Who is encouraged to apply?

College graduates with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, or higher, who have interest, experience, and/or have exhibited leadership in student affairs (e.g. activities, residence life, multicultural/international affairs).

Students with a variety of backgrounds and majors are admitted to our program. Some enter with extensive undergraduate experiences, some work full-time in student affairs or in a related field, and some have recently graduated from their undergraduate institution. All applicants must have at least attained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

How do I apply?

All applications for admission to the master's programs in educational policy and leadership must originate with the Graduate School. Individuals interested in applying to the program should apply online on the Graduate School website. Students begin studies in the fall of each academic year.

Materials to be submitted for application

• Online Graduate School Application Form and application fee
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions except Marquette
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant's academic and professional potential
• A statement of purpose
• A professional resume
• Prospective Student Informational Department Visit (optional but recommended)

Deadlines

• December 1 - International students for fall admission and priority consideration for assistanships 
• January 15 - Domestic students for fall admission and priority consideration for assistantships
• July 15 - Final consideration for fall admission

* Applicants should keep in mind that the financial aid deadline for fall admission is February 15. Financial aid applicants must have all materials submitted on or before this date.

Application Instructions

Applicant files are reviewed comprehensively, emphasizing all aspects of applicants' backgrounds. Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose and professional background receive particular attention in the review process. If necessary, the department faculty may request a prospective student to schedule an Informational Department Visit before making a final decision. Visits may be scheduled through the Graduate Assistant for SAHE Recruitment.

To ensure a smooth application process, the following steps are recommended:

• Complete your online application through the Graduate School prior to sending in other application materials, such as transcripts.
• Plan to have all pieces of your application completed one month prior to the application deadline.
• Be sure to inform the individuals you choose for recommendations that filling out the online assessment is not enough. They must upload their letter online, prior to the application deadline.
• Applicants should make sure that their files are fully complete by the application deadline.
• Apply under the EDPL graduate studies as a Master of Education (M.Ed.) student with a specialization in Student Affairs in Higher Education (EDPL-M.Ed.-SAHE).