Admissions

Welcome

Baker College wants to help you make a positive difference in your life and the world. Throughout your program, we’re here to support you in reaching your academic and personal goals. This Handbook is here to give you important information to guide you on your journey.

Mission Statement

The mission of Baker College is to provide an inclusive, innovative and transformative educational experience which allows students to positively impact their lives and the world around them.

Our Core Values are: Integrity, Caring, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Social Responsibility.

The College’s Vision Statement is “Creating better futures, one student at a time.”

Admissions

At Baker College, we are dedicated to fostering an educational community that reflects our mission and vision. Our goal is to enroll students whose aspirations align with the transformative experiences our programs offer. We are committed to making higher education accessible and believe in admitting individuals who have not only demonstrated academic ability but also have shown the initiative to thrive at the college level.

Baker College follows a stringent nondiscrimination policy in our admission process, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals seeking to embark on their educational journey with us. 

New Student Records

UNDERGRADUATE

Each student must have on file, as a permanent part of their Baker College record, the following items:

1. A completed and signed application form; 
2. An official final high school transcript or GED along with Baker College approved assessment verification (i.e., high school transcript, ACT, SAT, FASTRACK, etc.);
3. An official transcript from all previous colleges or universities attended (for a transfer student).

GRADUATE

Each student must have on file, as a permanent part of his/her Baker College record, the following items:

1. A completed and signed application form;
2. An official transcript of credits from a regionally accredited, baccalaureate institution showing degree awarded and the date of graduation. A transfer student must also provide an official transcript of grades from his/her previous graduate institutions;
3. A copy of a current resume at time of application; and
4. An admissions essay.

Admission Policy Statement

Baker College is committed to providing accessible higher education, which means the following:

1. All students are accepted who have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate, along with minimum assessment verification from one or more of the following: high school transcripts, ACT scores, SAT scores, FASTRACK or completed college credit in math or English from another institution. High school certificates of completion are not equivalent to a high school diploma.
2. Baker College admits students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.
3. At Baker College, we are committed to empowering all students, including those with disabilities, to thrive academically and personally. Our Disability Services department is just one of the many programs we offer to provide necessary support systems and accommodations. We recognize the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment where every student has equal access to educational opportunities. To ensure that students receive the support they need, we require documentation of disabilities for participation in our Disability Services program. This documentation allows us to tailor our support services to meet the unique needs of each individual student, empowering them to succeed in their academic pursuits.
4. Baker College does not require either the ACT or SAT test as a condition of admission; however, the scores are used as one of the criteria to determine minimum assessment verification and scholarship eligibility. If you choose to take either or both tests, we encourage you to request the test results be sent to the Baker College Enrollment Center. Please note: ACT and SAT test scores are valid for two years after the date of graduation.
5. Students whose native language is not English are strongly encouraged to demonstrate competency in the English language by submitting official documentation such as a minimum score of 64 on Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or an IELTS score of 6.0 or greater.
6. Baker College reserves the right to deny admission to any potential student who may be deemed disruptive to the educational environment of the College.
7. Any student found to have falsified information on an admissions document or to have given false information to the Enrollment Center will be denied admission to the College or expelled if already in attendance.

How to Apply for Undergraduate Admission

1. Applications for admission are accessed and submitted electronically through the Baker College website: baker.edu. To create your application, click on the “Apply” button to begin the process. 

   First-Year Students: Baker College collaborates closely with high school counselors by providing them with comprehensive information about the College, along with essential enrollment and scholarship deadlines. We strongly encourage you to utilize the expertise and assistance of your high school counselors when completing the application, exploring financial aid options, and pursuing scholarship opportunities while you are still in high school.

2. Complete the application for admission and submit the application through the Baker College website or approved third-party application partner such as Niche, Common App, etc. You will be contacted by an enrollment professional following receipt of the application and after the information has been processed.
3. Submit a copy of your final official high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, or GED to the Office of Admissions.
4. Send all supporting documents, including transcripts, to the Office of Admissions, 1020 S Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867 or electronically at GetEnrolled@baker.edu.
5. First-Year and Transfer On-Campus students are strongly encouraged to attend New Student Orientation at their respective campuses before registering for courses. Online students are highly recommended to complete the synchronous Online Orientation and the New Student Welcome Experience.

