Graduate Programs

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• History
• Continuing Traditions
• Admission to Graduate Study
• Admission Procedures
• Admission Procedures for International Students
• Student Status

From 1926 to 1959, Saint Michael’s offered a variety of master-level programs including a master of education degree; master of arts degrees in English, French, history, Latin, and sociology; and master of science degrees in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. These early programs were offered only in the summer and generally were directed to training religious and other teachers serving in Catholic schools.

By the mid-1960s, most of these early programs were phased out. However, the Graduate Programs in Education were continued, and the 1960s saw the initiation of the Graduate Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (1963).  In the late 1950s the Graduate Education Program began a graduate certificate program in guidance which branched into a counseling program.  In 1984, this program became the current Clinical Psychology Master’s Program. In 1962, the Graduate Program in Theology was founded.  The Master’s Degree Program will close in 2012, but the Theology Program continues to provide seminars, conferences and workshops in theology and pastoral ministry.

In 1979, the Graduate Program in Administration and Management was added to Saint Michael’s graduate offerings. During this time, graduate courses were also offered on a year-round basis in order to meet the needs and interests of the growing number of students who wished to pursue advanced studies at the College. In addition, a number of educational options such as certificate programs, summer institutes, and special workshops were developed to broaden opportunities for specialized study. In 2008 the Graduate Program in Administration was phased out.  Classes will be offered through May 2012 to allow students to complete their degrees.

At present, over 450 students are enrolled on a part- or full-time basis in the three programs in any given term. In general, the Graduate Programs focus on the development of practical as well as theoretical skills and the preparation of professionals whose interests lie in education, community, or public service.

The Graduate Programs continue to exemplify the Saint Michael’s tradition of quality education that prepares students to contribute to both a chosen field of study and the communities in which they live. These programs respond to educational needs in Vermont, in the nation and beyond, by providing practitioner-oriented programs in a variety of fields. In these professional fields of study, students are expected to achieve a level of competence and scholarship that will mark them as leaders.

The Graduate Programs provide opportunities for lifelong learning, giving students and faculty the chance to share a process of educational and social growth meant to enrich professional and personal experiences, as well as the academic environment. We also hope that graduate students, faculty, and staff will strive to reflect the moral values of the College in all aspects of their professional and personal lives, not only on the campus and in the workplace, but in church and service affiliations, in political participation, in family and neighborhood interactions, and in contacts with people from different countries and cultures.

The Graduate Programs seek students who possess qualities of intellect and character that will enable them to benefit from and contribute to a rigorous program of advanced studies. Each applicant is judged on individual merit without regard for race, color, creed, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin. An otherwise qualified individual will not be excluded from admission solely by reason of his/her disability.

The Graduate Programs use a rolling admission policy. This means that applications are reviewed and decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Applicants are accepted to one of three terms: fall, spring, or summer.

An application to a graduate program can be deferred for three terms (one year) only.  Then, if the student has not completed the application process, the application will be withdrawn and reapplication must be made.

Accepted students who do not register for classes for the term for which they are accepted are considered withdrawn unless the student notifies Graduate Admission.  If requested, an acceptance can be deferred for up to three terms (one year) only.

All persons applying for graduate admission, including an advanced certificate program, must complete the entire admission process. An admission packet containing all the necessary instructions and forms is available upon request or can be found on the Web at: www.smcvt.edu/graduate/admission. Application can be made online.

Admission decisions are made by the program director in consultation with other key people in the Graduate Programs. Meeting applicant requirements and following admission procedures does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Acceptance is also not guaranteed for students who enroll in courses as a non-degree student. Applicants are notified of the admission decision after all requirements of the admission process have been satisfied.

Conditional admittance is offered only under specific instances at the discretion of the Program Director and Director of Graduate Admission. Any conditions must be met in the time frame specified or admission can be denied.

Application materials are sent to Graduate Admission in one envelope, which is provided with the paper application. Detailed instructions are given in each application. Requirements vary by program. Please see individual programs for details on program requirements and procedures for admission.  For questions on admission, please email graduate@smcvt.edu or call Graduate Admission, 802.654.2251.

All application materials and an application fee should be sent in one envelope to:

Saint Michael’s College
Graduate Admission, Box 286
One Winooski Park
Colchester, VT 05439

International students should follow admission procedures for the program to which they are applying. In addition, international applicants must also:

·     Submit a financial statement (bank statement or financial certification from employer) verifying that you have sufficient financial resources to provide for academic and personal expenses while attending Saint Michael’s College. A form is included as part of the Graduate Application and should accompany the bank statement.

·     Submit a photocopy of your passport page showing the correct spelling of your name and the date of birth. (I-20’s cannot be prepared without this and your financial statement.)

·     Enter the US on a student visa (F-1), if not a US citizen or resident.

·     Submit English language translations of foreign transcripts from the issuing institution.  We reserve the right to request an applicant to submit evaluation(s) of offical transcript(s) by an approved outside agency that verifies the attainment of the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree if needed.

·     Submit verification of one of the following minimum test scores (for applicants whose native language is not English):

TEST MINIMUM SCORE
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 550 (213 on the computer-based test; 79 on Internet-based test)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5

MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) 77

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) /CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) C

APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) 3

PTE (Pearson Test of English) 57

Graduate students are classified in one of the categories listed below.

1. An auditor is a student who receives no course credit, but must complete the normal registration procedures.
2. A non-degree student is one who is registered for credit, but is not formally admitted to a degree program. Students must apply for admission and be accepted prior to or upon completion of twelve credit hours or risk not having additional credits applied toward the degree.
3. A degree student is one who has been formally admitted to a program of study through the application process.
4. A certificate student is admitted on either a post-bachelor’s or post-master’s level. Information on the certificate programs is available in the program area descriptions.