Graduate Student Admissions
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Whether your field requires a graduate degree or you are just seeking to further your education and advance your career, Southeast offers graduate programs both on campus and online to help you reach your goals. Admission requirement information is located below. If you want to learn more about graduate studies at Southeast or our graduate programs, we have lots to share! If you want someone to contact about your program of interest, look them up in the Graduate Coordinator and Faculty Directory list.
General Application Deadlines
The application for admission, official transcripts, and other required documents should be submitted no later than the dates listed below.
Priority Deadline: The priority deadline is an opportunity for prospective students to express their keen interest in joining our community. Your application will be among the first to be reviewed when more spots are available; you will be considered for the widest range of financial support available and will have more time to connect with faculty advisors or mentors.
Final Deadline: The final deadline is the last date on which we can accept applications for the upcoming academic cycle. While applications received by this date are given complete consideration, they might not benefit from the advantages associated with the priority deadline.
Past Deadlines: Some programs accept domestic students through the start of classes. Email admissions@semo.edu for questions about this possibility for domestic students.
If you have questions regarding general deadlines, email domestic admissions at admissions@semo.edu or international admissions at international@semo.edu.
NOTE: Some programs have earlier admission deadlines and special application review timelines. Be sure to review the information below for Applied Behavior Analysis (MA), Applied Computer Science (MS), Applied Nutrition (MS), Athletic Training (MS), Communication Disorders (MA), Cybersecurity (MS), Mental Health Counseling (MA), and School Counseling (MA).
Domestic Student Deadlines
| Term | Fall | Spring | Summer | Mid-semester (8-week)* |
| Priority Deadline | March 1 | October 1 | March 1 | Fall: September 15 Spring: February 15 |
| Final Deadline | August 1 | December 1 | May 1 |
International Student Deadlines
| Term | Fall | Spring | Summer | Mid-semester (8-week)* |
| Priority Deadline | March 1 | October 1 | IEP Students Only | |
| Final Deadline | July 1 | November 1 |
*Mid-semester start (8 weeks) is available to domestic applicants for a limited number of programs, including:
Applied Behavior Analysis (MA), Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate, Criminal Justice (MS), Educational Administration (Specialist), Educational Studies - Secondary Education (MA), Educational Technology - Secondary Education (MA), Emergency Management and Preparedness (MS), Exceptional Child (MA), Healthcare Management (MS), Higher Education Administration (MA), Management (MS), MBA, Teacher Leadership (MA), Teacher Leadership (Specialist)
Contact the department for additional details.
Programs with Early Application Deadlines
The application for admission, official transcripts, and other required documents should be submitted no later than the dates listed.
If you have questions regarding early deadlines, email domestic admissions at admissions@semo.edu or international admissions at international@semo.edu.
| Program | Deadline |
| Applied Behavior Analysis (MA) | Summer/Fall Admission Only: Same as general application deadlines above, but files will not be reviewed until after February 1. |
| Applied Computer Science (MS) | Fall: March 1 (International) - Fall 2025 Extended to July 1 Spring: October 1 (International) |
| Applied Nutrition (MS) | Summer Admission Only: January 13; Complete files reviewed in January |
| Athletic Training (MS) | Summer Admission Only: March 1; Complete files reviewed as received |
| Communication Disorders (MA) | Summer Admission Only: January 15; Complete files reviewed in February |
| Cybersecurity (MS) | Fall: March 1 (International) - Fall 2025 Extended to July 1 Spring: October 1 (International) |
| Mental Health Counseling (MA) | Summer/Fall Admission Only: February 1 Preferred; Complete files reviewed in February |
| Public History (MA) | Fall/Spring Admission Only: Same as general application deadlines above. |
| School Counseling (MA) | Summer/Fall: February 1 preferred; Complete files reviewed in February |
Required Documents for Admission
We may need additional documents based on your program to complete your graduate application. Most documents can be uploaded directly to your online application (excluding official transcripts). Official transcripts can be sent directly from the college to the address below. Don't miss the deadline to turn in all documents (listed above).
