Admission Information

All correspondence and telephone calls concerning undergraduate admission should be directed to:

Office of Admissions
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue, Mail 5017
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105-1096.

Phone: (651) 962-6150 or (800) 328-6819 ext. 2-6150

e-mail: admissions@stthomas.edu

When writing, inquirers should be sure to include their full name, address with zip code and telephone number.

The Office of Admissions is located in 256 Murray-Herrick Campus Center (MHC). It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays during the academic year. Admission counselors and scheduled tour times are available during those hours. Please contact the Office of Admissions for an appointment.

The University of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity educator and employer. St. Thomas does not unlawfully discriminate, in any of its programs or activities, on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The universitys policy of nondiscrimination extends to all aspects of its operations, including but not limited to, employment, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and all other educational programs and activities.

For more information, please see our site: Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of St. Thomas is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. Contact information for the Minnesota Office of Higher Education is:

1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108-5227
Phone: (651) 642-0567
Toll Free: (800) 657-3866
Fax: (651) 642-0675
https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/

It is recommended that an applicants high school transcript include four units in English, four units in one foreign language, four units of mathematics (three units required), two units in natural sciences and two units in history or the social sciences.

Graduates of accredited high schools are admitted on the basis of their grade point average (GPA), academic rank in their graduating class (if applicable), and college preparatory course selection. St. Thomas is a test-optional institution. Students may choose to submit their Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT), but they are not required. Students are also encouraged to submit an optional essay and letters of recommendation with their application.

The universitys SAT code number is 6110. The ACT code number is 2102.

Students with a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) should submit the GED, including scores, in addition to their high school transcript.

Candidates for admission should complete the following steps.

1. The official undergraduate application for admission is available at Application Portal and the common app.
2. The admissions committee considers each students academic record, essay, and recommendations, if applicable. Depending on the Admission Type to which you applied - Early Action or Regular Decision - applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and decisions announced at the respective notification date.
3. Each admitted applicant should make a $400 confirming deposit to reserve a place in the class and in university housing. This deposit is refundable when requested in writing by May 1 prior to the fall semester of admission. Spring students should inquire about the deposit and refund date.
4. First-year students are required to live on campus their first and second years at St. Thomas unless they are granted an exception to this policy.Transfer students may also have a residency requirement. Residence Life can provide additional information about the policy and the exception process.
5. Each confirmed student is required to provide a final high school transcript after graduation prior to the first day of class in the first semester of admission. Additionally, students who choose to submit a self-reported standardized test score at time of application will also be required to submit the official test score prior to the first day of classes.

All students born after 1956 who are enrolled in a Minnesota public or private college or university are required by Minnesota law to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. These immunizations must have been done within a certain time frame. Questions about this requirement and exemptions allowed for by the law should be addressed to Health Services. Details about providing this information can be found at: Immunization Information

Students entering St. Thomas as first-time college students may have college credits earned prior to graduation from high school, Advanced placement (AP) credits or informal education that allows them to gain credit by examination. These various supplementary programs are explained in this section.

Faculty/Department approved February 2019

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Students who meet the conditions described in this section for an Advanced Placement (AP) Examination will receive four credits and an “S” grade. This examination must be taken prior to matriculation to a college or university.

Art History – A score of 3 or higher equals ARTH 199 (may fulfill Fine Arts requirement; evaluation based on individual course basis)

Biology – A score of 4 or higher (non-Biology majors) equals BIOL 101. Students intending to major in Biology or related programs who earn a score of 4 equals BIOL 101. BIOL 101 fulfills a core lab science, but will not fulfill a major field requirement in Biology or related programs. Students intending to major in Biology or related programs who earn a score of 5 equals BIOL 243 and fulfills 4 credits towards the Biology major.

Chemistry – A score of 3 or higher may equal CHEM 100, depending on laboratory experience, at the discretion of the chair of the department. A score of 4 or higher may equal CHEM 111, depending on laboratory experience, at the discretion of the chair of the department.

Students will be required to present both coursework from class as well as lab work that includes, but is not limited to, lab notebook, lab reports, experiments, experimental procedures, completed exams, and syllabi.

