M.Ed and M.S. Admission Process

Educational Studies faculty only review applications and admit students once per year for admission the following fall.  The NDSU Graduate School must have your complete files, including transcripts and reference letters, no later than April 1, to be considered for Fall admission.

The following are the criteria that will be considered when making admission decisions:

  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts of all previous collegiate work, including one verifying graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Resume including credentials, licenses and certificates
  • Two references that evaluate the applicant's potential for success as a graduate student in the chosen master's degree program and as an educational leader
  • A leadership essay of at least 500 words describing how you define leadership.  You may want to identify someone you would consider an effective leader and describe the characteristics they possess.  You are also encouraged to describe your own leadership style, skills, and capabilities as well as a time when you exhibited leadership.  Finally, please describe the educational philosophies that have influenced your development as an educational leader and your goals in the field of education.

Admission decisions are based upon the predicted success of the applicant as a student and professional in the chosen field and are made only after considering all available data.  A student must meet all requirements for full admission.

After being accepted for graduate study in the School of Education, the student should contact an adviser assigned to her/him for assistance in filing a plan of study for consideration by the program.

Applications for domestic students can be obtained online at:
https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/apply/domestic_and_permanent_resident

Applications for international students can be obtained online at:
https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/apply/international

North Dakota Superintendent and Principal Credentials

Applicants with an existing Master's degree with a major certifiable by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) seeking their North Dakota Credential should follow the admission requirements and application process for the M.Ed. degree.

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