Admission Requirements
Admission to the Graduate School
is open to qualified graduates of universities and colleges of
recognized standing without regard to race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, disability, age, Vietnam-era veterans status, sexual
orientation, or status with regard to marriage or public assistance.
Admission to the Graduate School is a selective process intended
to identify applicants who are outstanding among recipients of
baccalaureate degrees.
The following minimum qualifications are required of all students
seeking an advanced degree:
- The applicant must have a baccalaureate
degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.
- The applicant must have adequate
preparation in the chosen field of study and must show potential
to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic
performance and experience.
- At the baccalaureate level, the
applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average
(GPA) of at least 3.0, or equivalent, to attain full standing
in a graduate degree program. Applicants whose last degree completed
is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the
final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent.
- Each program may set higher qualifications
and may require the submission of additional evidence of academic
performance.
A student shall be permitted to register
for graduate study only after formal admission. Programs make
recommendations on all applications, but the final admission decision
is the responsibility of the Dean of the Graduate School.
For graduate application
All application materials are due
one month before registration for U.S. students; some programs
have earlier deadlines. (See program sections within the Graduate
Bulletin for details.) For international students, the completed
application packet (application form, application fee, reasons
for graduate study statement, official transcripts, and the three
letters of reference) and required test scores must be received
by the Graduate School prior to May 1 for Fall Semester and prior
to August 1 for Spring Semester unless the department has other posted deadlines. There is additional paperwork
for international students.Click here for graduate application.
Official transcripts (transcripts having an appropriate seal or
stamp) of all previous undergraduate and graduate records must
be received by the Graduate School before the application is considered
complete. When a transcript is submitted in advance of completion
of either undergraduate or graduate studies, an updated transcript
showing all course credits, grades, and degree completions must
be provided prior to initial registration at NDSU.
Three letters of recommendation are required before action is
taken on any application. Personal reference report forms are
available from the Graduate School website.
A list of programs requiring or recommending Graduate Record Examination
(GRE) scores can be found by following this link TestScores.
The Master of Business Administration program requires a score
of 520 or above on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Minimum TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores by program are also listed on TestScores.
Test dates of all official tests must be within two years of the
date of the application to the Graduate School.
Admission of International Students
North Dakota State University welcomes
international students as part of the student body, and the Graduate School encourages applications from qualified students throughout
the world. More than 25% of the approximately 1,700 graduate students
are international students.
In addition to meeting the previously stated admission requirements,
to qualify for admission in an advanced degree program, all international
students must demonstrate proficiency in English and must provide
evidence of adequate financial support for themselves and any
dependents for the duration of their graduate program.
Language Proficiency
English proficiency must be demonstrated
prior to admission by obtaining a minimum score of 525 (paper-based
test) or 197 (computer-based test) or 71 (internet-based test) on the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 5.5 on the (IELTS). The test date must be within two years
of the date of the application to the Graduate School.
Information about these tests are available from our website (TestScores).
Some programs require higher scores for
admission to their degree programs (Click Here). This requirement
of a TOEFL or IELTS score may be waived for students from countries where
English is the official language and for students who have recently
earned a degree from a U.S. university or college.
Once documentation of the required level of English proficiency
has been received by the Graduate School and all other admission
requirements are met, the student may be admitted to a graduate
degree program.
Under certain circumstances, applications from students not able
to demonstrate the minimum level of proficiency in the English
language may be accepted conditionally, but English proficiency
at the stated level must be demonstrated prior to attainment of
full standing in a graduate degree program. North Dakota State
University offers an Intensive English Language Program during
the Summer, Fall, and Spring Semesters designed to raise the English
proficiency of Graduate School applicants who have scored at least
500 on the TOEFL or a 5 on the IELTS and are otherwise academically acceptable. Applicants
accepted into Graduate School with TOEFL scores between 500 (173
computer-based test or 61 internet-based test) and 525 (195 computer-based test or 71 internet-based test) are given
conditional admission and required to complete this program at
their own expense or submit a new TOEFL score after further study.
