Augustana’s graduate programs reflect the church-related liberal arts character of the College through courses designed to help students explore the central ideas and methodologies of different disciplines, and wrestle with questions of meaning and value. The mission of the graduate program is to stimulate the intellectual capacities of students in order to make their lives more satisfying and rewarding. More specifically, it seeks to expand students' knowledge and to strengthen skills important to career, personal fulfillment, and community service.

Augustana provides advanced training and research experience at the master's degree level delivered through a distinguished faculty of teachers and researchers who genuinely care about the intellectual development of students. Augustana offers graduate degree programs in the area of education* and nursing*. These programs are designed primarily for part-time study.

Admission Requirements For Degree-Seeking Students

A student holding a baccalaureate degree and interested in working toward a graduate degree first obtains, completes and files an official application with the Office of Graduate Education. All applications must be supported by:

• official transcripts from each college or university attended
• two letters of recommendation testifying to the applicant's character and ability to do graduate work (forms will be provided)
• a two-to three-page typed essay in which the applicant discusses his or her academic interests, educational goals, and plans for graduate study
• non-refundable application fee of $50 (Students enrolled as fulltime undergraduate students at Augustana at the time of application to the program are exempt from paying this fee.)
• a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better for the last sixty semester hours of undergraduate course work.
• sufficient undergraduate work in the proposed field of study to satisfy specific program admission requirements and graduate credit course prerequisites (See admission requirements for specific programs.)

* Refer to specific program prerequisites for additional requirements.

To request application materials, please contact the Office of Graduate Education at:

Office of Graduate Education
Augustana College
2001 S Summit Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57197

605.274-4043
Fax: 605.274-4450
graduate@augie.edu

Accreditation

The graduate programs at Augustana are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Accreditation and approval by the aforementioned agencies permit Augustana College graduates to obtain teaching certificates in all 50 states. The graduate program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Transfer Credits

A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit earned at other accredited institutions may be transferred to Augustana and applied to a student's graduate program providing that:

• an official transcript is provided
• the credit is approved by the advisor and Director of Graduate Education
• the credits have not been utilized in earning an undergraduate degree
• a grade of B- or better was earned for the credits
• the credits are not outdated (more than 7 years old)

A Second Master of Arts Degree

Up to nine semester hours from a completed graduate degree program, earned either at Augustana or another accredited institution, may be applied toward a second master of arts degree. All other requirements for a second master of arts degree at Augustana are the same as for the first. (Some cohort programs require all 32 credit hours; no credits from other courses will apply.)

Workshop Credits

A maximum of three graduate credit hours for workshop experience may be applied to some graduate degree programs. The workshop must be closely related to the student's educational intent, and the approval of the advisor and the Director of Graduate Education must be obtained at the time the graduate plan of study is developed. Workshops with a 500 number are graduate level.

Correspondence Course Credits

Graduate credits earned in off-campus correspondence courses normally will not apply to graduate degree programs.

Course Schedules

Information concerning graduate courses offered in any given term (summer, fall, spring) is available at the Registrar's Office (605.274.4121) and the Office of Graduate Education (605.274.4043). There is a special listing of graduate courses in each semester's course schedule (.pdf).

The College reserves the right to cancel courses in which the registration is deemed insufficient and to change instructors or the meeting time and place of classes when conditions make it necessary.