Overview
The University was originally founded in 1961 as Biscayne College by the order of Augustinian Friars. By 1984, the college had grown to such an extent that its status was changed to that of a university, and it was renamed St. Thomas University. The Law School was also founded in 1984 and received full accreditation from the American Bar Association in 1994. In addition, the Institute for Pastoral Ministries was established in 1981, the Institute for Human Rights in 1992, and the Center for Loss and Healing in 2000. St. Thomas is under the sponsorship of the Archdiocese of Miami.

The total enrollment is approximately 2,800 students. The graduate student population is approximately 800. St. Thomas University provides a learning environment that is intellectually challenging. Classes are small to foster maximum interaction between students and faculty members. Many students are working professionals who, along with the faculty members, help place theoretical approaches in the context of real-life practical experience. Evening courses are offered at convenient locations.

The Location and Community
Located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the University is near numerous cultural and recreational facilities. The area’s subtropical climate enables students to enjoy the nearby Atlantic Ocean beaches and many other natural attractions throughout the year. Numerous cities of Florida’s Gold Coast are a short drive from campus. The city of Miami is a major international commercial and banking center.

Programs of Study and Degree Requirements
St. Thomas University offers master’s and doctoral programs in business, communication arts, counseling, education, management, pastoral ministries and sports administration. The University is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. On-site and certificate programs are also offered in a number of specializations listed below.

In the Department of Arts and Sciences, programs in counseling include Master of Science degrees in guidance and counseling, mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. The University also offers two Master of Arts degrees—the Master of Arts in communication arts, with a specialization in Hispanic media, and the Master of Arts in pastoral ministries, with specializations in campus young adult ministry, ecology and the human spirit, family ministry, pastoral counseling, religious education, and youth and deaf ministries. An interdisciplinary certificate program in loss and healing is also offered.

In the Department of Business Administration, the following master’s degree programs are offered: Master of Accounting, Master of International Business, and Master of Business Administration, with specializations in accounting, health management, human resources, international business, management, and sports administration.

In the Department of Management, the following master’s degree programs are offered: Master of Science in Management, with specializations in general management, health management, human resource management, international business, justice administration, management accounting, and public management, and the Master of Science in sports administration.

In the Department of Education, the following master’s degree programs are offered: Master of Science in education, with specializations in elementary education and English for speakers of another language; Master of Science in special education, with specializations in gifted education, research, and English for speakers of another language; and Master of Science in educational administration. The department also offers a certificate in educational administration.

Individual programs vary from 30 to 60 graduate credit hours. Programs are structured to contain core courses, courses in the area of specialization, and electives. All students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in all course work, and, with the exception of those enrolled in the Master of Accounting degree program, students must pass a written comprehensive examination in order to graduate.

Facilities & Resources
The main library and law library contain more than 300,000 volumes and volume equivalences, 900 print periodicals, and five computer labs and provides digital access to more than 14,475 journal, magazine, and newspaper titles and 28,000 electronic books. In addition, the main library is a federal depository library. The library is a member of Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN), which provides for the sharing of resources among south Florida libraries. Online computer searching systems and a media center are also available for student use. Media facilities include screening rooms, a language laboratory, an instructional television recording studio, a film and videotape collection room, and a radio station.

International Students
International students must demonstrate financial resources and adequate proficiency in English by submitting scores from the TOEFL. Detailed information about specific program requirements may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions

Expenses and Aid
Tuition for students attending graduate programs during the academic year is $795 per credit.

Financial Aid:
Financial assistance is available to students in the form of graduate assistantships, community-based scholarships for full-time teachers and employees of the Archdiocese of Miami, scholarships for students in sports administration and communication arts, fellowships for students in marriage and family therapy, and federal student aid programs. Outstanding students who are awarded graduate assistantships receive a tuition waiver for 9 credits per semester and a cash stipend. Qualified students in the pastoral ministry program receive 40 percent tuition discounts. Nonprofit, government, and health-care professionals applying for the Master of Science in Management program receive 35 percent tuition discounts.

Housing/Living Expenses:
On-campus room and board are available to graduate students through the Office of Student Life. Costs start at $8,270 per year. Housing applications should be submitted by July 1. Family housing is not available on campus, but rental apartments abound in the surrounding area. Reasonably priced meals are available on campus.

How to Apply
Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The Graduate Admissions Committee may consider applicants for admission on the basis of their academic record, personal and professional accomplishments, motivation, talents, recommendations, test results, and a personal statement. Applicants may be required to submit GRE, GMAT, MAT, or other test scores. Students may start any term throughout the year. However, early application is recommended.

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