The address is
Intensive English Language Program,
North Dakota State University,
Office of International Programs,
P.O. Box 5582,
Fargo, North Dakota 58105-5582, USA.
Tel: 701-231-7895, Fax: 701-231-1014
e-mail: ndsu.international@ndsu.nodak.edu
Online: www.ndsu.edu/International.
Special Examinations for International Graduate Students Involved
with Teaching
Teaching assistants must attain a
score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or
100 (internet-based test) or better on the TOEFL or a score of 7 or better on the IELTS; must pass an oral proficiency interview administered by
a Graduate School representative; and must show written proficiency
with either a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5.0 or better,
a pass grade on a writing sample administered at NDSU, or completion
of two semesters of English writing at NDSU with grades of B or
better. It is recommended that the TWE be taken at the same time
as the TOEFL or IELTS whenever possible. The test dates of the TOEFL, IELTS and
TWE must be within two years of the date of application to the Graduate School.
In addition to the TOEFL or IELTS, many programs require or recommend Graduate
Record Examination (GRE) scores of international applicants (Click Here).
Financial Requirements
Certification of adequate financial support
is required from all international applicants other than permanent
residents of the United States, parolees, refugees, United States
trust territory applicants, or immigrants. Admission will not
be granted until proof of funds for the duration of graduate study
has been submitted. A special North Dakota State University Financial
Certification Form must be completed for this purpose (Click Here). Failure to complete this certification and submit supporting
documents will delay admission decisions and the issuance of the
appropriate immigration forms. Applicants must be prepared to
pay tuition, fees, and costs for living expenses for their entire
stay at the university. North Dakota State University does not
provide financial assistance for graduate international students
who have not been granted an assistantship. A detailed summary
of expenses is included in the international application packet.
Each applicant should become familiar with his/her financial needs
based on that summary.
Transfer of Funds
There are often difficulties in transferring
funds from foreign countries to the United States. Before departing
for the United States, students should become thoroughly familiar
with their home government's regulations for exchanging
and forwarding money.
Transfer International Students
All international students currently studying in the United States
must submit the Supplemental Information Form as part of the application.
This form is to be completed by the applicant and the applicant's
present or most recent international student adviser.
Medical Insurance
International students are required by
the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education to purchase the
Board approved health insurance policy before they are allowed
to register. No other policy may be substituted. The fee for health
insurance for one year must be paid upon arrival and at the beginning
of each subsequent year. Because of the increasing costs of healthcare
in the United States, health insurance for a student's spouse
and accompanying dependents is highly recommended and is included
in the estimate of expenses for accompanying dependents. In addition,
the state of North Dakota requires documentation of immunity to
measles, mumps, and rubella prior to registration for courses.
International Application Deadline
All application materials for international
students must be received by the Graduate School prior to May
1 for Fall Semester and prior to August 1 for Spring Semester.
Applications received after that date will automatically be considered
for the next semester. This regulation applies to students matriculating
from abroad because of the time required to obtain current financial
information, determine student status, and issue the appropriate
immigration form.
International students transferring to NDSU from another United
States university or college must submit complete applications
not later than June 1 for Fall Semester and October 1 for Spring
Semester.
Intensive English Language Program
The Intensive English Language Program
is open to international visitors and graduate and undergraduate
applicants who plan to enroll at North Dakota State University.
The course is designed for individuals whose scores on the Test
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS do not meet minimum standards
and who are required to participate in the course as a condition
of admission to the university or as a condition of being awarded
a teaching assistantship. However, it is recommended for any international
student wishing to improve his or her English language skills
or desiring extra preparation for college-level course work. The
full-time, highly intensive course is offered every Summer for
5 weeks and every Fall and Spring Semester for 15 weeks. No college
credit is given, and students attend at their own expense.
For more information, contact
Intensive English Language Program
North Dakota State University
Office of International Programs
P.O. Box 5582
Fargo, North Dakota 58105-5582 U.S.A.
Tel: 701-231-7895
Fax: 701-231-1014
e-mail: ndsu.international@ndsu.nodak.edu
Online at: www.ndsu.edu/International.