Special Health Science, Nursing, and Social Science Program Admission Requirements

Special admission and advancement requirements for individual health science, nursing, and social science programs are provided by our admissions professionals. By enrolling, you agree to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the handbook associated with their intended program of study.

How to Apply for Graduate Programs

1. Complete an application for graduate admission through the Baker College website (baker.edu/apply).
2. Provide official transcripts, indicating a 2.5 or better GPA, from all colleges or universities attended. If a GPA is below 2.5, you should include an explanation as part of the required essay.
3. If you are an undergraduate student who is interested in enrolling in a graduate program after completing your undergraduate degree, you are eligible to submit an application once you have earned 90 credits. If you have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in your undergraduate program, the application essay and resume requirements will be waived.
4. Write and submit a 500 to 1000-word essay on future career objectives in the chosen graduate field, including how your academic work, professional experiences, and life experiences have prepared you for graduate school. Further details on the essay requirements can be found in the following section.

Graduate Program Admission Criteria

An applicant to the Center for Graduate Studies must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited educational institution as recognized by the American Council on Education in order to be eligible for admission. An applicant with an undergraduate degree from an educational institution nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools may be admitted to the College on conditional status if all other graduate requirements for admission are fulfilled.

Admission to all graduate programs at Baker College is granted to qualified applicants as either full or conditional status. Conditional status is assigned to applicants who have demonstrated admissibility, however, have not yet met all prerequisite conditions of graduate admissions. Conditions must be met prior to matriculation into the graduate program. Students are admitted on a rolling admission basis.

All candidates applying for matriculation into any graduate program at the Center for Graduate Studies must submit the following enrollment documents:

• A completed Graduate College Application form.
• A typed essay (500-1000 words) regarding the following:
  1. How has your academic work, professional work, and/or life experiences prepared you for graduate school?
  2. What are your personal, professional, and/or career goals five and ten years after you earn your Center for Graduate Studies degree? How will earning this degree help you achieve these goals?
  3. What do you view as your greatest strengths and greatest challenges as you begin the graduate journey? How will you utilize your strengths to overcome these challenges?
• Official college transcripts indicating an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale) from a regionally-accredited college or university. Official college transcripts are provided from the institution granting the degree or from an approved third-party vendor directly to the Center for Graduate Studies.
• GMAT or GRE scores may be submitted if you want the scores considered in the admissions decision.
• A current resume indicating all professional work experience.

In addition to the enrollment documents, candidates applying for matriculation into specific graduate programs must submit the following materials:

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

• Applicants must hold an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States (US), District of Columbia or US territories; or an unencumbered license as an RN in Canada.
• Applicants must provide a photocopy of an active US or Canadian RN license or a printed page from the licensing state’s nursing website, or Canadian equivalent, verifying licensure status and expiration date. However, for applicants holding a US Nursing license, submission of a photocopy is not required as the nursing licensure will be verified via NURSYS by an admissions administrative professional.
• Hold an earned BSN or BS with a major in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).

DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Official transcripts indicating an MBA degree or related master degree from a U.S. school accredited by one of the regional accrediting associations or from a non-U.S. Institution with comparable accreditation. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or any organization recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) must evaluate a degree awarded from a non-U.S. institution as equivalent to a master degree awarded by a U.S. institution. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in master coursework is required.
• A current resume indicating a minimum of five years of professional experience in business, management, or administration with advancement.

International Student Special Requirements

We warmly welcome international students to the Baker College community. For those attending on campus (excluding commuting Canadians, who are only required to complete an I20), please note that fulfilling student visa requirements and making an advanced tuition deposit are necessary steps. You can find more details about the tuition deposit process for international students in the Tuition Deposit - International Students  section under Financial Services.

As part of our commitment to ensuring a supportive academic environment, international students are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. However, this requirement may be waived if the official language of your country of education is English and/or you achieved a minimum SAT score of 450 on Evidence Based Reading/Writing or an IELTS score of 6.0 or greater. For more information about the TOEFL, please visit the ETS website at: https://www.ets.org/toefl.html.

