Admissions

SCU’s Application Process

Admissions Guide

This list will provide general guidance related to admissions. Visit your specific program of interest to view the admission requirements of your program.

Apply online by clicking here.

SCU may request that your official high school transcript or equivalent be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. This generally applies to students enrolling in undergraduate degrees and certificates. Official certification of the California High School Proficiency Examination will also satisfy this requirement. SCU recognizes homeschooling as a viable educational alternative; however, homeschooled applicants will be required to submit a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). High school equivalency diplomas are issued by states to eligible applicants who pass the qualifying examinations. Specific age eligibility and required proof thereof are required. SCU adheres to the regulations governing eligibility established by the California State Education Department and will accept a GED from qualified applicants.
Request that each college or university you have attended send transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions. All applicants who have attended foreign institutions whose highest degree is from a foreign high school, college, or university must have their credentials evaluated to demonstrate that the courses or degree earned meet the admissions standards. The University will accept evaluations by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website.
Currently enrolled SCU students seeking to enter a new program of study must apply formally by submitting an online application. An admissions interview may be required depending on program requirements. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to review a student’s enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.
Formerly enrolled SCU students who are not on an active leave of absence for over a year and who plan to apply for readmission must submit an online application for admission.

An admissions interview may be required for returning students.

If another institution of higher learning was attended after leaving SCU, official transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to review a student’s enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.

The SCU statute of limitations policy limits the amount of time allowed to elapse between a student’s original enrollment in a program of study and completion of that program (see Academic Catalog).

SCU seeks to facilitate the full participation of disabled applicants in the application and admissions interview process. SCU makes reasonable accommodations or adjustments for qualified individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

SCU will not make pre-admission inquiries as to whether or not a student has a disability; however, applicants with documented disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the application and admissions interview process must notify the Office of Admissions in writing to the address below. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Request that each college or university you have attended send transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions. All applicants who have attended foreign institutions must submit an International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) “course by course” evaluation. The University will accept evaluations by an agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website which includes translation through World Education Services (WES), (212) 966-6311. *Canadian students are NOT required to have this evaluation; they can have their transcripts sent directly from their university to SCU (with the exception of Quebec schools that do not provide English transcripts).

Learn more about being an International Student at SCU

SCU is committed to supporting students that are veterans in service to our country. The university is involved with several government-sponsored programs to repay veterans for their service and sacrifice and to help ensure their opportunity to receive a valuable education in a variety of disciplines of integrated healthcare. SCU supports student veterans through its participation in several successful programs sponsored by the VA. Visit our veterans’ page Veterans | SCU.
The University offers both professional programs and programs not leading to specific professions. Background checks are not required as criteria for admission. However, certain professional programs leading to licensure or certification may ask for a criminal history after admission, including before matriculation and prior to placement or participation in clinical and other educational sites. Based upon the result of the criminal history check, admission may be rescinded, disciplinary action may be taken, and/or access to clinical or other educational sites may be prevented which may make the student unable to meet the clinical hour or other program requirements necessary to successfully complete the program.

Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. Further, professional associations may deny membership to individuals with a criminal history and employers may deny or restrict employment, practice privileges, job duties, and practice locations to individuals with a criminal history.

In compliance with federal, state, and local government requirements, Southern California University of Health Sciences does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition (as determined under California employment laws), or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or qualified disabled veteran in the administration of its educational programs, school-administered programs, publications or in its employment practices.
The Physician Assistant program requires a $1,000 non-refundable deposit and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy California program requires a $500 non-refundable deposit. The following programs are subject to a $250 non-refundable deposit: all Doctoral and Masters degree programs if not previously mentioned. The following programs are subject to a $50 non-refundable deposit: all undergraduate degree and certificate programs. Deposit payment amounts and requirements are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website. FAor the most updated information, please contact SCU’s Office of Admissions at Admissions@scuhs.edu.