Admission Policies

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Student Profile - School of Graduate and Professional Programs

The students attending the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs are as diverse as the programs offered. The vast majority of students are working adults who are balancing the demands of career, family, and civic responsibilities. While the gender ratio and age vary within each program, overall, 69% percent of the students are female and 31% percent are male. The median age is 33 years with an age range of 19 to 70 years.

Admission

Saint Mary’s University adheres to the principle that all persons have equal opportunity and access to admission, employment, facilities, and all programs and activities of the university regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or status with regard to public assistance.

Office of Admission

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403
Phone: (612) 728-5100
Toll-free: (866) 437-2788
Fax: (612) 728-5121
E-mail: tcadmission@smumn.edu

Undergraduate Certificate Programs Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to undergraduate certificate programs at any time during the year and, if accepted, begin the program at the next available program start.  Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful completion of undergraduate coursework.

Applicants within the U.S. must submit:

1. A completed application form

2. An official high school or GED transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. (waived if you have earned 14 transferable college-level credits or more.) Students with 24 or more college level Credits and at least C/2.0 or above grades are not required to submit official high school transcripts.

3. Official transcripts from all post-high school coursework including technical and community colleges.

Applicants from countries outside the U.S. must submit:

1. A completed application form.

2. High school transcripts and post-high school transcripts which must be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.  Any post-high school transcripts should be evaluated on a course by course basis rather than a general evaluation.

3. English proficiency Exam - Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72; the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0; the Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%; the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0; or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51. Saint Mary’s also accepts the SAT with a minimum composite score of 1000 (minimum 480 in English) and Duolingo with a minimum score of 100.

Bachelor of Science Degree Programs Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to undergraduate degree programs at any time during the year.  Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful undergraduate coursework. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admissions process.

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form

2. All official transcripts issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for all previously attempted college-level coursework*.  If no college-level coursework has been previously attempted, an official high school transcript showing an earned diploma must be submitted.  An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.

*Coursework may be made up of:

• Industry Training and Military Separation Paper carrying American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations or,
• Past College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exam credits or,
• International credits evaluated by a source accepted by Saint Mary’s University or,
• Any credits transferable from a regionally accredited or non-regionally accredited institution.

For more on transferable credits, please see the section on Transfer Credits.

Unless accepted via transfer of credit upon enrollment, all students must attempt and pass a designated writing-based course in their first semester of enrollment.  Completion of a designated writing-based course will fulfill the General Education competency requirement in Written Communication.

See policy on Awarding a Second Bachelor’s degree. 

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Master’s Degree and Graduate Certificate Programs Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to most master’s degree programs at any time during the year.  Applicants may have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form and,
    
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted. 
   
   Students may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters.
    
3. A personal statement which includes:
   1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
   2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
   3. description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
   4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
4. A minimum of two professional and/or academic references, which  must include name, title, organization, email, and phone number. The best references are those who know applicants in a professional or academic capacity, such as current or former supervisors or professors, and thus can speak to the applicant’s likelihood to succeed in an academic setting.

5.  A summary of most recent work/professional experience, as appropriate. Applicants may also submit a current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

School of Business and Technology Master’s Degree and Graduate Certificate Programs Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year.  Applicants may have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form and,
    
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted. 

   Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. 

3. A personal statement which includes:

• brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
• statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
• description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
• personal information the applicant wishes to share.

4. Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
    
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

School of Education Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year.  Applicants may have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for success

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form and,
    
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted. 

   Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. 

3. A personal statement which includes:

• brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
• statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
• description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
• personal information the applicant wishes to share.

4. Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
    
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
    
6. Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam.

Specialist Degree Program Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to the specialist degree at any time during the year. A master degree from a regionally accredited institution, for which applicant maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, is required for admission. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.  Applicants must complete and interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form and,
    
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed master’s degrees and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
   
   Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters.
    
3. All applicants must submit a personal statement which includes:
   1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
   2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to this program and,
   3. description of the areas which the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
   4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
4. Names of two people (including their title, organization, email, and phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
    
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Doctoral Degree Programs Admission Requirements

A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, for which applicant maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, is required for admission. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants must complete and interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form and,
    
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.

   Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters.  

3. All applicants must submit a personal statement which includes:

a.  brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
b.  statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to this program and,
c.  description of the areas which the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
d.  personal information the applicant wishes to share.

4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability.
    
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Program Admission Requirements for Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Track

To be admitted to the Saint Mary’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in the Advanced Standing track, a candidate must meet the following requirements.

