Academic programs

Campus Facilities

Cumberland University admits those applicants whose ability, training, motivation, and interests indicate that they will succeed in college course work. The course of study and quality of work done in high school or college are both taken into consideration when a student applies for admission. The student’s scores on the ACT or the SAT are used as indicators of academic ability and are considered for admission, and if required, a student’s personal statement.

For students who do not meet the minimum high school grade point average (unweighted) and/or minimum ACT composite score/SAT Converted score, the University will require the student to complete a personal statement. Written by the student, the personal statement will indicate why the student would like to attend Cumberland University, would help contribute to a diverse student body, and measures the student will take to be successful academically at the University.

Cumberland University notifies the applicant of his or her admission status once all necessary documentation/credentials have been received. Questions concerning the admissions status of a prospective student should be addressed either by telephone, email or in writing to the Office of Admissions. Cumberland University is an equal opportunity educational institution and, as such, does not discriminate in the admissions policy on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, age, disability or veteran status or any other classification protected by Federal, or State constitutional or statutory law.

Normally, Cumberland University accepts transfer credits from all institutions of higher learning that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, or a similar body of a recognized regional accrediting agency. Students transferring from colleges and/or universities outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by World Educational Services, Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, (1 800-937-3895), Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JS&A), or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). For transfer credits to be accepted, they must appear on an official sealed transcript of the institution granting the credits. The following policies apply to acceptance of transfer credit:

• No more than 90 total semester hours of transfer credit from all institutions will be accepted toward completion of a baccalaureate degree at Cumberland University. 

• A maximum of 70 semester hours may be accepted for transfer credit from a junior and/or community college. 

• At least 25% of the upper division (300-400 numbered courses) degree requirements must be earned at Cumberland University. 

• A student transferring into Cumberland University must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. 

• Only courses in which a “C” or higher has been earned may be accepted for transfer credit. 

• Developmental and remedial classes taken at institutions other than Cumberland University will not be accepted. 

• Cumberland University reserves the right to determine course equivalency regarding acceptance of transfer academic credits. 

• Cumberland University does not automatically accept transfer credit for Advanced Placement Exams, CLEP, PEP, or DANTES from another institution. Cumberland University reserves the right to request and review original scores before granting credit for any type of examination. Scores from any examination must meet Cumberland University’s standards for credit, which can be found in the Credit by Examination section of the Catalog.

• Except for computing an overall graduation grade point average (GPA), transfer credits will not be included in the student’s GPA. The GPA will be computed only on the basis of courses taken at Cumberland University.

• Students who hold academic parallel Associate degrees from a regionally accredited institution will be considered to have met all requirements of the General Education Core (GEC) at Cumberland University. Applicants for professional licensure programs may be required to complete additional courses from the GEC.

• Applicants must be accepted for admission to the University before an official evaluation of their transcript(s) will be performed.

View 6 Year Graduation Rates 2021-2022 

The University Catalog contains all academic policies pertaining to students enrolled at the University. 

Any student who withdraws from the University must do so officially through the Office of the Registrar. Forms for this purpose are available. Please refer to the fee section of this document for refund information. Failure to follow proper withdrawal procedures may result in a student receiving a grade of “F” or “FA” in every course in which he/she was registered. The following officials/areas should be notified prior to withdrawal:

1. Registrar
2. Faculty Advisor
3. School Dean
4. Dean of Students
5. Assistant Athletic Director (if on athletic team)
6. Student Financial Services
7. Director of Housing (if living in residence halls)
8. Business Office

Last Date of Attendance

The last date of attendance for a student who withdraws is the date indicated on the withdrawal form. If a student stops attending classes the last date of attendance will be the last date of attendance as placed on the student record in the CAMS system as the instructor assigns a grade of “F” or “FA”.

Withdrawal Date

The withdrawal date for a student who withdraws is the date indicated on the withdrawal form. If a student stops attending classes the withdrawal date will be the last date of attendance as placed on the student record in the CAMS system as the instructor assigns a grade of “F” or “FA”. Students who receive all grades of “F” or “FA” will be reviewed in the attendance system to insure they completed the course. If it is determined they did not complete the course they will be considered withdrawn with the last date of attendance being determined in the attendance system. If the student is receiving financial assistance, credits will be returned to the financial aid accounts, including lenders of student loans, before any money is returned to the student. Students should note that the requirement to return the unearned portion of the federal financial aid might leave them owing a balance due to Cumberland University.

Fall Withdraw Dates 

Winter Withdraw Dates

Students can purchase books online or on campus at the CUShop.

At Cumberland University, students, faculty, and staff are expected to act with the highest level of integrity at all times. When necessary, employees may submit a detailed Public Incident Report to be reviewed by the Dean of Students and addressed accordingly.