Sponsored International Students
Agencies and foreign governments that require
special administrative and management services from the Office
of International Programs at NDSU are assessed an administrative
fee. Contact the Office of International Programs for fee amounts.
Action on Applications
All applicants who have provided the required
application materials, including completed application forms,
application fee, reasons for graduate study statement, transcripts,
transcript evaluation fee (if necessary), any required educational
credentialing, three completed letters of recommendation, and
any appropriate test scores, will be notified of action taken
on their request for admittance to the Graduate School. Admission
of all graduate students requires approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.
Admission Status
Graduate students will be admitted under
one of the following classifications:
Full Graduate Standing
These students have met all requirements for admission and have
been accepted by a program leading to a graduate degree. A student
must have full graduate standing to receive a graduate degree.
Conditional Standing
Students in conditional standing do not meet all requirements for admission or have
deficiencies in prerequisite course work but show potential for
successful graduate study. Evidence must be provided showing that
the applicant's potential is not adequately reflected by
his or her record. In making this recommendation, the program
must specify standards of performance that must be satisfied for
a change in status to full graduate standing. Any students admitted in conditional status because of grade deficiency is automatically placed on aceademic warning. If a student on academic warning fails to achieve GPA of atleast 3.0 in the subsequent semester of attendance, then the student will be placed on academic probation. The student may
not earn more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit in the
conditional status.
Students admitted under conditional status
may, in consultation with their major adviser, request a change
to full graduate standing after demonstration of specified capability
in graduate studies. This request containing the academic justification
for the change is to be made of the Dean of the Graduate School
by the major adviser and approved by the program administrator.
Eligibility for graduate assistantships will be determined by
the program. Students with conditional status cannot become candidates
for a degree; they have to achieve full graduate standing.
Non-Degree Enrollment
Individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution
of recognized standing may enroll as non-degree students. This
category is for individuals who desire to pursue study beyond
the baccalaureate degree for personal growth and improvement of
skills but not in order to work toward an advanced degree objective.
To become a non-degree student, individuals must complete an application
form and submit the appropriate fees. Students must have the prerequisite
courses or background/experience necessary for the course or courses
in which they desire to enroll. This may require consultation
and approval from course instructors. In courses with limited
enrollment, preference will be given to degree-seeking students.
Students enrolled with non-degree
status are not eligible for graduate assistantships, tuition waivers,
or federal title IV student financial assistance. Students in
this category are affiliated with the Graduate School and not
an academic program. No more than 10 credits taken under the non-degree
status with a grade of B or higher can be transferred to any official
program of study should there be, at any future date, a decision
to seek degree classification. Professional development graduate
courses (numbered 600) are not eligible for graduate degree programs
and may be taken without formal admission to NDSU.
Change in Classification
Students enrolled with non-degree
status may subsequently desire to be considered for admission
to the Graduate School to pursue an advanced degree. Such a change
in status may be accomplished for a subsequent term by submitting
a complete application to the Graduate School as a degree-seeking
student. The student must be acceptable to a specific program.
Appropriate course credits (no more than 10) earned in the non-degree
status may be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements if
approved by the student's program committee and the Dean
of the Graduate School. No course taken in the non-degree status
for which the grade is less than B will be permitted on a plan
of study for a graduate degree.
Registration Procedure
In the letter notifying an applicant
of admission, the Graduate School will identify an individual,
usually the program administrator, whom the applicant should contact.
The student should confer with this, or another, program representative
prior to initial registration.
General
The purpose of this bulletin is to
provide information about the graduate programs of North Dakota
State University. It should not be considered an offer or a contract.
While every effort has been made to make this information as complete
and accurate as possible, it should be noted that changes may
occur at any time in the requirements, course offerings, fees,
etc. listed in this bulletin. However, students are allowed to
meet the degree requirements in effect at the time of first enrollment
as a degree-seeking student, provided the student is able to complete
the degree requirements reflected in the appropriate bulletin
within the stated time frame and the student has maintained continuous
enrollment status.
It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with and
complete the requirements for the degree being sought.
