2024 FAFSA Information Guide

SEU ADMISSION

Admission Requirements

Complete Your Application

After completing your online application, be sure to check the admission requirements for your specific program. Send in each item using your personalized admission link and we will begin processing your application.

All items listed below apply to degrees offered on our main campus, online, and at partner sites. 

Contact us with any questions.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

All traditional undergraduate students (based on our main campus in Lakeland, Florida) are required to submit the following items, using the personalized application link that is generated when an application is submitted:*

  • High school transcript/GED scores (if transferring in less than 60 college credits)
  • College transcript (if college courses have been taken through dual enrollment or after graduating high school, even if no credit was earned or grades received)
  • Christian Character Reference form
  • Essay
  • Optional: SAT and/or ACT scores** (see below)

PLEASE NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by admission depending on your specific situation.

Major-specific requirements:

If you are planning to pursue a music degree, you must also audition. Sign up here.

* If you do not receive this link once your initial application is submitted, please contact us your admission counselor.

** SEU is test optional. Students may choose to submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, however, these scores are not required for admission purposes or for receiving academic merit scholarships. Test scores are only factored in if they help you reach a higher scholarship tier. Learn more on our scholarships page.

Get additional transfer student information here.

All undergraduate transfer students are required to submit the following items, using the personalized application link that is generated when an application is submitted:*

  • High school transcript/GED scores (if transferring in less than 60 college credits)
  • College transcripts from prior colleges, even if no credit was earned or grades received
  • College transcripts for courses taken through dual enrollment or after graduating high school, even if no credit was earned or grades received
  • Christian Character Reference form
  • Essay

PLEASE NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by admission depending on your specific situation.

Major-specific requirements:

If you are planning to pursue a music degree, you must also audition. Sign up here.

* If you do not receive this link once your initial application is submitted, please contact us your admission counselor 

All undergraduate students are required to submit the following items, using the personalized application link that is generated when an application is submitted:*

  • High school transcript/GED scores (if transferring in less than 60 college credits)
  • College transcript (if college courses have been taken through dual enrollment or after graduating high school, even if no credit was earned or grades received)
  • Essay
  • Optional: SAT and/or ACT scores** (see below)

PLEASE NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by admission depending on your specific situation.

* If you do not receive this link once your initial application is submitted, please contact us your admission counselor or site director (partner site students).

** SEU is test optional. Students may choose to submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, however, these scores are not required for admission purposes

All undergraduate students are required to submit the following items, using the personalized application link that is generated when an application is submitted:*

  • High school transcript/GED scores (if transferring in less than 60 college credits)
  • College transcript (if college courses have been taken through dual enrollment or after graduating high school, even if no credit was earned or grades received)
  • Optional: SAT and/or ACT scores** (see below)

PLEASE NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by admission depending on your specific situation.

Partner Site students

Contact your site director or admission@seu.edu for more details and instructions.

International students: Please submit the required documents listed under the International Students tab in addition to the requirements listed above.

* If you do not receive this link once your initial application is submitted, please contact your site director.

** SEU is test optional. Students may choose to submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, however, these scores are not required for admission purposes.

SEU Main Campus, Online and Partner Sites: These dual enrollment applicants will be emailed the correct Dual Enrollment Agreement form by the Registrar’s Office.

Local High Schools (formal agreement between school & SEU): These dual enrollment applicants do not need to submit any additional documents unless notified by admission.

Learn more about Dual Enrollment here.

Definition: An international student is one who attends Southeastern on a non-immigrant F-1 visa. Students who have legal permanent residency (“green card”) status through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or who are U.S. citizens by birth but have grown up overseas may be culturally and socially “international,” but for purposes of the application, enrollment and financial aid eligibility, they should follow all procedures for U.S. citizens.   International students must submit the following documents in addition to the documents required by their specific program:

  • TOEFL examination scores (a required minimum score of 540-543 on the paper-based exam, 207 on the computer-based exam or 76 on the Internet-based exam.
  • Transcript evaluation: If you would like to transfer in college credit hours earned from foreign universities, you must have your college transcript evaluated by an independent service before SEU will review them for the possibility of transfer.
  • Requirements for release of I-20: After being accepted to SEU, you must submit the following documents in order for SEU to release an I-20 on your behalf:
  • Affidavit of financial support
  • Statement from a financial institution verifying the amount of your deposited funds
  • Payment in full for one semester
  • Copies of passport and current visa
  • F-1 transfer form (if you are transferring from another U.S. institution)

Have questions? SEU has an entire department dedicated to helping our International Students succeed! Visit this page for more information, and contact internationals@seu.edu with any questions.

