Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate Admissions

Common General Requirements:

1. Application for admission.

2. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university

3. Official transcripts  from college or university awarding undergraduate degree, and if applicable, transcripts from any college or university where graduate classes were taken.

4. International students: English language proficiency requirements vary by program, please review the requirements for the program of interest.

Admission requirements at the graduate level vary by program.  Please review the requirements for the program of interest.

No more than six credits can be transferred into any master’s degree program. Only credits from a regionally accredited college or university may be transferred into Maryville.*

 * Some academic programs will accept more than 6 credits in transfer.  Please see the individual programs for specific details.

 * Time limit on transfer courses may vary by program.

School or College: 

College of Arts and Sciences

Simon School of Business

School of Education

Walker College of Health Professions

International Applicant Graduate Admission Requirements

Academic Programs

*Applicants intending to study inside the United States on an F-1 student visa must be enrolled in a predominately on-campus academic program.

International students must submit the following:

Official course-by-course transcript evaluation with GPA calculation from a NACES-member evaluation service (naces.org) for any and all post-secondary school education occurring outside the U.S may be required depending on your program. Please confirm with your Enrollment Advisor if this evaluation is necessary to complete your application.    

• Students mid-program should send in-progress transcripts to Maryville for admission review.  

Official proof of English proficiency meeting one of the following minimum scores unless otherwise noted under individual program requirements:

• TOEFL IBT 79 or higher (no subscore lower than 18). The test date must be within two years of application.

• IELTS Score of 6.0 or higher (no subscore lower than 5.5). Test date must be within two years of application

• PTE Academic Score of 54 or higher. The test date must be within two years of application.

• DET Score of 105 or higher. The test date must be within one year of application.

• Undergraduate degree earned in the United States.

• Medium of instruction letters are only accepted for countries AACRAO identifies as a medium of instruction is English country.  

• From a country where English is the first and official language of the country and is noted in AACRAO.

   
Note: Maryville University does not offer admission without the submission of a test score or other proof of English proficiency. 
   
When scores for English language proficiency exams are inconsistent with the essay or writing sample submitted for admission to the university or academic program, a second English language proficiency exam, supplemental essay, and/or interview may be required for evaluating English language proficiency.  Evaluation of English language proficiency is separate and distinct from evaluation for admission to any given program. 
   
The Maryville University English proficiency requirements may be higher, lower, or equal to English proficiency requirements for programs/careers requiring licensing examinations and proof of English proficiency. The onus is on the student to understand licensing requirements for the state and/or country and to meet those requirements.

RECEIVING THE FORM I-20 DOCUMENT

Once admitted to Maryville University, the following documents must be submitted in order to receive the Form I-20:

$250 Advance Tuition Payment

Intent to Enroll Form

Financial certification:

• Confirmation of Financial Resources

• Proof of finances- recent, official, stamped, bank letter or bank statement verifying the financial ability

• Affidavit of Support - only required if not self-funding education

Copy of the biographical page of the passport

College of Arts and Sciences

Actuarial Science, M.S.   

1. Application for admission.

2. GPA (Grade Point Average): at least 3.0 (on 4.0 scale).

3. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
   * Additional official and/or unofficial transcripts may be requested during admission for financial aid reviews.

4. Official transcripts representing all graduate coursework.

5. A baccalaureate degree in mathematics or related fields with strong math background from an accredited college or university verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Maryville University. The student should be able to demonstrate a strong mathematics background through grades in mathematics courses, an undergraduate B.Sc. thesis involving mathematics, sciences, or risk analysis, or work experience involving actuarial science.

Data Science, M.S.    

This graduate program is designed to prepare students for careers as data scientists in business and industry, finance, marketing, health care sector, utility companies, nonprofit organizations, government, consulting firms, and research organizations. The 12-course program incorporates a curriculum that will assist students in solving real-world problems, developing and applying predictive models to concrete situations in business and finance, and critically analyzing how theory can be applied to practice. The program is a total of 36 credit hours and does require a commitment to taking some daytime courses throughout the program.

To be eligible for admission consideration, applicants must meet the Graduate School’s minimum requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a Regionally Accredited American College or University, or an equivalent degree from a foreign academic institution as determined by the Office of Admissions.

• A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions.

• Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
  * Additional official and/or unofficial transcripts may be requested during admission for financial aid reviews.

• Official transcripts representing all graduate coursework.

• English Proficiency Requirements 

Conditional Admission

Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

The requirements above also apply to: 

Big Data Graduate Certificate  

Machine Learning Graduate Certificate   

Artificial Intelligence, M.S.   

To be eligible for admission consideration, applicants must meet the Graduate School’s minimum requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a Regionally Accredited American College or University, or an equivalent degree from a foreign academic institution as determined by the Office of Admissions.

