Online & Hybrid Graduate Requirements | University of Mount Olive (original) (raw)

Applying to a graduate program at the University of Mount Olive is a straightforward and supportive process designed for working adults, licensed educators, career changers, and professionals seeking advancement. Whether you’re pursuing counseling, educational leadership, or a business-focused graduate degree, UMO outlines clear, transparent requirements to help you prepare a strong application. Below is a detailed look at the admission criteria, documentation, and program-specific expectations for online or hybrid graduate study.

General Graduate Admission Requirements

All students applying for graduate admission to the University must complete an application, have a conferred undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school, and meet programmatic requirements as determined by the degree program or school.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Each graduate program includes additional requirements based on licensure expectations, leadership readiness, or professional competencies.

Masters of Business Administration (MBA), MBA-Accounting and MBA-Healthcare Management

Free online application
Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of 3.0 GPA. 2.5-3.0 will be considered with the submission of a personal statement. Official transcript required.
Resume required
GRE or GMAT are not required

Masters of Education (Med) – Educational Leadership

Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or international institution
Official transcripts showing conferral of a 4-year bachelor’s equivalent degree are required from degree-granting institutions other than the University of Mount Olive.
3.0 GPA
Four years as a licensed professional educator
Three letters of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the candidate’s academic ability and/or leadership potential. Physical signature required.
Writing Requirement
- Letter format using 12 point font (e.g. Times New Roman).
- Double spaced text and addressed to the Division of Education
- Essay length: 2-3 pages
- The letter of application must include your personal definition of educational leadership and a description of your career goals and interests in pursuing graduate study.
GRE or GMAT are not required

Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2026

Early Decision Deadline: March 30
Final Deadline: May 30

As a part of the Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health, applicants will be required to:

Submit response to two personal statements to include the following (250 word minimum for each question):
1. How does the Masters of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health program support your professional goals? And, why is this graduate degree in counseling the right one for this season of your life?
2. Describe a time when you received feedback that was difficult to hear in the moment. How did you respond? How did the experience impact you directly?
Submit a resume.
Submit letters of recommendation from professional sources (e.g. undergraduate professors/advisers; employers; organizational leaders of volunteer organizations in which the applicant has worked; or clergy) that can speak to the applicant’s character, fitness for the counseling profession, ability to successfully manage graduate level coursework, two or three areas of personal and/or academic strengths of the applicant, and any areas for growth. Letters of recommendation submitted by the applicant should include the organization’s logo, a recommender signature, and recommender contact information (email and phone number). Letters of recommendation should be submitted as a PDF document.
Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of 3.0 GPA. 2.5-3.0 will be considered based on submission of the personal statement. Official transcript required.
Invitation to participate in a pre-admissions interview conducted by program faculty. Invitation to interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Online new student orientation is required prior to the start of the program.
GRE or GMAT are not required.

Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership (K-12 Supervision)

Free online application
Hold a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or international institution in an education-related areaIf you graduated from a college/university other than UMO, you will be required to submit official transcripts showing conferral of a 4-year bachelor’s equivalent degree and graduate master’s degree from degree-granting institutions
3 years of proven educational leadership and/or supervisory experience
Attend an interview with members of the University of Mount Olive Education Department
A letter of recommendation/support from the applicant’s current Superintendent

Apply today and a personal UMO Admissions Representative will help guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all online graduate programs at UMO require the GRE or GMAT?

No. UMO does not require GRE or GMAT scores for online graduate admission, regardless of program. Admission decisions are based on academic history, professional experience, and program-specific materials such as essays or recommendations.

Can applicants with a GPA below 3.0 still be admitted?

Yes. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for admission if they submit a personal statement. This allows the admissions team to better understand academic potential and professional readiness.

Do online graduate applicants need professional experience?

Some programs—particularly Educational Leadership or licensure-aligned pathways—require documented professional experience in education. Others, such as the M.S. in Counseling, evaluate applicants on academic preparation, personal statements, and readiness for graduate-level work.

What documents are required for online or hybrid graduate admission?

Most applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement. Some programs also require letters of recommendation, a writing sample, or an interview with program faculty. Requirements vary by degree, so applicants should review the details listed above.

How soon can I start an online or hybrid graduate program at UMO?

UMO offers rolling admissions for most online and hybrid graduate programs, with specific deadlines for fall cohorts. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to receive timely guidance and ensure all documents are processed before the start term.