Admission to the University
-
Ìý
Admission, Costs & Academics
As a comprehensive urban institution, Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà enrolls students of all ages in daytime, evening, and weekend classes.
Admission criteria differs depending on the educational goal at Detroit Mercy and whether or not an applicant has had previous college experience. Students will be reviewed as either a "freshman" (no post-secondary college experience), "transfer" (previous enrollment at a community college or four-year institution), "international" (non U.S. residents), or "post-degree" (for students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university). Students enrolled at other colleges who wish to take Detroit Mercy courses and transfer them back to their regular institution enroll as "guest" students.
Detroit Mercy is a "moderately selective" university according to most college guides. This means that freshmen who are "above average" in their high school record and ACT or SAT score will be offered admission. Transfer and post-degree student admission is based primarily on an applicant’s record in previous college courses. An applicant's record must demonstrate a strong probability of successfully completing the academic program to which the student is applying. For all students, the admission committee pays special attention to achievement in courses which relate closely to the intended area of study at Detroit Mercy. Details for each area are provided below.
Students over the age of 22, who have not previously attended college, must submit a high school transcript and may be asked to submit traditional freshman college entrance exam scores and/or asked to complete academic placement exams as part of the admission process. This is to ensure students begin college work in appropriate courses.
Detroit Mercy is committed to equal educational opportunity in admission regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, handicap, military service, height, weight, marital status, or political belief. Detroit Mercy reserves the right to review individual circumstances of applicants who have been convicted of criminal offenses.
A visit to campus is highly recommended. Visitors have an opportunity to discuss their academic plans with an admissions counselor and often are able to meet with Detroit Mercy students and faculty in the program they would like to enter. As a result, people who visit often have a much better idea of whether or not Detroit Mercy is the best place for them. For more information or to schedule a campus tour contact the Office of Admissions at or 800-635-5020.
-
Ìý
Freshman Admission
Freshman Admission
Application Deadlines
The application for admission can be found at . Students can also apply using The Common Application. Detroit Mercy offers the following admission plans and application deadlines:
- Early Decision I - Application Deadline November 1
- Early Decision II - Application Deadline January 1
- Regular/Rolling - Application Deadline March 1
Students who seek scholarships or other financial aid should apply for admission no later then December 1. Freshmen who apply for the Winter Term should plan to do so by October 1.
Admission decisions are released beginning December 1. Most applicants can expect to receive an admission decision at this time or shortly after their application file is complete. A complete file consists of an application for admission, an official high school transcript, an ACT or SAT score, a letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor or teacher, and a writing sample of at least 250 words on a topic of the student's choice.
Recommended High School Preparation
High school graduates should complete a college preparatory program with a minimum of 16 units of credit. The recommended minimum distribution of these units includes: four units of college preparatory English, three units of mathematics, two units of history and/or social studies, two units of natural science including a laboratory course, and study in speech, foreign language, music, art, or other college prep subjects. For engineering, science, and pre-medical/pre-dental/pre-physician assistant programs, four units of mathematics, one unit of chemistry and one unit of physics are strongly recommended. Nursing applicants should have one unit each of chemistry, biology and algebra.
In making an admission decision, the overall strength of the high school courses completed is important. Applicants who have completed advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and honors courses, for instance, are recognized for the special effort they have made to complete the strongest possible college preparatory program while in high school.
ACT or SAT Scores
No preference is given to either the ACT or SAT. Students can submit results from either test . If multiple tests were taken, it is suggested that students send in results from all tests. The highest score will be used for admission. For faster processing, students should have their results sent directly from the testing agency by listing Detroit Mercy as a score recipient when the test is taken. The Detroit Mercy code number for the ACT is 2060 and the code number for the SAT is 1835.