• A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions.

• Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
  * Additional official and/or unofficial transcripts may be requested during admission for financial aid reviews.

• Official transcripts representing all graduate coursework.

• English Proficiency Requirements 

Conditional Admission

Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

Strategic Communication & Leadership, M.A.  

1. Completed online application;

2. GPA (Grade Point Average): at least 3.0 (on 4.0 scale).

3. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
   * Additional official and/or unofficial transcripts may be requested during admission for financial aid reviews.

4. Official transcripts representing all graduate coursework.

5. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Conditional Acceptance

For those students whose grades do not meet the overall minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or whose admissions application is incomplete, conditional acceptance may be granted provided there is other evidence that the applicant has the ability to do satisfactory graduate work. Such evidence might include an excellent record of graduate work at another institution, high scores on any of the graduate school tests, or exceptional professional experience.

The John E. Simon School of Business

All Graduate Programs in the John E. Simon School of Business have the same admission and application requirements.

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university

2. Application for Admission

3. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
   * All official transcripts are required for students applying to the Accounting, M.S. and Accounting-Bridge, MS programs

4. Official transcripts representing all graduate coursework.

5. Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale*

 ^{*minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale for the Data Analytics program}

Conditional Admission: Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

Current Programs in the Simon School of Business include:

Accounting, M.S.  

Artificial Intelligence Security Graduate Certificate  

Business Administration, M.B.A.  

Data Analytics, M.S.  

Cybersecurity, M.S.  

Management and Leadership, M.A.  

Secure Software Development Graduate Certificate  

Secure System Design, M.S.  

Software Development, M.S.  

Systems Architecture Security Graduate Certificate    

Cybersecurity Incident Response Graduate Certificate   

Cybersecurity Penetration Testing Graduate Certificate  

Data Analytics Graduate Certificate  

Project Management Graduate Certificate  

School of Education

Master of Arts in Education

1. Application for admission.
2. Must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher grade point average with a conferred degree from an accredited university
3. Official transcripts from all current and previously attended accredited universities
4. No conditional acceptance will be allowed into any School of Education (SOE) graduate program.  Conditional is defined as students not meeting the admission criteria indicated by the SOE.
5. The Master’s in Educational Leadership program leading to Principal certification requires a minimum of two successful years completed of full-time classroom teaching. This requirement is also applicable for admission into the Principal Bridge to the EdD in Educational Leadership program.  

International applicants to the graduate programs in the School of Education must demonstrate English proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. TOEFL IBT 79 and sub-score of 18 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening  Test date must be within two years of application.
2. IELTS Score of 6.0 and a sub-score of 5.5 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The test date must be within two years of application.
3. DET Score of 105 or higher. The test date must be within one year of application.
4. An undergraduate degree in education is earned in the United States.

Prospective students who already have obtained a bachelor’s degree within the United States and who wish to become certified in the State of Missouri to teach Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary education may apply to the Post Baccalaureate Master of Arts in Education with a Certification program. Prospective students who already have obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education may apply for a Master of Arts in Education without Certification program. Prospective students who already have obtained an initial teaching certification may apply to the Master of Arts in Education Reading/Literacy Certification program. A transcript analysis is required to verify any additional State of Missouri certification requirements for all graduate programs.

The School of Education reviews all completed files and makes a recommendation for admission.   Candidates that are pursuing an initial teaching certification in Elementary, Early Childhood, Middle School, or Secondary will have to meet additional criteria, which include (passing all required DESE Assessments, Clinical Field Placements, and maintaining a minimum cumulative and professional education/content grade point average of 3.0).                  

Retention Policy

1. Retention in the School of Education, Graduate Programs is contingent upon maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and no more than one grade of “C+/C”. Certification-seeking students must also maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all professional education and content classes.
2. Any student receiving a “C+/C” in coursework will be required to meet with the course instructor and advisors to address any specific academic concerns. 
3. Students who receive a second grade of “C/C+” will be automatically dismissed from the program the semester in which the grade is received.
4. Students who receive one “D” or “F” grade will be automatically dismissed from the program the semester in which the grade is received.
5. If at any point during the semester a student’s GPA drops below 3.0, the student will be dismissed from the program at the conclusion of the semester in which the GPA falls below 3.0.

