Admissions Criteria

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 (U.S. Bachelor's equivalent)
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 on the paper test, 220 on the computer test, or a total of 83 on the Internet-based test (with a minimum of 20 on each of the test components)

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 ($660)
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 51 of the USM Catalogue.