Re-applicants are students who were previously enrolled at SEU and attended classes, have been away for a year or longer, and are now applying again.

Below is a list of requirements for re-applicants.

  • College transcript (if college courses have been taken since leaving SEU, even if no credit was earned or grades received)
  • Christian Character Reference
  • Biographical Essay

There are no standard required documents for these programs, but you may need to submit specific documents if requested by admission.

All undergraduate requirements listed above, PLUS the following aviation-specific requirements:

  • Ability to read, write and understand English to take the Private Pilot Practical Exam
  • 17 years of age to take the Private Pilot Practical Exam; 18 years of age to take the Commercial Pilot Practical Exam
  • Ability to obtain an FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate (to operate with the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Certificate)
  • International/non-citizens must complete additional requirements including an appropriate visa and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approval through the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP)
  • Students with previous flight training experience or FAA Certified Certificates and Ratings may be issued academic credit or course waivers, subject to verification.

Students with existing academic credit may be able to transfer their credits per the university’s policies

Master's & Doctoral Admission Requirements

Please contact the graduate admission team at gradenrollment@seu.edu, for additional required documents based on the master’s degree you would like to pursue or with any questions.

SEU Alumni — Your transcripts are already on file, saving you step in the admission process.

Behavioral & Social Sciences

Note: Students must apply as either and Advanced Standing or Traditional program student based on their background. Advanced-Standing MSW Baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as well as the following:
  • Applicants who completed the BSW more than 10 years ago must submit a 1-2 page letter demonstrating ways in which they have remained current on professional knowledge via completion of continuing education and/or professional social work practice experience
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework
  • Grade of B- (or higher) in all BSW practice and field education/seminar courses
OR Traditional MSW Baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally accredited liberal arts institution as well as the following:
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework.
  • Completion of the following required pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better: Introduction to Psychology, and English Composition
AND All MSW Students
    • Official college transcript(s)
    • Professional reference
    • Academic reference (may be replaced by a professional work reference if the undergraduate degree was completed more than five years ago)
    • Resume
    • Notarized Florida Department of Children and Families “Affidavit of Good Moral Character” form
    • 2020-2021 MSW Writing Template
    • 2020-2021 MSW Program Policy
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Bachelor’s degree (GPA of 3.0 or above preferred; a GPA of 2.9 will be considered for provisional admission)
  • Professional reference
  • Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Essay: Students will write a one-page essay articulating why they want to earn a degree in human services. The essay should focus on their call to the profession of human services and must demonstrate that they have a passion for helping people.
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Bachelor’s degree (GPA of 3.0 or above preferred; a GPA of 2.9 will be considered for provisional admission)
  • Professional reference
  • Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Essay: Students will write a one to two-page essay articulating why they want to earn this degree. The essay should focus on their call, desire and vision for seeking the degree.
  • Prerequisite BUSI 5103 Data Management and Analysis (waived for students with transcripted coursework in Excel)

Submission of the following with satisfactory evaluative scores on the admission rubric:

  • Earned Bachelor’s degree
  • Proof of a minimum GPA of 3.0 earned from a regionally accredited institution
  • Resume
  • Written essay describing the current and future impact of your faith in your personal and professional life and the reason for your desire to pursue this degree
  • Official college transcripts
  • Professional Reference
  • Academic Reference
  • Christian Character Reference

