Graduate School Admission Requirements

 

Degree Seeking applicants MUST provide:

1. An applicant must have or will earn a four-year bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of this degree in another country.
2. Applicants may apply for admission during their final year of undergraduate study, but must furnish proof of graduation before registration. Students are allowed to enroll in only one degree program at a time, with the exception of approved combined or joint programs.
3. Application form and fee of $35.00 (the application fee is waived for McNair Scholars).
4. 3 letters of recommendation.
5. One official copy of ALL college and/or university academic transcripts.
6. See additional requirements outlined with each program below.

Certificate program applicants MUST provide:

1. Application form and fee of $35.00 (the application fee is waived for McNair Scholars).
2. One official copy of ALL college and/or university academic transcripts.
3. Please note Nursing Certificate programs have additional requirements.
1. Statement of Goals
2. Resume
3. Copy of Nursing license
4. Three recommendations

Non-degree applicants MUST provide:

1. Application form and fee of $35.00 (the application fee is waived for McNair Scholars).

 

Additional Requirements per Department

 

A

Accountancy

• GMAT.  In certain circumstances, applicants may substitute the GRE or LSAT.
• Statement of Goals

Anatomy and Cell Biology

• GRE General. The GRE subject test is not required, but applicants are encouraged to submit those scores if they have taken the test. Doctoral students may submit the MCAT in place of the GRE.   
• Statement of Goals

Applied Economics

•  GRE General, LSAT, or GMAT if going directly into the MS program.  Combined students do not need to submit any tests.
• Statement of Goals

Atmospheric Sciences

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Aviation

GRE General
• Copy of FAA private pilot certificate or its foreign equivalent
• Essay - submit a 2-3 page paper answering the following questions per departmental guidelines.
  1) Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years.  Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.
  
  2) What aviation-related problem area(s) are you considering for your independent study or thesis topic?  Explain your interest in the topic and what you may hope to accomplish through the independent study or thesis research (for departmental planning purposes, please indicate if you plan on pursuing the thesis option).


B

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Biology

• GRE General.  GRE Subject is recommended, successful applicants will be required to submit subject scores by the end of the first semester of enrollment.
• Statement of Goals

Business Administration

• GMAT. In certain circumstances, applicants may substitute the GRE or LSAT; these will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  
• Statement of Goals

C

Chemical Engineering

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET

Chemistry

• GRE General.  GRE Subject is required if applicant does not have a bachelors degree in Chemistry.  No tests are required for combined students.
• Statement of Goals

Civil Engineering

• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET
• Statement of Goals

Clinical Laboratory Science

• Statement of Goals
• Proof of licensure; either ASCP or NCA

Communication

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Communication and Public Discourse

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals
• Original Academic Paper (10-15 pages)

Communication Sciences and Disorders

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Computer Science

• GRE General (only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by CSAB/CSAC)
• Statement of Goals

Counseling

• GRE General or MAT
• Statement of Goals
• Supplemental Application

Counseling - School Emphasis

• Statement of Goals
• Supplemental Application
• Students who do not want a degree/just want credentials will apply non-degree. They MUST call Dr. Walker before applying (701-777-3737)

 

Counseling Psychology

• GRE General
• Supplemental Application
• Statement of Goals

Criminal Justice

• GRE General or LSAT
• Statement of Goals

E (Note: For Economics, see "Applied Economics")

Earth System Science and Policy

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Educational Leadership (Specialist Diploma, MS, MEd)

• Essay - please type one essay of no more than 800 words from among the three possible topics below:
• Summarize the leadership activities in which you have been involved in recent years and explain how these experiences reflect your vision of and capacity for leadership.
• Please identify a problem or challenge in a school,school-related organization, or your professional life generally and write an analysis in which you assess the issues(s), describe effective strategies for addressing the issue(s), and make clear the implications for the exercise of effective leadership in the situation.
• Please describe a problem of educational policy decision-making, policy content, or policy implementation, and explain how a deeper understanding of policy or the policy process could improvethe situation.  
• Statement of Goals
• Submit a typed essay discussing your professional goals and aspirations, including how your current skills along with advanced study of educational leadership will aid you in the attainment of those goals. 
• Resume
• Submit a professional curriculum vitae (c.v.) or resume (no more than 5 pages)that includes the following information: educational background, work-related experience, conference presentations (if applicable), publications (if applicable), professional honors and awards, and any other experiences you believe may aid the admission committee in evaluating your application.

Educational Leadership (PhD, EdD)

• Essay - please type one essay of no more than 800 words from among the three possible topics below:
• Summarize the leadership activities in which you have been involved in recent years and explain how these experiences reflect your vision of and capacity for leadership.
• Please identify a problem or challenge in a school, school-related organization, or your professional life generally and write an analysis in which you assess the issues(s), describe effective strategies for addressing the issue(s), and make clear the implications for the exercise of effective leadership in the situation.
• Please describe a problem of educational policy decision-making, policy content, or policy implementation, and explain how a deeper understanding of policy or the policy process could improve the situation.  
• Statement of Goals
• Submit a typed essay discussing your professional goals and aspirations, including how your current skills along with advanced study of educational leadership will aid you in the attainment of those goals. 
• Resume
• Submit a professional curriculum vitae (c.v.) or resume (no more than 5 pages) that includes the following information: educational background, work-related experience, conference presentations (if applicable), publications (if applicable), professional honors and awards, and any other experiences you believe may aid the admission committee in evaluating your application.
• Writing Sample
• Include with your application an individually-authored sample of your writing that the admission committee can use to evaluate your ability as a writer and potential success in the doctoral program. The minimum length of the sample is five pages and should not exceed 30 pages. Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, journal articles, paper from a course, or some written work product such as a manual or technical report.

