How to Apply-Student Development Administration

1. Research the Student Development Administration (SDA) program to see if it’s right for you.
   • Review the program info on our website
   • Learn more about scholarships and financial aid
   • Attend an Info Session
   • Request a pre-recorded Info Session
   • Schedule a meeting with an Admission Counselor  
   • Schedule a campus tour
2. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines 
   • The SDA program offers two priority application deadlines. Applying by the first priority application deadline ensures your application will be considered for a Preview Day Invitation and Graduate Assistantship Interviews.  
   • After the second priority application deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline, pending space in the program.

Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

The Student Development Administration application includes the following elements: 

1. Letter of Intent 
   • Two-to-three-page, double-spaced, personal statement showing the evolution of your career interests.  
   • 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?   
   • How have your salient identities (race, ethnicity, LGBTQIA, first-generation, international, religion, etc) shaped your interests and passion for a career in the student development field?
   • It may be helpful to review Seattle University's mission, vision and values, and program information first. Then please speak to why you are choosing Seattle University.
2. Résumé
   • Provide a professional résumé documenting your education, professional and leadership experience and volunteer work, especially as it relates to the field of student affairs.
3. Two College of Education Recommendation Forms  
   • Two recommendations forms are required. 
   • Once you've started your application, you will add their email address and they will receive a link to the evaluation form. The form should only take them 15 minutes to fill out.  
     • These forms are what is evaluated – please do not include letters of recommendation. 
4. Bachelor’s Degree 
   • From an accredited college or university in any field.
5. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
   • As calculated from the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, or post-graduate work, including transfer credits 
   • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA or from non-graded bachelor's degree programs must submit official GRE scores. 
6. Official Transcripts  
   • Submit official transcripts for undergraduate coursework and all additional endorsement-related courses to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
   • Transcripts may be mailed or submitted electronically to grad-application@seattleu.edu.
   • Applicants may be accepted to the program with unofficial transcripts. Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.  
7. Graduate Assistantship Applicants Only
   • Submit cover letter addressing the following prompts: 
     • In relation to Seattle University's educational mission and values:
       • Share your current work history and leadership experience.
       • Describe which specific departments and/or areas in student development you are most interested in learning about through an assistantship and why.
   • Submit the names and contact information for three references. They can be the same or different from those you include in your program application. If possible, however, references should be able to speak to your professional experience and skills. 

1. Submit your application.
   • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
   • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received including your recommendation forms.
   • The SDA program does not require an interview.

1. Check Your Status
   • You can login here to check the status of your application anytime.
2. Monitor your email
   • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision. 
   • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.