Online Application:

• The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application and $45 application fee

  • Upload the following to submit your online application
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Resume
    • Recommenders’ Contact Information

Transcripts:

An official transcript from the university where you earned your bachelor’s degree is required at the time of application.

Note:

• Official E-Transcripts are acceptable only if emailed to grads@sandiego.edu.
• Transcripts from study abroad courses and transfer credits are not required.

Degrees Earned Outside of the United States:

• Students who earned their bachelor’s degree from an institution outside the United States must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation at the time of application. Applicants can elect from:
  • World Education Services, Inc. (WES) - Preferred
  • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
  •  International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
  • Josef Silny Foundation, Inc. (JSA)
  • SpanTran: The Evaluation Company (SpanTran)
  • Foreign Academic Credential Service (FACS)
• Applications for students educated outside the United States will not be considered complete nor can an admissions decision be made until this degree evaluation has been submitted.

Letters of Recommendation:

• A minimum of two professional letters of recommendation from current or previous supervisors, board chairs or board members, or past professors or academic advisors (who know you well).

Resumé:

• Current resumé or curriculum vitae

Statement of Purpose:

• A 500-word maximum statement of purpose answering the question: What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing the nonprofit sector (either locally or nationally) and how will what you learn in this program help you effectuate change in those areas?

English Proficiency Exam (EPEX) Score for International Applicants:

EPEX Requirement

An official score report for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all international applicants. Official score reports must be two years old or less from the time you submit your online application in order to be considered. 

Official scores can be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions, grads@sandiego.edu, school code: 4849.

• TOEFL minimum scores:
  • Internet-based test: 83
  • Computer-based test: 237
  • Paper-based test: 580
• IELTS minimum score:
  • Band score 7

Waiving out of the English Language exam requirement: The English Language Exam waiver may be requested if you:

1. Have submitted your online application and 
2. You meet one of the following: 
   • English is your primary language
   • You completed a 4-year bachelor's degree or 2-year master's degree, and obtained (or in the process of obtaining) a bachelor’s or master's degree in the U.S. with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 
     
     • Or from a university outside of the U.S. that is regionally accredited. 
   • You obtained your bachelor's degree in Great Britain, Canada, or Australia with an equivalent minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Be sure to promptly order official transcripts or official transcript evaluations, as they are also required to determine waiver eligibility.

If you believe you are eligible for an EPEX waiver, please email the SOLES Admissions and Outreach Office at solesadmissions@sandiego.edu. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Experience Requirements

The program has a preference for applicants with at least four years of professional work experience.

Interview Requirements:

After an initial review of applications to the program, the most qualified candidates will be invited to USD for an interview with the program faculty. Applicants who live outside California will have the option of participating in a phone or Skype interview.