Applications for fall admissions are due by January 15. The deadline for spring admission applications (reserved for part-time students only), is October 1. Application files that are fully complete by January 15 and October 1 will be reviewed for admission. Final decisions are typically made by mid-February for fall admission and mid-October for spring admission.
Application Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Completed online application to the Clemson Graduate School. This application includes three essays students must complete.
- Competitive GRE scores
- Two references who can speak to the applicant's ability to be successful in completing graduate level work. This ability includes but is not limited to: overall intellectual capacity, academic background, and professional experience. It is preferred that one of these references be from faculty member who can speak to the students’ academic performance and ability in higher education. The student affairs program does not accept transfer students per se. That is, individuals who have started working on a graduate degree in student affairs or a related degree at another institution must apply to this program in the same way as any applicant. However, Clemson can accept up to 12 graduate course credits from another institution. Transfer courses must meet the requirements of a Clemson graduate course, must be approved by your Clemson University academic advisor, and must have been taken within six years from the date you will complete your graduate degree.
To begin the application process, click the "Apply" link. link. Materials can be submitted online, but any supporting materials must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions so that they can be officially processed and added to your file.
Mail all documents to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Clemson University
E-209 Martin Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Full-time students are required to have a graduate assistantship in order to be in the program. The student affairs graduate program is designed for students who obtain a graduate assistantship in a student affairs or student services functional unit in order to emphasize the theory to practice philosophy of this program. Graduate assistantships are competitive and are typically obtained through the Clemson University Graduate Admissions Recruitment and Selection CUGARS process. The program is also designed for professionals already working in higher education settings who intend to maintain their full-time employment while they complete their coursework. Because the size of each cohort is determined by (a) available assistantships and (b) faculty capacity, applicants who do not receive an assistantship with Clemson University or who are not full-time employees in higher education settings should NOT expect to have a space in the cohort. The program have designed this program on the belief that students’ academic coursework should be accompanied by hands-on, concurrent work experience, as students’ practitioner experience is constantly referenced through the program curriculum.
Student Affairs Assistantships: click here
Helpful Tips for Student Affairs Program Applicants
The student affairs program faculty seeks to admit a diverse cohort from the applicant pool, thus we review applicant files comprehensively. The admission process for this program is highly competitive. The stronger your application, the better chance you have of being offered admission. The applicant pool varies from year to year, however, so it is not possible for us to convey specifics regarding test scores or other factors.
We want to admit students who have the potential to succeed in graduate school. Strong applicants show evidence of academic success (e.g., undergraduate GPA of 3.00 and above), potential for success in graduate school (e.g., evidenced by GPA, GRE scores, and recommendation letters) and analytical thinking skills (e.g., analytical writing section of the GRE).
We also look for individuals who have an ability to work well with others, possess leadership skills, have a passion to work with college students and possess a desire to become culturally competent. Application essay questions provide an opportunity for applicants to address these areas.
Finally, we expect applicants to have some knowledge of student affairs and to be able to articulate their specific interest in the profession. Applicants are encouraged to chat with or briefly shadow people who are currently working as student affairs professionals on a campus.
