Generally, admission is granted only to those with high promise for success in graduate study. Potential may be demonstrated by experience in increasingly responsible positions, previous schooling, and test scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) recorded within the past five years. GRE minimum scores include 151 in the Verbal Section and 4.5 in the Analytical Writing Section. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is acceptable, with special consideration given to course work in English.

Generally, students must provide acceptable test scores at the time of enrollment. If students are otherwise highly qualified, they may take the GRE during their first semester of enrollment, with further enrollment contingent upon test scores.

Please request TWO official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended be sent to St. Mary's University Graduate School. TWO professional recommendations are also needed from individuals who can address your intellectual competence and potential for success (i.e. professors, employers, etc.). Please request that these recommendations be written on institutional/business letter head.