Graduate Students

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Start to Finish – Our Hoop-Free Path to Grad School

Everything about Franklin University – from our academic programs to course formats and student services – is designed specifically for working adults, like you, who balance multiple priorities. Our admission process is no exception. Because we value your time, we keep things straightforward and hassle free.

The Admissions team guides you through each phase, answering questions and providing resources that save you time. Our team empowers you to succeed – from start to finish. The information below details, step-by-step, everything you’ll need to know from application to orientation.

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Master’s-Level Admission Requirements

All prospective graduate students must meet the following minimum requirements:

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Have earned at least a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who earned at least a 2.5 GPA in their earned bachelor’s degree will automatically be granted conditional enrollment status. Applicants who earned lower than a 2.5 GPA in their earned bachelor’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a master’s program.
Be proficient in English: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Some program's prerequisites and application deadlines vary according to course start date. Please use the links below to view the requirements and deadlines for a particular program:

M.S. in Accounting

MBA

M.S. in Business Psychology

M.S. Computer Science

Master of Healthcare Administration

M.S. in Human Resources Management

M.S. Instructional Design & Learning Technology

MSN

MSN-FNP

Master of Public Administration

DBA Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must have:

A completed master’s degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.
A minimum of 30 hours of graduate coursework in a business-related field
Master’s degree cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA in their earned master’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a doctoral program.

DBA Program

DHA Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must have:

A completed master’s degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.
A minimum of 30 hours of graduate coursework in a healthcare-related field.
Master’s degree cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA in their earned master’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a doctoral program.

DHA Program

Ed.D. Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must have:

A completed master’s degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.
Master’s degree cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA in their earned master’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a doctoral program.

Ed.D. Program

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How Long will it Take?

On average, our online application can be completed in 20 minutes.
Once submitted, applications are processed within 48 hours.

How Much Will It Cost?

For domestic applicants, there is no fee to apply.

For international applicants, the following apply:

Master’s programs, there is a $30 application fee.
Doctoral programs, there is a $50 application fee.

How will I know It’s Complete?

A member of our Admissions team will contact you within 48 hours to provide you with a username, password, and link to our myTools applicant system so you can track the status of your application.

Notes & Tips

Admission requirements vary based on the program and start date you choose. Be sure to review program specific requirements as you evaluate your start date.

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Submit Support Material

Transcripts

With your consent, we can attempt to request transcripts on your behalf. If we are unable to obtain a transcript for you, an admissions advisor will contact you to provide details on which transcripts you will need to request.

Contact your previous school's Registrar's Office to request your transcript be sent directly to Franklin. There are no costs or fees related to us receiving and evaluating your transcripts, however, other institutions may charge a processing fee when you request your transcripts. You can expect to spend $3- $10 per transcript and should allow 7-10 days for them to be received.

Franklin accepts electronic transcripts from other institutions and from third-party transcript providers. In both cases, electronic transcripts must be emailed from the provider directly to Franklin University. Electronic transcripts sent from the applicant will not be accepted as official.

Your official transcripts can also be sent through the mail directly from the provider to:
Franklin University
ATTN: Office of Transfer and Articulation
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215-5339

Note: If your transcripts are from post-secondary institutions located outside the U.S., please submit them to an approved third-party transcript evaluation agency. Once the agency has completed the evaluation of your transcripts, have your official evaluation submitted to the Office of Transfer and Articulation. Your transcript evaluation also must include a course-by-course evaluation, including a GPA calculation.

For students pursuing a master’s degree:

Send your official, sealed transcripts from all of the colleges or universities where you have completed a bachelor’s degree and any master’s coursework. Colleges or universities attended must be an accredited institution*.

For applicants to all MSN programs, requirements for admission include having earned a BSN or ADN/diploma from an accredited institution*.

For students pursuing a doctoral degree:

Send your official, sealed transcripts from all of the colleges or universities where you have completed a master’s degree and any doctoral coursework. Colleges or universities attended must be institutionally accredited*.

For applicants to all DNP programs, requirements for admission include having earned a BSN or MSN from an accredited institution*.

Résumé

Detail your professional experience, including jobs, year-of-service experiences, and volunteer opportunities that are relevant to your field of study and future career by submitting an up-to-date, one to two-page résumé.

Your résumé must include:

Your current work experience
Your full name as submitted on your Application for Admission

Submit your résumé through your applicant portal or email it to graduate.admissions@franklin.edu.