Candidates must have earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors, within the last 10 academic years (for example, if a BSW was conferred in spring 2009, the student would need to enroll in and begin courses no later than spring 2019 in order to satisfy this requirement).

If BSW was earned more than 10 academic years ago, students may be admitted as Advanced Standing, but are required to successfully complete four social work generalist courses before being admitted to the program: Generalist Practice I and II and Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) I and II. If these courses are not available, an alternative will be developed with the student.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate classes must have been earned.

For students who do not meet the GPA requirements, the MSW Program Director will review transcripts. The student will be required to enroll in Saint Mary’s MSW equivalent courses for any BSW social work courses in which the student earned less than a B or A/B.

Additionally, regardless of GPA, if an Advanced Standing student received a C or below in BSW core social work course, they will be required to enroll in the MSW equivalents at Saint Mary’s.

Students are asked to address their undergraduate performance in the personal statement for admission.

Application Criteria for Students with International Transcripts

Students with transcripts from institutions located outside of the United States are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing, unless the foreign transcripts come from an institution located in a waiver country listed below. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)) with a minimum score of 72, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0, Duolingo Language Test with a minimum score of 100, the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51.

Additionally, students that have completed 30 undergraduate or 12 graduate credits from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of these credits from an institution in a waiver country listed below will be exempt from English Language Proficiency test.

Approved waiver countries
The United States (including all territories), the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada (except for the Quebec Province), Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands

WES/ECE and TOEFL/IELTS must be sent officially to Saint Mary’s through the respective testing organizations, along with the Saint Mary’s school code: 6632

Applicants with Three Year Baccalaureate Degrees

Applicants with three-year baccalaureate degrees from countries that are not part of the Bologna Process may also be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, applicants must have a degree in the same or similar field of study. The consideration process may include a review of total credits earned, professional experience, writing sample and program director interview. The program director will determine the adequacy of the submitted materials and that they meet the standards set in program handbooks. Applicants might be accepted on a conditional basis, which requires them to complete their first semester of coursework with a G.P.A of 3.00. 

Deferred Admission and Reapplication

Students are expected to begin their coursework in the semester for which they applied. Students may request to delay beginning their coursework by providing written notification to the admission office prior to the end of the entry semester. If approved, students will be required to meet the degree requirements effective at the time they enroll into the program. Students may defer up to two sequential semesters (or if the program only conducts one annual start the deferment would be limited to the next start), and students who do not enroll in courses within those two deferment semesters will be withdrawn and will be required to apply again.

See individual program pages for program specific requirements

Program Cancellations or Delayed Starts

Saint Mary’s University reserves the right to delay or cancel the start of any bachelor’s completion or graduate program or cohort.  Delays or cancellations may occur due to low course or cohort enrollment, lack of an instructor, or other factors.  New students will be notified of a canceled or delayed program start no later than 30 calendar days prior to the start of the term.  In the event of a delay, University Admissions staff will work with students to identify an appropriate program start time.  In the event of course cancellation, a full tuition refund will be applied to the student tuition account for all tuition and fees paid for the course within 14 calendar days.

Readmission

Students who have been withdrawn and wish to resume their studies must reapply in order to be readmitted. If readmitted, students must meet degree requirements effective at the time of readmission. Students seeking readmission must submit an application, and personal statement to initiate the readmission process.  The office of the registrar will determine if additional materials are needed to complete the application process.

Students seeking readmission who left Saint Mary’s not in good academic standing will be reviewed, and if approved, will be placed on academic probation and be subject to Academic Probation policy. 

Additional transcripts with credits students earned since last attendance at Saint Mary’s will be evaluated for transfer, based on the Transfer of Credit policy.  See Transfer Credit Policy and program for program specific transfer credit policy.

Immunizations

Minnesota law (M.S. 135A.14) requires all students born after 1956 and enrolled in a public or private post-secondary school in Minnesota to be properly immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, whooping cough, and rubella. There are allowances for disease, medical, and conscientious exemptions.  In addition, students might be automatically exempt if they graduated from high school in Minnesota since 1997 or they were previously enrolled in another college in Minnesota. An electronic form is provided for students to complete within 45 days after the start of the semester.  If the form has not been completed at that point, a registration hold is placed on the student’s account. The form is then made available for review by the Minnesota Department of Health and the local community health board. This form confirming proper immunization must be submitted within 45 days of attending class. Absent submission of the form, students may not remain enrolled.

Medical Clearances/ Background Checks for Students in Healthcare Programs

Students in healthcare programs who are involved in patient care are required to submit further proof of immunity to certain communicable diseases. A physician’s statement stating that the student is physically able to function as a student in the field of study may also be required. Students in programs who are involved in caring for vulnerable persons are required to submit to state criminal background checks.

