Admissions Procedures

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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.

Requirements for Matriculating Students:

  1. The completed online Graduate Program Application.
  2. A $50 application fee. Online payments may be made here.  (Fee is waived for employees of the University.)
  3. ​​​A three-part Statement of Purpose, four pages maximum, 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?
    c.  Describe the most transformative leadership experience you have 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 transcript (verifying the minimum of a bachelor's degree) from an accredited institution. 

  • An undergraduate 3.0 GPA is required for full admittance; however, provisional admittance may be considered for applicants that demonstrate academic promise.  
  • Electronic transcripts (ex. e-Script, Parchment) from your graduating institution are recommended.  If electronic transcripts are not an option, please mail official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Atwood Hall
23 Romoda Drive
Canton, NY 13617

6. Two current academic letters of recommendation attesting to your aptitude for graduate study. 

7.  Up-to-date Immunization Records.  You will be required to provide proof of MMR and MMV immunizations.  A meningococcal meningitis waiver must be completed if you have not received the MMV vaccination. Forms are available in the Office of Graduate Programs, 35 Atwood Hall.

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.**

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. Any late applicants who miss an application deadline and wish to enroll in coursework must complete the Procedures for Enrolling 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. Decisions should be expected within one to two weeks after each deadline. Selected students will then receive, by email, an official acceptance letter and a checklist of items to prepare for the upcoming semester, including matriculating and registering for classes. 

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

Information for Foreign Students

In order to study at the university, international students must contact the Office of International Student Services to begin the process of receiving approved documentation.  It is the responsibility of the student to work with that office to ensure proper enrollment.  Upon successful admission to the graduate program, the Education Department will forward required documentation to the Office of International Student Services.   

Tsewang Lama
Coordinator Int'l Student Services
Student Center
tlama@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5552