How to Apply

This is a one-time, non-refundable, $35 fee (no waivers provided). You may pay online within the application or send a check or money order to:

Graduate School-Admissions, Minot State University, 500 University Avenue W., Minot ND 58707 

Make the check or money order payable to Minot State University and note the applicant's full legal name as it appears on the application.

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

Required for all applicants except non-degree or certificate applicants.

The Minot State University Graduate School requires three recommendations for persons applying for admission. 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 preferred.

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

• International (Non-Canadian) Students: MSU submit a course-by-course academic 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. 

Mailing address:  Minot State University, Graduate School, 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND, 58707

Email: graduate@minotstateu.edu

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.
• Undergraduate seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher may apply for non-degree and certificate programs. 
• The statement of purpose, resume, and recommendation forms are not required.
• Non-degree and certificate students are not eligible for Financial Aid
• 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 100
  
  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.

International applicants (except Canadians) are required to have all international college, university, or professional school statements of marks (transcripts) evaluated course by course by one of the following internationally recognized, comprehensive organizations approved by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education:

• 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.

*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. Applicants from MSU's formalized partner institutions are not required to provide a credential evaluation.

Results should be sent directly from the agency to Minot State University. The agency will guide you through the submission process. 

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.

» Financial Support

» Office of International Programs  - International Student Services

» Health Insurance and Immunization

» Student Visa and Graduate Assistantship