Education, M.A.Ed. - Early Childhood   

Education, M.A.Ed. - Reading and Literacy Specialization  

Educational Leadership (Principal Certification), M.A.Ed  

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

These programs are designed for practicing professionals. The EdD with a concentration in educational leadership is for those who have already completed an M.A. in Education and initial licensure for the principalship. The Ed.D. with a concentration in teacher leadership is for experienced teachers who want to lead from their classrooms or schools. Admissions requirements for the Ed.D. with a concentration in educational leadership and the Ed.D. with a concentration in teacher leadership are as follows:

1. Application for admission
2. Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0
3. Documentation of teacher certification for the Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership; documentation of principal certification for the EdD in Educational Leadership
4. Upon evaluation of individual credentials, up to nine hours of post-Master’s credit may be transferred to the EdD
5. Both the Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership program and the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program require a minimum of two successful years completed of full-time classroom teaching.

The Ed.D. with a concentration in higher education leadership is for those employed in higher education institutions or in schools or organizations with an expressed interest in working within higher education. Admissions requirements for the Ed.D. with a concentration in higher education leadership are as follows:

1. Application for admission
2. Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0
3. Upon evaluation of individual credentials, up to nine hours of post-Master’s credit may be transferred to the EdD
4. A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution 
5. Minimum of three years experience in the field of higher education or demonstrated professional leadership experience transferable to higher education

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12 Administration), Ed.D.  

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, Ed.D.  

Doctorate of Education in Teacher Leadership, Ed.D  

College of Health Professions

Health Administration, M.H.A.   

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Application for Admission
3. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
   * Additional official and/or unofficial transcripts may be requested during admission for financial aid reviews.
4. Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale

Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.  Applicants who have not completed a Statistics course will be considered for conditional admission.

Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.   

1. Application for admission (online application only via CSDCAS).
2. Official transcripts of all college and university courses completed must be sent directly to CSDCAS from the registrar of each institution attended. Students who have attended institutions outside the United States should provide comparably certified and evaluated documents(the use of services such as World Education Services–WES is highly recommended).
3.  A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required for acceptance into the master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Maryville University. This degree must be in communication sciences and disorders or speech-language pathology; alternatively, a “bridge” program or “leveling” sequence of undergraduate courses may be completed in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree in the major.
4. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; and a Major GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
    

Additional Admission Requirements

1. Degree: B.S. in Communication Science and Disorders, Communication Disorders, Speech Pathology OR an undergraduate degree in another area plus completion of the essential coursework in Communication Science and Disorders equivalent to the Maryville University courses below:
   Required Undergraduate Courses (or equivalents) with a grade of “B-” or higher:
   • CMSD 210  -  Phonetics  
   • CMSD 220  -  Speech and Hearing Science  
   • CMSD 310  -  Anatomy and Physiology of Speech  
   • CMSD 330  -  Language and Speech Acquisition  
   • CMSD 350  -  Speech Development and Disorders  
   • CMSD 360  -  Language Development and Disorders  
   • CMSD 410  -  Clinical Methods and Management  
   • CMSD 440  -  Audiology  
   • CMSD 480  -  Neurological Basis of Communication Disorders  
   • CMSD 485 - Advanced Speech Pathology   
2. Demonstrated knowledge, likely through undergraduate coursework, is required for each of the following: biological sciences (anatomy and physiology course is required), physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences. All ASHA prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “B-” or higher.

Music Therapy, M.M.T.   

Applicants can choose either the graduate-only or graduate equivalency track. Applicants for the graduate-only track must have active board certification in Music Therapy. Applicants who hold a degree in another area of music but who are not certified in music therapy are eligible to apply for the combined master’s/equivalency program. This program integrates undergraduate courses in music therapy required for certification with the master’s degree curriculum. Applicants who do not have at least 60 undergraduate credits in music will apply initially for the bachelor’s degree. Students must complete all educational requirements before applying for graduation, degree conferral, and the hooding ceremony.

Application requirements include:

1. Application for admission
2. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution.
   * Additional official and/or unofficial transcripts may be requested during admission for financial aid reviews.

3. Official transcripts representing all graduate coursework.

4. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.)

Conditional Admission: Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

International applicants to the Master of Music Therapy program must demonstrate English proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. TOEFL IBT 92 or higher (no subscore lower than 23). The test date must be within one year of application.
2. IELTS Score of 6.5 or higher (no subscore lower than 6). The test date must be within one year of application.
3. PTE Academic Score of 62 or higher. The test date must be within two years of application.
4. DET Score of 115 or higher. The test date must be within one year of application.
5. Undergraduate degree earned in the United States.
6. Medium of instruction letters are only accepted for countries AACRAO identifies as a medium of instruction is English country.
7. From a country where English is the first and official language of the country.

Maryville University does not offer admission without the submission of a test score or other proof of English proficiency. 

When scores for English language proficiency exams are inconsistent with the essay or writing sample submitted for admission to the university or academic program, a second English language proficiency exam, supplemental essay, and/or interview may be required for evaluating English language proficiency.  Evaluation of English language proficiency is separate and distinct from evaluation for admission to any given program.

