Graduate Admission Policies

Admission Requirements

Admission to the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies (Graduate College) is a selective process intended to identify applicants who are outstanding among recipients of baccalaureate degrees. The following minimum qualifications are required of all students seeking an advanced degree:

1.      The applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.

a.      An applicant still completing a baccalaureate degree may apply (assuming they will have completed the degree prior to enrolling in a graduate program).

b.      The applicant’s baccalaureate degree must be equivalent to a four-year baccalaureate degree from the United States.

2.      The applicant must have adequate preparation in the chosen field of study and must show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience.

3.      At the baccalaureate level, the applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, or equivalent, to attain full standing in a graduate degree program. Applicants whose most recent degree completed is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent.

Each program may set higher qualifications and may require the submission of additional evidence of academic performance. Admission is not guaranteed.

Admission Status

Full Graduate Standing

These students have met all requirements for admission and have been accepted by a program leading to a graduate degree. A student must have full graduate standing to receive a graduate degree.

Conditional Standing

Students in conditional standing do not meet all requirements for admission or have deficiencies in prerequisite course work; however, they show potential for successful graduate study. Upon admission in conditional standing, the student’s program must specify conditions to be satisfied for a change in status to full graduate standing.

Admitted students with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (CGPA) below 3.0 at the time of admission will be placed in conditional standing by the Graduate College. The condition placed by the Graduate College requires the student to earn a CGPA of 3.0 or higher in their first nine graduate didactic credits; additional conditions may be placed by the student’s academic program.

Students admitted under conditional status are automatically placed on academic warning until the conditions of admission are met (see Academic Standing). 

Students admitted conditionally to a graduate program cannot earn more than 12 graduate credits prior to completing the conditions of admission.

Conditional Standing for Accelerated Students

All accelerated students are admitted conditionally, with the condition that they must complete their Bachelor’s degree prior to full standing admission to a graduate program. Some students may have additional conditions on their admission (see information above).

Students admitted to an accelerated degree program may earn up to one-half of their required program’s graduate credits while in conditional standing. Students who earn beyond 15 graduate credits while conditionally admitted may not be eligible for undergraduate financial aid and would be charged at the graduate tuition rate.

Non-Degree Enrollment

This category is typically for individuals who desire to pursue study beyond the baccalaureate degree for personal growth and improvement of skills. Some courses may have prerequisites or other requirements, which may require consultation and permission to enroll from course instructors. In courses with limited enrollment, preference is given to degree-seeking students.

Students enrolled with non-degree status are not eligible for graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, or federal title IV student financial assistance. Students in this category are affiliated with the Graduate College and not an academic program. Professional development graduate courses (numbered 600 or 2000), offered by NDSU Distance and Continuing Education, are not eligible to use toward a graduate degree.

Non-degree students who wish to become degree-seeking students must complete the admission process through the Graduate College (including a new application and fee). No more than 10 credits earned as a non-degree student may be used toward a graduate degree, and must be approved by the student’s advisor, supervisory committee (if applicable) and the graduate program coordinator.

Delaying Enrollment

Students may delay enrollment for up to one year. To delay enrollment, the Request to Delay Enrollment form must be received by the Graduate School prior to the Enrollment Census date for the semester in which the student was admitted. Requests received after the deadline will not be processed and the student must reapply for admission.