Office of Admissions
Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-987-2760
Fax: 732-987-2000
E-mail: admissions@georgian.edu
COSTS:
Tuition:
$21,224
Room and Board:
$9,200
Fees, books, misc.:
$900
Lakewood, New Jersey
Overview
Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey, Georgian Court University (GCU) is a private, comprehensive, liberal arts university in the Roman Catholic tradition. The University remains dedicated to the mission set forth by its founders, maintaining a special concern for women and a commitment to the Mercy core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service. GCU serves more than 3,000 students of diverse faiths and backgrounds through the residential daytime Women’s College and the coeducational undergraduate and graduate programs, both offered in the evening. Twenty-nine undergraduate majors and more than fifty areas of minor study, concentration, and certification are offered through four schools: the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Sciences and Mathematics.
Approaching its centennial, the University continues to be a dynamic institution, growing through new academic programs, extracurricular programs, and facilities. Students at Georgian Court enjoy a supportive, individualized learning experience and unparalleled opportunities for leadership, both in and out of the classroom. By integrating cultural, professional, and ethical development into the academic structure, Georgian Court educates the whole person, empowering students to become leaders in their fields and their communities.
Georgian Court University is accredited by the Middle States Association on Higher Education. In addition, the School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the School of Education is accredited by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, and the Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation.
A National Historic Landmark, the stunning 155-acre campus borders Lake Carasaljo in suburban Lakewood, New Jersey, and is distinguished by impressive Georgian architecture, prompting the title “Georgian Court.” With magnificent statuary, lush gardens, and striking architecture, GCU is truly a breathtaking and inspiring place to learn, study, and live.
Committed to empowering students through education, GCU fosters academic leadership through the honors program, while professional growth is nurtured through Women in Leadership Development, an innovative program that cultivates the students’ professional skills through hands-on workshops; seminars led by notable professional women, such as author Naomi Wolf; and discussions with women who are leaders in business, education, and government, such as former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.
Location and Community
Georgian Court University is located in Lakewood, New Jersey, a suburban town midway between the urban excitement of New York City and Philadelphia, and only minutes from the spectacular beaches of the Jersey Shore. The campus is easily accessible from Route 9, the Garden State Parkway, and Interstate 195. New Jersey Transit bus access is within walking distance, giving students quick, inexpensive transportation to points of interest throughout the tri-state area.
Academic Life
The undergraduate curriculum at Georgian Court University is designed to capitalize on the students’ college preparation as well as to embrace the aptitudes, talents, and interests particular to the individual. A breadth of subject matter is essential for the development of the truly liberally educated person. That philosophy, coupled with the University’s commitment to respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service, has led to the development of a curriculum that encourages the exploration of a wide spectrum of disciplines and presents multiple perspectives through which students hone the critical thinking skills requisite for success in life.
Candidates for a bachelor’s degree at Georgian Court must complete 132 credit hours, including a general education requirement that consists of nine humanities courses, five social sciences courses, and three natural sciences/mathematics courses. With departmental approval, students may elect a second major. Elementary education majors are required to choose a second liberal arts major. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.5 are required for graduation.
Georgian Court University hosts eighteen academic honor society chapters, including chapters for the national biological, business administration, chemistry, education, English, mathematics, physics, psychology, social work, and sociology honor societies.
Eighty-two percent of the full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees. All courses are taught by faculty members, not graduate assistants. From the freshman year on, students have the opportunity to take classes taught by department chairs, even school deans. Georgian Court features a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 15, promoting individual attention and open, thoughtful discourse among students and professors. Furthermore, all students receive individual counseling by a faculty adviser.
In addition to offering students an Autumn Semester in Quebec and opportunities to study abroad in several Spanish-speaking countries, Georgian Court University offers joint-degree programs through which students take courses at both Georgian Court and a partner institution, such as the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Majors Offered:
The Bachelor of Arts is awarded in applied arts and sciences, art, art history, biology, chemistry, communications, computer information systems, criminal justice, elementary education, English, French, history, humanities, mathematics, music, physics, psychology, religious studies, sociology, Spanish, and special education. The Bachelor of Science is awarded in accounting, allied health technologies, biochemistry, biology, business administration, chemistry, clinical laboratory sciences, computer science, natural sciences, and physics. Students planning on a career in social work may earn a Bachelor of Social Work, and future fine and graphic artists may participate in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program.
