Admission Process

This step-by-step guide will take you from application through the first day of class and beyond.

While Seton Hill University operates on a rolling admissions basis, we encourage you to apply no later than eight weeks before the start of the semester in which you want to begin classes. If you want to begin classes in the fall semester (August), you should submit your completed application and all additional materials by July 1st. If you want to begin classes in the spring semester (January), you should submit your completed application and all additional materials by December 1st.

STEP #1: APPLY TO THE PROGRAM
Complete an application for the program and submit all necessary materials. If you apply online, the $35 application fee is waived.

STEP #2: SUBMIT ALL NECESSARY MATERIALS
The following materials must be received before your application will be reviewed.

• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities you have attended, at either the graduate or undergraduate level.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• A current resume.
• Preparatory coursework form.
• A letter of intent explaining how the Seton Hill program can help you accomplish your professional goals.
• A portfolio containing 15-20 examples of your own artwork, including work in drawing, painting, and clay. These may be submitted electronically. (Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your slides, disk, or CD.)
• Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to provide examination scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A TOEFL score of at least 650 (paper-based) or 114 (Internet-based) or 280 (computer-based) is required or an IELTS score of 7.0 is required for admission.  Applicants should make arrangements to take the test as soon as graduate study at Seton Hill University is anticipated and should request that the official test score be forwarded directly to the Office of Graduate and Adult Studies. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for all international students except those who are citizens of Australia, Bahamas, Canada (except Quebec province), Jamaica, New Zealand, Scotland, or the United Kingdom. Prospective students who have earned a bachelor's or higher degree from the United States or from one of the aforementioned countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS test. International students, upon referral by Seton Hill faculty or staff member, may be required to undergo English as a second language testing to determine whether additional coursework for English proficiency will be required.
• International students must provide a transcript evaluation from the World Education Services.
• A recent sample of your academic or professional writing.

Have your official transcripts sent directly to: Seton Hill University, Office of Graduate and Adult Studies, Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601.

Letters of recommendation can be faxed to 724-830-1891 or mailed to the address above.

Your resume and personal statement can be mailed to the address above, faxed to 724-830-1891, or e-mailed to gadmit@setonhill.edu.

The Graduate Art Therapy Program Counselor will advise as your materials are received and keep you up-to-date on what is needed to complete your file.

STEP #3: YOUR FILE IS REVIEWED
Once your file is complete, it is submitted to the Graduate Art Therapy Program Admissions Committee for review. It may take the Committee up to eight weeks to review your file and render a decision.

STEP #4: A DECISION IS RENDERED
You are notified in writing within 48 hours after the Admissions Committee renders a decision.

STEP #5: SUBMIT YOUR DEPOSIT
When you receive your official acceptance letter, you will also receive a deposit form. We ask that you submit this form and the $50 deposit in order to secure your place in the program. The $50 deposit is deducted from your first semester's bill.

STEP #6: REGISTER FOR CLASSES
Upon receipt of your deposit, the Graduate Art Therapy Program Counselor will contact you via email to register for your first semester of classes. Typically registration takes places as follows:

• Summer and fall semesters - starting in April.
• Spring semester - starting in November.

• Fall semester - late August through early December.
• Spring semester - late January through early May.
• Summer semester - mid-May through mid-July.