"I have been enriched and inspired by my experience with Meridian which takes a leadership role in the community by taking the creative imagination to the practical problems and opportunities presented by the world. Meridian's programs truly correspond to the way of imagination, gathering and cultivating a wide spectrum of ideas, traditions, and modes of expression. The graduate programs hold the necessary tension between creative discovery and the more linear demands of the society we serve. Higher education deeply needs a contagious spread of the vision that Meridian holds and the skills of its pioneering community."
– Shaun McNiff, Author of Art Based Research and Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination

Admissions Information

Meridian University is committed to creating a pluralist learning community. We seek a diverse group of students and welcome application from all qualified individuals. Our intention is to develop and nurture a learning community in which students and faculty can learn together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We welcome differences in age, economic status, race, ethnic background, religion, origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical challenge, political views, personal characteristics, and beliefs.

Applying to Meridian

Applications may be submitted to Meridian at any time.

Application Requirements for the Bachelor's Completion Program:

• The equivalent of at least 100 quarter units must have already been completed at another institution.
• Students are expected to be proficient in the English language, as all instruction at Meridian University is offered in English (see section on International Students).

Application Requirements for the Psychology, Business, Education, and Arts Graduate Degree Programs:

• A Bachelor's degree is required for admission to Meridian’s Graduate Programs.
• All students are expected to be proficient in the English language as all instruction at Meridian University is offered in English (see section on International Students).
• Applicants applying for the psychology Doctoral degree who already possess a Master's in Psychology (or related field) may apply for Advanced Standing status to the psychology Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree programs.
• Applicants applying for the Ed.D. degree in Organizational Leadership must have completed a Master's degree in education (or related field).

Prospective students are notified when Meridian has received their completed application packet. Following a review of application materials, selected applicants are invited to an admissions interview. The Director of Admissions communicates the Admissions Committee’s decision to the applicant.

Admissions Requirements

Requirements for admission include:

• Completed application and $50 application fee
• Official academic transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (5-7 pages)
• Admissions Interview (Business applicants complete a pre-interview as well.)

Prior Coursework
Meridian’s curriculum (Weekend Learning Format) is designed for students to take courses in sequence, within a cohort-based model. Transfer units may be granted up to a maximum of 45 units towards psychology Doctoral programs and 9 units towards Master's programs for coursework from other schools, on a case-by-case basis.

International Students
International students are welcome to apply for admission into Meridian’s Bachelor's Completion and Graduate Degree Programs. Transcripts from schools located outside of the United States must be evaluated and/or translated by a professional agency. All courses at Meridian are conducted in English. Students whose native language is not English are required to submit the results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For admission, students are required to receive a score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based. At this time, Meridian does not offer visa services.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the academic year is due at the time of enrollment. Tuition for the 2010-11 academic year is:

• Weekend Learning Format: $15,300 annually
• Online Learning Format: $15,300 annually

Tuition may be paid on an annual, quarterly, or monthly basis. Annual tuition is due at registration; quarterly tuition is due on the first day of each quarter (at registration, December 1, March 1, and June 1); monthly tuition is due on the first day of each month (at registration, October 1, November 1, etc.). All tuition payments are directed to the Financial Services Coordinator at Meridian’s administrative offices.

A tuition deposit of $200 is due when the student submits their Intent to Enroll form. This deposit is applied towards the first tuition payment; $50 of this deposit is non-refundable.

The cost to the student for the residential plan is:

• Weekend Learning Format: $3,200 annually
• Online Learning Format: $1,800 annually

A residential deposit of $100 is due when the student submits their Intent to Enroll form.
Exemptions to the residential plan are considered on a case-by-case basis.