There are more than fifty minor field sequences, certification programs, and concentrations available, including anthropology, bilingual/bicultural studies, communications, computer science, criminal justice, economics, English as a second language, general fine art, gerontology, graphic design/illustration, holistic health, human resource management, marketing, medical technology, nuclear medicine technology, philosophy, political science, toxicology and more. Preprofessional programs include chiropractic, dentistry, law, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Interdisciplinary minors are offered in international area studies, Latin American studies, and women’s studies. Internships, externships, and practicums are offered in most majors, and independent studies are available.
Facilities and Resources
The Arts and Science Center is Georgian Court’s largest academic building, providing classrooms, seminar rooms, offices, art studios, a computer lab, and several laboratories equipped for instruction and research in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. Construction began in fall 2004 on a two-story, state-of-the-art science wing that will bring an additional 14,000 square feet of instructional space.
Adjacent to the Arts and Science Center is the Sister Mary Joseph Cunningham Library, which houses a collection of more than 240,000 titles and 148,000 volumes. The library subscribes to more than 780 publications and holds in excess of 500,000 microforms.
Other campus buildings include the Raymond Hall Complex, which houses the School of Education as well as the Raymond Hall Computer Center and the GCU Dining Hall. The School of Business and the Department of Psychology reside in the Farley Center, a recently remodeled building with a computer lab, student lounge, and conference center. Mercedes Hall is a campus favorite for its Victorian charm and holds modern language and humanities classes. Mercy Center is where students go to review, reflect, and shop; it contains the departments of history and theology as well as the campus bookstore.
Campus Life
Both resident and commuting students enjoy a variety of activities, including trips to museums, theater events, and shopping in both New York City and Philadelphia. Campus social activities are planned throughout the year, and more than thirty cultural, academic, and service organizations involve students in activities on and off the campus. The offices of Special Events and Student Development bring notable personalities to campus throughout the year to entertain, educate, and enlighten.
The Student Government Association, composed of elected students, organizes extracurricular activities, charity fund-raisers, and other events. Through the student government structure, students take leadership roles in shaping student life and participate in all major University committees in conjunction with members of the faculty and administration.
Sports / Varsity Athletics
The University also participates in six women’s NCAA Division II sports: basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Athletic facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, several athletic fields, a newly renovated fitness center, and beautifully landscaped acreage ideal for running, walking, and biking.
Expenses
Full-time tuition for the academic year is $21,224. Residence and board for the Women’s College are $8,200 (seven-day meal plan) or $8,050 (five-day meal plan). General fees are $800. Instructional materials (textbooks, etc.) cost extra and vary depending on the course.
Financial Aid / Scholarships
As a private university, Georgian Court endeavors to keep the cost of attendance affordable. A large percentage of students receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and on-campus work-study opportunities. Eligible candidates may receive a financial aid package comprising a combination of benefits. Aid is offered based on financial need, academic excellence, or one’s ability to combine athleticism with academic success. GCU also offers the Women’s Leadership Award, a $5,000 grant given to qualified full-time resident students in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to school, community, or church. The University also participates in the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund.
To be considered for financial aid, candidates must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Admission Requirements / Application
Georgian Court University welcomes applications from qualified students of all faiths and backgrounds who desire a liberal arts education. The University strives to enroll students who can benefit most from the University’s academic program. Entrance is based on individual merit. One’s high school record of achievement is of primary importance and must reflect solid performance. Candidates for admission must have completed 16 academic (Carnegie) units. The majority of students at Georgian Court ranked in the upper half of their senior high school class.
All candidates are required to take the SAT or ACT, preferably by December of their senior year in high school. Further consideration is given to the applicant’s extracurricular activities and the letters of recommendation submitted by teachers, counselors, employers, or similarly qualified people. A campus interview is highly recommended, and a guided tour of the campus is available at the interview.
Qualified applicants whose first choice is Georgian Court University and who apply no later than November 15 may be considered for early decision. A mature, well-qualified student who wishes to enter the university after three years of high school may apply for early entrance.
Transfer students are accepted into the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes for fall and spring semesters. All transfer applicants must be in good standing at their previous college. Applicants with fewer than 24 credits must fulfill all requirements for admission to the freshman class. International students in need of a student visa must present official documents at least six months prior to the semester start and must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computer-based test. International students must also complete a GCU financial support form and should be prepared to assume full financial responsibility for their educational and personal expenses in the United States.
To apply for admission, first-time freshman applicants should send an application, high school transcript, and nonrefundable $40 application fee payable to Georgian Court University to the Office of Admissions. Transfer students should submit those materials as well as transcripts from all colleges previously attended. Freshman applicants are urged to submit an application as early as possible during their senior year of high school. Completed applications must be received by August 1 for the fall semester and December 15 for the spring semester. Schedules and registration for campus visits are available at http://www.georgian.edu/admissions.
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