Education

  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Professional reference (For Educational Leadership, must come from Principal or Assistant Principal)
  • Personal reference
  • Bachelor’s degree (GPA of 3.0 or above preferred)
  • Three years of experience as an educator or acceptable GRE score (For Educational Leadership only)
  • Last two years of supervisor evaluation at the effective or highly effective level. (For Educational Leadership only)
  • Current Resume (For Educational Leadership only)
  • 2-3 page writing sample answering the following topic: “Why I want to pursue my master’s degree at Southeastern University.”
  • For non-native English speakers, a current TOEFL score at the mean level or higher.
  • If one of the above standards is not met, provisional admission may be granted depending on the strength of the other components. Such candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Submit an application at SEU.edu/apply
  • Regionally-accredited graduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Two letters of recommendation (Letters of recommendation should be requested through the SEU application portal.)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Current professional curriculum vitae
  • EdD admission essay
  • EdD writing assignment

Natural & Health Sciences

  • Bachelor’s degree or prior graduate level degree (GPA of 3.0 or above preferred)
  • 1-2 page essay answering the following topic, “Why I want to pursue my master’s degree in Kinesiology at Southeastern University”
  • Current Resume
  • 1 Personal Reference

Admission Criteria:

  • Official College Transcripts 
  • BSN from an institution accredited by CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Current unencumbered RN Licensure in the state of Florida or Compact state
  • Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Two Professional References
    • Current or previous nursing supervisor  
    • Nursing faculty member, advisor, preceptor, or colleague
  • One Personal Reference
  • Professional Essay: Writing sample answering the following question: “Why I want to pursue my master’s degree at Southeastern University.” Please address how the MSN will help you improve your current/future career and how you can integrate your Christian faith into your career. Discuss your academic strengths and weaknesses. This paper should include your full name, be two-to-three pages in length, and be formatted as follows: 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.

Admission Criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • GPA greater than or equal to a 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (Students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 will be considered if cumulative science courses were greater than a 2.7 GPA)
  • Prerequisite Course Requirements:
    • General Biology I & II (with labs)
    • General Chemistry I & II (with labs)
    • Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs)
    • Physics I & II (with labs)
    • Mathematics – 6 credit hours
    • Behavioral and Social Sciences – 6 credit hours
    • English – 3 credit hours
  • Letters of Recommendation (upon request)
  • Personal Statement (upon request)

Business, Leadership & Management

  • Bachelor’s degree (GPA of 3.0 or above preferred)
  • Submit an application at SEU.edu/apply
  • College transcript(s)
  • Current professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (One professional and one personal; Letters of recommendation should be requested through the SEU application portal.)
  • Essay (400-600 words for each prompt):
    • How might the core components of this program (design and business principles) benefit your career aspirations?
    • When you contemplate the idea of “design management,” what specific conceptual elements do you consider to be essential to implementing that idea in a practical manner?
  • Official college transcripts
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher*)
  • Academic Reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Master of Science in Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Bachelor’s degree (GPA of 3.0 or above preferred; a GPA of 2.9 will be considered for provisional admission)
  • Professional reference or Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Essay: Students will write a one-page essay articulating why they want to earn a degree in pastoral care and counseling and how they plan to use the degree in their ministry.
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA
  • Professional reference OR Academic reference
  • Personal reference
  • Current resume/curriculum vitae
  • Writing sample answering the following question: “Why I want to pursue my master’s degree at Southeastern University.” Please address how the MBA will help you improve your current/future career and how you can integrate your Christian faith. This paper should include your full name, be two to three pages in length and be formatted as follows: Times New Roman font, 12 point font, double-spaced and one-inch margins on all sides.
  • Regionally-accredited graduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Current professional resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation (Letters of recommendation should be requested through the SEU application portal.)
  • DSL admission essay: Explain why you chose SEU for your doctoral studies, your goals for the program, talents and experiences that can lead to success, and how you will contribute to others
  • Doctoral writing sample: Demonstrate your research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Regionally-accredited graduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Current professional resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation (Letters of recommendation should be requested through the SEU application portal.)
  • PhD admission essay: Explain why you chose SEU for your doctoral studies, your goals for the program, talents and experiences that can lead to success, and how you will contribute to others
  • Doctoral writing sample: Demonstrate your research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Note: For Ministry Leadership track candidates, preference will be given to applicants with current or previous ministry experience or graduate coursework in church ministry, theology, biblical studies, or similar.

