2025-2026 Graduate Academic Catalog 
    
    Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Academic Catalog

Admission Requirements



Applicants wishing to pursue graduate studies at Saint Leo University must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Admission decisions are competitive and based on consideration of all criteria. Candidates who, in the judgment of the University, clearly show the potential for success in graduate work will be accepted for admission. Each graduate program has special admission requirements. Applicants are evaluated individually. The candidate's motivation, maturity, work experience, and leadership qualities are carefully considered along with academic records and test scores. Applications should be submitted 60 days prior to the beginning of the term in which the applicant wishes to enroll.

All applicants must submit the following regardless of program: 

  • Online Application 
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.   
    • For program speepcific requirements, please see program's information below. 
  • If you are under the minimum required GPA by program, please see additional requirements below: 
    • Current résumé. 
    • Two letters of recommendation, preferably from supervisors that have known the candidate for at least six months.  
    • A personal statement of professional goals that includes a minimum of 500 words that addresses the following areas if under minimum GPA:   
      • What are your professional goals and how will a Graduate degree from Saint Leo University assist you in reaching those goals?  
      • Based on your previous collegiate, professional, and life experiences, why do you think now is the right time for you to enroll into this graduate program? 

International Admissions:   

Worldwide & Center Location Graduate and Doctoral Programs:  

All international students whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of English language proficiency by at least one of the following:   

  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT   
  2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum score of 6.50   
  3. Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 53   
  4. Duolingo Test-minimum score of 120   
  5. For students who received their Bachelor's in the US, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States.   
  6. Successful completion of a NAFSA or CEA-recognized ESL program   

   

University Campus Graduate Programs:  

All international students whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of English language proficiency by at least one of the following:a. 

  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 45 iBT   
  2. International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.0   
  3. Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 35   
  4. Duolingo Test minimum of 80   
  5. For students who received their Bachelor's in the US, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States.   
  6. Successful completion of an Association of International Educators or Commission (NAFSA) or Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) recognized English as a Second Language (ESL) program   

Students who meet these requirements are eligible for admission to Saint Leo University through the Bridge Program. Graduate students will be required to take the foundation component of their program. Students' English Proficiency scores will determine placement into the Bridge program.   

Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meet or exceed one of the following: TOEFL 79 iBT, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 53, ELS Level 112. Duolingo 120.   

Saint Leo University reserves the right to require a student to take Bridge classes to increase English proficiency in a particular area, regardless of total test scores. Other English language examination results will also be considered, and experience studying in the English language, as documented through school transcripts, will be taken into consideration. 

Non-Degree Seeking:   

Saint Leo University enrolls a limited number of visiting students who wish to take select graduate-level courses for credit, but who do not want to study for a degree. These students must complete an application and indicate that they are not degree seeking. Non-degree-seeking students are accepted at all locations. Non-degree-seeking students may take coursework in any modality, and are limited to 24 credit hours with Saint Leo University. Students wishing to take more than 24 credits should contact an Enrollment Counselor for information on applying to be a degree-seeking student.

Non-degree-seeking students will appear with an "NDS" program label in the university's systems, and be unable to self-register online through the eLion self-service portal. Non-degree-seeking students should consult assistance through the graduate program office from which they wish to register. These students can still obtain an official transcript of completed coursework by following the official transcript request procedures outlined on the website: www.saintleo.edu/registrar.

Veterans eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) educational training benefits must be in a degree-seeking status in order to qualify for VA benefits. Admission requirements may also be imposed by providers of financial aid or military tuition assistance.

Students on an F-1 Visa are also not eligible to be non-degree seeking.

Master of Science in Accounting

Applicants must meet the following requirements:  

  1. A bachelor's degree in Accounting from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA 
  2. If GPA is lower than 3.0, GMAT required with composite score of 1,050 [(GPA x 200) + GMAT] Official GMAT test results should be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Test scores more than five years old are not accepted at the graduate level, but are for undergraduate accounting majors. 
  3. Students with a 3.0/4.0 GPA and a non-accounting undergraduate degree will be required to take the appropriate undergraduate courses as pre-requisites. 

