Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Equipping you for success
Congratulations on success in your undergraduate studies. A graduate degree from SFA will take your knowledge and skills to the next level, making you an even more attractive candidate to prospective employers.
Our graduate programs are known for the strong culture of support and individualized attention we offer students. We welcome individuals with wide-ranging talents and interests, and look for prospective students who not only seek a rigorous academic program but also want to embrace our many learning opportunities.
We offer study abroad programs, faculty- and student-led research projects, internships and graduate assistantships. Most importantly, the opportunities for success continue after you complete your degree. Numerous employers recruit leaders directly from our well-respected graduate programs.
Graduate program options
Our master's and doctoral programs are designed to help you reach your career goals. Explore our graduate program offerings now. We also have several online graduate programs available.
Applying to the graduate school
Master's program requirements
To apply for a master’s degree program at SFA, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be in your final year of undergraduate work;
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; or
- Have 95 or more semester hours of undergraduate work at SFA and be approved as an Overlap Student (an undergraduate pursuing graduate and undergraduate studies at the same time).
GPA requirements
Generally, all applicants must have an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Minimum GPA requirements vary depending on your academic major. Visit your major department’s website to check its admission requirements.
GRE and GMAT test requirements
Depending on the graduate program you’re pursuing, you may be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
- The GRE General Test is a multiple-choice exam designed to measure verbal, analytical and quantitative skills. There also are GRE Subject Tests in 17 fields of study.
- The GMAT measures prospective students’ likelihood of success in graduate management programs.
Letters of recommendation and essays
Letters of recommendation and/or essays may be needed, depending on your academic major. Visit your major department’s website to check its admission requirements.
Doctoral and terminal degrees: additional requirements
Our doctoral and terminal degrees — the highest degree offered in a field of study — have more application requirements. You can find them on the programs’ webpages:
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry
- Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Fine Arts
Clear admission
This admission status allows students to work toward a graduate degree.
Generally, if you have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a 2.8 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, you are a candidate for clear admission. You’ll also need recommendations from the department you’re interested in and the appropriate academic dean.
Probationary admission
This admission status allows you to work toward a graduate degree, but you must earn a B average on coursework in your first twelve semester credit hours of study (or the number of hours set by the graduate advisor). Probationary students who do not meet that objective will be placed on academic suspension.
To be considered for probationary admission, you must have an overall GPA of 2.3 and the consent of a program advisor, and you must be recommended by the major academic department and the appropriate academic dean.
Probationary admitted students aren’t eligible for financial aid.
Applying to SFA: The process
Here’s a checklist of what you will need to apply to SFA:
- completed application to SFA
- your official undergraduate transcript
- and your official GRE/GMAT scores (if required by your program)
The cost for applying to SFA as a graduate student is $50. You’ll pay this at the end of the application process.
Tip: If you are applying for a program that requires an application essay, write it ahead of time — that way, you can simply copy and paste your final draft into the online application.
Transferring credits
Post-baccalaureate students may apply a maximum of six credit hours — earned with grades of B or better — to a thesis program OR 12 credit hours — earned with grades of B or better — to a non-thesis program. There is an exception: ALL hours earned in an SFA certificate program can be considered for transfer into a graduate degree program.
To transfer credits from other institutions, you’ll need to submit an official transcript of the courses to be considered and have the approval of the appropriate academic department and academic dean.
When will I hear back?
Decision letters are typically sent out within 1-3 weeks. Once you apply, you’ll get your own mySFA account within one week. mySFA is the official communication method of the university, so it’s important that you log on and set up your account.
After you apply, don’t forget:
Log on and set up your mySFA account right away. Financial aid awards, housing assignments and class registration are all done through mySFA.
Get started early! You don’t have to be admitted to apply for aid. Learn more about the different aid options that may be available to you, like grants, loans, scholarships and more.
Bacterial meningitis immunization requirement
In order to live on campus or take face-to-face classes, state law requires new students have a bacterial meningitis vaccine, that is less than five years old, administered at least 10 days prior to the start of term.
On campus housing is available for graduate students. Use mySFA to apply for housing. Early applicants can begin applying for their specific housing preference after December 18th.