What is required to complete my application packet?

1. Application form
2. Application fee - $35
3. Statement of Goals and Objectives (Personal Statement for those applying to Education)
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
6. Test scores (if applicable to the program)
7. Any departmental requirements (listed online under "Application Instructions")
8. TOEFL (international students)
9. Copy of diploma or degree certificate (international students), if available
10. Certification of finances (international students)

Can I apply online?

Yes. Please visit http://apply.embark.com/grad/northdakota to complete the application online. This application may be used for degree, non-degree, and certificate programs.

If I send transcripts, references, or other application materials ahead of time, how long will you keep it on file before discarding them?

Transcripts, references, statements, resumes, etc: 6 months
GRE, GMAT, and MAT scores: 5 years
TOEFL scores: 2 years

Can I pay the application fee by credit card?

If you are applying online, you may pay the application fee by credit card or e-check. If you are applying in person or by mail, application fees may be paid by cash or by check.

How much is the application fee? Can it be waived?

The application fee is $35 and is waived only for McNair scholars.

I have already paid an application fee. Do I have to pay it again?

Yes. You will have to submit an application fee every time you apply to the Graduate School (including degree, non-degree, certificate, and post-baccalaureate applications).

For how long is the application valid?

The application is valid for one year only. After that, a new application must be submitted.

If I am applying to more than one program, do I have to send everything again?

Yes. The applicant must submit the entire application packet for each program.

What is the score I need on the GRE? The GMAT? The MAT?

GRE: Varies by program. If there is a minimum score required, it would be listed in the catalog under each program's admission requirements.

GMAT: For the MBA program, the minimum is 450.

MAT: Only good for the master's in Counseling and doctoral in Nursing; no minimum score has been set.

What is the score I need on the TOEFL?

International students have to score a minimum 213 (computer-based); 550 (paper-based) or minimum IBT (internet-based test) - Speaking (23), Listening (19), Reading (19) and Writing (15). The scores can't be older than two years.

Can recommendation letters be from anyone?

Applicants are encouraged to get their references form professors, supervisors, and applicable colleagues. References from friends and family are usually not acceptable.

When will I hear if I have been admitted or denied?

This varies by department. 1) Some programs admit on an on-going basis as applications are received (these take around two weeks); 2) some programs have a committee that meet once a month or so; 3) programs that have deadlines usually review all applications at the same time and make initial offers to their top choices first. Check with the department that you are applying to find out how they handle admissions.

When will I receive my I-20?

This depends on whether or not you are receiving an assistantship. Those who are not receiving an assistantship will have to submit a certification of finances showing proof of funding for one academic year. Students who are receiving an assistantship do not have to show proof of funding if it's a half-time assistantship. Students who are receiving a quarter-time assistantship must show proof of funding for the difference.

If I decide not to attend UND the semester I applied, how long is my admission valid?

The term to enter can be deferred for one semester only. After that, you will have to reapply to the Graduate School. An inactive file will only be kept for one year and then discarded.

I decided not to accept the offer of admission. Do you need a formal letter of withdrawal?

Students can decline an offer of admission via e-mail, fax, or letter.

What was the reason I was denied admission?

For specific reasons, contact the graduate director or departmental chair in the department that you are applying.

I was admitted to the program. Why can't I register?

Check to see if one of these reasons might apply:
1. Your admission is pending the bachelor's degree
2. Your admission is pending for some other reason (missing items)
3. You have not been assigned a registration time
4. The term to enter is incorrect
5. It is past the last day to register on Campus Connection
6. You are using an incorrect password

If one of these reasons apply, call the Graduate School for assistance.

How do I register for a class if I'm not admitted into a graduate program yet?

You can register as a Non-Degree student if you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Complete the Non-degree application admission. Nine credits can be transferred to a degree program.

How many credits do I need to be considered full time?

- For students without an assistantship it is 9 credits during the fall and spring semesters and 9 credits for the summer semester.

Where do I get my deferment or verification of enrollment done once I'm a graduate student?

Students can print out enrollment verifications any unofficial transcripts on their Campus Connection. You will need to sign in with your student ID and password.

How do I become a Non-Degree student?

You may complete the online application found on our web site

Is there an application fee to apply as a Non-Degree student?

Yes, the application fee is $35.00.

Can those credits I take as a Non-Degree student be used for my masters program once I'm accepted?

Upon approval, nine non-degree credits may be transferred into a program.

What is the SPEAK test?

International teaching assistants who are non-native speakers of English are required to take the TSE (Test of Spoken English) or the SPEAK test and achieve a score of 50 before an assistantship may be offered.

When and where do I take the SPEAK test?

The Testing Services office is in McCannel Hall. The phone number is 701-777-4157.

How do I get a copy of my appointment letter?

You may come to the Graduate School and request a copy of the letter.

Where do I get a policy and style manual for writing my thesis and dissertation?

The Style and Policy Manual is available on our web site as a PDF document.

Where do I bring my thesis or dissertation for a format check?

Twamley Hall, Room 414. If you are a distance student, you may mail your thesis or dissertation to UND Graduate School, 264 Centennial Drive Stop 8178, Grand Forks, ND 58202. Format checks are done by Staci Wells.

How much will I need to pay for a thesis or dissertation?

The Graduate School will arrange for binding and microfilming the thesis or dissertation. For dissertations, the Graduate School will also arrange for microfilming of the abstract at UMI Dissertation Publishing. Thesis fees are $20.00. Dissertation fees are $75.00.

What do I need to graduate?

You need to be advanced to candidacy the semester before you plan to graduate. This means you need to be in approved status (not qualified or provisional), your program of study and topic proposal need to be approved by the graduate school. You will receive a status sheet every time you turn in a form to the graduate school. When the above is turned in, you will automatically be advanced to candidacy and mailed a graduation application.

Where do I get the "Application for Graduation" form?

The forms are mailed out to the students when they are advanced to candidacy; otherwise, you can get them from the Graduate School office or we can mail a form to you. The forms are not available on our website.

What do I put on my "Application for Graduation" form under "hometown?"

Write down the name of the town or city that you want listed in the graduation commencement program.

Does the Graduate School accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?

Yes, the Graduate School recognizes the IELTS. IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

For more information about IELTS, visit www.ielts.org.

Where do I find a list of all the dates and deadlines for the Graduate School?

On the Graduate School website, under the link: www.graduateschool.und.edu/html/ImportantDateAnnouncement.html

What is the Topic Proposal and where do I get the form?

The Topic Proposal is a summary of the student's Dissertation, Thesis, Independent Study, Project Design, or Scholarly Project. The form can be retrieved from our web site on our "Forms" page under "Forms for Current Students."