Early Childhood Education

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Elementary Education

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.
 

Education - General Studies

•  Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

 

Electrical Engineering

• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET
• Statement of Goals

Engineering

• Statement of Goals
• Direct admits require a bachelors degree in an Engineering discipline with a GPA of 3.3 or higher
• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET

English Language and Literature

• GRE General
• A writing sample of 10-15 pages on topics, or in modes appropriate for the proposed program of study.  Applicants who plan to major in creative writing should also submit an analytical paper.
• Statement of Goals

Environmental Engineering

• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET
• Statement of Goals

F

Forensic Psychology (MS)

• GRE General and Subject
• Statement of Goals

Forensic Psychology (MA)

• Statement of Goals

G

Geography

• Statement of Goals

Geology

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General – optional, but strongly recommended

Geological Engineering

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General – optional, but strongly recommended

H

History (MA)

• Statement of Goals

History (DA)

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General and Subject recommended

History (PhD)

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General
• A writing sample of 8-10 pages, preferably a research or seminar paper.

I

Instructional Design and Technology

• Statement of Goals
•  indicate area of emphasis to which you are applying 
• indicate your research areas and interests
• Essay on a current issue in education
• discuss how your research areas and interests are related to the educational issue
• relate your answer to the field of Instructional Design & Technology

K

Kinesiology

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General

L

Linguistics

• Statement of Goals

M

Mathematics

• Statement of Goals

Mechanical Engineering

• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET
• Statement of Goals

Microbiology and Immunology

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Music

• Statement of Goals

Music Education

• Statement of Goals

N

Nursing (MS)

• Statement of Goals
• Resume
• Copy of nursing license

Nursing (PhD)

• Copy of nursing license
• GRE General or MAT
• Resume
• Statement of Goals

O

Occupational Therapy

• Volunteer Sheets
• Essay – please check department website for specific questions

P

Pharmacology, Physiology and Therapeutics

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

Physical Therapy

• Volunteer Hours (Upload one statement only)

Physicians Assistant Studies

• Copy of current licensure
• Statement of Goals

Physics

• GRE General and Subject are recommended
• Statement of Goals

Psychology (Clinical, Experimental)

• GRE General and Subject
• Statement of Goals
• Resume

Public Administration

• GRE General, GMAT, or LSAT
• Statement of goals

R

Reading Education

• Personal statement essay should be 2-3 pages in length and should address all three areas below:
• Describe your professional background, especially at it relates to teaching reading, writing and other areas of reading/language arts.
• What characteristics and strengths do you possess that make you a good candidate for this degree program?
• Discuss your professional goals.  

S

Scientific Computing

• Statement of Goals
• GRE General, only if pre-requisite degree is not accredited by ABET

Social Work

• Personal Statement - 3-5 pages describing motivation for being a social worker, values and beliefs regarding social work, experience with diversity, qualities the applicant brings to the profession, personal qualities in leadership and creativity, and professional goals
• Resume

Sociology

• Statement of Goals

Space Studies

• GRE General if you are seeking funding; otherwise it is not required for the MS program.
• Statement of Goals

Special Education

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Special Education Cognitive/Developmental Disabilities

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Special Education Early Childhood

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Special Education Emotional Disturbance

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Special Education Strategist

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Special Education Visual Impairment

• Personal Statement- one typed page per question:
• What have you already done professionally or personally of which you are proud? Please include a chronological history of all professional teaching and administration experience, as well as academic honors or achievements you have earned.
• What are the characteristics, attitudes, values, and/or skills that you think will make you a good candidate for your professional role?
• Describe several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Include in your description reasons why these goals are important to you.

Speech-Language Pathology

• GRE General
• Statement of Goals

T

Teaching and Learning

• Statement of Goals
• Resume
• Submit a professional curriculum vitae (c.v.) or resume (no more than 5 pages) that includes the following information: educational background, work-related experience, conference presentations (if applicable), publications (if applicable), professional honors and awards, and any other experiences you believe may aid the admission committee in evaluating your application.
• Essays
• (a) Submit a two to three page double-spaced essay discussing an issue in education related to your personal experiences, your future professional goals, or your research interests. The essay will be evaluated on the following dimensions:
1. Depth of discussion:  The ability to support your ideas with appropriate details, examples, or reasons.
2. Authenticity: The ability to project your own individual voice in a discussion of commitment to learning and education.
3. Organization: The ability to organize your thought in sentences and in coherent paragraphs.
4. Mechanics/Usage/Style: The writing ability in terms of both lower and upper levels of written language.
• (b) Submit an essay of no more than two to three pages explaining why a Ph.D./Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Higher Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Teacher Education, or Research Methodologies is appropriate for your professional/educational goals.

Technology

• Statement of Goals

Theatre Arts

• Statement of Goals

V

Visual Arts

• Statement of Goals