information below about the streamlined admission process.

1. Application: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission (via the online application available on the Puget Sound website). The application includes three essay prompts. Each response should be 300-500 words.
2. Official Transcripts: Arrange to have official transcripts of all completed college-level coursework forwarded to the University. University of Puget Sound transcripts will automatically be added to applications from current students and alumni by the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts should be sent directly by each institution previously attended and reflect the completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Degree in-progress is acceptable as long as completion date is prior to the start of MAT classes.
3. Appraisal of Applicant forms: Provide professional contact information for 2 references. References will be sent an electronic version of the Appraisal of Applicant for Degree Candidacy form. Upon receipt, Appraisals will be uploaded to the applicant’s portal. Applicants should submit information for at least one academic reference if they have taken coursework at a college or university within the last three years.
4. Resume: Submit a resume.
5. Interview: An interview for MAT applicants may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion.
6. Supplemental Requirements:
   1. MAT applicants are required to submit scores from an approved basic skills test and an approved content area exam. Score submission is not required for the application process. These scores can be submitted any time up until August 1.
      • Basic Skills Test: Applicants for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree are required to submit scores from an approved basic skills exam. While no state-mandated passing score is set for basic skills, applicants must submit individual scores in reading, writing, and mathematics for admission. Applicants may use a combination of scores from any approved exam including SAT or ACT taken after 2005, or WEST-B. A full list of approved alternative exams may be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s web site: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/certification/teacher-certificate/out-state-applicants-teachers/teacher-assessments. 
      • Endorsement Test: All MAT applicants must meet the content requirements for at least one endorsement area. Secondary applicants must have completed coursework in a content area aligned with the endorsement area they are pursuing. Both elementary and secondary MAT applicants should arrange to have endorsement scores sent from Pearson for either their National Evaluation Systems exam or for their Washington Educator Skills Test Endorsement exam.
   2. Music Endorsement applicants who graduated with a degree in music from an institution other than the University of Puget Sound must audition and submit transcripts to the School of Music. For more information, contact the Music Admission Coordinator in the School of Music at music.admission@ pugetsound.edu or 253.879.3228.

Streamlined Admission Process 1 (for Education Studies minors and Bachelor of Music Education majors):
University of Puget Sound Education Studies minors and/or Bachelor of Music in Education majors in good standing will be reviewed through a streamlined process. These applicants should submit only the application and supplemental testing requirements described in number 6 above. Additional materials may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion.

Streamlined Admission Process 2 (for other University of Puget Sound graduates):
University of Puget Sound graduates in good standing, who are not Education Studies minors or Bachelor of Music in Music Education majors, will be reviewed through a streamlined admission process. These applicants should submit the application with responses to the three essay questions, the names and contact information of two references in lieu of written appraisals, and the supplemental testing requirements described in number 6 above. Additional materials may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion.  

State Required Documentation for K-12 Placements
Applicants who do not hold a valid Washington certificate will be required to complete the Pre-Residency Clearance for practicum placement as well as their application for Washington certification. This application includes a Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint clearance in addition to completing a moral character and fitness questionnaire. Applicants with any previous criminal conviction, serious behavior problem or previous license revocation must be cleared by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction prior to certification. Questions and requests for additional information should be addressed to the Certification Officer in the School of Education (253.879.3382).

Master of Education in Counseling (MEd)

University of Puget Sound graduates see information below about streamlined admission process.

1. Application: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission (via the online application available on the Puget Sound website). The application includes an essay prompt. Responses should be 300-500 words.
2. Official Transcripts: Arrange to have official transcripts of all completed college-level coursework forwarded to the university. Transcripts should be sent directly by each institution previously attended and reflect the completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Degree in-progress is acceptable as long as completion date is prior to the start of MEd classes. University of Puget Sound transcripts will automatically be added to applications from current students and alumni by the Office of the Registrar.
3. Appraisal of Applicant forms: Provide professional contact information for two (2) references. References will be sent an electronic version of the Appraisal of Applicant for Degree Candidacy form to complete. Upon receipt, responses will be uploaded to the application portal.
4. Resume: Submit a resume.
5. Interview: An interview is required for all MEd in counseling applicants. Interviews are arranged by the School of Education after completed applications have been received and reviewed.
6. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Scores: GRE scores may be requested at the School of Education admission committee’s discretion if an applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and the applicant does not already have a Master’s degree.