Please see program student handbooks for specific information.

Minimum Technical Hardware Requirements

Saint Mary’s students are required to use a computer in their studies.  There are minimum hardware required specifications and, in some cases, program specific technical requirements.  Computers are necessary to connect with the online learning environment, enhance the interaction with instructors and classmates, and gain access to educational resources such as library databases and other resources. Students majoring in select academic programs may have additional hardware or software requirements.

Important note:  Smartphones and tablets do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at Saint Mary’s.  Coursework requires a full keyboard and a minimum screen size of 13 inches. Smartphones and tablets can aid and support coursework, but alone they are not sufficient.

Admission Status

At the time of admission, students are assigned an admission status.

Regular Admission

Regular admission status is assigned to all students who have completed the application process and meet all standards required by the individual program.

Conditional Admission Requirements

Students may be admitted conditionally if they do not meet all the academic requirements of their academic program. Students who are conditionally admitted must meet all requirements for regular admission within the first semester of their conditional admission.

Students required to complete prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation into a face-to-face program may request to take the necessary prerequisite coursework via online courses. 

See program pages for specific requirements.

Students must provide an official transcript within the first semester of their conditional admission. 

Students missing prerequisites may have additional time to complete the requirements, upon approval of the program director. Financial aid is available for students admitted conditionally.

Undergraduate Conditional status students must:

1. English Composition course or CLEP exam must be taken within the first semester of study at Saint Mary’s University and/or.        
2. Earn a GPA of 2.0 cumulative after attempting and completing 6 undergraduate credits following admission 

Graduate Conditional status students must:

1. Earn a GPA of 3.0 cumulative after attempting and completing 6 graduate credits following admission and/or
2. Complete requirements as specified by the program director and/or
3. Participate in specially designed communications and/or skill-building activities.

Students may reapply for the same program or another program at any time after being administratively withdrawn. Students may be re-admitted conditionally upon program director approval. Readmission may include additional academic requirements.

Special Admission

Students who are non-degree seeking, but wish to enroll for academic credit in courses within a degree program, are admitted as special status students. Special status students are admitted to courses on a space-available basis and must meet all course prerequisites.

Not all programs accept special status students.

An applicant will be considered for admission as a special status student when the following materials are received (some programs may have additional requirements):

• Completed application form.
• Nonrefundable application fee.
• ​An official transcript of undergraduate or last degree earned. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)

If a non-degree seeking student is seeking regular admission status into the program, that student should submit a written request for regular admission and submit the additional materials needed for regular admission to that program. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator.  A non-degree seeking student must be in good academic standing to be considered for regular admission. Credits earned and grades received as a special status student may apply toward the degree with approval of the program director.

International Student Services

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs welcomes the diversity international students add to the university community.

I-20 Forms

Upon admission, the student must notify the international student adviser located in Student Central of their intent to request a Form I-20.

The university will issue a Form I-20 to an international student only after the following conditions have been met:

1. Formally admitted to the university in an eligible program and,
2. Completed application for Form I-20 along with a photocopy of his or her passport and,
3. Proof of financial responsibility and other supporting documents as requested by the university. (Financial responsibility will be proven by the student’s submission of official documentation of cash resources in an amount equal to or greater than the cost of tuition, fees and books for one academic year and the cost of living for one academic year as determined by the Designated School Official. The documentation from the student must demonstrate the student has sufficient financial resources to live in the United States and attend the university without the benefit of additional funds.) and,
4. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $300.00 is required before the release of a student’s Form I-20 however, if the student is denied a visa, the tuition deposit may be refunded upon receipt of visa denial notice.

Students admitted with conditional admission status are not eligible for an issuance of the Form I-20.

The university will mail the Form I-20 via regular mail unless the student covers the cost of an express delivery system, so students who reside outside the U.S. must complete the Form I-20 issuance process no later than two months prior to the semester in which they plan to attend the university. Upon receipt of the Form I-20, the student must submit the Form I-20 to a U.S. Embassy or consulate to apply for an F-1 Student Visa.

All international students must maintain adequate health insurance while attending Saint Mary’s.

