Graduate Admission
Admission Requirements and Procedures (Policy 2004-02)
Admission to a graduate program is granted to those with U.S. equivalent bachelor or advanced degrees from regionally accredited institutions and whose credentials indicate the ability to pursue graduate work. Some programs extend a limited number of admission offers and only accept applications for specified terms of entry. Undergraduate degrees or their U.S. equivalent in the field from which students select their graduate work may be required. For specific program requirements and terms of entry, consult the appropriate graduate application instructions and the applicable academic sections of this Catalog.
Grade point averages for admission are calculated on course work leading to the bachelor’s degree, usually credits earned in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the degree and any post–baccalaureate courses, or all graduate–level course work for post–master’s Educational Specialist or Doctor of Education programs, as specified by each program. Calculation of the GPA for international students is performed based on globally recognized standards and converted, when possible, into U.S. equivalencies. Course work must be completed at regionally accredited institutions or, for applicants to the School of Theology and Ministry, from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The Albers School of Business and Economics requires applicants to their post-master certificates to be graduates of AACSB-accredited programs.
Deans and program directors reserve the right to request test scores and other supplementary data. Applicants earning degrees from non-grading institutions are usually required to submit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), Graduate Records Exam (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or other specified exams as requested by individual programs. Applicants should contact Graduate Admissions or program chairs for further information on requirements and exceptions.
Application Process
Admission applications should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than the program deadline for the term an applicant plans to begin study. All applicants for graduate admission must submit an application and fee, and official transcripts of academic credits from schools attended as required by their program of study. Seattle University alumni are eligible for an application fee waiver. Transcripts must be received by Seattle University in sealed envelopes as originally sent by each issuing institution or received electronically via secured institution to institution system to be considered official. For an application to be considered complete and eligible for consideration, applicants must also submit by the program deadline all forms and documents as requested by individual programs and the Graduate Admission Office.
Applicants are not officially admitted graduate students until the Office of Graduate Admission issues a formal letter of acceptance. Offers of admission are for regular, probationary, provisional or non-matriculated status. An applicant’s acceptance of an admission offer constitutes a commitment by the student to abide by university policies, rules and regulations.
Applicants are expected to fully and truthfully complete all information requested by the university in connection with the admission application, and to supplement the application if any information changes between submission of the application and enrollment. False or misleading information or material omissions in connection with the application process will result in denial of admission, withdrawal of admission, dismissal, cancellation of course credit or other appropriate action as determined by the university.
Selection Criteria
Seattle University is committed to providing access to graduate-level educational opportunities to those who indicate the academic potential to benefit from such programs. Due to the specialized nature of the graduate curricula, the measures employed are program-specific and vary accordingly. Prior to application, prospective students need to become familiar with the individual admission requirements of the academic programs they are considering.
An individual’s past conduct, particularly as it may relate to unlawful or criminal behavior, is relevant to the admission process. Accordingly, Seattle University reserves the right to deny admission or continued enrollment to individuals who have engaged in unlawful or criminal behavior. Each applicant and each student is responsible to disclose in writing the required documentation and information on any and all criminal convictions classified either as a felony or gross misdemeanor.
Non-discrimination in Admissions
Refer to Seattle University’s non-discrimination policy .
Applicants with Disabilities
It is the policy of Seattle University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability will be denied access or participation in services, programs and activities at the university. The university’s Equal Opportunity Officer, who can be reached at (206) 296-5870, is the person designated as the ADA/Section 504 compliance officer. For information about campus services for students with disabilities, visit seattleu.edu/sas/DisabilityServices/ or call (206) 296-5740.
Applicants are not required to indicate on an admission application whether they have a disability. An applicant may choose to identify a physical, learning, psychological or other disability and ask that it be considered a relevant factor in the admissions process. The information is intended to enhance an individual’s opportunities for admission and will not be used to discriminate against the applicant. The decision to report a disability is a personal one, and the university respects an applicant’s decision not to do so. All information supplied by an applicant to the university regarding any disability will be treated confidentially and used only for special admissions review.
Individuals who do not identify as having a disability at the time of applying to the university will be evaluated for admission in the regular manner. If an admitted applicant does have a disability requiring special services or accommodation, it is the individual’s responsibility to report any such condition as soon as possible to Disabilities Services.
Probationary and Provisional Admission
Applicants whose academic credentials do not meet the expected prerequisite course work, grade point average and/or test scores of those typically accepted to specific programs, but who convey the potential for academic success, warrant offers of provisional or probationary admission.
Probationary status remains for a specific time limit during which the enrolled student is expected to achieve the minimum GPA noted at the time of admission. When this condition is fulfilled, the department usually recommends advancement to regular graduate student status.
Provisional admission is granted typically to applicants needing to fulfill specific requirements within a stated time period to qualify for formal unconditional admission to their program of study, graduate standing or, in some cases, to remain eligible to continue course work.
Non-matriculated Admission (Policy 92-02)
Non-matriculated graduate student status is granted to eligible students for post-baccalaureate study not intended to culminate in a Seattle University degree or certificate. A graduate-level Non-matriculated Student Application must be completed and submitted along with a fee. (See the classification of student policy in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.)
English Proficiency Admission Requirements (Policy 2008-01)
Applicants for whom English is not their first or native language must demonstrate English proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or other English-speaking countries, or immigration status. Proof of English ability can be satisfied with the TOEFL, IELTS or the institutional MELAB. Required scores for each exam are noted on the full policy. Applicants who have earned baccalaureate or advanced degrees at Seattle University or at recognized colleges or universities in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia and who have resided in countries where English is the primary language for two years just prior to application may be exempted from the English proficiency testing requirement.
International Admission Requirements (Policy 76-06)
International students must meet the admission requirements outlined for their intended graduate program to be considered for admission. International students seeking a student visa must also submit a Declaration of Finance form and cannot be admitted conditionally or as non-matriculates. Completed application files must be on record, including official transcripts and proof of English proficiency, when required, before admission decisions can be made.
English proficiency requirements for admission consideration are outlined in Policy 2008–01. Applicants must meet the international application deadline or specific program deadline for the quarter of intended entry, whichever is earlier. Transcripts and other academic documents must be provided in the original language and with English translations as necessary.
Readmission (Policy 76-10)
Students will continue to receive registration materials and will be eligible to register for the four consecutive quarters (including summer) after the last quarter of attendance. After this point, students must submit an application for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of their school, department, and programs in effect at the time of readmission. (Refer to the readmission policy in Academic Regulations in this Catalog.) |