Streamlined Admission Process:
University of Puget Sound graduates in good standing will be reviewed through a streamlined admission process to the MEd program. These applicants should complete all of the steps in the admission process except they may submit names and contact information from two references in lieu of written appraisals. Additional materials may be requested by the School of Education admission committee at its discretion. A candidacy decision will be based on the Admission Committee’s assessment of the applicant’s potential as a professional in their chosen field. The indicators upon which this judgment is based are drawn from the above material. The intention of the faculty of the School of Education is to choose the best applicants from among the applicant pool to fill a limited number of available openings. The faculty seeks students who are mature, self-aware, flexible, and motivated.  The faculty also recognizes that varied life experiences and broad educational backgrounds contribute to a student’s ultimate success

State Required Documentation for K-12 Placements
Applicants who do not hold a valid Washington certificate will be required to complete the Pre-Residency Clearance for practicum placement as well  as application for Washington certification. This application includes a Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint clearance in addition to completing a moral character and fitness questionnaire. Applicants with any previous criminal conviction, serious behavior problem or previous license revocation must be cleared by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction prior to certification. Questions and requests for additional information should be addressed to the Certification Officer in the School of Education (253.879.3382).
 

Master of Public Health Program (MPH)

Public health is a transdisciplinary field focused on the promotion of community and environmental health, and the prevention of disease and injury to assure optimal health outcomes with an emphasis on serving marginalized populations. The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree that prepares students as practitioners who are responsive to contemporary challenges in public health at local, regional, national and global levels. MPH graduates are proficient in the best practices of design, planning, and implementation of health research, programs, and services.

Acceptance to Degree Candidacy
There is no specific undergraduate coursework required for acceptance to the program. Applications to the MPH program are competitive and will be reviewed holistically across work and volunteer experience, quality and content of personal statement, and academic preparation as evidenced by transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Master of Public Health Admission Committee bases its graduate candidacy decisions on the best balance of the following:

1. Academic ability as demonstrated by grade point average
2. Content and quality of written materials submitted in the application process
3. Understanding of the field of public health, as reflected in the applicant’s personal statement
4. Letters of reference

Pathway to Public Health Program
Undergraduate students and alumni from the University of Puget Sound who have participated in the Pathway to Public Health Program for a minimum of one academic year and meet the following requirements may be eligible for guaranteed admission into the MPH program:

• Completion of a University of Puget Sound Baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.3 or higher
• Provide the name of one Puget Sound faculty member as a reference
• Participate in a minimum of one MPH program event per semester 
• Regularly participate in the Public Health Student Association and/or Health Equity Research Lab

Occupational Therapy

The School of Occupational Therapy offers entry-level and post-professional degrees. The entry-level degrees include a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). The post-professional degree is a Doctor in Occupational Therapy (DrOT).

Entry-Level Degrees (MSOT and OTD)
The entry-level degrees are for college graduates who wish to become occupational therapists. Any undergraduate major may lead to the successful study of occupational therapy. In fact, the program seeks a diversity of educational backgrounds among its students. The entry-level MSOT and OTD are professional degrees that prepare students to enter occupational therapy practice in any established setting, work effectively on healthcare teams, and engage in service delivery with all populations served by the profession. Specific prerequisite courses must be completed before enrollment in the School of Occupational Therapy.
 
Please note that in most years more applications are received for the incoming class than there are spaces available.  A liberal arts education is a vital component in the preparation of today’s healthcare practitioner. As such, applicants who have been or will be granted an undergraduate degree from Puget Sound, and who are competitive within the applicant pool, are offered admission prior to other applicants.
 
3-2 or 3-3 Occupational Therapy Program at Puget Sound

• It is possible for a University of Puget Sound student to interlock the final year of an undergraduate program with the first year of the MSOT or OTD program. Students  planning a 3-2 program or 3-3 program, should work closely with an undergraduate adviser in their major as well as a graduate adviser in the Occupational Therapy Program.
• During the first year of study in the Occupational Therapy Program, the Puget Sound student will retain status as an undergraduate for financial aid, housing, and other purposes. At the time of bestowal of the bachelor’s degree the student will acquire graduate standing in the Occupational Therapy Program.
• The Puget Sound Occupational Therapy 3-2 or 3-3 Program is only for those who have been full-time, Puget Sound undergraduate students.

