How to Apply for Graduate School

Thank you for your interest in becoming a graduate student at the University of North Dakota.

While each graduation program will have its own program requirements you’ll need to meet, the admissions process to the School of Graduate Studies generally follows three steps.

1. Complete the Online Application

You'll need to complete the online application form for the application process to formally begin. The application is a requirement, regardless of the program you are looking to enroll in.

2. Pay the Application Fee

Submit a $35 non-refundable application fee at the time of submission. Payment can be made by credit card or electronic check.

3. Provide Required Materials*

The are certain documents we'll need you to send to the School of Graduate Studies, not the department to which you are applying, to process your application. The Master of Fine Arts portfolio is the only exception.

The list of required documents includes:

  • Transcripts: One official copy of ALL college and/or university academic transcripts must be submitted. Do not send high school, intermediate, or secondary transcripts.
  • Statement of goals: A statement of goals or personal statement (about 1-2 pages in length) is required to assess your writing ability and determine if the program suits your needs. Some programs may require you to address certain questions or topics.
  • Test scores and English proficiency: All graduate admissions tests must be sent directly by the testing center. Photocopies are not accepted. Note that not all graduate programs require testing for admission.
  • Recommendations: All applications must include three letters of recommendation. It is preferable that the recommendations (references) come from those who can honestly evaluate your potential for graduate study. Reference letters may be submitted in lieu of the recommendation forms provided to you.
  • Program requirements: Be sure to review academic programs for specific requirements. Some programs require additional materials such as an essay, resume, certification/licensure or experience in a specific field.

Any application materials submitted prior to the submission of the online application will be kept active for six months. After six months, if an application has not been received, the documents will be destroyed.

You must submit one complete application for each program and for each term to which you are applying to. For example, you may be:

  • Applying to a program to which you have previously applied.
  • Applying to a program after being a non-degree student.
  • Applying to more than one program for a given semester.

Application Accounts

Each application account can only host one application. You will need individual accounts for each application you submit to the School of Graduate Studies. For security reasons, we do not allow multiple accounts to use the same email address. When you create your new account, be sure to use a different email address than your previous account.

Be sure to check back on these accounts. We will send admission and application notifications to the email address provided for each application.

Application Fees

An application will not be considered without payment of $35 USD. You will need to pay this fee for each application you submit. The application fee is non-refundable.

Written Statements

You must submit separate written statements for each application. We recommend that you prepare unique materials for each program and that you pay special attention to the Application Requirements by Program to ensure that you have prepared all of the required documents.

Test Scores

If you are applying to more than one program at the same time, your official test scores may be used for multiple applications.

The School of Graduate Studies will use official test scores from previous applications as long as they are still valid and they are still on file according to our record retention policy.

Transcripts

If you are applying to more than one program at the same time, your official transcripts may be used for multiple applications.

The School of Graduate Studies will use official transcripts from previous applications as long as your academic record at the institution has not changed and we still have the transcripts on file according to our record retention policy.

Letters of Recommendation

You will need to submit three letters of recommendation for each degree-seeking application you submit. Be sure to let your recommenders know precisely which program you are applying to. Recommendations will not be shared across multiple applications.

Notifications

All admissions information, including decisions, are sent via email and posted in your Admissions Account. You will receive emails throughout the process keeping you up to date on the status of your application.

It's your responsibility to ensure all submitted materials were received and attached to the application. Please monitor your application and email to know when our decision is ready.

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Certificate Applications

One official copy of ALL college and/or university academic transcripts must be submitted. Do not send high school, intermediate, or secondary transcripts.

Official Transcripts

  • One official copy of all academic transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attempted credit at, including undergraduate and graduate course work, must arrive in an official manner.
  • If the institution sends transcript via mail, it must arrive in envelopes sealed by the registrar.
  • If the institution sends transcripts in an electronic manner, it must be received in a secure document format.
  • Transcripts that have been opened or tampered with will not be accepted.

Transcripts from Outside the U.S. or Canada

  • If you have attended a college or university outside of the U.S. or Canada, you must also include an official or attested copy of your diploma or degree certificate sent by the registrar.
  • All documentation must be in English or have an English translation attached.
  • Indian students must provide all official or attested mark sheets and a copy of their diploma.
  • Chinese students must provide transcripts plus Graduation Certificate and Degree Diploma.
  • A credential evaluation performed by a NACES member organization can be submitted in place of the transcript requirement.

Current or Previous UND Students

  • If you currently are attending or have previously attended UND, the admissions specialists will print your UND transcript for you.
  • If you have any transfer work on your UND transcript, you DO NOT need to send in these transcripts again.
  • If you have attempted credit at any other institutions that do not show as transfer work on your UND transcript, you will need to submit official copies of these transcripts.

Certificate applications, with the exception of Nursing certificate applications, do not require any additional documents.

Non-degree Applications

Seeking a graduate certificate without a degree? The process is even easier. Non-degree applicants are only required to submit the online application and the $35 application fee. No additional documents, including transcripts, are required.

Tips for a Successful Application Process

  • The UND School of Graduate Studies requires all applicants to submit a complete application before it will be reviewed for admission. For an application to be complete, all of the required materials must be received as official documents. Applications completed after the program deadline may not be reviewed.
  • Please send all documents to the School of Graduate Studies, not the department to which you are applying. The Master of Fine Arts portfolio is the only exception to this statement. We cannot guarantee that any documents received outside of the School of Graduate Studies will be attached to your application.
  • Any application materials submitted prior to the submission of the online application will be kept active for six months. After six months, if an application has not been received, the documents will be destroyed.
  • You will receive emails throughout the admissions process notifying you of updates to your application. It's your responsibility to ensure all submitted materials were received and attached to the application.
  • Your official decision letter will be available to view and print in the application system. You will receive an email notification when your decision letter is ready to view. We do not send a letter through the mail. Please monitor your application and email to know when your decision is ready.