Because the university receives far more applications than it has spaces available, admission to a number of North Dakota State University's undergraduate programs is selective. Enrollment in these programs is limited, and only the best qualified applicants are admitted.

Accounting, business administration, management information systems
Professional programs require a 2.5 cumulative grade point average for admission and for graduation.

Athletic training
Admission to the professional program in the second year requires a 2.5 grade point average and is limited to 13 students.

Architecture, landscape architecture
Admission into the professional program is made after a student has completed one year in the general program in the College of Engineering and Architecture. At the end of that period, the quality of the student's academic work is reviewed on the basis of overall GPA and performance in first-year architecture.

Clinical laboratory science
Admission to the third year internship program is competitive and is limited to about 15-20 students.

Dietetics
The third-year coordinated program is selective, based on a 3.0 minimum grade point average, work experience, references, and an essay.

Electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering,
and other engineering programs
Admission to all engineering programs is selective. Admission to the electrical engineering, industrial, and mechanical engineering programs is extremely competitive. Students are enrolled in the general program in the College of Engineering and Architecture for one year. After one year, the quality of the student's academic work is reviewed to determine whether the student can be given full admittance to the engineering major. Students transferring from U.S. schools must have a minimum of a 2.5 to 3.0 grade point average depending on the major.

Interior design
Admission to the third year program is based on a review of the student's academic work and transcripts and is limited to about 54 students.

Music
Music majors must belong to a university performing group, which requires an audition. Substitute admission arrangements can be made by providing an audition tape in some cases.

Nursing (four-year baccalaureate degree)
Admission to the professional, third-year level is selective, and transfer students who have completed all prerequisite courses must submit a supplemental nursing application by October 1 for the following fall semester and two reference forms, available by request from the Office of International Programs.

Pharmacy
Admission to the professional pharmacy program, third-year level, is selective. A supplemental pharmacy application and PCAT scores must be submitted by January 15.

Respiratory care
This program limits enrollment of students in the professional courses of their junior-year internship to 12.

Teacher education
The professional program requires a 2.5 grade point average, Pre-professional Skills Test and proof of English and writing competency.

Veterinary technology
The professional program, second-year level, is limited to 24 students. Applicants for the professional program must submit a supplemental veterinary technology application and three recommendations. The application deadline is April 1 for the fall semester. Selections are made in late May.