Admissions Requirements

You may set up your admissions profile to begin tracking your required materials.

Start your application here.

Prompt for the Letter of Intent:

Write a two to three page double-spaced autobiography showing the evolution of your career interests.  It may be helpful to review Seattle University's mission, vision, and values, and program information first. Explain why you are interested in pursuing graduate study in student development/student affairs, higher education or a related field. If you are making a transition from another career area, how might your skills and interests apply to student development?

Note:  The cover letter for the graduate assistantships is separate from your letter of intent.  You should submit two separate documents if you wish to be considered for a GA position.

Prompt for the GA cover letter:

In relation to Seattle University's educational mission and values, (a) share your current work history and leadership experience, and (b) describe which specific departments and/or areas in student development you are most interested in learning about through an assistantship and why.

Provide a professional resume documenting your education, volunteer, and professional experience, especially as it relates to the field of student affairs.

• In your application, you will be prompted to select two recommenders. 
  • Provide your recommenders' email addresses. 
  • They will automatically be sent a form of 20 questions on which to rank you. 
    • Estimated time to completion is 10 minutes. 
  • Formal letters of recommendation are not necessary.  
• When choosing recommenders:  
  • Consider employers, supervisors or educational mentors who are familiar with your work and interpersonal skills.  
  • Do not choose therapists, family members or friends. 

Please complete a self-evaluation of your skills and aptitudes as they pertain to graduate school.

January 5, 2024 is the priority deadline #1 for the following summer or fall. Priority deadline #2 is Februrary 1, 2024. Applications are accepted until September 1, 2024, space permitting. 

The application for Seattle University's Graduate Assistantships is included as part of the admissions application.  Applicants will submit a cover letter in their online profile, in addition to the letter of intent.  The selection processes for admissions and graduate assistantships are separate.  The faculty admissions committee will review files for program admission.  The Student Development Division and site supervisors will review the graduate assistantship cover letters and select admitted students for interviews, which will take place during Preview Days.

Prompt for the GA Cover Letter:

Prompt: In relation to Seattle University's educational mission and values, (a) share your current work history and leadership experience, and (b) describe which specific departments and/or areas in student development you are most interested in learning about through an assistantship and why.

You will receive an admission decision within six weeks of the application deadline. If you apply after the priority deadline(s), you will receive your admission decision within six weeks of submitting your application.  

Admitted students are invited to attend one of two Preview Days sessions which take place on campus March 7-8, 2024. There will also be a virtual Preview Day on March 18, 2024 from 12:00 - 1:30pm PT. On average, students will interview for 3-5 graduate assistantship positions at this time.