Division of Graduate Studies

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE APPLICANT INFORMATION
Graduate Study at Clarion University

Clarion University welcomes international students to its campus and has an Office of International Programs to assist students from other countries in achieving a successful educational experience at Clarion. International students may write to:

                        Office of International Programs
                        Clarion University of Pennsylvania
                        840 Wood Street
                        Clarion, PA 16214-1232 U.S.A.
                        E-mail: intlprograms@clarion.edu

International students seeking admission to graduate study at Clarion University should follow directions specified for all students on the “Checklist for Completion of Graduate Application.” In addition, the international student applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

1. (1) Submit his or her application for admission at least four months prior to the term in which he or she wishes to begin study at Clarion.

2. (2) Demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable evidence of proficiency is successful completion of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet based). Also a minimum International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) score of 7.0 is acceptable. Speech language pathology applicants are required to submit minimum TOEFL scores of 573 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 89 (internet-based) with a breakdown of minimum scores of 18 in reading, 26 in speaking, 21 in listening, and 24 in writing. Biology and mass media arts and journalism (communication) applicants are required to submit minimum TOEFL scores of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based). A minimum IELTS test score of 7.5 is acceptable for biology, mass media arts and journalism (communication), and speech language pathology applicants. Satisfactory completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university is also acceptable evidence of English language proficiency. Other evidence may be approved by the Graduate Studies Office, such as affirmation of proficiency by a Clarion faculty member, other individual, or organization known to Clarion University.

3. (3) Furnish evidence of financial support on the Financial Support Statement form. The applicant must provide an official statement from an authorized bank certifying that sufficient funds are available to the student to cover costs of university fees and general living expenses for one academic year of study in the United States. Immigration and Naturalization form I-20 will not be issued until the international applicant has submitted the required evidence of financial support.

4. (4) Carry a full program of studies (at least nine semester hours) upon admission and matriculation. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations require students holding an “F” or “J” visa to carry a full program of study.

5. (5) Be covered by adequate health insurance. Due to the high cost of health care in the United States, all international students are required to carry comprehensive medical insurance.

Office of Research and Graduate Studies