The Maryville University English proficiency requirements may be higher, lower, or equal to English proficiency requirements for programs/careers requiring licensing examinations and proof of English proficiency. The onus is on the student to understand licensing requirements for the state and/or country and to meet those requirements.

Occupational Therapy, M.O.T.   

To qualify for entry to the post-baccalaureate master’s program applicants must:

• Have completed a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).  The degree must be completed by the end of the spring semester in which they submit their application.
• Completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester in which they submit their application.
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II
  • General Psychology
  • Human Development Through Lifespan
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Understanding Statistical Inference (Psychology or Math Statistics)
  • Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology
  • Medical Terminology 
• Submit an application through the Occupational Therapy Common Application System (OTCAS). The application must be submitted by February 1, 2025.
• The Occupational Therapy Program encourages and gives full consideration to all qualified applicants for admission.

Doctor of Physical Therapy, D.P.T.   

In order to begin the DPT coursework (courses with the PHTH prefex), students must be enrolled in the Health Science BS program. Successful completion of all courses in the first three years of the BS. Health Science, as outlined on the degree planning sheet, is a requirement for moving into the fourth year and graduate work. Please see the information regarding this freshman early assurance admit criteria by  clicking here . 

Maryville Students enrolled in the Exercise Science BS program should contact the PT Program Director prior to completion of the Exercise Science degree for information how to apply for post BS entry. No external candidates with post-bachelor degrees are admitted directly into this graduate program.  All courses and curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Nursing, M.S.N.   

The following MSN concentrations are offered by the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (ACPCNP) 
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) 
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) 
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) 
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) 

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a BSN from an ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE accredited program.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the United States.
4. Currently working as a registered nurse with at least 1 year of experience.

Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Nurse Certification Programs 

Each of the concentrations listed in the Master of Science in Nursing section are available as post-master’s certificates.

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a MSN from an ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE accredited program.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the United States.
4. Currently working as a registered nurse with at least 1 year of experience.

Current Programs include: 

Post-Masters in Nursing Certificate Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner  

Post-Masters in Nursing Certificate Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner  

Post-Masters in Nursing Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner  

Post-Masters in Nursing Certificate Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner  

Post-Masters in Nursing Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  

Nursing Practice, D.N.P.   

Post-MSN

1. MS or MSN from an ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE accredited nursing program.
2. Proof of current board certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
3. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the United States.
4. Minimum of 3.25 GPA in Master’s program in nursing on a 4.0 scale.
5. Currently working as a registered nurse with at least 1 year of experience.

BSN-DNP

1. A BSN from an ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE accredited nursing program.
2. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the United States.
3. A minimum of 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
4. Currently working as a registered nurse with at least 1 year of experience.

Graduate Bridge/Early Access Programs

Business Programs

The early access program provides students the opportunity to accelerate their progress toward a Simon School of Business graduate program.  Qualified undergraduate students may take 12 credit hours at the graduate level that counts toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students must have completed 75 undergraduate credit hours (at least 20 credit hours at Maryville) and have a grade point average of 3.25 to apply, but 90 credit hours to begin the graduate-level courses.  Click here for a listing of the graduate programs offered through the Simon School of Business.

Actuarial Science, B.S. to M.S. (Early Access)  

The early access program provides students the opportunity to accelerate their progress towards the graduate program in Actuarial Science.  Qualified undergraduate actuarial science students may take up to 12 credit hours at the graduate level that counts toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Students must have completed 75 undergraduate credit hours (at least 20 credit hours at Maryville) and have a grade point average of 3.25 to apply, but 90 credit hours to begin the graduate-level courses.

Data Science, M.S. (Early Access)  

The early access program provides students the opportunity to accelerate their progress toward the graduate program in Data Science.  Qualified undergraduate data science students may take up to 12 credit hours at the graduate level that counts toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Students must have completed 75 undergraduate credit hours (at least 20 credit hours at Maryville) and have a grade point average of 3.25 to apply, but 90 credit hours to begin the graduate-level courses.

Health Administration, M.H.A.  

The early access program provides students the opportunity to accelerate their progress toward the Master of Health Administration program.  Qualified undergraduate students may take 12 credit hours at the graduate level that count toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students must have completed 75 undergraduate credit hours (at least 20 credit hours at Maryville) and have a grade point average of 3.25 to apply.  

Strategic Communication & Leadership Early Access  

The early access program provides students the opportunity to accelerate their progress toward the graduate program in Strategic Communication & Leadership.  Qualified undergraduate students may take up to 12 credit hours at the graduate level that counts toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Students must have completed 75 undergraduate credit hours (at least 20 credit hours at Maryville) and have a grade point average of 3.25 to apply, but 90 credit hours to begin the graduate-level courses.