Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Admission & Application Requirements
If you have a baccalaureate degree and want to take courses for graduate credit but are not seeking admission to a graduate program, you may enroll as a "graduate special" student (admission status is "graduate unclassified"). International students who require an I‐20 and Visa are not eligible for admission as non‐degree seeking students.
- Students who later wish to be admitted to a graduate degree program must submit a new application and meet all admission criteria for the specific program.
- Credits earned as a Graduate Special student may later be applied to a degree program with advisor approval, but cannot exceed nine (9) semester credits.
- Graduate Special students are not eligible for most types of financial aid.
- Students who are denied admission to a degree program may register as Graduate Special students only with special permission from the graduate program coordinator.
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Student Application Instructions
- Online graduate application
Submit the Graduate Online Application.
- $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate MSUM applications
After you complete the Graduate Online Application:
- Log in to eServices with your StarID
- Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card
- Proof of baccalaureate degree (unofficial transcripts accepted)
- Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in)
- Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed
- Select “Summary” on the Non-Degree Seeking application and upload a transcript that shows your degree completion by selecting the “Upload” link under the “Action” column
You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other Minnesota State System institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.
Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Application Deadlines
- Summer: May 15
- Fall: August 15
- Spring: November 15
Steps to Apply
You may begin your application before all documents are ready. GradCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.
- Create your account in GradCAS
- Select your program from the list and click “+” to add to your cart.
- Complete the three general application sections.
- Complete the fourth, MSUM section (See Application Requirements below).
- Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
- Pay the $38 application fee.
The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.
Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits.
Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Application Requirements
- GradCAS application
- A current resume.
- Unofficial transcripts are required from the institution where you completed your undergraduate degree.
- If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices, contact graduate@mnstate.edu and we can assist.
- Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
- MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
International Student Requirements
- An official comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluator (ECE), World Education Services (WES) or any other NACES accredited evaluation firm, from post-secondary institutions outside the U.S.
- The ECE, WES, or NACES evaluation must certify your international degree is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- For students whose native language is not English, or who were not taught in English, an official score from either TOEFL (6678 MSUM code) or IELTS (Minnesota State University Moorhead) is required.
- TOEFL scores-550 (paper-based) or 78-80 (online)
- IELTS score of 6.5
For questions about the program or the application process please call Graduate Studies 218.477.2134 or email graduate@mnstate.edu.
Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.
Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
Chat help for applicants is available.
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