Admission Requirements

All applicants are encouraged to tour OSAD’s online learning environment or campus before enrolling. Before enrolling, all applicants must also fill out an Enrollment Agreement and submit a deposit in accordance with the Student Fees and Payment schedule. A parent or legal guardian must sign the Enrollment Agreement if the applicant is under 18 years of age. Prospective students are encouraged to discuss plans, goals, and questions with an admissions advisor during this application process.

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

In the application, all applicants must provide:

  • Application Form – Prospect students interested in applying to Olivet University must submit the application form from http://apply.olivetuniversity.edu. Olivet University does not accept the Common Application.
  • Essays – Applicants must submit a written essay approximately 500-750 words in length describing 1)their personal faith in Jesus Christ and 2) reasons for applying to Olivet University. All applicants to Olivet University should evince a strong a Christian character, potential for effectiveness in Christian ministry, and the scholastic ability and emotional maturity to handle a higher education experience.
  • High School Transcripts – Applicants to Olivet University's undergraduate degree programs must submit an official high school transcript from public, private, or home school or official transcripts undertaken at all Schools or universities. Applicants who have not graduated from high school must attain the General Educational Development (GED) certificate before admission. If applicants who reside in the United States but attended school in foreign countries are unable to produce the required documents, evidence may include certification from other official sources.
    Applicants are responsible for making sure this information is mailed directly from the issuing educational institution to Olivet University:
    Olivet University
    Attn: Admissions
    36401 Tripp Flats Rd,
    Anza, CA 92539
  • Test Scores – Applicants must submit SAT/ACT test scores, with exceptions*. A minimum of a combined Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of 1650 or an American School Test (ACT) composite score of 24. (Students who have not taken the SAT or ACT are evaluated on their country's equivalent of a School-entrance standardized test.)
    If an applicant submits multiple score reports, the highest score earned in each single sub score of the examination is used.
    Students who graduated from non-English speaking high school are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. A minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language) score of 550 (paper-based), or 213 (computerbased), or 79 (Internet-based). A minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5.
    *NOTE: SAT /ACT test scores are not required to establish the admission eligibility of applicants with high school grade point averages of 3.00 or above in a 4.0 scale. While applicants are not required to submit test scores to Olivet if they earn at least a 3.00 average, it is recommended that they submit standardized admission tests, which can be helpful for the purposes of advising and placement in appropriate courses.
  • Recommendations – Applicants must submit at least two recommendation letters. Submitting three recommendation letters is highly recommended. One letter must be a reference from an Evangelical Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in America (EAPCA) church pastor who is knowledgeable about the applicant's church involvement. The other recommendation letter should be submitted by persons qualified to speak about the applicant's academic and/or professional abilities, as described on the recommendation forms provided by Olivet University.
  • Statement of Faith – Applicants must sign Olivet University's Statement of Faith.
  • Application Fee – Applicants must submit a $75.00 non-refundable application fee

Transcripts from each school attended beyond high school should also be sent to OSAD. All transcripts must be sent directly from the school attended to OSAD. Personal copies are not official. Home school applicants are also welcome, though home school applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Graduates from foreign high schools must provide proof of graduation. If applicants who reside in the United States but attended school in foreign countries are unable to produce the required documents, evidence may include certification from other official sources.

Master of arts in graphic arts

In the application, all applicants must provide:

  • Application form and a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Hold a bachelor's degree from a CHEA or USDE-accredited U.S. institution.
    Note: students with a baccalaureate degree from a state-approved or non-accredited institution are encouraged to apply and ask for a transcript evaluation to determine whether conditional admission is possible.
  • Have at least a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent according to the institution's grading norms, for all course work during the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0 may be admitted on probation under the following provisions: The applicant must complete sixteen hours of graduate courses with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Successful completion of these requirements will lift the student's probationary status and allow him or her to continue in the degree program. An undergraduate background supported by undergraduate achievement, which would indicate the ability to engage successfully in graduate theological studies.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Bible knowledge. A student seeking to enter the Master of Arts in Information Technology degree program must take a written comprehensive examination in the area of Bible knowledge. The Bible knowledge examination tests a student's ability to work with Biblical data. In a multiple-choice format, it determines the student's knowledge of some detailed and specific information about Biblical texts, backgrounds, and people. A passing score on this exam demonstrates a level of competency that does not require remedial course work in Bible and theology. Scores that rank below the 80th percentile level will determine that a student must enroll in 8 hours of remedial, non-credit Biblical studies courses, which Olivet offers at the undergraduate level as required core curriculum courses for all students enrolled in its Bachelor of Arts degree programs.
  • Three personal recommendations (at least one from an EAPC pastor). Letters of recommendation forms should be mailed to Olivet University directly from each reference person.
  • Those whose native language is not English may opt to submit TOEFL score of 71(internet-based), 197(computer-based), or 530 (paper-based), or IELTS score of 6.0. The score must be obtained no later than five years prior to the date of application.
  • Submit at least three letters of recommendations. One letter must be a reference from a church pastor who is knowledgeable about the applicant's church involvement, preferably from an Evangelical Assembly of Presbyterian Church in America (EAPCA) denomination. The other two recommendations should come from someone who is able to comment on your professional and educational goals and potential. This could be a professor or supervisor. Recommendations may not be from a member of your immediate family or your spouse.
  • Sign Olivet University's Statement of Faith.
  • Graduates from foreign high schools must provide proof of graduation. If applicants who reside in the United States but attended school in foreign countries are unable to produce the required documents, evidence may include certification from other official sources.
  • PORTFOLIO: The student’s portfolio must focus on a body of work with a high level of specialization in the chosen area. A description list is necessary to accompany the portfolio, with each artwork labeled with your name, title, size, medium and completed date. The portfolio is expected to display a level of specialization consistent with an undergraduate major in those fields. For collaborative works, please explain your role in the creative process. International applicants are asked to provide an English translation of any copy/written material presented as part of the portfolio/reel. Applicants should contact an Admissions Representative for details on portfolio/reel submission, including content and format requirements.

Upon completion of all admissions requirements, OSAD admissions personnel will review the information and inform applicants whether or not they have to request application forms and instructions, (415) 371-0002, or Click here to apply online.

Applications and artworks can be mailed to:

Olivet School Art & Design Admissions 36401 Tripp Flats Rd, Anza, CA 92539

Student Technology Requirements At OSAD, technology plays an important part in a student's ability to communicate with administration, faculty, and fellow students . Laptops will be networked through the school’s wireless internet connection for access to My Olivet, research, E-library, assignment submissions, classroom forums, presentations, and exams.

Accordingly, all students must have access to an Intel based computer laptop with the minimum specifications set forth below.

Ability to use email to correspond with faculty, staff, and students
Ability to operate Mac OS and/or Windows Operating systems
Ability to access, create, and save documents in Microsoft Office programs
Ability to run an anti-virus application to ensure that files are virus free
Ability to run Adobe and/or other graphics software packages

Software packages and Apple Macintosh laptops will be discounted for students. Laptops can also be considered into financial aid for students who qualify. Please be ready and have all laptops and software installed by the start of the course.