Chinese – A score of 3 equals CHIN 211 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement); A score of 4 equals CHIN 212; A score of 5 equals CHIN 300

Computer Science – A score of 4 or 5 in Computer Science A equals CISC 130 or 131

Economics – A score of 4 or higher in macroeconomics equals ECON 251; A score of 4 or higher in microeconomics equals ECON 252 (either course fulfills Social Scientific Analysis requirement)

English – A score of 4 or higher in English Language/ Composition equals ENGL 199 (does not fulfill the English requirement); A score of 4 or higher in English Literature/ Composition equals ENGL 121 (fulfills 4 credits towards the English requirement)

Environmental Science – A score of 4 or higher equal ESCI 132.

French – A score of 3 equals FREN 211 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement); A score of 4 equals FREN 212; A score of 5 equals FREN 300; A score of 3 or higher in French Literature equals FREN 309 (this will count towards the major in French)

Geography – A score of 3 or higher in Human Geography equals GEOG 111 (fulfills Social Scientific Analysis requirement)

German – A score of 3 equals GERM 211 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement); A score of 4 equals GERM 212; A score of 5 equals GERM 300

History – A score of 4 or higher in European History equals HIST 199 (counts as an elective toward graduation) A score of 4 or higher in U.S. or World History equals HIST 100 (fulfills the Historical Analysis requirement)

Italian – A score of 3 equals ITAL 211 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement); A score of 4 equals ITAL 212; A score of 5 equals ITAL 300

Japanese – A score of 3 equals JAPN 211 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement); A score of 4 equals JAPN 212; A score of 5 equals JAPN 300

Latin – A score of 3 or higher equals LATN 212 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement)

Mathematics – A score of 3 or higher in Calc AB = MATH 113 (fulfills Quantitative Analysis); A score of 4 or higher in Calc BC = Math 113 & 114; AB subscore of 3 or higher in Calc BC = Math 113.

Music Theory – A score of 3 or higher may be the equivalent of MUSC 113 and a score of 4 or higher may be the equivalent of MUSC 114, however, all students who wish to transfer AP credits are required to take the music theory placement test for official placement. Review sheets and information on taking the test are available from the music department office (does not fulfill Fine Arts requirement)

Physics – Physics B: A score of 3 equals PHYS 101 (satisfies Natural Science requirement); A score of 4 or 5 equals PHYS 109-110 (satisfies Natural Science requirement);

Physics C1—Mechanics: score of 3 equals PHYS 101 (satisfies Natural Science requirement); A score of 4 or 5 equals PHYS 211 (satisfies Natural Science requirement); Physics C2—Electricity and Magnetism: A score of 3 or 4 equals PHYS 199 (satisfies Natural Science requirement); A score of 5 equals PHYS 212 (satisfies Natural Science requirement)

Physics 1: A score of 3 equals PHYS 101 (satisfies Natural Science requirement); A score of 4 or 5 equals PHYS 109 (satisfies Natural Science requirement)

Physics 2: A score of 3 equals PHYS 100 (satisfies Natural Science requirement); A score of 4 or 5 equals PHYS 110 (satisfies Natural Science requirement)

Political Science – A score of 3 or higher in Government & Politics: US equals POLS 199 (does not fulfill Social Scientific Analysis requirement). A score of 3 or higher in Comparative Government & Politics equals POLS 104 (fulfills Social Scientific Analysis requirement).

Psychology – A score of 4 or higher equals PSYC 111 (fulfills Social Scientific Analysis requirement)

Spanish Language and Culture – A score of 3 equals SPAN 211 (fulfills Language and Culture requirement); A score of 4 equals SPAN 212; A score of 5 equals SPAN 300

Spanish Literature – A score of 5 or higher equals SPAN 335 (this will count towards the major in Spanish)

Statistics – A score of 4 or higher in Statistics equals STAT 206

Studio Art – A score of 3 or higher in Studio Art equals ARTS 199 (does not fulfill Fine Arts requirement)

AP Seminar - A score of 4 or higher equals IDSC 199 and will count as 4 elective credits with an S grade. There may be instances where these credits would satisfy a major or minor requirement. For programs that would accept these credits, students must consult with the chair of the relevant department to determine if the seminar experience meets the learning outcomes of a required course in the major or minor. During this consultation, students may be asked to submit a syllabus and/or coursework to the department for review.

