Admissions Procedures

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Applying as a Matriculated Student

Program Overview

 Matriculated students are those who have met the University's admission requirements and are enrolled in a program of study leading to the Master of Arts degree.  Partial or incomplete applications will not be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Committee for review. 

  • All new applicants must submit the following required documents.
  • Applications will be reviewed after each deadline listed below.
  • In keeping with our graduate cohort model, mid-year applications will not be accepted.

Application Requirements 

  1.  The completed online Graduate Program Application.
  2. A $50 application fee.  (Fee is waived for employees of the University.)

  3. ​​​ A three-part Statement of Purpose (500-600 words) answering the following questions:

    a. Why do you wish to study leadership at a liberal arts university?
    b. What preliminary master's thesis or project do you have in mind? Or, considering the program requirements and course offerings, what are you most passionate about studying at St. Lawrence University? 
    c. Describe the most transformative leadership experience you've had in your life. How did it change you and your motivations for continuing with leadership graduate study or a related career in leadership?

  4. An up-to-date resumé or C.V.
  5. An official electronic transcript (ex. e-Script, Parchment) from an accredited institution. It must verify the degree awarded, date conferred, and include senior year grades at minimum. Please send to  education@stlawu.edu.

    An undergraduate 3.0 GPA is required for full admittance; however, provisional admittance may be considered for applicants that demonstrate academic promise.
  6. Two current academic letters of recommendation that speak directly to your academic performance and potential, attesting to your aptitude for graduate study. 

Optional:

  1. A cover letter introducing your interests and fit for the program
  2. A sample of research or academic writing (optional)
  3. GRE exam results 

**Results of the TOEFL test may be required for students whose first language is not English.**

 Applying as a Non-Matriculated Student

 Program Overview

 Non-matriculated students may take graduate-level courses without being formally admitted to the program. They are limited to registering for a maximum of four classes total (athletic graduate assistants may take up to two). Credits earned as a non-matriculated student may later be transferred to a degree program upon formal admission. 

Non-matriculated students are not assigned an academic advisor. This option is best suited for self-directed individuals who can manage their own course planning. 

  • All new applicants must submit the following required documents.
  • Applications will be reviewed after each deadline listed below.
  • In keeping with our graduate cohort model, mid-year applications will not be accepted.

 Application Requirements

  1.  Submit the online Non-Matriculation Application.
  2. A $50 application fee.  (Fee is waived for employees of the University.)
  3. An official transcript (verifying the minimum of a bachelor's degree) from an accredited institution. Electronic transcripts (ex. e-Script, Parchment) from your graduating institution are required.  Please send to education@stlawu.edu.  If you earned a degree at St. Lawrence University, submit only an advising transcript of your coursework.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester Matriculation:
June 1 – Priority/Early Decision Deadline
August 1 – Final Application Deadline 

Spring Semester Matriculation: (For previously non-matriculated students only.) 
January 1 – Final Application Deadline

Fall/Spring Semester Non-Matriculation: 
1st Day of Classes – Final Application Deadline 

All required application material must be received by midnight of the deadline date. Individuals who miss the application deadline but wish to begin coursework may do so by applying as a non-matriculated student.

Please note that a previous affiliation with St. Lawrence University or university employee status does not guarantee admission into the graduate program. The admissions process is selective.

All application material must be submitted online. Questions on admissions may be directed to education@stlawu.edu 

Admissions Decisions

St. Lawrence University does not offer rolling admissions. As such, the Graduate Admissions Committee will only meet to review applications after each posted deadline. Admissions decisions will be made prior to the next application deadline. Selected students will then receive, by email, an official acceptance letter. Students must formally accept or decline their offer by completing the acceptance form linked in the decision email.  

NOTE: Applications will be held on file for one calendar year.  If not acted upon, applicants will be required to submit a new application.