Ministry

  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Professional reference OR Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Statement of Purpose – A three-page essay describing (1) your sense of vocation in Christian ministry, articulating the significant points of affirmation that led to your understanding of your calling; (2) integrating your reflection on a theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your calling; and (3) how you understand your call in relation to the mission of Southeastern School of Divinity to prepare leaders for the church, academy, and world.
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Professional reference OR Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Statement of Purpose – A three-page essay describing (1) your sense of vocation in Christian ministry, articulating the significant points of affirmation that led to your understanding of your calling; (2) integrating your reflection on a theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your calling; and (3) how you understand your call in relation to the mission of Southeastern School of Divinity to prepare leaders for the church, academy, and world.
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Professional reference OR Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Statement of Purpose – A three-page essay describing (1) your sense of vocation in Christian ministry, articulating the significant points of affirmation that led to your understanding of your calling; (2) integrating your reflection on a theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your calling; and (3) how you understand your call in relation to the mission of Southeastern School of Divinity to prepare leaders for the church, academy, and world.
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
  • Professional reference OR Academic reference
  • Executive supplement
  • Christian character reference
  • Statement of Purpose– A three-page essay describing (1) your sense of vocation in Christian ministry, articulating the significant points of affirmation that led to your understanding of your calling; (2) integrating your reflection on a theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your calling; and (3) how you understand your call in relation to the mission of Southeastern School of Divinity to prepare leaders for the church, academy, and world.
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Professional reference OR Academic reference
  • Christian character reference
  • Statement of Purpose – A three-page essay describing (1) your sense of vocation in Christian ministry, articulating the significant points of affirmation that led to your understanding of your calling; (2) integrating your reflection on a theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your calling; and (3) how you understand your call in relation to the mission of Southeastern School of Divinity to prepare leaders for the church, academy, and world.
  • 5-Page Research Paper– The paper can be written on any topic and must contain 3-5 scholarly sources with Chicago/Turabian citation and a bibliography. It can be a research paper previously written by the applicant.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, even if no credit was earned or grades received (transcripts must be sent directly from the colleges)
  • Possession of an earned Master of Divinity degree, or its equivalent (at least 72 credit hours) from a regionally accredited institution/program with similar academic standards to SEU.
  • Achievement of a graduate-level GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
  • Evidence of at least three years of consistent vocational ministry experience after receiving the Master of Divinity degree (or its equivalent).
  • Professional reference
  • Christian character reference
  • A 5-page statement of purpose reflecting the applicant’s ministerial and academic goals.
  • Current curriculum vitae.
  • A personal interview may be required.
  • Possession of an earned master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution/program that maintains academic standards similar to those of Southeastern University. The earned master’s degree should include at least 30 credit hours of graduate study in areas closely parallel to the graduate-level, ministry-related curriculum of the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology/Hoskins School of Mission at Southeastern University.
  • Achievement of a grade point average of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework.
  • Five or more years of executive or senior-level missional leadership experience.
  • Submission of two letters of recommendation. One professional recommendation from a colleague or supervisor in the applicant’s current ministry. (This cannot be someone that applicant supervises), One personal recommendation assessing the applicant’s Christian character.
  • Submission of a 5-page statement of purpose reflecting the missiological and academic goals of applicants. This essay should include the applicant’s spiritual, personal, and missional leadership journey. The essay will assist in identifying applicant’s style of writing and determining their ability to clarify their calling in ministry and in academics.
  • Submission of all official transcripts from post-secondary schools attended.
  • Submission of a current curriculum vitae. The content of the vita should include, but not be limited to, the following:
    • Personal Information; full name, address, phone number, and email
    • Professional Work & Missional Leadership Experiences
    • Education
    • Publications/Accomplishments
    • Professional & Academic Awards/Recognitions
    • Professional References
  • A personal interview with the Chair of the Hoskins School of Mission and/or the director of the Doctor of Missiology program and/or designated representative(s) may be required.
  • The Director of the Doctor of Missiology program (Dr. Mike Cuckler, DMiss) will assess applicant’s submitted application and required documentation to confirm applicant’s missional leadership and academic qualification for the program.

Connect with Admission

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Traditional Undergraduate (Main Campus)

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Non-Degree/Certificates

Dual Enrollment

Military/Veteran Benefits

Southeastern University is approved for the certification of students who are eligible to receive educational assistance from the Department of Veteran Affairs and who are also enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon Program.