International Students
Admission Requirements
A Transformative Education
in the Heart of Los Angeles
At U天美影视, you鈥檒l be part of a welcoming, international community that supports you from the moment you apply. Our admissions process is simple, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We proudly issue Form I-20 for eligible international students and work closely with you throughout the visa process. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a campus rooted in mindfulness and diversity, you鈥檒l have everything you need to succeed鈥攊n school, in your career, and in life.
Minimum Admission Standards
To ensure each of our incoming students is prepared to succeed at U天美影视, we seek applicants who meet the following minimum prior grade point average (GPA) requirements.
Undergraduate Transfer Minimum Standard
Cumulative College GPA: 2.0
Graduate Minimum Standard
Graduate Minimum GPA
- MBA, Professional MBA: 2.50
- MA Religious Studies: 3.00
- MA Psychology: 3.00
- MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy: 3.00
- DBMin Buddhist Ministry: 3.00
- PhD Religious Studies: 3.00
Minimum Admission Standards
To ensure each of our incoming students is prepared to succeed at U天美影视, we seek applicants who meet the following minimum prior grade point average (GPA) requirements.
Undergraduate Transfer Minimum Standard
Cumulative College GPA: 2.0
Graduate Minimum Standard
Graduate Minimum GPA
- MBA, Professional MBA: 2.50
- MA Religious Studies: 3.00
- MA Psychology: 3.00
- MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy: 3.00
- DBMin Buddhist Ministry: 3.00
- PhD Religious Studies: 3.00
Cumulative College GPA: 2.00
Undergraduate Priority Deadlines
| Application Type | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| All Undergraduate Programs | June 30th | October 30th | Not applicable |
Graduate Priority Deadlines
| Application Type | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| MA Religious Studies | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| MBA, Professional MBA | June 30th | October 30th | April 1st |
| MA Psychology, MFT | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| MA, Buddhist Spiritual Care | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| MDiv Buddhist Chaplaincy | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| MS, Health Data Analytics (MSHDA) | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| Doctor of Buddhist Ministry | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
| Doctor of Eastern Philosophy and Management (DEPM) | June 30th | October 30th | Not Applicable |
Applicants can expect to receive their admission notification within three weeks of completing their application. Applications are reviewed and decisions are mailed out on a rolling basis. We highly recommend that you complete the application requirements as early as possible.
Undergraduate Requirements for International Admissions
1. Complete the Application
- Fill out the聽.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
2. Official Transcripts & Diploma
- Copies of your high school transcript and transcripts from all universities you鈥檝e attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
- Copies of official high school diploma, or its equivalent.
3. Official Documents
All international students are required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current passport
- Current US visa (if applicable)
- English Proficiency Verification 鈥 All instruction at 天美影视 is in English. Non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores . Applicants can also request to take a remote English Placement Test (EPT) with U天美影视 for a fee of $50 USD.
- Documentation of Finances 鈥 After admission, all international students are required to provide evidence of financial ability to pay for an academic year of tuition and living expenses (estimated at $26,000). Once you are admitted, you will be asked to submit an official statement of finances as well as official bank verification and, if applicable, a financial sponsor agreement.
Transfer students are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current US visa聽(if applicable)
- Current I-20
- OPT card聽(if applicable)
- F1 Status Verification Form
4.TOEFL & IELTS Scores
| TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 59-68 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 69 & above | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| IELTS 鈥 Academic | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
5. Additional Requirements
International Transfer Applicants are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current US visa聽(if applicable)
- Current I-20
- OPT card聽(if applicable)
- F1 Status Verification Form
6. After Admissions
Now that you鈥檝e been admitted, the After Admissions Checklist will guide you through the next steps to prepare for your graduate studies. From confirming your enrollment to registering for classes, exploring housing, and getting connected on campus, everything you need to transition smoothly into life at U天美影视 is right here.
Graduate Requirements for International Admissions
1. Complete the Application
- Fill out the聽online application form.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
2. Statement of Purpose
Your original statement of purpose should be 500-600 words (typed, double-spaced), describing your interest in a specific area of study at U天美影视 and your goals beyond achieving an advanced degree. The statement should include why you chose to study at 天美影视, desired focus and/or research area, and personal goals or aspirations.
3. Official Transcripts & Diploma
- Copies of your high school transcript and transcripts from all universities you鈥檝e attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
- Submit a copy of your most recently earned diploma.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation submitted directly from the references in a sealed envelope or from an email with a professional domain. Academic letters of recommendation are highly encouraged. References may not be a relative of the applicant.