Transfer

To affect a transfer of schools, the F-1 student must complete the steps after admission:

1. Inform the school they are currently attending of their intent to transfer. Request the release of the Form I-20 record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and return a completed transfer recommendation form to the international student’s adviser.
2. Submit a completed application for Form I-20 along with a photocopy of their passport and,
3. Submit proof of financial responsibility and other supporting documents as requested by the university. (Financial responsibility will be proven by the student’s submission of official documentation of cash resources in an amount equal to or greater than the cost of tuition, fees and books for one academic year and the cost of living for one academic year as determined by the Designated Schools official. The documentation from the student must demonstrate the student has sufficient financial resources to live in the United States and attend the university without the benefit of additional funds.) and,
4. Submit a non-refundable required, tuition deposit of $300 (when the university receives the tuition deposit, student’s Form I-20 is released).

International Student Housing

Twin Cities Campus

The Twin Cities Campus is a nonresidential campus. There is no on-campus housing available to students. The Twin Cities Campus has limited on-campus employment available.

Winona Campus

Saint Mary’s University does offer limited housing and a variety of meal plan options for graduate students enrolled on the Winona Campus. Residence halls offer single rooms only. The university does not have family housing available. Space is limited and rooms are assigned on a first come basis.

Transfer Credits

UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER POLICY

Students applying for a Bachelor of Science degree program will have all previously completed coursework reviewed at the time of official transcripts being received. This coursework does not have to be completed at one singular institution or through one singular means. A maximum of 90 semester credits will be accepted in transfer toward the 120-semester credit degree requirement. A C- or better must have been earned in a course to qualify for transfer.

Transfer credit is accepted from traditional course-based courses and from non-traditional learning mechanisms. The Bachelor of Science degree requires a minimum of 60 credits to be earned from course-based learning, including the SMUMN coursework required for the degree major. The remaining 60 credits may be based on alternative modes documenting learning including Credit by Standardized Examination, American Council on Education (ACE) credits, and Credit for Prior Learning (CPLE).

Accreditation Status

While accreditation status may signify a standard of excellence in course design and delivery, no single accreditation body is identified as the only source of this quality assessment. Credit may be accepted from regionally accredited institutions, or non-regionally accredited institutions that hold specialty or national accreditation if they are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (DOE). SMUMN may accept courses that do not meet the CHEA or DOE recognition if the program offering the transfer course has been approved by a SMUMN internal review process. Individual degree levels and programs review the type of accrediting bodies most applicable to their academic outcomes.

Transfer of credits from non-regionally accredited institutions

If otherwise qualified prospective students from non-regionally accredited institutions meet the SMUMN admissions requirements, they will be admitted to their desired degree. Up to 30 credits from non-regionally accredited colleges and universities will be accepted according to the following policy:

Saint Mary’s may accept transfer credits from institutions with candidacy status from a regional accreditation agency or from other accredited institutions provided that: (1) The institution grants a baccalaureate or associate’s degree; (2) the institution is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) or Department of Education (DOE); (3) the courses presented for transfer are shown to have equivalency or are determined to be of “traditional academic nature” and are acceptable to an institutional academic department.

Transfer of credits for veterans and current military personnel

Enlisted service members or former enlisted service members enrolling into any SMUMN undergraduate degree will be automatically granted three (3) credit hours upon entry to the university.

Saint Mary’s may accept transfer coursework completed in the Armed Forces of the United States and in programs of the United States Armed Forces Institution (USAFI). Enrolling students must arrange for transcripts from Joint Services Transcript (JST) to be sent to SMUMN for evaluation. 

Transfer of credits completed outside the U.S. and its territories

Students whose prior academic experience includes coursework completed outside of the United States and its territories must provide an evaluation of coursework from an international credentialing evaluation service. Select Canadian institutions are exempt from requiring international credentialing. 

Preparatory/Developmental/Remedial Transfer Credit

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota does not award transfer credit for courses taken at the preparatory, developmental, or remedial level. 

Credit by Standardized Examination

Transfer credit is accepted from college-level examinations offered by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP). Students entering any Saint Mary’s program must submit official transcripts from the testing agencies for transfer credit consideration. Scores from any college-level examinations may not replace the grades for the same course taken at the post-secondary level.

American Council on Education (ACE) Credits

Transfer of credit from alternative online modes documenting learning such as StraighterLine, Sophia Learning, etc., are made using the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE).  Only ACE recommended credit is accepted unless it has been approved by a SMUMN internal review process. An official transcript from the entity must be presented in order to obtain transfer credit.

Conversion of Credits

All transfer credit awards are made in semester credits. Transcripts for evaluation that use a system other than semester credit are converted to semester credits and rounded to the nearest hundredth.

Transferring Duplicate Courses

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota generally does not allow for duplicate courses to count as transfer credit. Some exceptions to this may include, but are not limited to:

• Practical music courses
• Special topics courses
• Practical and other experiential courses such as residencies, internships, or service learning.

