What Are UC’s Online Admission Requirements? Your Guide to Becoming a Bearcat

You’ve made the decision to pursue an online degree at the University of Cincinnati—congratulations! You’re about to embark on a transformative journey filled with opportunity and growth. What comes next? The first step toward beginning your degree program is applying for admission to UC.

The application process can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time attending college. Whether you’re applying to an undergraduate or graduate program, UC’s online staff is here to assist you. We’ve broken down the admission requirements for our programs so that your application process is quick and seamless.

About UC’s Online Programs

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati prides itself on its commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for a bright future. We offer over 130 online programs, ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Designed for students seeking flexibility, our programs are often self-paced and ideal for students already balancing work, school, and family.

When you’re considering pursuing a degree online, you may worry whether you’re receiving the same education as in-person students. Luckily, we ensure that our online programs meet the same level of rigor and accreditation as UC’s on-campus degrees.

General Admission Requirements

Once you’ve chosen your online program, you’ll submit an application. This will be the first step regardless of your program or degree-level. After that, there are some general steps to the admissions process, some of which will vary based on your program:

• Talk to an Enrollment Services Advisor. After you’ve applied to UC, you’ll be assigned an Enrollment Services Advisor. This staff member will provide further information on any requirements for your program and can answer any questions you may have.
• Submit your transcripts. If you’re applying for an undergraduate program, you’ll need to request official transcripts from every school you’ve attended and have them sent to UC. If you’re applying for graduate school, you’ll only need to submit your unofficial transcripts for admissions purposes (and request your official transcripts later). We’ll break down the specifics of transcript requirements a bit later.
• Meet GPA Requirements. For most undergraduate programs, the minimum GPA for admittance is 2.5, and for most graduate-level programs, the minimum required GPA is 3.0. The required GPA may be higher for specific programs, so it’s always important to double check if you meet the GPA criteria for your program of choice.
• Obtain letters of reference. If you’re applying for a graduate program, you will need to have letters of reference submitted. Each program will specify what needs to be included in reference letters, but they must come from professional references (employers, managers, prior instructors, etc.) and not from family or friends. Reference letters are not required for most undergraduate programs.

Program-Specific Requirements

As mentioned above, your degree program may have specific admissions requirements beyond the general requirements. For example, programs related to human services and health care may require an active license or credential in the field to gain admittance.

You’ll want to talk to your Enrollment Services Advisor to confirm if your program has any additional requirements—and what your next steps are if you don’t currently meet them.

Undergraduate Admission and Transcript Requirements

Along with maintaining a 2.5 GPA, you’ll need to submit official transcripts to UC as part of the undergraduate admissions process. If you’re entering UC with enough transferable college credits, we’ve simplified these requirements to make the transfer process easier than ever.

• First-year applicants and transfer students with fewer than 24 college credit hours completed are the only applicants required to submit official high school transcripts. If you’ve completed 24 or more credit hours completed, this requirement is waived for you!
• Official transcripts must be sent directly from your prior school(s) (high school and/or college) to the University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Office of Admissions in order to be accepted.
• Online transcript request systems, such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, are the preferred method to deliver these documents electronically. If your prior school(s) do not appear on these websites, please contact your school directly for instructions on how to send an official transcript to UC.
• Digital files sent directly from your high school(s) to UC can be addressed to [email protected]. If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your school to the following address to be considered official:
  • University of Cincinnati
    Office of Admissions
    PO Box 210091
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091

Graduate Admission and Transcript Requirements

Aside from any program-specific requirements, the admissions requirements for most graduate programs are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university
• Resume or CV
• Submit or upload ALL unofficial college transcripts
• Goal Statement
• Letters of Reference

You will only need to submit your unofficial transcripts during the graduate application process. However, once you’ve been admitted to your program, you’ll need to request that your official transcripts be sent to UC: 

• Official transcripts must be sent directly from your prior school(s) to the University of Cincinnati Office of Admissions in order to be accepted.
• Online transcript request systems, such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, are the preferred method to deliver these documents electronically. If your prior school(s) do not appear on these websites, please contact your school directly for instructions on how to send an official transcript to UC.
• If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your school to the following address to be considered official:
  • University of Cincinnati
    Office of Admissions
    PO Box 210091
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091

Take the Next Step Toward Earning Your Degree—Contact UC Today for Individualized Admissions Support!

Now that you know the admissions requirements, what’s stopping you from applying for your online degree? With an application that takes only fifteen minutes to complete, today is the perfect day to begin your Bearcat journey!

Still have questions? Your Enrollment Advisor is here to help you. At UC, our dedicated online staff is committed to providing high-quality support from the moment you apply to the day you graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I transfer credit hours from my previous associate’s or bachelor’s program?

Yes! You will need to work with a program advisor to determine how your credits will apply, as well as how many credit hours you must complete at UC to graduate.

What is the difference between an official and unofficial transcript?

An official transcript is sent directly from your prior high school or college(s) to UC as part of the admissions process. If it’s a physical transcript sent via mail, it’s typically sealed or stamped. An unofficial transcript is sent informally by either the student or the school, and it is not always sufficient for admission purposes.

Can online students apply for scholarships and financial aid?

Yes! Just like in-person students, online students can also apply for and receive financial aid and scholarships. This often makes online programs both cost-effective and a worthwhile investment.