English Language Proficiency
Date Implemented: November 14, 2006
Date Revised: February 19, 2008
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all students applying for admission to a graduate or professional program at the University of St. Thomas for whom English is not their native language. The minimum acceptable score for this examination is 213 for the computer-based test or a total score of 80 for the internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 for both the writing and speaking sections of the iBT. Programs may require higher scores for admission to meet specific requirements of the program.
Other English proficiency tests accepted by the university are the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 80 and the International English Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5. Applicants that have successfully completed a previous undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university and can verify that the curriculum was taught in English can apply to the program for exemption from the English Proficiency testing requirement.
The Dean of the program may be petitioned for a waiver of this requirement. Copies of approved waivers are to be retained in the student’s file, the Dean’s Office, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of International Admissions.
Important Note: In the absence of a more stringent policy at the school or college level the University Graduate Academic Policies apply. Should a graduate program not have a specific policy or should there be omissions or gaps in the policy for a specific graduate school program, the University Graduate Policy shall govern.
The Graduate Academic Policies are the responsibility of the Graduate Curriculum Committee Convener. For additions or revisions contact gradcurriculum@stthomas.edu.