General Educational Development (GED)
Students with a GED certificate are eligible for admission to the University. For general admission, applicants are required to have at least 510 on each of the five GED tests and an average standard score of at least 550 (for tests taken prior to January 1, 2014). Those seeking admission to more competitive programs may need to present higher test results. Students who fall below the minimum requirements may be eligible for conditional admission and asked to complete additional admission requirements and/or submit additional application materials. Applicants who took the GED tests after January 1, 2014 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Freshman applicants, under the age of 23, who have a GED certificate must have an ACT composite score of at least 18 (or SAT R of at least 940) for general admission. Some programs may require a higher composite score. Students with an ACT score below 18 (or SAT R below 940) may be considered for conditional admission. Freshmen, 23 years or older, who have a GED certificate and choose not to take the ACT or SAT may request an admission interview for conditional admission.
Enrollment Deposit
Accepted students are required to submit an enrollment deposit to guarantee their space in the freshman class. The enrollment deposit secures scholarships, on-campus housing (if living on-campus) and is credited toward first term tuition and fees.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
The University participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, a service of the College Board. Students who choose to take an AP exam and receive a grade of three or higher may obtain college credit and advanced standing (in most cases). Students planning to attend Detroit Mercy should request that the results of the examination be sent to Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà at the time of testing. Information on specific Detroit Mercy course equivalences for AP examinations is available on our website and in this catalog.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme focuses on three core requirements including extended essay, theory of knowledge, and creativity, action, and service. Freshmen with successful results may obtain college credit and advanced standing (in most cases). Please see the IB section in this catalog for specific details.
Home Schooled Applicants
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà welcomes students who are home schooled to apply for admission. Home schooled applicants are required to submit either an ACT or SAT score and documentation of academic progress from their affiliated home schooling agency, local school district or State Department of Education. Once the admission application has been received, the Office of Admissions may contact the applicant to request additional information such as (but not limited to) portfolios, essays or writing samples and grading scale information.
-
Ìý
Dual Enrollment Program
Dual Enrollment Program
The Dual Enrollment Program enables a current high school student to supplement high school coursework, which would not otherwise be available, with university-level courses while completing high school graduation requirements. Students are expected to continue working toward completing high school graduation requirements.
Admission Requirements
1) Applicants must either be a junior or senior in high school.
2) Seniors are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25. Juniors are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5. In instances where the University has made arrangements for the enrollment of specific high school student cohorts, the agreed upon grade point averages will be honored.
3) Students must demonstrate satisfactory completion of any course prerequisite(s) through processes available to Detroit Mercy students e.g., CLEP (College Level Examination Program) Exam; Advanced Placement Exam; International Baccalaureate Credit; or successful completion of a Detroit Mercy-accepted equivalent course at another college or university.
4) A Detroit Mercy placement test, to determine a student's preparedness for a Detroit Mercy course or courses, may also be required.
Applying for Admission
To apply for The Dual Enrollment Program, students must submit a , an Assessment Form signed by a high school guidance counselor or school official, and a Parental Consent Form. Forms should be uploaded to the applicant's admission portal.
Home Schooled Applicants
The Assessment Form for such students may be completed by a high school guidance counselor or school official. If needed, a parent's signature can be a substitute. If a student's parent signs the form, a copy of the student's home-schooled transcript must also be included.
Application Deadlines
While Detroit Mercy offers rolling admission, the Office of Admissions recommends that students apply for admission for the Fall Term by July 1, the Winter Term by October 1, and the Summer Term by March 1.
Registering for Classes
Once accepted for admission, a dual enrolled student will work closely with an admissions counselor and, to ensure proper course selection, an academic advisor. For a preview of available classes, a student can view Detroit Mercy's online course catalog. Registration for classes will be coordinated between the student and their academic advisor. Please note that not all Detroit Mercy courses are necessarily appropriate for dual enrollment.
Number of Enrolled Courses
If accepted, a student may enroll in a maximum of two (2) courses each term and may complete up to eight (8) courses.
