Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota opened in 1912 as Saint Mary's College. It offered educational opportunities for local male students and quickly gained a strong reputation as one of the state's top liberal arts colleges. Though it is coeducational today, it did not admit women until the 1960s. That change led to a sharp rise in enrollment and eventually led to the university purchasing a nearby girls' school that it used for its students. It grew even faster during the 1980s and 1990s as it constructed new buildings and added to its curriculum. After adding graduate programs, the college officially became Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in 1995.

The university now offers a number of degree programs at the undergrad and graduate levels. It launched an educational doctoral program that was so popular that it inspired the college to introduce several other doctoral programs in psychology and other subjects too. The university now offers programs that let students obtain licenses or certifications as part of their studies too. Enrollment on its main campus is around 1,100 students, but with its online courses and satellite campuses, this figure increases to more than 5,000 students.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Accreditation Details

If you think that you might transfer out of the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota program that you enroll in, you should make certain that it has regional accreditation. Regional accreditation not only makes it easier to transfer credits between two schools but also ensures that you can get financial aid from the state and federal government. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota received its regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS). Each school with NCACS accreditation must agree to renew its accreditation every decade, and the university always passed its renewal. It also has accreditation for its graduate programs in marriage and family therapy from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and its nursing program has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This Minnesota university also has accreditation from the International Assembly for for Collegiate Business Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, National Association of Schools of Music and Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Application Requirements

Before you apply to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, you can attend one of the university's information sessions. These sessions let you sit in on classes, meet with faculty, tour the campus grounds and even meet with students taking the same classes you want to take. You'll need to apply for either a program that takes place on campus or an online program. Online programs often have fewer requirements in place, but you will still need to have a bachelor's degree before classes start. Both applications ask basic questions about what you studied, where you went to school and any professional experience you might have. You'll also pay a fee of $25 when you complete the application.

The only document that the university requires beyond the application is an official college transcript. This transcript must clearly show the name of the school, your grade point average, a list of courses you took and whether you completed a degree. You can submit an official transcript before earning your degree, but you'll need to submit one that shows you graduated before enrolling. Certain programs may require a personal essay statement that explains why you choose Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, what you want to study and what you will do with your degree. This essay will usually run between 300 and 500 words. Other programs may ask for a resume and/or letters of recommendation from work supervisors and former instructors.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Though Saint Mary's University of Minnesota charges a tuition rate based on the credit hours you take, it allows each department to set its own rates. Some departments charge nearly $800 per credit hour, and other departments charge different rates for different classes. Those enrolling in one of the human resources programs face tuition rates of around $450 per credit. This means that you'll pay $4,050 per semester for a full course load. The university also charges institutional fees of a few hundred dollars a year, and some classes come with additional fees of up to $1,000 too. You're also responsible for your own textbooks and supplies, which can add $500 to your budget each semester.

It's important that you file the FAFSA in the early or late spring before classes start. That form will determine whether you qualify for any state grants or federal loans. The university will also use that form and your application to determine if you qualify for any special programs based on your major. In addition to government loans, the university can help you find the best alternative loans too. Students who take out loans must go through exit counseling before graduation.

Human Resource Degrees

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers an M.S. in Human Resource Management for students who have an undergrad degree in business or a similar subject. The university offers this program on its campus in Twin Cities and online too. It recommends that professionals working long hours and those who have limited time sign up for the online option. They'll take the same classes, have access to the same resources and even work with the same professors as students taking classes in the Twin Cities do. Students accepted into the program can start their classes during one of the six new sessions that start every year.

Related Resource: Most Affordable Top Online Master's in Human Resources Degree Programs 2020

This human resources program requires that students take 13 classes for a total of 39 credit hours. The eight required human resource management courses are worth 24 credits. Developing human capital, total reward systems, human resource management strategies and diversity in the workforce are just some of the classes you'll take. You'll also take three required management courses that help you become a better writer and manager while also teaching you about workplace ethics. Though you only need to take one elective, the university lets you choose that elective from seven different classes. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota will give you three additional credits for a capstone class that you take in your final year of the program.