Application and Enrollment

Lionel’s admissions policy is oriented to adult learners, including members of the military, who typically have previously completed high school or undergraduate courses, military training, or earned credit by examination. For admission into an academic program, students must submit evidence of a high school diploma, GED certificate or the international equivalent, and a government-issued photo ID. This institution does not accept ability-to-benefit students.

Lionel University does not discriminate against, and provides equal opportunity to, all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws.

Class Start Dates

Winter Quarter 2022: January 3, 2022

  • Graduate Program Application Deadline: Dec 5 (2021)
  • Undergraduate Program Application Deadline: Dec 12 (2021)
  • Registration Deadline: Dec 23 (2021)
  • Full Term and Session A Classes Start: Jan 3
  • Session B Application Deadline: Jan 16
  • Session B Registration Deadline: Jan 29
  • Session B Classes Start: Feb 7
Fall Quarter 2021_ October 4, 2021

Spring Quarter 2022: April 4, 2022

  • Application Deadline: Mar 14
  • Registration Deadline: Mar 26
  • Full Term and Session A Classes Start: Apr 4
  • Session B Application Deadline: Apr 25
  • Session B Registration Deadline: Apr 30
  • Session B Classes Start: May 9
Winter Quarter 2022_ January 3, 2022

Lionel Admissions Process

U.S. Residents

  • Step 1: Apply Online
    • Prospective undergraduate students complete an online application that can be accessed from the website, lionel.edu. Applicants indicate whether they will pursue a certificate or a degree, or if they are enrolling for personal enrichment without a degree goal. Applicants will report aid sources, transcripts, desired start date, and desired course schedule. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the start of class.
  • Step 2: Admissions Process
    • Lionel University Admissions Team reviews an applicant’s expressed goals and assists the applicant with submission of any required documentation, including official transcripts. Once a completed application has been submitted to the Admissions Office, allow two weeks for processing and notification of admission status. When a prospective student is admitted into a program, the student will be notified of acceptance via email.
  • Step 3: Transfer Credit Evaluation
    • Transfer credit is welcome and encouraged. Students who have completed past coursework or served in the military are invited to send official college and military transcripts to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation.
  • Step 4: Getting Started
    • Once a student has been admitted and all required documents are submitted, the student is scheduled to be registered for their desired course schedule by the Office of the Registrar. Upon registration, the student is prompted to review and sign their enrollment agreement for the term.

International Students

  • Step 1: Apply Online
    • Prospective undergraduate students complete an online application that can be accessed from the website, lionel.edu. Applicants indicate whether they will pursue a certificate or a degree, or if they are enrolling for personal enrichment without a degree goal. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the start of class.
  • Step 2: Submit Academic Documentation
    • Prospective students send official copies of transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, and universities to Lionel University. Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Transcripts for comparable Lionel University undergraduate courses completed in a country other than the United States must be evaluated by an outside credential evaluation company before they are submitted to the college. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) members are acceptable sources for foreign credential evaluation and translation services.
  • Step 3: Submit Evidence of English Proficiency
    • All instruction is in English. Lionel University does not provide English language services. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of English proficiency through one of the following exams:
      • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum score of 57 on the TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) or a minimum score of 61 on the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test)
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic exam: Minimum score of 6.0
      • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 95
      • Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report: Minimum score of 44
      • The 4-Skill Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum score of 53
      • Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE): Minimum of 650/LP 
      • Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE): Minimum of 650/LP 
      • Evidence of an undergraduate degree completed at an accredited U.S. institution: International students who have completed undergraduate degrees from these institutions do not need to submit evidence of English proficiency.
      • Please Note: Lionel University’s school code for the TOEFL examination is 9518. For IELTS, simply search for Lionel University.
    • Lionel University programs are 100% distance education, with no residency requirements. No visa services are offered, and the institution cannot verify student residency status.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

  • Lionel University welcomes individuals who are not seeking a degree but wish to continue their education for college credit. Non-degree seeking students are individuals who may be taking coursework for personal enrichment, job enhancement, or certification. 
  • Non-degree seeking students may either enroll in individual courses or enroll into a certificate program. 
  • Non-degree seeking students must formally apply via one of the previously mentioned methods in order to register for undergraduate coursework.

University Accreditation

Lionel has an A+ BBB rating and is proud to be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

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CA BPPE

Any questions a student may have regarding the Annual Report that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education Private Postsecondary Education at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814, www.bppe.ca.gov, toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897.

Please note that our institution changed its name from International Sports Sciences Association to Lionel University in 2022. BPPE's published annual reports reflect school information that is two years prior to the current calendar year. Annual reports for periods prior to 2022 will reflect our former name. 

CA BPPE Annual Report

Approved Programs

CA BPPE

Resource Center

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There is absolutely no commitment and no credit card required. The application is designed as an investment in you—to help you name what you truly want, evaluate all that you juggle, and design your future. Stop and start the application as needed. Your work is saved as you go.

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DEGREE GUIDE

Download our degree guide to find out if Lionel is right for you.

MILITARY GUIDE

Download our military benefits guide to learn what benefits are available to you.

FINANCIAL AID GUIDE

Curious about financial aid? Download our benefits guide.

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