Graduate Application Requirements

General application requirements are listed below. Please visit individual program sections for more information on additional entry requirements. 

Application documents must be sent to the following address:

The Office of Graduate Admission

Mount Saint Mary’s University

10 Chester Place

Los Angeles, CA 90007

  1. Application and application fee.
  2. Statement of interest/application essay.
  3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended, both undergraduate and graduate, sent directly from each institution to the Office of Graduate Admission.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from persons who have had ample opportunity to judge the applicant's academic ability, achievement and professional potential. Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to request letters of recommendation from 3 individuals because requested letters do not always arrive by the admission deadlines.
    • Applicants for the Doctor of Physical Therapy require three letters of reference — one academic, one from a physical therapist, and one from an individual who can assess the applicant’s interpersonal skills.
  5. An interview with graduate faculty may be required, depending on the program.

Program-Specific Application Requirements:
  • DPT: DPT applicants must submit official GRE score reports to PTCAS.  All other required official test reports are to be sent to Graduate Admissions.  
  • MSN: applicants must meet all nursing department policies regarding health data, immunization/tests/titers  (i.e. TB, Polio, TD, Hepatitis B, Measles, Varicella, etc.), and criminal background check.  Contact Graduate Admissions for current requirements.
  • EDU: additional application requirements differ, depending on the credential and program pursued. Please visit program's section for more information.  
  • MFA Creative Writing: applicants are required to submit a 10-20 page writing sample.
  • MFA Film, Television and Photography: applicants are required to submit a creative portfolio.  

Expedited Application Requirements for MSMU Alums: 

Mount Alums are welcome to apply to the MBA and MSN program on a expedited basis. Below are the application documents required for the expedited application process for both programs.  

  • MBA: alums applying to the MBA program on an expedited basis only need to submit the following: 
    • Online Application 
    • Personal Statement 
    • Resume 
    • Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts and the $50.00 Application Fee are waived for MSMU alums. In order to qualify for the expedited application process, MSMU alums must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. 
  • MSN: alums applying to the MSN program on an expedited basis only need to submit the following:
    • Online Application 
    • Onsite Writing Sample at Time of Interview
    • Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, Resume, Transcripts and the $50.00 Application Fee are waived for MSMU alums. Only MSMU alums who have a 3.0 GPA or above are eligible for the expedited application process. 

Additional Application Requirements for International Students:

  • All international students are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS exam. Student must obtain a minimum score of 79 on the T.O.E.F.L. iBT exam (213 cBT, 550 pBT) or 6.5 on the I.E.L.T.S. exam in order for their applications to be considered for admission.
    • Students who have obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are exempt from having to submit a language exam.  
  • All international students are required to submit transcripts from his or her foreign university and a transcript evaluation from a NACES credential evaluation service member: http://www.naces.org/members.html.          
  • All international students are required to complete and submit an International Student Data (ISD) Form and a Financial Affidavit (i.e. Proof of Funds), demonstrating that the student is financially capable to fund his or her tuition costs and living expenses for the first year. 
  • Submit a medical certificate.
  • Complete necessary I-20 and visa documents.

Further details are published in “Information for Prospective Graduate Students From Other Countries,” included with the application forms.

Note: Exceptions to the requirements listed above may be requested by academic petition to the graduate advisor and Graduate Dean.