Eligibility for Continuing Enrollment
A student enrolled in The Dual Enrollment Program must earn a grade of C or higher in the course(s) at Detroit Mercy to be eligible to register for course(s) in the next term, unless the student plans to retake the same course(s). Any student that earns a grade of C or lower will be contacted by the Associate Dean or designated representative of the school or college in which the course is taught in order to discuss academic progress.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
During the term in which a high school student is dual enrolled at Detroit Mercy, s/he has the same rights and responsibilities as any other enrolled Detroit Mercy student including, but not limited to, academic standards and progress and academic integrity. Please see the Student Handbook.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for dual enrollment students is $150 per credit hour. Some courses may have a course fee above and beyond tuition. If a student is eligible for tuition and fee support through the State or school district, the University will bill the State or school district for the costs associated with the eligible course(s). If the course is not eligible for State or school district support, charges will be billed to the student/parent or guardian (for students under the age of 18). Dual enrolled students do not qualify for financial aid; however, some colleges/schools within Detroit Mercy may have scholarships available. The admissions counselor will provide that information to those students who are eligible.
Questions during the application or registration process can be directed to the Office of Admissions at 800-635-5020 or admissions@udmercy.edu.
-
Ìý
Transfer Admission
Transfer Admission
Detroit Mercy welcomes applications from students who have begun their studies at community colleges or other four-year institutions. Admissions counselors who work only with transfer applicants provide information, advice and assistance for students considering transferring to Detroit Mercy. A 2.0 GPA in previous college work is generally considered the minimum acceptable for admission, though it doesn't guarantee admission. Many academic departments require a higher performance level of at least 2.5 in previous college work. As with high school applicants, individual academic programs may also require successful completion of specific courses. Applicants whose records otherwise make them eligible for admission may complete required courses at Detroit Mercy and then seek entry directly to their desired program.
Recommended Preparation Before Transferring
Students planning, in advance, to transfer from community colleges should select courses which satisfy basic Detroit Mercy core requirements and the requirements of the college, school or program in which they intend to enroll. Transfer Guides, which list transferable core courses for many Michigan community colleges, are available on our website. Detroit Mercy's Core Curriculum, which is required of all undergraduates, may be found in the "Schools and Colleges" section with specific requirements of each college and school. Students should plan to take math and English placement exams if courses have not been taken at a prior institution. If you have questions regarding transfer credit, please contact the Transfer Credit Team at registrar@udmercy.edu or (313) 993-1940.
Community College Articulation Agreements
Community colleges in the Detroit metropolitan area have designated liaison counselors to provide assistance to those students planning to enroll at Detroit Mercy. These individuals are well qualified to provide guidance to students on Detroit Mercy program requirements.
Detroit Mercy has a number of "2 + 2" and "articulation agreements" with community colleges and other four-year institutions. Students enrolled in programs covered by such an agreement complete designated courses at their institution and are then assured of the transferability of all designated credits earned. Information on current agreements may be obtained from your community college counseling office or the Detroit Mercy Office of Admissions.
ACT or SAT Scores
Results of ACT or SAT may be required of transfer students who have earned less than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of credit at another accredited institution.
Transcripts and Transfer of Credit
Transfer applicants must have official transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions from each college previously attended. High school transcripts are required of applicants who have earned less than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of college credits.
Transcripts are evaluated and credit is granted for work satisfactorily completed at another regionally-accredited institution if the work is equivalent in character and content to Detroit Mercy courses. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" or better are considered for credit.
Detroit Mercy accepts a maximum of 63 semester hours of credit transferred from a community college or 96 semester hours transferred from a four-year institution. In some cases, articulation or 2 + 2 agreements may specifically permit a limited number of credits in excess of the 63-credit maximum. If you have questions regarding transfer credit, please contact the Transfer Credit Team at registrar@udmercy.edu or (313) 993-1940.
High school or college transcripts sent to Detroit Mercy for admission and/or transfer of credit evaluation are not reissued back to the student. Once accepted, these documents can be viewed as part of your academic file.