AP Research - A score of 4 or higher equals IDSC 199 and will count as 4 elective credits with an S grade. There may be instances where these credits might satisfy a major or minor requirement. For programs that would accept these credits, students must consult with the chair of the relevant department to determine if the seminar experience meets the learning outcomes of a required course in the major or minor. During this consultation, students may be asked to submit a syllabus and/or coursework to the department for review.

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) was conceived to serve post-secondary students who have acquired certain kinds of knowledge outside the usual formal educational channels. Students must take CLEP examinations before or during the first semester of college work to receive credit for the CLEP examination from St. Thomas.

Business A score at the 50th percentile or above in Principles of Marketing=MKTG 200 (fulfills requirement in Business Major.) No other CLEP Exams in Business will earn St. Thomas credit.

English Literature/Composition A score at the 50th percentile or above in any English Literature or Composition exam will earn ENGL 199 (does not fulfill the English requirement.)

Foreign Languages No credit will be assigned for the CLEP exam in foreign languages.

History A score at the 50th percentile or above in History of the United States I=HIST 113, History of the United States II=HIST 114 (both fulfill the Historical Analysis requirement.) History exams in other areas with a score of 50% or higher need to be evaluated by the department chair.

Mathematics Students who receive a score greater than 50% on the College Mathematics exam will receive credit for MATH 101 Finite Mathematics (fulfills the core requirement in Quantitative Analysis).

Natural Sciences CLEP Examinations that include Biology, Chemistry and Natural Sciences do not fulfill the laboratory science requirement; A score at the 50th percentile or above will earn elective credit.

Social Sciences A score at the 50th percentile or above in the following social sciences will earn 4 credits in the following subject areas

Certain departments in the undergraduate program allow students to obtain credit for specific courses if they can demonstrate that they have mastered the content and method of the courses in question. Those interested in seeking credit in this fashion should contact the department chair of the appropriate department.

The examining faculty member offers no special instruction to the student except to furnish the syllabus of the course. If this is unavailable or of insufficient assistance to the student, the course should be taken as a regular semester offering or on an Individual Study basis.

A student may attempt to earn credit by examination only once for a particular course. Grades for courses taken in this way are usually given on an S/R basis unless the department has decided that a letter grade should be awarded.

Only courses for which credit is awarded will be posted on the transcript. A fee is charged for administering the examination.

The following departments offer the availability of credit by examination for selected courses. Departments not included in the list do not offer any courses under this option.

BusinessExaminations may be given with the consent of the chair of the department. Contact the department with questions.

ChemistryExaminations may be given for CHEM 111 and/or CHEM 112, at the discretion of the chair of the department.

Computer and Information Sciences The Department of Computer and Information Sciences offers a "Credit by Exam" option to allow students the opportunity to earn course credit for one of the following four entry-level computing courses at UST:

• CISC 130: Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving in the Sciences
• CISC 131: Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving
• CISC 200: Introductory Computer Technology and Business Applications
• STAT 220: Statistics I

There will be a unique exam for each course that will evaluate students relative to the specific concepts and skills that are the focus of that particular course. Students will need to obtain a score of at least 80% to receive credit for the course.

Each exam costs $150, payable to the Business Office. An exam may only be taken once; retakes are not permitted.

EngineeringExaminations may be given for all courses, if circumstances warrant it, with the exception of:

• ENGR 480 Engineering Design Clinic I
• ENGR 481 Engineering Design Clinic II

Each case will be considered individually by the department chair.

EnglishUnder extraordinary circumstances, with the consent of the department chair, credit by examination may be sought for English courses with the following exceptions:

• ENGL 121 Critical Thinking: Literature and Writing
• ENGL 201 Text in Conversation: Perspectives on Genre and Craft
• ENGL 202 Texts in Conversation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
• ENGL 203 Texts in Conversation: Thematic and Intertextual Perspectives
• ENGL 204 Texts in Conversation: Perspectives on Language, Culture, and Literacy
• ENGL 300 Theory and Practice of Writing
• ENGL 421/422 Literary Magazine Practicum
• ENGL 481 or ENGL 482 Capstone Seminar

Foreign LanguageExaminations may be given for certain courses. Each case will be considered individually by the department chair.

