For specific details regarding any of the requirements below, please review our international doctorate admission requirements.
If you have a specific question please email our office at SAUInternational@saumag.edu. We typically respond to emails within 24 hours, so please be patient. If it is time-sensitive, you can call us at 870-235-4082. We do not discuss admission status over the phone.
Application deadlines and Review Protocol:
- A rolling review of completed applications will begin each year and continue until each annual cohort is filled. Core doctoral courses begin each Fall semester. Those who apply and are invited into the program by May each year, may take electives for the program during the Summer term.
- Very competitive admissions process and cohort space will be limited. Although all documents are received and qualified, the admissions committee may still reject your application.
The steps below are for both initial applicants
Step 1 – Fill out Application and upload all your documents
Step 2 – Pay the $100 Application fee
The application fee is nonrefundable. If you defer your admission to the following semester and we have processed and created your I-20 then you will be required to pay the fee again.
Step 3 – Submit English Proficiency Scores (Mandatory)
The English requirement can be waived for students holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited school within the United States.
You must submit one of the following scores that are not more than 2 years old.
Some English-speaking countries are exempted from this requirement.
Minimum English Requirements (must meet one of the following)
- A score of 577 or higher on the written TOEFL
- A score of 90 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL
- A score of Band 7.0 (overall) on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- If your English scores are below the required minimum for admissions, you may consider:
- Retaking your English proficiency exam
If you have completed your undergraduate or another masters degree in the US then this requirement is waived.
Step 4 – Provide Proof of Financial Support
- Fill out and email the SAU Affidavit of Support [pdf] form showing at least $16,000.
- Upload your supporting documentation, such as a bank statement or a bank letter stating you have the required funds to support your educational expenses. (These need to be within a few months.)
*** If you are fully online from outside the U.S. you may skip steps 5 ***
Step 5 – Submit Copies of Immigration Documents
Upload a copy of your immigration documents:
- Passport
- I-20 from current school (if you have one)
- U.S. Visa (if you have one)
- I-94 (if you have one)
Step 6 – Evaluate Graduate Transcript (Mandatory)
Courses completed at foreign (non-US) colleges or universities will be considered for doctoral admission if the student has a transcript evaluation done by one of the following companies:
- Educational Perspective
- IEE
- WES
- Spantran
- or other private credential evaluation agencies approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.
The evaluation needs to include a “course by course” analysis with GPA. Requirement is a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative GPA in your most recent graduate degree or post graduate coursework.
US Transcripts and foreign (non-US) Transcript Evaluations are to be sent to the university officially at the address below. Do not upload or mail these yourself.
SAU International Office
100 East University
MSC 9224
Magnolia, AR 71753
Step 7 – Upload curriculum vitae/resume
Step 8 – Provide contact information for two references
Step 9 – Submit Statement of Purpose
- Submit a statement of purpose expressing the applicant’s professional trajectory, career goals, the value of rural and diverse educational experiences in life, and reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree at this time. The statement of purpose will be evaluated as a writing sample. Statement of Purpose Instructions provide additional guidance.
Begin Application Process