Nursing Applicants

In addition to submitting your transcripts and résumé, applicants to all tracks within the M.S. in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP),Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, and Graduate Certificate programs must also complete the following steps.

Submit Nursing License Information: Applicants must have a valid, active RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN). Applicants holding the equivalent of an RN licensure or certification outside the U.S. must submit a Credential Evaluation Services (CES) Academic Report from the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). License information is submitted within the admissions application.
Complete Applicable Handbook Review and Submit Program Packet:
- MSN Generalist, MSN Nurse Administrator, MSN Nurse Educator, and Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate Applicants: Review the MSN Handbook and complete the MSN Programs Packet, which can be found here.
- MSN Nurse Practitioner Applicants: Review the Nurse Practitioner Handbook and complete the MSN Programs Packet, which can be found here.
- DNP leadership Applicants: Review the DNP Handbook and complete the DNP Programs Packet, which can be found here.
- DNP Nurse Practitioner Applicants: Review the DNP Handbook, the Nurse Practitioner Handbook, and complete the DNP Programs Packet, which can be found here.
- Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Applicants: Review the Nurse Practitioner Handbook and complete the Nursing Certificates Packet, which can be found here.

International Applicants

If you are an international student, your admission process will require additional steps. Please visit our International Admissions section for detailed information about the process.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How Long will it Take?

You should allow 7-10 days for us to receive your transcripts from your previous schools.

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no costs or fees related to us requesting, receiving and evaluating your transcripts, however, other institutions (colleges & high schools) may charge a processing fee when you request your transcripts. You can expect that cost to be between $3-$10 per institution.

How will I know It’s Complete?

Typically, within 10 days after the Admission Committee reviews your application, your admissions advisor will notify you of your acceptance in the program.

Notes & Tips

You can check your applicant portal to make sure all of your materials have been received.

In order for us to accept your transcripts, please complete our online application.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a form that you will need to complete that grants us permission to obtain transcripts on your behalf. Transcripts will be requested at no cost to you.
When requesting your own transcripts, please be sure that they are sent to us in an official sealed envelope, stamped with ink to verify that the document has not been altered or request that your transcripts be sent electronically to transcripts@franklin.edu
Expect us to process your transcripts once we’ve received all of them.
We/You will not be able to request transcripts from institutions in which you have a financial hold.

Finance Your Education

Minimize the out-of-pocket expense of your degree

Make your degree more affordable by taking advantage of employer tuition reimbursement, federal financial aid or installment payment plans.

Your admission advisor, along with our Financial Aid Office will work with you to help identify what opportunities are available given your specific situation.

Learn how the cost of a degree at Franklin University will impact your finances with our cost estimate calculator. From funding sources to education expenses, you’ll get a comprehensive view of the variables that can alter the bottom line.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Many of our graduate students take advantage of tuition assistance programs offered by their employer.

Some students are reimbursed by their employers upon receipt of each trimester's grades (Deferred Tuition Reimbursement), while other employers pay the University directly for student tuition.

Get in touch with your HR department to learn how they can support your education. We'll work with you to ensure that you have any paperwork required to take advantage of this great benefit.

Federal Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to qualified students who apply to Franklin.

To find out if you're eligible for federal financial aid, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online application. If you indicated on your admission application that you will be using federal financial aid, you must submit your FAFSA before you can be registered for your first-term courses.

Be sure to include the Franklin University FAFSA code: 003046.

Apply For Federal Financial Aid

Payment Options

When you register for classes, you will receive a statement of tuition and fees. These are due by the first day of class unless you have:

Enrolled in an installment payment plan (The installment payment plan allows students to make scheduled payments throughout the trimester)
Enrolled in a deferred tuition reimbursement plan

The University accepts eChecks (ACH), MasterCard®, VISA®, American Express® and Discover® credit card payments.

View More Information About Payment Options

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How Long will it Take?

The process to secure financing will depend on how you decide to pay for your education. Be sure to have conversations about your options early with your admissions advisor to determine the best course of action.
If applying for federal financial aid, you can expect your application to be processed within a few days after it has been submitted.

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no costs or fees related to applying for financial aid, scholarships or grants.

How will I know It’s Complete?

Knowing when you've secured financing will depend on how you decide to pay for your education. If you applied for financial aid, then receiving, reviewing and submitting your signed financial aid award letter will mean you've completed the process.
You can also log into our MyTools applicant system to check the status of the documents required for financial aid.

