International Students

International Students
Graduate and Professional Programs
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International Grad Student Information
No matter where you are from or where you are going, your EMU degree will prepare
you for a purposeful life and a meaningful career. Our students represent diverse
backgrounds from all over the world, including approximately 100 international students
like you. There are over 15 graduate degree programs that will challenge you to pursue
your passion.
Our campus is located in the peaceful
Shenandoah Valley
of Virginia in the United States.
Nestled against the Shenandoah National Park resides Harrisonburg, Virginia. Framed
by mountain streams, breathtaking vistas, and bountiful farmland, yet only 2.5 hours
from Washington DC, Harrisonburg is a hidden gem for nature lovers, food enthusiasts,
music seekers, and families alike. Nicknamed "The Friendly City,"  Harrisonburg has
the local charm of a small town with the variety of a large city. A bustling downtown
features unique restaurants, shops, local artists, live music, and green spaces. As
a refugee resettlement area, Harrisonburg is a microcosm of national and world issues.
This area is rich with diverse experiences, cultures, and dreams. Come visit and you'll
soon call Harrisonburg home.
Applying to EMU
Are you ready to take the first step in the admissions process?
Apply today
We are always accepting applications. We encourage you to apply well in advance so
that all steps can be completed on time.
Transcripts:
Official transcripts are required as part of admission. Students can request transcripts
directly through their university to be mailed or emailed to EMU.
Send official transcripts from each college or university attended to Graduate and
Professional Programs at EMU, Campus Center 230, 1200 Park Rd., Harrisonburg, VA
22802, or, electronically to
graduate@emu.edu
Transcripts must be in
English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Students are required to have non-US transcripts evaluated by an academic transcript
evaluating agency, such as World Education Services (WES).
Test Scores:
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit scores for either the TOEFL,
IELTS, or Duolingo test (Institutional code: 5181).
International students studying in-person, must take a full time course load (9 credit
hours each semester) due to the requirements of the visa.
Students who are willing and able to complete a program from their home country can
complete any of the
Master's Degrees
or
Graduate Certificates
we offer.
*Our Education, Business and MSN programs are not currently available for in person
international admits.
What programs are available for international students?
Center for Justice and Peacebuilding
MA in Conflict Transformation
(45 total credit hours)
MA in Restorative Justice
(45 total credit hours)
$823
Biomedicine
MS in Biomedicine
(48 total credit hours)
$992
Counseling
MA in Counseling
(60 total credit hours)
$716
Seminary
MA in Church Leadership
(48 total credit hours)
MA in Religion
(60 total credit hours)
MA in Theological Studies
(36 total credit hours)
Master of Divinity
(81 total credit hours)
Doctor of Ministry
(32 total credit hours)
$578
Dual Degrees
MDiv and MA in Counseling
MDiv and MA in Conflict Transformation or Restorative Justice
Visa Process
Don't let the visa process slow you down from pursuing your dreams. Our experienced
admissions counselors will walk you through the visa process step by step. Simply
apply to begin the first step!
Getting Your I-20 and Obtaining a Visa
An I-20 is the form that
EMU
produces which allows the student to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy. Before
EMU
can issue the I-20, the student must take the following steps:
Complete the admissions application file and receive an offer of admission from the
university.
Complete the financial certification form and provide supporting documents such as
bank statements and letters of sponsorship, if applicable.
Pay any deposit if required by the program.
Pay the
SEVIS fee
- $350 payment (also known as the I-901 fee for a SEVIS ID)
What to bring to your visa interview
The student should bring the following documents to the visa interview:
Completed I-20 Form
Receipt of
SEVIS
payment
Acceptance letter
Offer of financial aid (if applicable)
Financial documents which prove the student’s ability to support themself while in
the U.S.
Evidence that the student intends to return to their home country upon completion
of their studies (information about family members who live in the home country, property
owned, etc.)
Academic transcripts and test scores
The student should also be prepared to describe their career goals and why they chose
EMU.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
There is no federal aid available for international students. International students
are encouraged to seek sponsorship through family members or organizations with which
they are associated. Programs within the Seminary and Center for Justice and Peacebuilding
offer internal scholarships for which international students can apply. You must indicate
interest on your application before submitting.
What does it cost?
In addition to tuition fees, there are additional fees you  must consider when coming
to graduate school: books, rent, living expenses, food, miscellaneous expenses and
health insurance.
Expense
Single
Tuition:
CJP
$823
For 18-30 hours per year: $13,878 - $23,130
Tuition:
Biomed
$992
For 18-30 hours per year: $16,830 - $28,050
Tuition:
Counseling
$716
For 18-30 hours per year: $11,970 - $19,950
Tuition:
Seminary
$578
For 18-30 hours per year: $9,630 - $16,050
Activity & General Services Fee*
$155-$265
Books
$300-$600
Rent**
$500-$1,000/month OR $6,000-12,000/year
Additional Living Expenses
$150-$250/month OR $1,800-$3,000/year
Health Insurance***
$4,576.00
Food
$175-$275/month OR $2,100-$3,300/year
Miscellaneous
$100/month OR $1,200/year
Graduation Fee
$100
TOTAL EXPENSES PER YEAR (minus tuition)
$16,021-$24,831
Tuition:
Cost is per credit hour based on the graduate program you are admitted into. Students
typically take 18-30 credits per year full-time. To calculate total cost per year,
add the appropriate Tuition from the top rows to the Total Expenses Per Year.