Substitutions and Waivers

Transferred coursework may be used as course substitution, as approved by the academic department through which the course substituted is offered. Course substitution is initiated by the student through the completion and submission of a course substitution form. All approved courses substituted will fully count toward a student’s overall credits and will meet programmatic requirements, unless otherwise specified.

Course and program prerequisites and program requirements may be waived if a transfer course meets the standards for waiver. A waiver of a prerequisite or an academic requirement does not result in the award of academic credit. Students who receive waivers for any course must make sure they are meeting credit totals for graduation requirements.

The office of the registrar approves substitutions and waivers upon the recommendation of the program director.

Duplicate Credit

Since credit for specific learning is awarded only once, courses that duplicate learning in content and level will receive credit only once. The program director will review the similarity of learning in the courses that are approved by the registrar.

Credit for Prior Learning & Experience (CPLE)

SMUMN recognizes that students possess a wide variety of experience and knowledge prior to enrollment in a degree program.  Students may earn college credit for experience and knowledge gained outside a formal college setting by participating in the Credit for Prior Learning & Experience (CPLE) process.

Prior learning and experience may include, but not limited to: professional certification and licensure, work experience and training, military, professional development, and volunteerism.

Students seeking credit through CPLE must first obtain approval from the University’s CPLE Coordinator.  The CPLE Coordinator will assist the student in navigating the process. 

Credits earned through CPLE count toward a student’s elective credit requirement for degree completion.  Students may be granted up to 35 credits.  There is a fee structure associated with CPLE. Students cannot duplicate credits transferred as part of the CPLE process.

Graduate Degree Programs

General Transfer
Credits earned prior to matriculation into any graduate-level program at SGPP may be accepted as transfer credit upon the approval of the respective school. Students initiate the request for transfer credit by completing the Transfer of Graduate Credit Form. Credits transferred may fulfill program requirements or elective coursework. Transfer credit may only be applied to a student’s record if the courses were not used as part of a conferred degree at any level (i.e. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) unless they were applied as part of a conferred Saint Mary’s degree. Independent study courses or dissertation credits are not eligible for transfer.

Students may transfer a maximum of:

• Six (6) credits for master’s degrees, with the exception of the Master of Social Work program that may accept up to twelve (12) credits
• Six (6) credits for Graduate Certificates in Educational Administration (no other Graduate Certificate qualifies)
• Twelve (12) credits for doctoral degrees

Students must seek transfer credit by the end of the first semester of graduate study. To be considered for transfer, credits must meet the following criteria in addition to any program-specific requirements as listed in the program handbooks:

1. Must be listed on an official transcript
2. Must have been earned at a regionally accredited institution or evaluated according to domestic credentialing for international transcripts
3. Must be at the graduate level
4. Must be earned with B grades or higher or with a Pass grade
5. Must be similar in content to the coursework in the student’s graduate program
6. Must have been earned within 10 years preceding matriculation 

Students may be required to provide syllabi showing a course’s outline and learning outcomes as part of transfer credit review.

Specialist Degree Programs

A maximum of six post-master semester credits earned prior to matriculation at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota may be accepted in transfer upon the recommendation of the program director and approved by the registrar as fulfilling program requirements or as electives.  Students initiate the request for transfer credit by completing the Transfer of Graduate Credit form for the registrar.

Independent study courses are not eligible for transfer into the program.

Doctoral Degree Programs

A maximum of 12 graduate level semester credits earned prior to matriculation at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota may be accepted in transfer upon the recommendation of the program director and approved by the registrar as fulfilling program requirements or as electives. Students initiate the request for transfer credit by completing the Transfer of Graduate Credit form for the registrar.  Independent study courses are not eligible for transfer into the doctoral program. No transfer credit will be allowed for dissertation credits.

Transfer of Credit from Lasallian Academy

Credits earned from the Lasallian Academy at Universidad de Lasalle transcripted on an international transcript may be accepted into transfer without an evaluation by a third-party source provided that:

• the coursework and syllabi was approved by a U.S. regionally accredited institution of learning
• that same institution has qualified the faculty teaching the course
• the credits must meet the criteria listed in the graduate transfer credit policy in addition to program -specific requirements as listed in program handbooks or documents

These credits may be accepted in transfer upon the recommendation of the program director and approved by the registrar. These transfer credits may fulfill program requirements or elective coursework.

Transfer Credit Appeal

Students can appeal transfer credit equivalencies to the office of the registrar within 60 calendar days from date of evaluation.  Students must appeal in writing and provide a course description and syllabi to support the nature of the appeal.  The office of the registrar will respond with a decision within 15 calendar days