Program Admission

Admission criteria help ensure students are able to excel and maximize growth as an educational leader. Applications are received between July 1 and April 1 prior to selection of each fall cohort. The first cohort will be admitted for fall 2021. Admission is in accordance with the requirements of the Southern Arkansas University School of Graduate Studies as found in the Southern Arkansas University Graduate Catalog, and the following application and admission requirements.

Requirements

1. There is no standardized test (GRE, MAT) required for applicants who are United States citizens.
2. Applicants must be in good standing with the institution they last attended (and eligible for re-admission) in order to be eligible for admission to Southern Arkansas University.
3. Prospective students must submit an application through the online admission portal found on the website at saumag.edu/graduate. There is a $100 fee required to submit an application. Applications are accepted from July 1 to April 1 only. All application supporting documents must be submitted prior to April 1. Late or incomplete applications and supporting documents will not be accepted.
4. Students will not be admitted on a conditional or part-time basis.
5. Submit official transcripts reflecting a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 from an accredited institution. Official transcripts must be mailed to School of Graduate Studies, 100 East University, MSC 9302, Magnolia, AR 71753 or sent electronically from the prior university via E-Scrip-Safe or Speede to: gradstudies@saumag.edu.
6. Two recommendation forms must be received through the online admission portal. The forms gather feedback regarding the applicant’s professional and academic experiences, leadership capacity, and potential for scholarly research and writing. Applicants must submit contact information for two professional references early enough to ensure recommendations are completed prior to April 1. Do not send recommendation letters. The portal must be used.
7. Submit comprehensive curriculum vitae.
8. Submit statement of purpose expressing applicant’s professional trajectory, career goals, the value of rural and diverse educational experiences in life, and reasons for pursing a doctoral degree at this time. The statement of purpose will be evaluated as a writing sample. Statement of Purpose Instructions provide additional guidance.
9. Upon request, complete an online interview with program faculty and/or staff.
10. International students must meet additional requirements as described in the Southern Arkansas University Graduate Catalog and at saumag.edu/international.
11. If admitted, additional coursework may be required for the following reasons:
    
    1. Students seeking licensure
    2. Students not having a master’s degree in the field of education
    3. Academic deficiencies as determined by the advising committee
12. Educational Leadership Focus (K-12) applicants seeking superintendent’s licensure must, at the time of application, be a licensed building-level administrator with at least one year experience as a building-level administrator. Documentation of licensure(s) must be uploaded as supporting documents prior to April 1. Note: Admission requirements are subject to change based on state licensure requirements for district-level administrators.

Application Process