How to Apply

This is a  non-refundable, $35 fee (no waivers provided). 

Ways to pay:

• When you submit your application.
• By mailing a U.S. check or U.S. money order payable to Minot State University*. Please include the applicant’s full legal name as it appears on their driver’s license or passport and as used on the application
• International applicants: may also pay using Flywire

 Note, payments by Flywire, check or money order must be received and processed by the Graduate School before you can submit the application.When payment is processed applicant will be notified.

*Mailing address:

Minot State University
Graduate School
500 University Ave W
Minot ND 58707

The application requires you to upload your Statement of Purpose as a Word file in the Document Upload section within the online application.

• Upload a concise (minimum 500 words) essay describing your primary interest of study, and your objective in pursuing this degree at Minot State University.
• Be as specific as possible in describing your interests, relevant education, research, commercial, government, or teaching experience.
  
  
• *Some programs may require more specific information. Visit the program's Admission Standards and Deadlines for details.
  
  
• *Non-degree or certificate applications do not require a statement of purpose or resume

Those applying for a full degree (not Non-degree or a certificate), will be required to upload a resume.

The application requires you to list three recommendation providers. 

Recommendations should be requested from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic or professional background and who are able to comment on the applicant’s qualifications for graduate study. 

• The Recommendation Form must be submitted by the provider.
• The electronic Recommendation Form is sent via an automated email to the provider through the online application system.
• Your application can be submitted prior to the recommendations being received.
  
  
• *Some programs may require more specific information. Visit the program's Admission Standards and Deadlines for details.
• Recommendations are not required for non-degree and certificate applicants.

Official transcripts from ALL previous colleges or universities, both graduate and undergraduate, are required. Refer to the individual institution's website for transcript order details.

Send transcripts to: 

Standard Mail: Minot State University, Graduate School, 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND, 58707

Electronic transcripts (ex: Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse) follow the sites instructions; if email is required use graduate@minotstateu.edu

• An official transcript showing the earned baccalaureate degree is required. In-progress transcripts can be used for admission consideration.
• Official transcripts are only accepted from the originating institution. Electronic Transcripts from the originating institution are acceptable. 
• If you previously attended a North Dakota University System (NDUS) institution, we will automatically download your transcript provided you have no holds on your account at that institution.

• International (Non-Canadian)marks/grades: 
  • Require a course-by course acaemdic credential evaluation in lieu of official transcripts. Details are provided below under International Applicants.

Applicant is responsible for requesting non NDUS transcripts be sent via standard mail or electronic services. 

Check the Admission Standards page for any specific program instructions for this requirement. 

Student Health

Proof of immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Students ages 21 and younger residing in campus housing must provide documentation of immunity against meningococcal disease, as required by the State Board of Higher Education. 

• An immunization record waiver will apply to those who were born prior to 1/1/1957, those enrolling in distance education courses (online, correspondence, or an off-campus site) and those who adhere to a belief (religious, philosophical, moral) that are opposed to immunizations.
• Immunization records are not required for admission consideration; if admitted, records are required by the start of your first semester.
• No student will be permitted to enroll in a subsequent term until immunization or documentation of a waiver is complete.

Non-Degree and Certificate applicants:

• A bachelor's degree is required for admission consideration.
• Cumulative GPA: minimum 2.75 
  • Undergraduate seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may apply for non-degree and certificate programs. 
• No statement of purpose, resume, or recommendations required.
• Non-degree and certificate students are not eligible for Financial Aid for F-1 visa status
• Only 12 SH of non-degree credits are applicable to a full master's degree.

Re-admission applicants:

• Complete the Application for Readmission  two weeks prior to the start of a term

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Scores: taken within 2 years: Internet Based Test with a minimum score of 79
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System:) taken within 2 years: with a minimum score of 6.0 overall band
• Duolingo English Test. Minimum score of 105
  
  Tests must be sent to Minot State University Graduate School directly from the testing center. 
  
  
• International students who have earned a degree from an English speaking university (where the primary mode of instruction is English) in the past 10 years may be considered for English proficiency waiver. Students should provide a letter of proof from the institution.
  • 
    To submit: An official letter, from the institution in which you earned the degree, can be emailed to graduate@minotstateu.edu directly from a school official.

Countries Exempt from the English Proficiency Requirement:

If you have been raised or have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized institution from one of the countries below you are exempt from the English Proficiency requirement.

A credential evaluation of international marks is the process of assessing academic records (such as transcripts, diplomas, or certificates) earned outside the country to determine their equivalency in the local education system.

Non-Canadian international college, university, or professional school statements of marks must go through a course-by-course credential evaluation. Minot State will ONLY accept evaluations from one of the following evaluators (NO EXCEPTIONS): 

• American Education Research Corporation (AERC)
• Education Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

Click on the links above to review their application procedures. The agency you choose to utilize will send an official evaluation to Minot State University along with copies of your transcript(s). Electronic evaluations are accepted.

*Applicants who have attended Canadian colleges, universities, and/or professional schools, a credential evaluation is not required, official transcripts can be sent directly to the MSU Graduate School.

F-1 Transfer Clearance Form [pdf]
If you are transferring to MSU from a college or university within the United States you must submit the F-1 transfer form signed by you and the international coordinator at your current school in order to have your SEVIS record transferred to Minot State University.

International students are not eligible for U.S. federal or state need-based financial assistance. Therefore, to receive an I-20, certification of adequate financial support to meet the needs during the period of enrollment at MSU is required of all international non-immigrant applicants. 

Note: You only submit the Application for I-20 and Certification of Finances if you receive and accept an offer of admission. 

Before completing the App for I-20, please review the Sources of Financial Support [pdf]

• Canadian Application for Form I-20 and Certification of Financial Responsibility [pdf]
  
  
• International Student Application for Form I-20 and Certification of Financial Responsibility[pdf]

Send documents via secure file submission:  https://sendfiles.ndus.edu/filedrop/~Coce7a

If currently attending another USA institution, please submit the Transfer Clearance Form to transfer your SEVIS record to Minot State University.

Programs eligible for F1 Student visa status: Education, Management, School Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Sports Management.

Note, if admitted, you must be able to arrive to Minot State University the Wednesday prior to the start of the semester. Late arrival is not accepted, even if granted a late visa appointment that prohibits you from arriving on the required date. If unable to arrive by the required date, you may request to defer your admission.

» Financial Support

» Office of International Programs  - International Student Services

» Health Insurance and Immunization

» Student Visa and Graduate Assistantship