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Step-by-Step Admissions Process

To get started, follow the application guidelines below. You may also go directly to the online application; instructions are included in each area. Once you have returned all application documents, the Admissions Committee will review your application file and notify you, in writing, of your status. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at 509.777.3222.

Come Meet Us

We strongly encourage all applicants to learn more about our adult education programs by speaking with an advisor from Whitworth's School of Continuing Studies prior to admittance. Call 509.777.3222 to get started.

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How to Apply

Step 1: Apply Online

Create an account to complete your online application. The online application includes the following:

  • Two reference forms - sent directly to each reference via an online recommendation request. You should request recommendations from individuals who have a strong knowledge of your professional work and/or your ability to succeed as an adult student. 
    1. If you have attended college within the past two years, one should be from a professor in your major. If it has been more than two years since you have attended another institution, you may substitute a professional recommendation.
    2. One recommendation should be from a current or former supervisor or coworker.
  • Résumé - required only for teacher certification programs.
  • Personal essay - 500-700 words explaining how the program for which you are applying fits with your career and educational goals, why you have chosen Whitworth as the venue in which to further your education, and why now is the right time for you to enroll in an adult education program. You may attach this document to your online application or email it directly to the School of Continuing Studies Admissions Office at csadmissions@whitworth.edu.

Step 2: Submit Official (Unopened) Transcripts

Though we review each student's GPA for the probability of academic success, we understand that undergraduate GPAs, particularly those from several years ago, may not reflect your current ability or commitment to academic success.

Order official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities previously attended, and have them sent electronically to the School of Continuing Studies & Graduate Admissions (gradadmissions@whitworth.edu) or by mail directly to this address:

Whitworth University
School of Continuing Studies
300 W. Hawthorne Road
Spokane, WA 99251

Step 3: Submit High School Transcripts

High school transcripts will be waived for applicants who have obtained an A.A. or A.A.S. degree or are transferring at least 60 semester credits.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

If you intend to apply for financial aid, complete a FAFSA as soon as possible. Apply online at www.studentaid.gov (Whitworth Title IV Code: 003804).

Supplemental Requirements

Additional Writing Sample

Your academic advisor may ask you to complete an additional writing sample to demonstrate writing proficiency. Students in the School of Continuing Studies are expected to write at a college level prior to admission. 

Applicants Under the Age of 23

Due to the expectation that students contribute knowledge gained in the work environment to the collaborative learning in class, applicants to the School of Continuing Studies under the age of 23 must also meet the following criteria:

  1. Must have family or work responsibilities that would prevent them from attending a traditional, day university program
  2. Must have a two-year transfer degree, or substantial previous college experience, preferably with a 2.75 or higher GPA
  3. Must have three years of full-time employment history, documented by submission of a résumé

Applicants who do not meet all requirements may be considered for restricted admission status on a case-by-case basis. Please contact csadmissions@whitworth.edu for more details.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Students planning to enter the business management or teacher certification programs must meet specific admissions requirements. See program pages for details.

International Students

Because Whitworth's adult education programs are offered part-time in the evening, international students are ineligible to apply. Please explore Whitworth's full-time day programs to help meet your academic interests and career goals.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Whitworth University is committed to delivering a mission-driven educational program that cultivates in students the capacity to engage effectively across myriad dimensions of diversity. Whitworth University is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all students in its educational programs and activities. The university does not discriminate against students based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability and complies with all applicable federal or state non-discrimination laws in its instructional programs.