If you’re considering transferring credits from an institution outside of the U.S., including Canada, we require that you have your transcripts/degrees evaluated by an organization affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). This ensures that your credits are accurately assessed and recognized by Baker College. Official evaluations should include U.S. degree equivalencies (for degrees transferred), course grades, and overall grade point averages (GPA). Please ensure that evaluation results are sent directly from the evaluation companies to the Office of Admission.

International Applicants - Center for Graduate Studies

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. For admission to graduate school, English proficiency is assessed using the following criteria: 

• Achieve a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT, or
• Achieve a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS.

Applicants who completed their undergraduate degrees at institutions outside the U.S. are required to have their transcripts/degrees evaluated by U.S.-based companies such as Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or any organization recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). These evaluations must be sent directly from the evaluation companies to the Center for Graduate Studies and should include U.S. degree equivalencies, course grades, and overall GPAs.

Furthermore, applicants intending to study in the U.S. must meet student visa requirements and submit advanced tuition deposits. More information about tuition deposits for international students can be found in the Tuition Deposit - International Students  section under Financial Services. 

Nontraditional Credit

Baker College offers many nontraditional credit options for students with varied academic and professional backgrounds. Types of nontraditional credit currently recognized by the College are described below.

Military Training and Occupation Credit

For our active duty and veteran students, we acknowledge your military learning experiences. Baker College refers to the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide for credit recommendations. Credits for armed force training must equate to course content and semester hours at Baker College. Credits must be at the college level to be considered for transfer. Credit may be applied at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Articulation Credit

Baker College partners with the Michigan Department of Education to award articulation credit for coursework completed at a State-approved secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Students who participate in the Baker College articulation program have an opportunity to receive college credits while completing the CTE program requirements. A list of requirements and eligible courses may be found by visiting www.baker.edu/runningstart and clicking on “Articulation.

Degree residency requirements  must be met. If you wish to apply for articulation credit you must do so within 12 months of high school graduation. You must complete at least one successful semester (2.0 GPA or higher) during your first year for articulation credit to be awarded. You can contact your Baker College Admissions Advisor or email runningstart@baker.edu for assistance.

Credit by Examination

Baker College offers you the opportunity to earn credits by successfully completing approved external examinations. These national credit-by-examination programs allow you to demonstrate your academic proficiency in various general education and specific subject areas. These examinations include:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP)
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)/DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) (DANTES)

Experiential Learning Portfolio

• ​Experiential credit is college credit earned from skills gained through employment, volunteer work, community service, professional organizations, training, and/or military experiences that directly relate to skills taught through traditional Baker College courses.

How Does It Work?

• If you’re interested, you’ll complete a self-paced module designed to help you figure out which course(s) match your experiences best.
• You’ll create a portfolio that shows what you’ve learned from those experiences.
• Content experts will review your portfolio and determine if it meets the student learning outcomes of the specific course(s).
• If your portfolio does not meet the student learning outcomes, you’ll have one chance to revise it and try again.

Limits and Exceptions:

• Experiential credit cannot be earned for a course you’ve previously failed, or for a course you’ve already started.
• This option is available for undergraduate students only, and not all courses qualify. Contact your advisor for more information.

ACE & NCCRS Credit Recommendations

Baker College recognizes the postsecondary credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) for prior work experience, certifications, courses, exams, and other training. College credit recommendations can be found in the ACE National Guide and NCCRS Online Directory. Credits must be at the college level to be considered for transfer. Credit may be awarded at the undergraduate or graduate level. 

Licenses and Certificates

Baker College awards credit for many professional licenses and certificates. 

Waiver Tests

Waiver test credit may be earned for knowledge you already have. All waiver tests must be taken by the student prior to the beginning of the course. Once you begin a course, you are not eligible to take a waiver test. The waiver test for a course may be taken only once. 

Transfer Credits

UNDERGRADUATE

Baker College welcomes transfer students into a wide range of degree programs at both the associate and bachelor level. Our commitment is to recognize and maximize the value of the academic work you have already completed.

Credits will be accepted from regionally accredited institutions and degree-granting nationally accredited institutions.

If you have an earned regionally accredited associate degree, every consideration to transfer your full associate degree into one of Baker College’s bachelor degree programs will be made. This consideration ensures a smooth transition and allows you to continue your education without redundancy. For a previously earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, the general education course requirements for either the associate or the bachelor degree - depending on the transferred degree level - are considered satisfied. Specific program requirements and/or program accreditation standards may impose limitations or additional requirements.

Courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher will be eligible for transfer credit except for specific program standards. Refer to individual program handbooks for specific grade requirements. Courses with as low as a D- (0.7) grade will be considered if the grade falls in a course sequence in which the last grade earned in the sequence was a C or better.

The length of time since a course was taken may impact transferability. 

To transfer a course, the course must equate in content and semester hours to a Baker College course. 

To obtain transfer credits, official transcripts from previous colleges must be submitted either electronically to GetEnrolled@baker.edu or through USPS to Baker College Enrollment Center, PO Box 77000, Owosso, MI 48867. A transcript will be considered official only when received directly from the institution through the U.S. Postal Service, or electronically from the institution or a third-party vendor. In some circumstances, students will be responsible for producing documentation, including, but not limited to, catalogs, course descriptions, and syllabi.

All official transcripts are required prior to registration.

GRADUATE

At the Center for Graduate Studies we highly value the work you have already done. We are committed to accepting the maximum number of transfer credits into our graduate programs. The following policies are are designed to ensure the successful application of your transfer credits:

• Baker College will accept no more than 12 semester hours of transfer credit into master’s programs.
• Only courses with a B (3.0) grade or higher will be eligible for transfer consideration.
• To successfully transfer a course, the course must equate to and be compatible with courses offered by the Center for Graduate Studies.
• Transfer of college credit will not be considered if the work was completed more than five years preceding matriculation.
• To obtain transfer credit, students are required to request that all previous colleges/universities attended forward official transcripts to the Office of Admissions, 1020 S Washington Street, Owosso MI 48867 or electronically at GetEnrolled@baker.edu.
• Transcripts will be considered official only when received directly from the institution through the U.S. Postal Service or electronically from the institution or a third-party vendor. In some circumstances, students will be responsible for producing documentation including, but not limited to, catalogs, course descriptions, and syllabi.
• Students in a doctoral program must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours at the Center for Graduate Studies.
• Students in the all but dissertation doctoral program can transfer up to 32 semester hours at the Center for Graduate Studies.

Transfer Credits Residency/Residency Policies

ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATES

Fifteen of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College for associate degree programs. One-half of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College for undergraduate certificates. A minimum of 12 semester hours must be completed in actual class time through Baker College courses in the major discipline of student. 

BACHELOR DEGREES

Thirty of the required semester hours in the program must be completed in actual class time at Baker College for bachelor degree programs. A minimum of 15 semester hours must be completed in actual class time through Baker College courses in the major discipline of student at the 3000 and 4000 levels. 

Residence Halls

Residence hall accommodations are offered on the Cadillac, Muskegon, Owosso, and Port Huron campuses. Baker College provides modern, convenient residence halls and apartments, with a variety of living options on each campus. Residence hall living environments are created to support your academic efforts and help in the adjustment to college life. 

Students interested in housing should review the Residence Hall Licensing Agreement and Residence Life  section of the Handbook. Please note, in order to meet housing eligibility requirements, you must be enrolled in classes. 

Residence Hall Coordinators and/or student Resident Assistants create and promote opportunities for students to develop interpersonal relationships, leadership and decision-making skills, and an awareness of individual responsibilities and rights. At Baker College, the residence halls are more than just places for sleeping and eating. Residence hall life supports the College’s academic process and is an integral part of the living-learning experience. 

All rooms in the residence halls are partially furnished. They provide access to kitchen appliances so you may buy and prepare your own meals. Lobbies/study areas offer television, recreational games, conversation areas, and food vending machines. Laundry facilities are available in all residence halls. You will receive all additional details you need at housing orientation sessions prior to and during the initial move-in.

Student Activities

Students are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that student engagement outside the classroom is vital for a rich college experience. That’s why we offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities throughout the school year.

From sports to recreational pursuits to entertainment, there’s something for everyone. These activities aren’t just about having fun; they’re opportunities to forge new friendships, hone leadership skills, and infuse college life with meaning.

Our campuses host a variety of program-related clubs and organizations, allowing you to explore interests beyond academics. Additionally, we actively promote community-sponsored events, fostering connections between our students and the wider community.