General Educational Development (GED)
Students with a GED certificate are eligible for admission to the University. For general admission, students are required to have at least 510 on each of the five GED tests and an average standard score of at least 550 (for tests taken prior to January 1, 2014). Students seeking admission to more competitive programs may need present higher test results. Students who fall below the general requirements may be considered for conditional admission. Students under consideration for conditional admission may be asked to complete additional admission requirements and/or submit additional application materials. Applicants who took the GED tests after January 1, 2014 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Transfer applicants who have a GED certificate and seeking general admission to Detroit Mercy must have at least 12 transferable credits taken within the last seven years with at least a 2.0 GPA. Some programs may require a higher GPA. Students with a GPA below 2.0 may be considered for conditional admission.
Application Deadlines
Detroit Mercy offers rolling admission for transfer students. For maximum scholarship consideration, however, students should apply by August 1 for the Fall Semester, December 1 for the Winter Semester, or April 1 for the Summer Semester.
Notification of Acceptance
Upon completing the application, students are contacted with an admission decision within one week.
-
Ìý
Special Admission Program
Special Admission Program
The Student Success Center (SSC) sponsors a limited conditional admission program, Academic Interest and Major Exploration (AIME), for freshman and transfer students who do not meet regular admission criteria but who show potential for academic success. Students are selected for the AIME program based on an application review and admission interview in the Office of Admissions. Students accepted through this process are linked to necessary support services and developmental advising.
-
Ìý
International Admission
International Admission
Application Deadlines
International students are welcome to apply using . Detroit Mercy follows a rolling admission policy (meaning acceptance at any time), however, students who seek scholarships should apply for admission by one of the following deadlines:
- July 1 - Fall Semester
- November 15 - Winter Semester
- March 30 - Spring/Summer Semester
Requirements
International applicants for undergraduate programs must be academically above average and have completed studies equivalent to those of American high school graduates (twelve years of pre-university study). Applicants must also have received the appropriate certificates enabling them to pursue university studies in their own countries. All foreign educational systems using a non-4.0 grading scale must be evaluated by a recognized educational credential evaluation service such as the World Education Services or the Educational Credential Evaluators. For additional information, visit the International Admission website.
English Proficiency
English proficiency is demonstrated in several ways: (1) by those who come from a country where English is the official language; (2) by completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university in the U.S. or in a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education; (3) by a TOEFL Internet-based Test score total of 80+ and a 21+ in the Writing Section; (4) by a TOEFL Paper-based Test score total of 550+ and a 5+ TWE; or (5) by an IELTS Overall Band Score of 6.5+.
While Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà accepts academically qualified students without passing English proficiency, accepted students will be given an English proficiency test upon arrival to campus. Depending on test results, students may be placed into either a full-time or part-time English as a Second Language (ESL) program or they may be exempt from further ESL study and allowed to go directly into a full-time academic program of study. If placed into ESL coursework, students may have to defer starting academic studies by a semester or longer until they attain a satisfactory level of English proficiency.
Financial Support
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent/pending residents of the United States are not eligible for federal or state funding. Students are expected to provide evidence of adequate financial support to cover all expenses for eight months of full-time study. Forms for this purpose are available online as part of the International Student Application Packe.
American Language and Culture Program
The American Language and Culture Program (ALCP) helps international students from many different backgrounds to develop their English-language skills and to increase their knowledge of American culture. The program provides English-proficiency testing and placement services to newly-arrived Detroit Mercy international students and offers classes in English as a Second Language in a curriculum designed to match the needs of academic students at Detroit Mercy.
International Transfer Students
Transfer students from an accredited U.S. college or university with at least 24+ transferable credit hours who enroll full-time at Detroit Mercy are eligible to receive a renewable, merit-based Detroit Mercy Grant ranging in value from $13,000 to $24,000.
-
Ìý
Post-Degree Admission
Post-Degree Admission
Applicants accepted as Post-Degree include students who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and wish to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses to prepare for admission to a graduate program; plan to earn a second bachelor’s degree; and those seeking teacher certification. Post-Degree students follow the same application procedure as transfer students. Post-Degree students are not eligible to take graduate level courses.
