Admissions Criteria—M.A. Programs

The University of Santa Monica uses the following criteria to evaluate each applicant’s completed application:

• Commitment to life-long learning
• Prior successful academic coursework
• Ability to think clearly and write well
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, state-approved, or acceptable foreign institution
• Ability to effectively use USM’s M.A. Programs to achieve one’s learning objectives
• Emotional/psychological maturity; including interpersonal competencies, attributes, and skills necessary to be successful in an academic graduate program with experiential components
• Ability to function as an actively involved learner
• Excellent references from past professors or professional colleagues
• Foreign students need a minimum TOEFL score of 560 or more

Admissions Requirements—M.A. Programs

The following are required for applicants seeking Admission to our Degree Programs:

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an institution of acceptable standing
• Registration deposit of one month’s tuition ($600)
• Submission of a completed Application for Admission within 30 days, including transcripts and three letters of recommendation

If you are seeking consideration for Admission as an International student, there are additional requirements.

Note: If you are seeking Admission as a non-degree student, please see page 58 of the USM Catalogue.

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