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Masters and Graduate Certificate Programs
SHSS accepts applications to the Master’s and Graduate Certificate programs from any
person who possesses, or is in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree from a
regionally accredited university. Master’s and Graduate Certificate applicants should have a
minimum GPA of 3.0 in their bachelor’s program. Applicants must complete all bachelor’s
degree requirements before beginning graduate studies.
Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. and Graduate Certificate programs in Conflict Analysis
and Resolution include high-level undergraduate academic performance and/or relevant
current working experience; a life passion or practical interest in using skills and theories
in specific settings after graduation; the ability to think clearly in challenging interactions;
tolerant, nonjudgmental attitudes and open-mindedness toward different types of people;
and the ability to combine assessment skills with compassion and fairness.
Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. in Family Therapy include a major emphasis on
applicants who are familiar with and interested in learning systemic theories and therapies.
They also attend to applicants’ comfort with cultural and ethnic diversity and their ability
to connect with people in crisis. Applicants who demonstrate significant ability to listen to
others, engage in conversation, and learn from dialogue will be best prepared for
admission. The admissions essay must include specific citations of family therapy literature
to provide a rationale for the applicant’s decision to pursue a career in marriage and family
therapy.
Criteria for acceptance into the M.A. in Cross-disciplinary Studies include a solid
undergraduate academic performance, and the desire to engage in a self-designed
curriculum in more than one discipline. Applicants should possess an intellectual curiosity
and open-mindedness toward different types of people and perspectives.
Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. and Graduate Certificate programs in National
Security Affairs include a solid undergraduate academic performance; relevant current
work experience or demonstrated interest in the field; the ability to think clearly in
challenging interactions and analyze seemingly disconnected information; and open-
mindedness toward different types of people and perspectives.
Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. and Graduate Certificate programs in College Student
Affairs include high-level undergraduate academic performance and/or relevant current
working experience; a life passion or practical interest in using skills and theories in
college and university settings after graduation; the ability to think clearly in challenging
interactions; tolerant, nonjudgmental attitudes and open-mindedness toward different
types of people; and the ability to combine assessment skills with compassion and
fairness.
Non-degree Seeking Students
SHSS accepts applications for non-degree seeking students from any person who
possesses a bachelor’s degree or is waiting for their degree to be conferred from a
regionally accredited university. Non-degree seeking students may take up to three
classes (9 credits). These credits may transfer into an SHSS degree program. If a non-
degree seeking students wishes to enter a degree program, s/he must formally apply to
the program of interest.
