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 Recommendation Forms  
   
   • 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 or higher 
   • From an accredited college or university in any field.
5. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
   • For information on GPA calculations for admission, please visit the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page.
   • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA might be considered for probationary admission and can submit an additional GPA explanation statement. Applicants with a non-graded bachelor's degree are required to submit a GRE/GMAT test score.
6. Required Transcripts  
   • Submit official or unofficial transcripts for your most recent coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
     • For additional information on transcript requirements for admission, please visit the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page. 
   • Transcripts may be submitted electronically to  grad-application@seattleu.edu or mailed.
   • 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.
   • You will be asked to 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.