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Apply to the Graduate Institute

We are currently accepting applications for the spring, summer, and fall 2023 terms.
Apply to the Graduate Institute

Our graduate programs provide you the opportunity to explore the fundamental texts and questions that can help you better engage our complex world with intelligence and purpose.

Graduate Institute Application

Apply online for the St. John's College Graduate Institute.

Apply Online

Sessions Available On Campus or Online Through our Low Residency Option​​​​​

Access our unique education online or in person this academic year through St. John’s Graduate Institute. St. John’s is offering online classes though our low residency program for those who want to begin the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts degree or the Eastern Classics Program without having to move.

The online classes for the low residency program will be offered at different times based on our campus time zones, so you may want to consider selecting the campus and class times that work best for your schedule. The low residency program will also require you to visit campus for two long weekends, so consider whether you would enjoy spending your weekends watching a sailboat race before walking the historic streets of Annapolis or hiking in the Rocky Mountains before visiting the world-famous art district in the beautiful city of Santa Fe.

There has never been a better time to apply to St. John’s for our graduate programs. If you have any questions, please call Ryan Johnson at 410-626-2526 or email gradadmissions(at)sjc.edu for more information!

If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Johnson in Annapolis.

Admissions Process

The purpose of the admissions process is to determine if applicants have a clear understanding of the program for which they are applying, a serious commitment to the work of that program, and sufficient ability and preparation to undertake that work. The admissions process is personal and holistic; we are happy to help guide applicants through the process.

Deadlines

To ensure full consideration and enough time to complete all application, financial aid, and registration steps, students should apply at least three months before the start of the semester. Below are the Regular Admission Deadlines. After these deadlines, St. John’s will accept applications on a rolling basis for each term until all spaces are filled, up until one month before the semester starts.

Enrollment Terms and Priority Deadlines
Enrollment Term REGULAR Deadline Admissions Decision Returned
Fall (Liberal Arts and Eastern Classics) July 1 Within 4 weeks
Spring (Liberal Arts) November 1 Within 4 weeks
Summer (Liberal Arts) April 1 Within 4 weeks

Requirements

The Graduate Institute welcomes applications for admission from qualified individuals with a bachelor’s degree; no particular field or major is required. There is no application fee. In addition to the application form, you will be asked to submit:

  • Essays

    In judging applications, greatest weight is given to the two essay prompts. The first essay asks applicants to discuss their previous education and their reasons for interest in the Graduate Institute. The second essay asks for reflections on a book of particular importance to them. We do not have a set minimum or maximum word count for these essays, but typically they will be three to eight pages in total and demonstrate the applicant’s ability to express themselves in a thoughtful and articulate manner.

  • Transcripts

    Transcripts are required from every institution where applicants have earned college credit. These should be mailed directly from the registrar’s office in a sealed envelope.

  • Letters of Reference

    The two letters of reference are also carefully weighed. They should be from academic sources, and, when possible, written specifically for the Graduate Institute. Exceptions can be made for those candidates who have been out of college for many years. In that case letters from supervisors or work colleagues will suffice. Please feel free to call the graduate admissions office on either campus to discuss options.

    Download a PDF of the Reference Letter form

  • GRE Not Required

    Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required.