GeologyGEOL 111 Introductory Geology I

MathematicsA departmental examination is available for MATH 113 Calculus I with the following qualifications:

• A score of 0 - 59 = no credit;
• A score of 60 -79 = no credit but MATH 113 will be waived as a prerequisite;
• A score of 80 - 100 = credit for MATH 113

Psychology In special circumstances, and with approval of the department, credit by examination may be sought for PSYC 111 General Psychology

All exams with the exception of foreign languages, must be taken at the higher level. Students who pass the higher level International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination(s) in subjects included in the St. Thomas curriculum with a score of 4 or higher will ordinarily receive 4 credits toward graduation. The specific courses for which credit would be awarded will be determined by the appropriate academic department.

Following is a list of guidelines according to which credit may be obtained through the higher level IB exam in specific departments.

Credit awarded will be assigned an grade (satisfactory).

BiologyA score of 5 or higher (non-Biology majors) equals BIOL 101. Students intending to major in Biology or related programs who earn a score of 5 equals BIOL 101. BIOL 101 fulfills a core Natural Science requirement, but will not fulfill a major field requirement in Biology or related programs. Students intending to major in Biology or related programs who earn a score of 6-7 equals BIOL 243 and fulfills 4 credits towards the Biology major.

ChemistryA score of 4 or higher usually equals CHEM 111. Students with scores of 5 or above should consult with the department chair. Students should consult with department chair if they intend to major in science, especially chemistry.

EconomicsA score of 5 or higher on the Higher Level examination equals ECON 251 (fulfills the Social Scientific Analysis requirement).

EnglishA score of 4 or higher equals ENGL 121 (fulfills 4 credits toward the English requirement).

Foreign LanguageForeign language credit is dependent on the results of the St. Thomas departmental language placement exam typically administered during freshman orientation. Once a language placement exam result is known, IB credit will be granted with a score of 4 or higher.

HistoryA score of 4 or higher in European History equals HIST 199 (with the discretion of the department chair, may fulfill Historical Analysis requirement.) A score of 4 or higher in History of Americas equals HIST 100 (fulfills the Historical Analysis requirement.) A score of 4 or higher in History: Africa equals HIST 100 (fulfills the Historical Analysis requirement.)

MathematicsA score of 3 or 4 will allow MATH 113 to be waived as a prerequisite (but no course credit will be given). Students areencouraged to take the departmental examination to receive credit for MATH 113. A score of 5 or higher gives credit for Math 113. Students are encouraged to take the departmental examination to receive credit forMATH 114.

PhysicsA score of 4 or higher will be considered for the awarding of credit on a case by case basis.

TheaterA score of 4 or higher equals THTR 111 (fulfills the Fine Arts requirement).

A waiver of credits does not add any credits to the students transcript. For example, if a student tests out of the Language and Culture requirement for the core curriculum, a waiver will be noted on the degree evaluation, but no credits are awarded.

The university welcomes and encourages prospective international students to apply for admission.

International students are classified as students applying for admission to the university who will need to have or already possess a visa to enter the United States. Admission is competitive and requires:

• Application and optional essay
• Secondary school official records with very good to excellent scores
• Proof of English proficiency
• Additional items may be found at International Application Process

Priority deadline for applications is January 15.

The University of St. Thomas has international student scholarships available for students with outstanding merit. To qualify for consideration, students must submit a complete University of St. Thomas international student admissions application. To learn more about international student scholarships, visit our Scholarships page.

For more information, or to arrange to visit, please contact:

International Admissions
University of St. Thomas
MHC 212 Mail 5014
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096.

international@stthomas.edu

(651) 962-6650

Admission Requirements and Limitations for Non-Degree-Seeking Undergraduate Students

Non-degree-seeking undergraduate students are individuals who complete courses at St. Thomas without intending to apply any credits earned from those courses toward a degree from St. Thomas. There are three categories of non-degree-seeking undergraduate students: (1) students enrolled in courses via established, university-approved agreements or partnerships; (2) high school students; and 3) all other non-degree-seeking students. Students in the latter two categories of non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for institutional scholarships or federal or state financial aid. All students at St. Thomas, including non-degree-seeking students, are required to follow all academic and non-academic student policies. Academic and disciplinary sanctions including probation, suspension, or dismissal apply to non-degree-seeking students.