Master of Business Administration— University Campus Program

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 

  2. A minimum of two years of professional work experience. 

  3. A minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in last 60 hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university. 

  4. Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may be evaluated by the Admission director and program chairs. If accepted, the student will be given a provisional admission that allows the student to take full-time course load during his or her first enrolled term, and the student must earn a grade of B or higher to continue in the program. 

Master of Business Administration—Online Programs

Applicants must submit the following documents:

 

  1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 
  2. A minimum of two years of professional work experience. 
  3. A minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in last 60 hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university. 
  4. If the applicant has less than 3.0/4.0 GPA, a minimum GMAT score of 500 can be used to meet this criteria. Official GMAT test results should be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Test scores more than five years old are not accepted. 
  5. Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may be evaluated by the MBA Director, who may recommend admission to the Office of Graduate Admission. If accepted, the student will be given a provisional admission that allows the student to take only one course during his or her first enrolled term, and the student must earn a grade of B or higher to continue in the program. 

 Master of Business Administration—International & Experiential Program

Applicants must meet the following requirements:  

  1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university unless student is currently enrolled in a Saint Leo University 3+1 Accelerated Degree Program simultaneously taking both undergraduate and graduate courses. 
  2. A minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in last 60 hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university. 
  3. If the applicant has less than 3.0/4.0 GPA, a minimum GMAT score of 500 can be used to meet this criteria. Official GMAT test results should be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Test scores more than five years old are not accepted. 
  4. Applicants who do not meet the admissions requirements may be evaluated by the MBA Director, who may recommend admission to the Office of Graduate Admission. If accepted, the student will be given a provisional admission that allows the student to take only one course during his or her first enrolled term, and the student must earn a grade of B or higher to continue in the program. 

Master of Science in Computer Science

Applicants must submit the following documents: 

  1. A bachelor's degree in Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), or related area from a regionally accredited college or university unless student is currently enrolled in a Saint Leo University 3+1 Accelerated Degree Program simultaneously taking both undergraduate and graduate courses. 
  2. A minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university in USA, or an equivalent degree from overseas. 
  3. Students with undergraduate degrees not related to Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), will be required to take the appropriate recommended pre-requisite courses to meet eligibility requirements for admission to the graduate program. 

Master of Science in Cybersecurity- University Campus Program

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. A bachelor's degree in Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), or related area from a regionally accredited college or university unless student is currently enrolled in a Saint Leo University 3+1 Accelerated Degree Program simultaneously taking both undergraduate and graduate courses. 
  2. A minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university in USA, or an equivalent degree from overseas. 
  3. Students with undergraduate degrees not related to Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), will be required to take the recommended pre-requisite courses to meet eligibiityeligibility requirements for admission to the graduate program. 

Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Online

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. A bachelor's degree in Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), or related area from a regionally accredited college or university unless student is currently enrolled in a Saint Leo University 3+1 Accelerated Degree Program simultaneously taking both undergraduate and graduate courses. 
  2. A minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university in USA, or an equivalent degree from overseas. 
  3. Students with undergraduate degrees not related to Computer Science (CS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Management Information Systems (MIS), will be required to take the appropriate undergraduate courses. 

Doctor of Business Administration in Management

Doctor of Business Administration in Management (DBA) applicants must submit the following materials by the published deadlines:

  1. Official transcript indicating successful completion of a master's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited university with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.00. A U.S. $235 credential evaluation fee or United States equivalency must accompany transcripts from foreign institutions certified by an approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University. 
  2. If the applicant has less than 3.00/4.0 GPA, a minimum GMAT score of 550 can be used to meet this criteria. Official GMAT test results should be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Test scores more than five years old are not accepted. 
  3. Completion of the Saint Leo University application. 
  4. Three years of work experience. 
  5. A current and up-to-date resume. 
  6. A personal statement (see below). 
  7. Two letters of reference, one professional and one academic. 

Personal Statement

Complete a personal statement that includes the following:

  1. Explain how your professional experience and academic background make you an ideal candidate for doctoral study (1 page).
  2. Describe your specific area of interest. Explain how conducting research in this area will help you fulfill your career objectives (1 page).
  3. Describe your future career goals upon completion of this program (1 page).