For information on available activities, you can turn to the Residence Life Staff or Student Affairs Office on any campus.

Veteran Benefits

Veteran benefits are available to eligible students upon acceptance to Baker College. These students must complete the necessary paperwork as part of the admissions process, and should contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible for help initiating the benefit paperwork. Once the initial paperwork is submitted, students will work with the Military Support Staff (vet2vet@baker.edu) for additional benefit needs.

Baker College is approved to train eligible veterans and their dependents under Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, and certain other types of veterans’ benefits. If you are a veteran, spouse or dependent and would like more information regarding VA benefits, go to www.gibill.va.gov.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can pay benefits directly to students or to Baker College. The chapter of benefits for which the student qualifies determines the payment method. The student is responsible for any balances owed to Baker College after these payments.

Veterans and their dependents may also apply for other financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete a financial aid application, go to fafsa.gov.

Students receiving veterans’ benefits must continuously be in good academic standing (see the Academic Standing  section in this Handbook). Students failing to remain in good academic standing will be placed on academic probation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be notified if a student fails to be removed from probation at the end of two consecutive semesters. They will also be notified if a student is suspended or dismissed.

The Veterans Benefit Administration determines enrollment status according to the dates of the classes, not the total number of credits taken each semester. Baker College is required to notify the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs when a student ceases to enroll at Baker College.

Active Military Benefits

Active Military Benefits Students who are actively serving in the military may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program. Students should verify their eligibility status through their Military Installation’s Education Center prior to enrolling.

Spouses of a service member who is serving on active duty Title 10 orders in the paygrades of E1-E6, O1-O3, or W1-W2 may be eligible for financial assistance through the Department of Defense for education, training, and/or the occupational license and credentials necessary for a portable career.  In addition, spouses or children of a service member may be eligible to receive a transfer of the service member’s Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Service members and their dependents may also apply for other financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete a financial aid application, go to fafsa.gov.  Students will be responsible for balances owed to Baker College after their benefits and financial aid payments are applied.

Admission Policy for Applicants with Felony Convictions

At the time of applying to Baker College, applicants are required to disclose whether they have been charged with or convicted of a felony or felonies and/or are currently incarcerated. If an applicant discloses this information, they must submit a personal statement detailing their background as part of the application process. After their admissions application and personal statement are received, the College will provide an access code for a background check, for which the applicant is responsible for covering the associated costs. The College conducts these checks to ensure the safety of the Baker College community and to assess whether, based on the student’s criminal background, they may be able to complete the program successfully given the nature of their background. The College will conduct a thorough review of the background checks and circumstances of all prospective students with felony convictions to determine their eligibility for admission.

Considerations made during the review process include, but are not limited to, the following factors, particularly concerning the safety of students and employees:

1. Baker College considers all circumstances applicable to potential students, including any felony convictions.
2. Baker College considers specific program requirements, accrediting body requirements, licensing requirements, and issues related to the fact that minors are attending the College.
3. If a potential student has been convicted of a felony, Baker College considers the specifics of the conviction. The specifics include the following:
   1. The number of offenses/convictions,
   2. The type of the original charge(s),
   3. The crime(s) for which the potential student was convicted,
   4. The length of time since the date(s) of conviction(s),
   5. The length of time served,
   6. If the potential student was incarcerated, the length of time from the release date, and
   7. Any other relevant information requested by the College.
4. If the applicant is on parole, he/she may be asked to provide the name and contact information of his/her parole officer. The College may obtain the conditions of parole and also determine whether admittance is possible within the conditions of parole.
5. If necessary and/or requested by the College, the applicant will provide any releases or waivers necessary to obtain information that the College deems relevant.
6. Baker College considers any documented success of rehabilitation.
7. A personal interview may be required. After review of the available information, Baker College determines whether to deny admission, admit the potential student, or admit the potential student with conditions.

Any student arrested for a criminal offense (on or off campus) may, at the discretion of the College, be immediately suspended. The suspension will be in effect pending disposition of the charges. The student may re-apply to the College once these pending charges have reached a resolution.

Orientation and Student Onboarding

New Student Orientation is offered in both on-campus and online formats to meet students where they are. All orientations are supported through an online Student Welcome Experience.