(1) Non-degree-seeking students who are attending St. Thomas via university-approved agreements or partnerships are subject to the admission procedures, credit limits, and registration times determined by the agreement or partnership in which they are participating. These students include, but are not limited to, international exchange students and Catholic Enrollment Options students. (St. Thomas does not participate in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program through the state of Minnesota.)

(2) High school students request approval to take courses at St. Thomas through the Office of Admissions. To be eligible to take courses, they must be a Junior or Senior (or its equivalent) in high school, submit a high school transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.5 (weighted if applicable), have an appropriate school administrator submit a Statement of Support Form, and have a parent/guardian submit a Consent Form if the student is under 18 years of age. High school students begin registration five days before the start of each term on a space-available basis. They are limited to enrolling for eight credits during each of the fall and spring semesters, four credits during the January-term, and a combined total of 16 credits during the summer sessions. If a course has prerequisite requirements, high school students may enroll in that course only if they meet all the requirements. Although high school students are not classified as first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior, any courses they complete are part of their permanent postsecondary academic record. High school students who wish to pursue a degree program after high school graduation must make a formal application for admission through the Office of Admissions. For these students, like all other non-degree students below, a maximum of 24 credits taken at St. Thomas may be applied toward a St. Thomas degree program.

(3) All other non-degree students not included in the previous two categories, request approval to take courses at St. Thomas through the Office of Student Data and Registrar. Although they are not seeking a degree, St. Thomas will verify their previous academic enrollment through the National Student Clearinghouse or through a copy of their high school transcript or diploma. These non-degree students begin registration five days before the start of each term on a space-available basis. They are considered non-degree-seeking undergraduate students and are not classified as first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior. These non-degree students are limited to enrolling for eight credits during each of the fall and spring semesters, four credits during the January-term, and a combined total of 16 credits during the summer sessions. A non-degree student who wishes to change status and pursue a degree program must make a formal application for admission through the Office of Admissions. For these students, a maximum of 24 credits taken at St. Thomas may be applied toward a St. Thomas degree program.

A student who was formerly enrolled in the university, but is not currently attending, must request reinstatement by calling or writing to Academic Counseling at St. Thomas. The student will be reinstated if the University Student Data & Registrar's verifies that the student left St. Thomas in good academic standing, and if the student is eligible to return to the university as certified by the Dean of Student Life.

However, if the student has been enrolled at another college or university since their last term of enrollment at St. Thomas, an official transcript and a completed Dean of Students form must be submitted to St. Thomas from that institution. The student will then be reinstated if the transcript indicates work of a C average or better and the Dean of Students form indicates the student left that institution in good standing.

A student who discontinues his/her enrollment in the university for four consecutive academic years must re-enroll under the terms of the catalog in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

In addition to following the general application procedures, students wishing to transfer from another college should submit a complete Dean of Students Form, official final high school, and all college transcripts to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible. Previous college work and other academic information will be reviewed as part of the admission decision. All coursework, regardless of grade, is considered in the admission review process. Only coursework in which the student earned a grade of C- or higher from a regionally accredited college/university will be recognized for credit at St. Thomas. To determine if your college/university has regional accreditation, please use our Transfer Credit Tool.

Transfer students must fulfill the core curriculum requirements, maintain a GPA of 2.00 in courses taken at St. Thomas, and successfully complete 32 of their last 36 credits at the University.

In order to stay within enrollment goals, the University reserves the right to adjust published application and standing deposit deadlines when necessary.

Students interested in transferring to the University should contact the Office of Admissions at: (651) 962-6150 or (800) 328-6819, Ext 2-6150, or admissions@stthomas.edu.

The School Certifying Official in the Office of Student Data and Registrar acts as a liaison between the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and students eligible for VA education benefits. Each student's enrollment for fall and spring semester is automatically certified prior to the start of the term to insure benefits are received from the VA in timely manner.

The Veterans Resource Center is a gathering place for St. Thomas veterans where they can connect with other veterans, receive academic and career service support, and find information about educational and other resources available to veterans and their families. Veterans Services' mission is to equip each military-affiliated student with the necessary means to succeed at the University of St. Thomas, and beyond, assisting him or her to become “morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good”.

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form.