- Southeast Missouri State University
Office of Admissions, MS 3550
One University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
admissions@semo.edu - Southeast Missouri State University
International Education and Services
One University Plaza, MS 2000
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
international@semo.edu
| Program | Cumulative GPA | Test Scores | Additional Documents |
| Agribusiness (MS) | 2.75 | ||
| Applied Behavior Analysis (MA) | 3.25 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64 or Duolingo English 125 | 2 Reference Letters *Letter of Intent |
| Applied Computer Science (MS) | 3.0 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 6.0, a TOEFL iBT 80, a PTE Academic 55, or a Duolingo English 110. | |
| Applied Nutrition (MS) | 3.0 | MSAN Program Application and supplemental documents (in addition to University application) | |
| Athletic Training (MS) | 3.0 | Complete the ATCAS Application. Includes 2 reference letters. In addition, official college transcripts must be sent directly to ATCAS. International students must also complete the University application. | |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64 or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Biology (MS) | 2.75 | 2 Reference Letters (waived if Thesis Option Faculty Sponsor Agreement received) Faculty Sponsor Agreement |
|
| Cloud Computing Certificate | 2.5 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 6.0, a TOEFL iBT 80, a PTE Academic 55, or a Duolingo English 110. | |
| Communication Disorders (MA) | 3.0 | Complete the CSDCAS Application. Includes 2 Reference Letters. In addition, official college transcripts must be sent directly to CSDCAS. International students must also complete the University application. | |
| Counseling (Specialist) | 3.5 | 2 Reference Letters | |
| Criminal Justice (MS) | 2.5 | ||
| Cybersecurity (MS) | 3.0 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 6.0, a TOEFL iBT 80, a PTE Academic 55, or a Duolingo English 110. | |
| Cybersecurity Certificate | 2.5 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 6.0, a TOEFL iBT 80, a PTE Academic 55, or a Duolingo English 110. | |
| Educational Administration (Specialist) | 3.5 | Valid Professional Teaching Certificate Resume verifying 2 years of classroom teaching experience |
|
| Educational Leadership (MA) | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | Valid Professional Teaching Certificate Resume verifying one year of classroom teaching experience |
| Educational Studies - Secondary Education (MA) | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Educational Technology - Secondary Education (MA) | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Elementary Education (MA) | 2.75 | Valid Professional Teaching Certificate or State Content Exam or GRE. International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Emergency Management and Preparedness (MS) | 2.5 | ||
| English (MA) | 2.5 | ||
| Environmental Science (MS) | 2.5 | 2 Reference Letters *Letter of Intent |
|
| Exceptional Child (MA) | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64 or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Healthcare Management (MS) | 3.0 | ||
| Healthcare Management Certificates | 3.0 | ||
| Higher Education Administration (MA) | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MA) | 3.0 | 3 Reference Letters *Letter of Intent |
|
| Management (MS) | 2.75 | ||
| MBA | 3.0 | ||
| Mental Health Counseling (MA) | 3.0 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | 3 Reference Letters |
| Middle or Secondary Teacher Certification (MAT) | 2.5 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | |
| Nursing (MSN) | 3.25 | MSN Program Application (submit before the University application, which is also required) | |
| Nutrition and Exercise Science (MS) | 3.0 | ||
| Public Administration (MPA) | 2.7 | *Letter of Intent and Resume | |
| Public History (MA) | 2.75 | *Letter of Intent and Writing Sample | |
| School Counseling (MA) | 3.0 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | 3 Reference Letters |
| School Psychological Examiner Post-Graduate Certificate | 3.5 | 4 Reference Letters | |
| Special Reading K-12 Licensure Certificate | 2.75 | Valid Professional Teaching Certificate | |
| Teacher Leadership (MA) | 2.75 | International Applicants Minimum Score - IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, PTE Academic 64, or Duolingo English 125 | Valid Professional Teaching Certificate |
| Teacher Leadership (Specialist) | 3.5 | Valid Professional Teaching Certificate | |
| Technology Management (MS) | 3.0 | ||
| TESOL (MA) | 2.5 |
*View the Graduate Bulletin for details.
Graduate Admission Steps
Whether you are returning to your education or continuing straight from your bachelor’s degree, Southeast can help you earn the credentials and gain the knowledge necessary for the next step in your career.
- Complete the Application for Graduate Admission. Returning graduate students can also apply using this link.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Submit official test scores (if applicable).
- Submit proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful presence in the U.S. (e.g. driver's license, passport, birth certificate, green card)
- Submit other required application materials (see table above).
- Create an FSA ID. The FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information online.
- Complete and submit a new or renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- February 1 is Southeast’s FAFSA Priority Processing Deadline.
- Financial aid awards will be emailed to your Southeast email account.
- Student Financial Services can provide you with more information regarding fees and financial aid.
- Visit our Veterans and Military Services site for information on using veterans benefits.
- Apply for a graduate assistantship.
- You may not be allowed to enroll in coursework applicable to your degree until your initial study plan has been approved by your program coordinator.
- After being advised, enroll following the priority registration schedule.
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Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-4710