An offer of admission reflects not only our confidence in your ability to succeed at Cedarville University, but also our commitment to invest in your life personally and professionally throughout the time you are a student. This page provides information and links related to specific credentials that may be needed to enter certain academic programs as well as general education and proficiency requirements that guide the course scheduling and advising process.
Department-Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to admission to the University, some academic departments require specific credentials, an interview, or audition for admission to their majors. Entry requirements for these programs are listed in the academic catalog and linked below for quick access:
- Education
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Liberal Arts (B.A.)
- Music
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Preferred Admission
- Worship
Admission to Cedarville and General Education Requirements
The following proficiency requirements guide our course scheduling and advising process for all new students.
I. College Study Skills: 0–1 semester hour
Students may satisfy the college study skills requirement through any one of the following methods:
- Score 22 or higher on the ACT Composite (writing section optional) or score 1100 or higher on the SAT** (Evidence Based Reading and Writing + Math combined score) AND score 72 or higher on the CLT AND achieve a high school GPA (unweighted) of 3.0 or higher; or
- Score a 21 or higher on the ACT Composite (writing section optional) or score a 1080 SAT** (Evidence Based Reading and Writing + Math combined score) AND score 68-70 on the CLT AND achieve a high school GPA (unweighted) of 3.5 or higher; or
- Achieve a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher in at least 12 hours of 1000-level (or higher) college coursework completed prior to enrollment at Cedarville. Proficiency will be satisfied and transfer credit will also be awarded; or
- Successfully complete the course COLL-0900 Foundations (one semester hour; fee: $150), which is to be taken during the first semester of matriculation. This credit does not apply toward the 128 credits needed for graduation. NOTE: Pending availability in the course, COLL-0900 Foundations is open to all students regardless of whether or not they satisfy the college study skills requirement.
II. English and Mathematics Proficiency: 0–5 semester hours
Each student upon initial enrollment at the University must demonstrate proficiency in English and mathematics.
A. English: 0–3 semester hours
Students may satisfy the English proficiency requirement through any one of the following methods:
- Score 21* or higher on the English section of the ACT; or
- Score 550* ** or higher on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the revised SAT; or
- Score 52 or higher on the Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing combined sections of the CLT test; or
- Score 59 or higher on the CLEP College Composition Examination; or
- Complete a course equivalent to Cedarville University ENG-1000 Basic English with a grade of “C-” or higher (A = 4.0 system) at another approved institution of higher learning prior to matriculation at Cedarville. The credits will not be transferred, but proficiency will be established and enrollment in ENG-1400 Composition will be permitted; or
- Complete a college-level composition course with a grade of “C-” or higher (A = 4.0 system) at another approved institution of higher learning. Proficiency will be satisfied and transfer credit will be awarded; or
- Complete the preliminary assessment for ENG-1000 Basic English with a score of 80 percent or higher; or
- Successfully complete the ENG-1000 Basic English (three semester hours), which is to be taken during the first semester of matriculation. These three credits do not apply toward the 128 credits needed for graduation.
B. Mathematics: 0–2 semester hours
Students may satisfy the mathematics proficiency requirement through any one of the following methods:
- Score 19* or higher on the mathematics section of the ACT; or
- Score 530* ** or higher on the quantitative section of the revised SAT; or
- Score 53 or higher on the CLEP College Algebra exam; or
- Score 20 or higher on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the CLT test; or
- Complete a course equivalent to DEV-0900 Intermediate Algebra with at least a grade of “C-” or higher (A = 4.0 system) at another approved institution of higher learning. The credits will not be transferred, but proficiency will be established and enrollment in college-level quantitative courses will be permitted; or
- Complete a course equivalent to the Cedarville University GMTH-1020 College Algebra with a grade of “C-” or higher (A = 4.0 system) at another approved institution of higher learning. Proficiency will be satisfied and transfer credit will be awarded; or
- Complete the ALEKS assessment with a score of 100 on the mathematics section and a score of 80 or higher on the algebra section; or
- Successfully complete the DEV-0900 Intermediate Algebra (two semester hours), which should be completed during the first semester of matriculation at Cedarville University and must be completed no later than the last term of the sophomore year. These two credits do not apply toward the 128 credits needed for graduation.
Learn about Cedarville's General Education Core, which also includes information about the full listing of coursework.
* Standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, CLT) earned more than three years before matriculation will not be accepted to meet the proficiency requirement.
** SAT Test Scores: Based on SAT tests taken March 2016 and afterwards.