How to Apply to a Graduate Program at St. Mary’s

Graduate programs at St. Mary’s University are dedicated to equipping students with an advanced academic degree, which is becoming increasingly essential in both the public and private sectors. Here, esteemed faculty work closely with a select number of students to help cultivate their intellectual growth and professional preparedness.

Below is some helpful information regarding the Graduate admission process. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 210-436-3126 or graduate@stmarytx.edu, or visit our Graduate Admission FAQs page.


Graduate Admission Checklist

Most programs require applicants to submit the following materials to be considered for admission. Some programs also require a personal essay or an interview with the program director. For specific information on graduate studies admission procedures, view the admission requirements for each program or contact a graduate studies admission specialist at 210-436-3126 or graduate@stmarytx.edu.

A complete application includes the online graduate application and the required program documents. See below:

  • Official university transcripts
    • Domestic graduate applicants: Submit to St. Mary’s University Office of Graduate Admission an official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate accredited college or university to graduate@stmarytx.edu or mail to: St. Mary’s University, Graduate Admission, 1 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228
    • International graduate applicants: If you have international credentials or currently hold a visa, please visit the Graduate International Students webpage for more information.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two professional recommendations (three are required for doctoral programs) are also needed from individuals who can address your intellectual competence and potential for success (i.e. professors, employers, etc.). Recommendations must be written on institutional/business letterhead.
  • Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose should identify your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, your experience in the field and your plans for the degree upon graduation.
  • Graduate Admission Test Scores
    • Test scores are valid for five years after the test date. Tests may be waived for students who already have a graduate degree. The appropriate test should be taken before registration; however, for some degree programs, tests may be taken during the first semester of enrollment, with continued enrollment contingent upon test results.

Graduate Domestic Application Deadlines

Academic TermApplication Priority Deadline
Fall Semester (August to December.)July 1
Spring Semester (January to May)Nov. 15
Summer Semester (begins late May/early June)April 1

Graduate International Application Deadlines

Academic TermApplication Priority Deadline (if you are outside the U.S.)Application Priority Deadline (if you are inside the U.S.)
Fall Semester (August to December)May 1June 15
Spring Semester (January to May)Oct. 1Nov. 15
Summer Semester (begins late May/early June)Feb. 1March 15

Graduate Admission Test Scores

The GRE/GMAT/MAT test is optional for prospective students applying to most graduate programs (non-law).

The following exceptions apply:

  • Test scores for Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision are still required.
  • Please note, some programs will still require scores if the applicant’s cumulative GPA is below 3.0. Contact the program director for more information.

St. Mary’s University school code is 6637.


Graduate Enrollment Deposit

Accepted graduate students who intend to enroll at St. Mary’s University are required to submit a $100 non-refundable graduate enrollment deposit online to reserve their seat in the entering class. This non-refundable enrollment deposit will be applied to the student’s account when they begin academic course work at St. Mary’s as reflected on the first semester statement.

The following groups of students are eligible for a deposit waiver:

  • Currently enrolled St. Mary’s students who are accepted to a combined degree program (bachelor’s/master’s), joint degree (J.D./master’s program), or a combined graduate degree program (master’s/master’s or graduate certificate)
  • Eligible military personnel
  • Current St. Mary’s University employees

Graduate students who are accepted and who intend to enroll at St. Mary’s will receive access to the payment portal when they complete the Graduate Enrollment Confirmation Process and indicate their intention to enroll. Both the Graduate Enrollment Confirmation Form and the payment portal are made available to students upon receipt of their official offer of admission to the University and can be found in the St. Mary’s University Application Portal.

Should you have any questions about the required $100 non-refundable graduate enrollment deposit, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 210-436-3126 or graduate@stmarytx.edu.


Graduate Programs

St. Mary’s Univerisity offers graduate degrees and certificates from the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Greehey School of Business, and College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. To view our law graduate programs, visit the School of Law website.

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