Programs Eligible to Accept International Students
Unfortunately, not all of Eastern's programs fit the visa regulations for full-time enrollment, so not all programs can admit international students. To be eligible to receive international students, the academic program must meet the following standards:
Undergraduate programs - at least 12 credit hours per term, in a traditional semester or trimester delivery.
Graduate programs - the equivalent of 9 credits per semester, or 18 credits per academic year. Non-traditional deliveries are acceptable.
Palmer Seminary programs - at least 16 units per academic year.
In all cases, the student must remain continuously enrolled in consecutive terms. Doctoral programs may include time for research and thesis writing even if the student is not carrying a specific number of credits, but the student must complete the degree in the appropriate amount of time considered equivalent to full-time. Only one on-line course per term can count toward full-time enrollment.
Students who are in the U.S. on other types of non-immigrant visas that permit study may enroll in any Eastern program as long as they otherwise maintain their visa status.
Programs such as the MA in Clinical Counseling or the M.Ed in School Health Services are geared toward PA certification, which is limited to citizens and permanent residents. These programs, although full-time, are not practical for international students.
On-line programs are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance.
In other words, international students may apply to the following programs:
- Traditional undergraduate programs
- Graduate programs that are structured in such a way that the student can enroll in continuous, consecutive terms and complete the equivalent of at least 18 credits per academic year.
- Residency-based graduate programs must meet at least once every four months.
- Exceptions can be made for doctoral programs that have fewer residencies but require the physical presence of the student as a teaching or research assistant or, in the case of the D.Min, to be involved in active ministry.
- International students may commute in and out of the U.S. for residency periods, but must do so in F-1 visa status.