Interview

All Doctor of Business Administration in Management (DBA) applicants will be interviewed as part of the admissions process.

Seat Deposit

Upon offer of admission, student must submit a nonrefundable $500 seat deposit to ensure their space in the incoming class.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, unless otherwise approved by the Director.
    Statement of Professional Goals - If your Bachelor's degree in under a 3.0 cumulative GPA please complete an essay of 500 words at minimum outlining your professional goals. The essay should address the following questions:
    1. What are your professional goals and how will an MCJ from Saint Leo University assist you in reaching those goals?
    2. Based on your previous collegiate, professional, and life experience, why do you think now is the right time for you to enroll into the MCJ program?
    3. How do you think you will be able to handle to academic rigor of a graduate program that requires students to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA?
  2. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  3. Applicants who do not meet the admissions requirements may be evaluated by the Program Director, who may recommend this student for admission to the Graduate Admissions Office. If accepted, the student will be given a provisional admission that allows the student to take only one course during his or her first enrolled term, and the student must earn a grade of B or higher to continue in the program.  If the provisionally admitted student receives less than a grade B (lower than a 3.0 GPA) in the first class, they will be terminated from the program.
  4. Provisional admission as a non-degree-seeking student may be granted only for up to six semester hours of graduate work.
  5. Completed applications will remain active for two years.

Doctor of Criminal Justice

Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program applicants must submit the following materials by the published deadlines:

  1. Official transcript indicating successful completion of a master's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited university with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.00. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  2. If the applicant has less than 3.00/4.0 GPA, the application file will be reviewed by the Director of the Program
  3. A statement of professional goals
  4. Two letters of reference, professional or personal.

Master of Education

Follow the application process described below for these education programs: Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Reading

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo University's online Graduate Education programs:

  1. Recommendation letters: ESE with reading degree requires two letters of recommendation. Candidates for educational leadership must submit two copies of the Professional Recommendation form for the Master of Education: Educational Leadership available online. Educational leadershp multistate candidates may provide either letters or use the educational leadership recommendation form (One must be from their current admisistrator).

  2. Candidates of the Florida state-approved Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program must submit two most recent performance evaluations demonstrating instructional expertise at the effective or highly effective level. Candidates for the multistate educational leadership program are waived from this requirement.

  3. Copy of the applicant's valid [JL1] teaching certificate is required for the Florida state approved M.Ed. in Educational Leadership concentration. Multistate educational leadership candidates may be waived from this requirement.

  4. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office from the former institution, unless otherwise notified by a University official. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a NACES approved evaluation service. Graduates or former Saint Leo University students do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University. A GPA of 3.0 overall or in the last 60 hours is required.  Those with GPAs of 2.5 to 2.9 can be admitted as a provisional acceptance and must receive a B or better in the first 2 classes. Those below a 2.5 may be admitted based upon evaluations and recommendations. Those applications will be reviewed by the Director of Graduate Education or the program administrator for educational leadership.

Once all of a student's documents have been received, you can expect official notification of our admission decision within 30 business days.

Post Master's degree -Education Specialist

  1. Complete Graduate Application for Admission form. 
  2. GPA of 3.00 or higher, in a Masters of Education or related field. Related Field: Guidance, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, School or Agency Related. Additional backgrounds may be considered as per the Program Director. 
  3. Two Letters of Recommendation (Work and/or Academic is accepted). 
  4. Current resume; three years of documented, related work experience. 
  5. Goal statement should be 1-2 pages and address the following questions: What do you consider the most important aspects of ethical leadership for school leaders and why? 
  6. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts of they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University. 

Mandatory $250 seat deposit. 

 

Doctor of Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. GPA of 3.00 or higher, in a Masters of Education or related field.  Related Field: Guidance, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, School or Agency Related. Additional backgrounds may be considered as per the Program Director.
  2. Two Letters of Recommendation (Work and/or Academic is accepted).
  3. Current resume; three years of documented, related work experience.
  4. Goal statement should be 1-2 pages and address the following questions: Why does common sense matter to leadership roles?
  5. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit  transcripts of they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  6. Mandatory $250 seat deposit.

