Embarking on the journey to earn your Online Doctorate In Criminal Justice is a significant step towards advancing your career and expertise. At the University of North Georgia (UNG), the process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can focus on preparing for your studies. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to apply for graduate admission, setting you on the path to achieving your academic goals in criminal justice.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying to UNG’s graduate programs, potentially including options in fields related to criminal justice, involves several key steps, all of which can be managed efficiently online.
1. Online Application Submission
The first step is to complete and submit the online application for Graduate Admissions. This is your primary point of entry into UNG’s graduate programs. After submitting your application, please allow three business days for processing. You will receive an email from [email protected] confirming that your application has been reviewed and updated with any submitted documents. It’s important to wait for this confirmation email before checking your application status online, as the initial checklist may not accurately reflect all required items for your program of interest, especially for specialized programs like a doctorate in criminal justice.
2. Application Fee Payment
A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required. You can conveniently pay this fee using a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or an electronic check (for U.S. banks only) directly through the online application system. If you are submitting a paper application, ensure to include a check or money order payable to UNG.
3. Submission of Transcripts
Official transcripts are a critical component of your application. You need to submit one set of official transcripts from every institution you have attended for graduate-level coursework.
- Direct Submission: Request your official transcripts to be sent directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts opened, scanned, or forwarded by email are not considered official.
- Paper Transcripts: Official paper transcripts should be mailed from the issuing institution to: University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are acceptable only if they are issued to you in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
- Electronic Transcripts: Official electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent from the issuing institution to [email protected]. If [email protected] is not an option on your transcript service, you can use any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded by students are not accepted.
- International Transcripts: If you have international transcripts, these must undergo a course-by-course credential evaluation by an evaluation service that is a member of either NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc.) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc.). The evaluation must be sent directly from the agency to UNG Admissions and must certify that your coursework and degrees are equivalent to those from an accredited U.S. institution, including a cumulative grade point average and confirmation of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
UNG will automatically retrieve transcripts for coursework completed in-residence at UNG, so you do not need to order these separately.
4. GRE General Test Scores (If Required)
While specific requirements can vary, some graduate programs may require GRE General Test scores. UNG’s institutional code for submitting scores is 5497. It’s important to note that only test scores less than five years old will be considered. Check the specific requirements for your desired criminal justice doctoral program to determine if GRE scores are necessary.
5. Residency and Lawful Presence Verification
To qualify for in-state tuition, Board of Regents’ policy mandates that all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG must provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States. Ensure you understand and meet these requirements to confirm your tuition classification.
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6. Explore Graduate Assistant Positions
For those interested in gaining valuable experience alongside their studies, UNG offers graduate assistant positions. These positions can provide financial support and professional development opportunities during your doctoral studies.
7. Additional Opportunities for Georgia Residents Aged 62+
Georgia residents who are 62 years of age or older may have the opportunity to enroll in courses on a space-available basis without payment of fees, except for nominal fees like supplies. To determine eligibility, submit a birth certificate or Georgia driver’s license.
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By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to completing your application for an online doctorate in criminal justice at the University of North Georgia. Ensure you review the specific requirements for the criminal justice program and prepare all necessary documentation carefully to facilitate a smooth application process.