Acceptance to Degree Candidacy
The School of Occupational Therapy Admission Committee bases its graduate candidacy decisions on the best balance of the following:

1. Content and quality of written materials submitted in the application process;Understanding of the breadth and depth of the occupational therapy profession and the role and functions of occupational therapy professionals;
2. Academic ability as demonstrated by overall grade point average and performance in prerequisite courses;
3. Letters of recommendation; and
4. Exposure to the practice of occupational therapy, preferably in multiple contexts (for example, a job or volunteer position in an occupational therapy clinic).

For complete information concerning application procedures, prerequisites, and acceptance to degree candidacy, see the School of Occupational Therapy website at pugetsound.edu/ot.

Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOT) The Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOT) Program is offered approximately every 2-3 years and is designed to fit all levels of experience, whether the student is a new entry-level occupational therapist or a seasoned one. The curriculum is designed to be student-centered and to support students’ development of advanced practice skills that support their career goals. To that end, students in the DrOT Program are required to identify an area of concentration and related learning outcomes that will guide them in developing a doctoral thesis project, shaping course assignments, and selecting authentic learning experiences. Students will enter the DrOT Program with a range of professional experience and interests, which will enhance the learning of all.

Acceptance to Degree Candidacy
The School of Occupational Therapy Admission Committee bases its graduate candidacy decisions on the best balance of the following:

1. Content and quality of written materials submitted in the application process;
2. Understanding of the breadth and depth of the occupational therapy profession and the role and functions of occupational therapy professionals;
3. Academic ability as demonstrated by overall grade point average and performance in prerequisite courses; and
4. Letters of recommendation.

For information on completion of degree requirements for the three graduate programs in Occupational Therapy see the Occupational Therapy section of the Bulletin. The course sequence and course descriptions for the MSOT and OTD degrees are available on the School’s website and in the Occupational Therapy section of the Bulletin.

Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The School of Physical Therapy is a post-baccalaureate graduate program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). The program is designed to educate an entry-level physical therapist, that is, the graduate student studies to enter the profession rather than to become a specialist within the profession.

A baccalaureate degree is a prerequisite for enrolling in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Diversity of educational background is desirable among potential physical therapists. Any undergraduate degree may lead to the successful study of physical therapy, and undergraduates are encouraged to follow their passion in selecting a major as a strong academic record is required for successful application to the DPT program. Students must also demonstrate appropriate mastery of the prerequisite courses by earning a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in each Human Anatomy and Physiology course, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all prerequisite courses.

Complete information on the admission requirements and process can be found on the School of Physical Therapy web page at pugetsound.edu/pt.

Please note that many more applications are received for each class than there are spaces available and that admission to the University of Puget Sound does not guarantee admission to the School of Physical Therapy unless the criteria for the guaranteed admission pathway are met. However, applicants who have been, or who will be, granted an undergraduate degree from Puget Sound, and who are otherwise competitive within the applicant pool, are offered admission.

For information on course sequence and the completion of degree requirements for the Doctor of Physical Therapy, see the School of Physical Therapy web page.

The DPT program is a full-time program with no option for part-time work and does not accept transfer credit from other DPT programs.

Acceptance to Degree Candidacy
The School of Physical Therapy Admission Committee bases its graduate candidacy decisions on the applicant’s qualifications taken as a whole and strives to select those applicants whose educational records predict academic success in the program and whose interests, background, and professional goals are compatible with the philosophy and goals of the School of Physical Therapy. Admission and degree candidacy decisions will be based on information related to the following:

1. Academic ability: Completion of a Baccalaureate degree with at least a B (3.0) cumulative GPA and a grade of B( 3.0) or higher in each Human Anatomy and Physiology course and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all prerequisite courses.
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, not more than five years old.
3. Appreciation of the breadth and depth of the physical therapy profession is required. There is no minimum number of hours of exposure, but the applicant must demonstrate knowledge across the spectrum of the profession in writing submitted for the application.
4. Content and quality of writing and references submitted in the application process.
5. Completion of all prerequisites prior to matriculation.
6. Professional and educator references.

Guaranteed Admission Pathway for University of Puget Sound undergraduate students:
University of Puget Sound students who meet the following requirements will be guaranteed admission to the School of Physical Therapy.

1. Completion of a Baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher in all prerequisite courses.