Additional Living Expenses
includes utilities, phone, laundry, cable, etc.
PLEASE NOTE:
Books, Rent, Additional Living Expenses, Food, and Miscellaneous expenses are all
estimates and will vary depending on personal lifestyle, the state of the economy,
etc. Please take this into consideration when making financial decisions.
*The Activity and General Services fees for full-time students  (9+ credits) varies
by program. To view the most up to date fees, please visit the
Business Office
page and find your graduate program.
**Rent for a single person varies depending on whether the student plans to live alone
or share an apartment and if they rent an apartment from EMU or a private landlord/leasing
company.
***Health insurance is
mandatory
for all international graduate students.
Dependent coverage is not available.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is an
EMU
requirement for full-time Seminary, full-time Master's in Counseling, and all International
students at the Harrisonburg site. The health insurance plan is only available to
those student groups.
EMU
offers a health insurance plan through RCM&D Student Health Insurance for Harrisonburg
based students. Information about the plan is available through the
RCM&D
website
or by calling their toll-free number at 1-877-480-4161.
Additional Information & Current Rates
Traveling to EMU
EMU is located in the small, friendly city of Harrisonburg, Virginia. There is a true
sense of community here, as well as a large degree of cultural and linguistic diversity.
Travel time to Washington D.C. is two hours.
Virginia airports within proximity to Harrisonburg include:
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport
(SHD) - 25 minutes
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport
(CHO) - 1 hour
Dulles International Airport
(IAD) - 2 hours
Reagan National Airport
(DCA) - 2 hours
* The
Virginia Breeze
is a daily Mega Bus route that runs between Harrisonburg and Washington, DC with
separate stops at Dulles International Airport and Union Station (train station).
Living in Harrisonburg
We offer a limited amount on on-campus graduate housing. If you are interested in
on-campus housing, please email
housing@emu.edu
and they will do their best to accomodate.
Graduate Housing Costs
Housing options include:
Shared Facilities
2-Person Apartments
Private bedroom with shared facilities up to 5 other people.
Private bedroom and private bathroom in a 2-person apartment.
These options come with varying price points and amenities. Utilities are included
in all pricing, and your housing will be billed directly to your student account.
Additional information about living in Harrisonburg and EMU's on-campus apartments
can be found
here
When you decide on your living arrangements, be sure to be sure to check what the
apartment has in terms of furniture, kitchenware, etc.
EMU does not provide everything.
Below is a list of some items you will want to bring or purchase after you get to
the states.
Power adapter(s)
Cell phone and charger
Laptop and charger
Clothes for
all four seasons
- layering clothes will keep you warm too!
Toiletry items
Bed linens (sheets, blankets, pillow)
Kitchen items
We know you can't bring everything in a suitcase with you! Luckily,
Gift and Thrift
is right across from EMU's campus!
Additional Tips for Living in the 'Burg
Grocery
There are a variety of grocery stores nearby, including those that specialize in international
foods.
Food Lion (1751 Virginia Ave | 0.8 miles)
Dona Fer Grocery Store (1060 Virginia Ave | 0.8 miles)
El Chaparro Grocery (206 Charles St. | 1.2 miles)
Dollar General (1640 Virginia Ave | 1.2 miles)
Food Maxx international Market (924 W. Market St. | 1.5 miles)
Walgreens Pharmacy ( 599 Mt. Clinton Pike | 0.4 miles)
Clothing and Items
Second hand stores are great places to get items that are used, but in great condition.
As a result, you can find things for a much lower costs. Think about purchasing heavier
layers from one of these shops for the winter months or kitchen items for your apartment!
Gift and Thrift (731 Mt. Clinton Pike | 0.3 miles)
Mercy House (1005 S High St. | 2.8 miles)
Walmart (171 Burgess Rd. | 4.0 miles)
Tried and True Thrift (600 University Blvd, Suite B | 4.3 miles)
Goodwill (2025 E Market St. | 4.8 miles)
Target (1995 E Market St. | 5.2 miles)
Healthcare
Your health is important! If you are feeling under the weather or even overwhelmed,
EMU has on campus
Health Services
as well as
Counseling Services
.  In case of an emergency, there are a number of urgent cares as well as the hospital
in town.
Sentara
RMH
Emergency Department
540-689-1300
2010 Health Campus Drive (5.9 miles)
Emergicare
540-432-9996
343 Neff Avenue, Suite C (4.7 miles)
MedExpress
540-432-3080
1840 East Market Street (4.9 miles)
Valley Urgent Care
540-434-5709
119B University Boulevard (4.5 miles)
Navigating Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg offers a variety of public transportation to help you get around the
city.
Bus Service
throughout the city. With a variety of
routes
, you can get wherever you need to relatively easily. Transit and paratransit service
is currently free.
Uber or Lyft
Taxi cab services
Living in Harrisonburg
Apply Now
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Graduate and Professional Programs
All Graduate and Professional Programs
Apply
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