Master of Social Work: One-Year Full-Time Advanced Standing Cohort

Applicants seeking admission to the one year full-time advanced cohort must meet all the following admission requirements:

  1. A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited social work program within the last five years.
  2. An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25.
  3. Attained a B- or higher in all junior- and senior-level social work courses.
  4. One official copy of all academic transcripts, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit  transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University. Transcripts must arrive in envelopes sealed by the Registrar.
  5. Three letters of recommendation from those who can comment on your academic abilities. One of the three professional letters of reference required must be from the BSW field director/coordinator/liaison or BSW program director, or the agency-based field supervisor where the applicant completed his or her BSW field internship.
  6. Submit a copy of the senior fieldwork evaluation from your undergraduate social work program. If the evaluation is no longer on file, submit a letter from the social work department describing the following: practicum setting, types of clientele and/or groups of clientele, duties performed, and final grade. If you have not entered your internship, submit the social work professional skills form completed by your employer or a BSW social work faculty member who can attest to your generalist practice skills.
  7. Résumé includes education, work history, volunteer history and references
  8. A personal statement of 3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages addressing the following questions:
    1. What are your specific professional goals? How would the Saint Leo University Master of Social Work Program, with its emphasis on advanced clinical social work practice and management, help you to achieve your goals?
    2. Please describe how you will complete the normal daytime work hours for internships.
    3. What particular personal strengths do you bring to the social work profession? What limitations do you perceive you have? How have both been demonstrated?
    4. What other personal or professional experiences or qualities do you see as aiding you in your goals?
  9. Social work practicum and employment agencies frequently require criminal background checks for students and employees. While past convictions do not necessarily preclude admission to the MSW Program, they may affect availability of practicum placements and future employability.

    Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any crime that involved harm or the threat of harm to another person? If yes, describe the circumstances that led to the court action, the year of conviction, and an explanation of your plans to cope with potential limitations on your practice of social work once you graduate from the MSW Program. Students are responsible for updating the MSW Program on any convictions and/or criminal charges after they are admitted to the MSW Program. Students with felony convictions might not be eligible for licensure as an LCSW in the their state.
     
  10. A personal interview and/or additional information as requested by the program's Admission director and program chairs.
  11. Be in good standing at the last institution attended.

There will be no credit given for work experience.

Master of Social Work: Part-Time Advanced Standing Cohort

  1. Applicants seeking admission to the Part-Time Advanced Standing Program must meet all the following admission requirements:
  2. A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited social work program within the last five years.
  3. An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25.
  4. Attained a B- or higher in all junior- and senior-level social work courses.
  5. Complete Saint Leo University graduate school application.
  6. One official copy of all academic transcripts, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit  transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University. Transcripts must arrive in envelopes sealed by the Registrar.
  7. Three letters of recommendation from those who can comment on your academic abilities. One of the three professional letters of reference required must be from the BSW field director/coordinator/liaison or BSW program director, or the agency-based field supervisor where the applicant completed his or her BSW field internship.
  8. Submit a copy of the senior fieldwork evaluation from your undergraduate social work program. If the evaluation is no longer on file, submit a letter from the social work department describing the following: practicum setting, types of clientele and/or groups of clientele, duties performed, and final grade. If you have not entered your internship, submit the social work professional skills form completed by your employer or a BSW social work faculty member who can attest to your generalist practice skills.
  9. Résumé includes education, work history, volunteer history and references
    1. A personal statement of 3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages addressing the following questions:
    2. What are your specific professional goals? How would the Saint Leo University Master of Social Work Program, with its emphasis on advanced clinical social work practice and management, help you to achieve your goals?
    3. Please describe how you will complete the normal daytime work hours for internships.
    4. What particular personal strengths do you bring to the social work profession? What limitations do you perceive you have? How have both been demonstrated?
    5. What other personal or professional experiences or qualities do you see as aiding you in your goals?
  10. Social work practicum and employment agencies frequently require criminal background checks for students and employees. While past convictions do not necessarily preclude admission to the MSW Program, they may affect availability of practicum placements and future employability.

    Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any crime that involved harm or the threat of harm to another person? If yes, describe the circumstances that led to the court action, the year of conviction, and an explanation of your plans to cope with potential limitations on your practice of social work once you graduate from the MSW Program. Students are responsible for updating the MSW Program on any convictions and/or criminal charges after they are admitted to the MSW Program. Students with felony convictions might not be eligible for licensure as an LCSW in their state.
     
  11. A personal interview and/or additional information as requested by the program's Admission director and program chairs.
  12. Be in good standing at the last institution attended.

There will be no credit given for work experience.

Master of Social Work: Two-Year Full-Time Cohort

Applicants seeking admission to the two-year full-time cohort must meet all the following admission requirements:

  1. A cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA that led to the bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. If the GPA is below 3.0, a minimum score of 1000 (or its equivalent) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a minimum score of 410 (68th percentile) on the Miller Analogies test (MAT) will be required. 
  2. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a broad liberal arts preparation and at least 21 semester hours in social and behavioral sciences and 6 credits in each of the following: the natural sciences, the humanities and visual and performing arts, and quantitative reasoning. Those who are in the process of completing their undergraduate degree must complete all classes by June 30.  You will be provisionally admitted based on the following: 1) a submission of an official degree completion letter in your application packet, 2) submission of official transcripts by the end of the fourth week of the first semester in order to remain in the program, and 3) meeting all admission requirements.
  3. One official copy of all academic transcripts, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit  transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University. They must arrive in envelopes sealed by the Registrar.
  4. Provide three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should include one academic source, one professional source, and one additional source from either of the above.
  5. Résumé.
  6. A personal statement of 3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages addressing the following questions:
    1. What are your specific professional goals? How would the Saint Leo University Master of Social Work Program, with its emphasis on advanced clinical social work practice and management, help you to achieve your goals?
    2. Please describe how you will complete the normal daytime work hours for internships.
    3. What particular personal strengths do you bring to the social work profession? What limitations do you perceive you have? How have both been demonstrated?
    4. What other personal or professional experiences or qualities do you see as aiding you in your goals?
  7. Social Work practicum and employment agencies frequently require criminal background checks for students and employees. While past convictions do not necessarily preclude admission to the MSW Program, they may affect availability of practicum placements and future employability.

    Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any crime that involved harm or the threat of harm to another person? If yes, describe the circumstances that led to the court action, the year of conviction, and an explanation of your plans to cope with potential limitations on your practice of social work once you graduate from the MSW Program. Students are responsible for updating the MSW Program on any convictions and/or criminal charges after they are admitted to the MSW Program. Students with felony convictions might not be eligible for licensure as an LCSW in their state.
     
  8. A personal interview and/or additional information as requested by the Admission director and program chairs.

There will be no credit given for work experience.

Master of Social Work: Three-Year Cohort

Applicants seeking admission to the three-year cohort must meet all the following admission requirements:

  1. A cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA that led to the bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. If the GPA is below 3.0, a minimum score of 153 qualitative reasoning and a minimum score of 144 verbal reasoning or com on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a minimum score of 410 (68th percentile) on the Miller Analogies test (MAT) will be required. 
  2. Those who are in the process of completing their undergraduate degree must complete all classes by June 30.  You will be provisionally admitted based on the following: 1) a submission of an official degree completion letter in your application packet, 2) submission of official transcripts by the end of the fourth week of the first semester in order to remain in the program, and 3) meeting all admission requirements.
  3. One official copy of all academic transcripts, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit  transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.  They must arrive in envelopes sealed by the Registrar.
  4. Provide three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should include one academic source, one professional source, and one additional source from either of the above.  Letters from co-workers or personal relationships will not be accepted
  5. Résumé includes education, work history, volunteer history and references
  6. A personal statement of 3-5 double-spaced, typewritten pages addressing the following questions:
    1. What are your specific professional goals? How would the Saint Leo University Master of Social Work Program, with its emphasis on advanced clinical social work practice and management, help you to achieve your goals?
    2. Please describe how you will complete the normal daytime work hours for internships.
    3. What particular personal strengths do you bring to the social work profession? What limitations do you perceive you have? How have both been demonstrated?
    4. What other personal or professional experiences or qualities do you see as aiding you in your goals?
  7. Social Work practicum and employment agencies frequently require criminal background checks for students and employees. While past convictions do not necessarily preclude admission to the MSW Program, they may affect availability of practicum placements and future employability.

    Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any crime that involved harm or the threat of harm to another person? If yes, describe the circumstances that led to the court action, the year of conviction, and an explanation of your plans to cope with potential limitations on your practice of social work once you graduate from the MSW Program. Students are responsible for updating the MSW Program on any convictions and/or criminal charges after they are admitted to the MSW Program. Students with felony convictions might not be eligible for licensure as an LCSW in their state.
  8. A personal interview and/or additional information as requested by the program's Admission director and program chairs.

There will be no credit given for work experience.

Master of Arts in Creative Writing

  1. Official transcript indicating successful completion of an undergraduate degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.25 (transcript required). This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Admission director and program chairs.
  2. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  3. A sample of the applicant's original creative work in the genre in which the student wishes to specialize. Poets must submit a minimum of 10 and maximum of 25 pages; prose writers must submit between 20 and 30 pages of original work. The document should have minimum 1-inch margins on all four sides of the page. All manuscripts should be in a serif font, in 12-point type. Some good examples are Times New Roman, Garamond, and Cochin. Prose manuscripts must be double-spaced. 
  4. A personal statement detailing the candidate's reasons for pursuing graduate study in creative writing, and their goals for obtaining the degree. (see below)

Master of Arts in Theology

  1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, unless otherwise approved by the Director of the program.
  2. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  3. A letter of application indicating interest and desire to pursue this program.
  4. One letter of recommendation.
  5. Provisional admission as a non-degree-seeking student may be granted only for up to six semester hours of graduate work.
  6. Completed applications will remain active for two years.

Doctorate in Theology in Applied Theology

  1. Master's degree in theology or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4-point scale.
  2. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  3. Two letters of recommendation from instructors and/or professional colleagues.
  4. Current resume or curriculum vitae that documents at least four years of related work experience
  5. Statement of professional goals, including specific area of interest, of 1-2 pages
  6. 10-15 page writing sample

Master of Science in Psychology

  1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, unless otherwise approved by the program Director.
  2. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis, to be approved by the program Director.
  3. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended, foreign and/or U.S. institutions, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be either evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluation service. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file at the University.
  4. A personal statement of professional goals and how Saint Leo's the MS in Psychology program will help to achieve those goals.
  5. Two letters of recommendation.
  6. Provisional admission as a non-degree-seeking student may be granted only for up to six semester hours of graduate work.
  7. Completed applications will remain active for two years.

 Readmission Policy

Saint Leo University students who have been previously accepted but never enrolled or who have not taken courses for one year (3 semesters or 6 terms consecutively) must be readmitted to the university. This policy is applicable to students who voluntarily and involuntarily withdraw from the university, regardless of the reason for the withdrawal.  

Students who wish to return must apply for readmission at least one month prior to the intended date of return. The MSW program requires readmission application at least one semester before the intended return date to accommodate internships. Students will be evaluated on current admissions requirements. Readmitted students will follow the catalog and curricular policies and requirements in effect at the time of return. If their original program requirements have changed, they will have to meet any additional program requirements. If their original program no longer exists, they will have to select a different program and satisfy the requirements of that program. Students must submit all transcripts from schools attended during their absence from the university. Students who have been suspended for academic deficiencies or disciplinary reasons must meet the requirements given at the time of suspension before readmission can be considered and are required to submit a written appeal as part of the readmission process. Conditions for readmission may be specified. 

Students should contact the Office of Admissions reentry services at admissions@saintleo.edu to resume their program at Saint Leo. 

Military service members and reservists out for three or more consecutive semesters or more than seven terms because of military service are required to submit a new application and official transcripts. The university will readmit service members and reservists after their short absence due to service requirements/obligations, pursuant with the guidelines of section 484C [20 U.S.C 1091c] of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. For further information on the Department of Education's policy on re-admission for service members, please see www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/readmission.html. Students should contact the Office of Admissions reentry services at admissions@saintleo.edu or their advisor to resume their program at Saint Leo.