-
Ìý
Unclassified Admission
Unclassified Admission
Students who do not plan to pursue a degree program at Detroit Mercy but wish to enroll in a limited number of credit classes for professional development may be admitted as Unclassified students. Unclassified students may “audit” (attend classes without receiving credit or a grade), however, tuition is at the same rate as regularly admitted students.
Unclassified students are limited to two courses per semester up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Continued registration for an Unclassified student in classes is limited based on the number of degree-seeking students in a program or course.
-
Ìý
Guest Admission
Guest Admission
Students enrolled at another college or university who wish to take a course or limited number of courses to transfer to their “home’’ institution may enroll as “guest students.” Students apply for guest student admission by completing the or a similar form from another state. Students from outside Michigan can also submit a letter of good standing from their home institution allowing them to attend Detroit Mercy for a specific semester. Guest applicants are not required to submit transcripts or test results, but must assure that the application is completed by the dean or registrar at the home institution. Guest students must have at least a 2.0 GPA at their regular college or university as noted on the Uniform Application and may be required to provide proof of any required prerequisite courses necessary for courses to be taken at Detroit Mercy.
Guest student status is not continuous. A new application must be filed with the Registrar’s Office for each term in which the student desires to enroll at Detroit Mercy. Guest students are subject to the same academic standing policies as other Detroit Mercy students. Failure to meet these standards may be cause for denial of future guest applications to Detroit Mercy.
-
Ìý
Readmission
Readmission Process
Students who have not enrolled at Detroit Mercy for four or more semesters, or those who have been dismissed and wish to seek readmission, need to submit an application for readmission. These students apply for readmission by completing a readmission application obtained from the Registrar's Office which can be found online at or from any of the college/school offices. Students who have completed college work at other institutions prior to applying for readmission to Detroit Mercy will be expected to submit official transcripts from each college attended before a readmission decision can be made. Completed readmission applications should be sent to the appropriate college/school within the University to which the student wishes to apply. Readmission is subject to the approval of the dean of the college.
Students who wish to file an Application for Readmission should not submit an application through the online admissions application process.
-
Ìý
Catalog of Entry
Catalog of Entry
Catalog of Entry is determined at the time of readmission. Readmitted students are not entitled to complete a program that is no longer offered by the University. Students who have not completed work at Detroit Mercy for four semesters or more will have their previous work re-evaluated according to the requirements of the Catalog in effect at the point of readmission.
-
Ìý
Transfer Option
Transfer Option
After an absence of at least one year, students may request readmission under the Transfer Option. Under this option, students are treated as transfer students in computing their academic standing. This means that students may reenter with advanced standing but with no previously accumulated grade point average. When considering students’ academic history, no course with a grade of C- or below is counted in credits earned toward graduation.
Students may be readmitted under the Transfer Option only once, and are automatically considered to be on academic probation during the term of re-entry. Students readmitted under the transfer option will not be eligible to receive the repeated course option on subsequent coursework. Those readmitted under the Transfer Option will have a notation on their official transcript.
-
Ìý
Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admissions Process
Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admissions Process
Detroit Mercy subscribes to the principles of good practice of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC). According to these principles, applicants for admission have the right:
- to full information from colleges and universities concerning their admission and financial policies. Prior to applying, applicants should be fully informed of policies and procedures concerning application fees, deposits, refunds, housing and financial aid.
- to wait to respond to an offer of admission and/or financial aid until having heard from all colleges and universities to which they have applied, or until May 1, whichever is earlier. This means that no college should require a non-refundable enrollment deposit before May 1. Applicants being asked to provide a non-refundable deposit before May 1 should ask the college requesting it for the name and address of a state representative of NACAC or contact the national NACAC office in Washington, D.C.
According to the NACAC principles, applicants have the responsibility:
- to be aware of the admissions and financial aid policies of colleges and universities to which they apply for admission.
- to complete and submit required material to colleges and universities.
- to meet all application deadlines.
- to follow college application procedures of the high school or college they are attending.
- to notify the colleges and universities which have offered admission of their acceptance or rejection of their offer as soon as they have heard from all to which the applicant has applied or by May 1, whichever is earlier.