Notes & Tips

If applying for financial aid, please be sure to meet the priority deadlines listed below. These dates ensure we are able to process your funding before your first term payment is due.

Summer Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 15
Fall Financial Aid Priority Deadline: June 15
Spring Financial Aid Priority Deadline: Oct. 1

Register For Classes

Prepare for your success as a Franklin student

Once your admissions advisor notifies you of your acceptance, they will reach out to you to set up a phone meeting to register for classes.

This is a required step that enables your admissions advisor to register you for your first term courses. However, if you indicated that you plan to use federal financial aid, you must submit your FAFSA before you can be registered for your first-term courses.

Once you're registered, you'll be emailed a registration statement and a “First Steps” flyer that provides you with helpful tips for success.

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How Long will it Take?

Your advisor will contact you within 48 hours to register for your first class.
The registration appointment will take approximately 30 minutes.

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no fees related to registering for classes.

How will I know It’s Complete?

You will receive an email with your registration statement.

Notes & Tips

An academic advisor will serve as your personal contact from your first class all the way through graduation to help keep you on track and connect you to important resources along the way.
As a doctoral student you will have the added benefit of working closely with a faculty advisor to help guide your research interests and coursework selection.

Attend Your Online Orientation

Time

Cost

Completion

Notes

How Long will it Take?

The Online Orientation takes about 8 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. It is recommended that you complete it prior to your first class, but it will remain open during your first trimester as a resource.

How Much Will It Cost?

There are no costs or fees related to orientation.

How will I know It’s Complete?

At the end of your orientation session, you will be asked to complete a simple quiz to ensure you clearly understood the content. Once you've submitted the quiz, your orientation is complete.

Notes & Tips

You'll get access to online course materials for your first class a few days before the term begins. Take an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the assignment schedule and make a plan for the term.

Online Course Demo Six Reasons Online Studies Are Awesome

Hear What Our Master's Degree Graduates Are Saying

Nathan, MBA '20

“A dream come true for me! Dreams can come true if you work hard and set your sails toward the goal.”

Tonya P.

Master of Healthcare Administration '21

"Obtaining my master's degree in healthcare administration allows me to expand my horizons and my career."

Alexandra D.

Master of Healthcare Administration '21

"This accomplishment gives me the ability to have a greater impact and give back to healthcare in our community."

Derrick Y.

Master of Healthcare Administration '20

Franklin University's Master of Healthcare Administration program fundamentally taught me about myself. This program has helped prepare me to become the best healthcare professional possible and helped me become a continuous and lifelong learner.

Emily M.

M.S. in Business Psychology '21

Completing my master’s degree has provided me the opportunity to show my children that it is possible to accomplish your goals, no matter what.

Oyauma G.

MBA

"I learned how to stand out and become the leader I knew I could be."

Christie A.

MBA

"Franklin really has prepared me for my career and my future. Franklin taught me how to interact in the business community. The networking side of it really helped prepare me for the working world and beyond. It made me a well rounded person. I really grew as an employee right before my employers eyes just because I was at Franklin."

Mahlet B.

M.S. Computer Science '20

Receiving my degree from Franklin University means a lot to me. I was always taught that education is a path to reach ones' destiny, create a cultivated mind and enable growth personally and professionally.

Angela B.

M.S. Human Resource Management '20

I'm overjoyed. In just a short time, I was able to transition from my previous job, to a career in HR. Make a plan and turn it into reality.

Matt, B.S. '16 + MBA '18

U.S. Army Veteran

"I started my degree online at Franklin while I was still enlisted. Franklin accepted my previously earned credit and made the transfer process easy."

Nicole E.

MBA '20

“Earning this degree means having so much more confidence in myself! I am eternally grateful to my professors, classmates and my family for the support and guidance that has been given to me.”

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*Accredited Institution

Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.

Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
admissions@franklin.edu

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Start to Finish – Our Hoop-Free Path to Grad School

12-28 Month Completion

Finish Faster

No GRE/GMAT Required

Apply Online

Apply. Anytime. Anywhere.

Submit Support Material

Complete & Submit Supporting Materials

Finance Your Education

Minimize the out-of-pocket expense of your degree

Register For Classes

Prepare for your success as a Franklin student

Attend Your Online Orientation

Log in and get started. We'll help navigate.

Hear What Our Master's Degree Graduates Are Saying

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