5. Official Documents
All international students are required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current passport
- Current US visa聽(if applicable)
- English Proficiency Verification聽鈥 All instruction at 天美影视 is in English. Non-native English speaking applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. Applicants can also request to take a remote English Placement Test (EPT) with U天美影视 for $50 USD.
- Documentation of Finances聽鈥 All international student applicants are required to provide evidence of financial ability to pay for an academic year of tuition and living expenses (estimated at $26,000). Please submit an official statement of finances as well as official bank verification and, if applicable, a financial sponsor agreement.
Transfer students are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current US visa聽(if applicable)
- Current I-20
- OPT card聽(if applicable)
- F1 Status Verification Form
6. TOEFL & IELT Scores
| TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 69-78 | 16 | 16 | 19 | 18 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 79 & above | 19 | 19 | 21 | 20 |
| IELTS 鈥 Academic | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Admit, EPT required | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Undergraduate Degree Programs, EPT not required | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7. Additional Requirements
International Transfer Applicants are also required to submit copies of the following official documents:
- Current US visa聽(if applicable)
- Current I-20
- OPT card聽(if applicable)
- F1 Status Verification Form
8. After Admissions
Now that you鈥檝e been admitted, the After Admissions Checklist will guide you through the next steps to prepare for your graduate studies. From confirming your enrollment to registering for classes, exploring housing, and getting connected on campus, everything you need to transition smoothly into life at U天美影视 is right here.
Additional Requirements
MBA / POST MBA CERTIFICATE
- Submit current resume/CV
- Post MBA certificate: MBA required
Letters of Recommendation: Not required
PSYCHOLOGY - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY (MFT)
- Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
- Statement of Purpose: Two written statements are required:
- Autobiography (200-250 words)
- Personal Statement addressing the question 鈥淲hy Marriage and Family Therapy at U天美影视?鈥 (450-500 words)
- Additional Document: Curriculum vita is optional but recommended.
MASTER OF DIVINITY IN BUDDHIST CHAPLAINCY (MDIV)
- Interview: Application should be prepared for a telephone or in-person interview, which may be required at the discretion of the chair. A campus visit is strongly recommended.
- Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how U天美影视鈥檚 MDiv program will further the applicant鈥檚 personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
DOCTOR OF BUDDHIST MINISTRY (DBMIN)
- Prior degree requirement: Applicant should hold an MDiv degree or master鈥檚 degree in related field. However, applicant with a master鈥檚 degree in an unrelated discipline may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.
- Prior experience: One year of CPE residency is highly recommended. Applicant who lacks residency experience must meet one of the following:
- 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Care (CPE); provide evaluation letter from CPE supervisor assessing written communication and emotional and spiritual development.
- Three years in ministerial/temple work following the completion of master鈥檚 degree. Letters of recommendation: Four letters are required, including:
- Two letters from academic sources such as advisor, dean, chair.
- One letter from peer such as Dharma brother or sister.
- One letter from pastoral supervisor or master.
- Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how U天美影视鈥檚 DBMin program will further the applicant鈥檚 personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
- Interview: An interview is required, either by telephone or in person.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (MA)
Prior degree requirement: Both graduates with traditional bachelor鈥檚 degrees and graduates of recognized Buddhist colleges are eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (PHD)
- 聽Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
- Prior degree requirement: Applicant must have a master鈥檚 degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Chaplaincy, Philosophy, or the equivalent. If this criterion is not met, the student cannot be admitted into the PhD, but may be eligible to apply to the MA program.
- Statement of Purpose: The statement should address the applicant鈥檚 proposed area of research, his or her academic preparation to engage in such research, and how the program will be instrumental in pursuing his or her scholarly and professional goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two of the three recommendation letters from qualified scholars at recognized educational institutions.
- Thesis: A copy of student鈥檚 MA thesis, if applicable.
Why Study at U天美影视?
- Affordable Tuition
Competitive cost and financial aid options. - Small Class Sizes
Impactful faculty interaction and personalized learning. - Diverse & Inclusive Community
A welcoming environment for all students. - Mindfulness-Based Learning
A holistic approach to education.
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Email: info@uwest.edu
Phone: (626) 571-8811
Toll Free: (855) 468-9378
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campus address
1409 Walnut Grove Ave.
Rosemead, California
91770 USA
