2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

Freshman Applicants

Freshman applicants are admitted to Suffolk University based on a college preparatory curriculum and SAT and/or ACT. Extracurricular activities, high school counselor and teacher recommendations, and a personal essay all contribute to the overall evaluation of an admissions candidate. It is required that all applicants complete the following: four units of English, three units of Mathematics (Algebra I and II, Geometry), two units of Science (at least one Lab Science), two units of one Modern Language, one unit of American History, and four additional units distributed among other college preparatory electives.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants are considered for admission based on work completed at a regionally accredited two- or four-year college or at international institutions approved by the Ministry of Education in the country where the institution resides. In some cases, transfer applicants with less than one year of college completion are also considered based on the results of the high school transcript and test scores. Credit is generally transferable provided that such coursework is successfully completed and equivalent to that offered at Suffolk University.

In the Sawyer Business School, transfer credit is awarded only for courses equivalent to freshman/sophomore years. Courses not required at Suffolk University until the junior/senior years may qualify for validation credit. The Sawyer Business School transfer validation procedures are described in the Sawyer Business School section. Students admitted to the Sawyer Business School are required to complete at least 50 percent of business credit hours at Suffolk University.

The last 45 hours in any bachelor degree program must be earned at Suffolk University, including all major and general education requirements. Requirements for specific degrees are listed by major in the undergraduate degree section. In all cases, students must complete all major and University requirements to qualify for a bachelor degree. This may necessitate completing more than the required hours for graduation.

Part-time degree applicants are expected to meet the same requirements as full-time degree students.

Continuing and Professional Studies Program (CAPS) Applicants

The Continuing and Professional Studies Program is a non-degree continuing education program. A student may register for undergraduate college courses provided he/she has the appropriate prerequisites without formally applying for admission to the University. CAPS students are required to submit an undergraduate CAPS registration form and an official high school transcript indicating graduation or GED results during a designated period. Students interested in enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program should do so after the accumulation of 30 credit hours.

Enrollment as a CAPS student does not qualify international students for sponsorship on Suffolk’s F-1 or J-1 Visa programs. International students that hold the F-1 Visa from another institution are allowed to take one class each semester as a guest student. International students pursuing this option will study as a guest student under their existing institutional I-20.

In the Sawyer Business School, CAPS students are eligible to enroll in core business courses at the undergraduate level only when all necessary prerequisites have been met. These completed prerequisites must be verified by an official college transcript. All CAPS students registered for Sawyer Business School courses must have an approved registration form from the Dean of the Sawyer Business School. A maximum of 30 credits of undergraduate business courses can be taken by CAPS students. CAPS students who are interested in graduate-level courses should speak with the Office of Graduate Admissions.

International Applicants

The University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. Applicants are expected to submit official TOEFL or equivalent scores along with their International Student Application materials. International applicants who have completed the equivalent of Freshman English I and II with grades of "B" or higher at a  recognized U.S. college or University are not required to submit TOEFL results. Additionally, all students must file official secondary school records with English translation or transcripts from each post-secondary institution demonstrating coursework and grades received. International Students must complete a Confidential Declaration and Certificate of Finance form. This form is available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions located at 73 Tremont Street or online.

Senior Citizens

Senior citizens (65 or older) may take tuition-free undergraduate courses at Suffolk on a space-available basis. Applicants should consult with the Undergraduate Admissions Office for enrollment procedures. A $50 application fee is charged for degree candidates.

Re-entry Students

Students who previously attended Suffolk University, left in good academic and financial standing and wish to return after an absence of two or more semesters must submit a Re-Entry Application.   

Advanced Standing

Incoming students may be eligible to receive credit based on the following examinations: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, GCE Advanced-Level, German Abitur, Swiss Maturity, Italian Maturita, and CLEP. Freshmen may also be eligible for dual enrollment credit.  See www.suffolk.edu/advancedstanding for more information.