Application for Graduate Admission
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If you are ready to apply, click the APPLY NOW BUTTON.
For more information on application requirements please see:
- Degree Seeking Graduate Applicants
- Non-Degree Graduate Applicants
- International Applicants
- Residency Information
- Admissions Policies
Prior to applying to Montana State University (MSU), it is recommended that the applicant contact the department of the intended area of study, as department information, requirements, and deadlines may vary. See Graduate Areas of Study, for all the graduate programs offered at MSU.
This can be done by applying online. The non-refundable application fee can be paid by credit card or online check. A full application fee ($70) is required for the first application and a partial application fee ($35) is assessed for subsequent applications to different programs within the same first year (each application is reviewed by the appropriate graduate committee). Applications are valid for one year; after one year, the $70/$35 application fees are assessed. If the student already has graduated from a graduate program and is seeking a degree/certificate in another program, a new application must be completed. The application fee will not be waived, deferred, or refunded for any reason. The application fee must be paid before the application will be processed (See Board of Regents Policy 940.2). Exceptions are made for individuals who have earned a graduate degree and wish to return as a non-degree graduate student; only an “intent to register” form should be completed (see “Intent”). Students who have earned an undergraduate degree at Montana State University (Bozeman) and now want to come as a non-degree graduate student will need to apply to the Graduate School.
(Note: if you choose to pay by debit check, there can be a delay of five to ten business days before the check will clear).
During the application process, applicants will be asked to provide a Social Security number to distinguish between individuals with the same or similar names. Applicants will not be penalized if they decline to provide this number. Federal law requires that when applicants apply for financial aid, graduate assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, or tuition waiver, they must provide their Social Security number for purposes of identification.
As this is a fully electronic application process, you will be providing a majority of the application materials requested by uploading it into your application. It is important to check with the program you are applying for to understand what will be requested prior to applying. Also note that during the application process, you will provide information on your references and this electronic process will prompt these individuals to submit their letters of recommendation and recommendation forms through this electronic process.There is no need to send duplicate materials to The Graduate School of these unofficial documents.
You will be required to submit official transcripts to The Graduate School. They should be sent to MSU directly from your university(s), however, we do use services such as National Student Clearinghouse.
The initial application fee is valid for no more than one (1) year from the term of the initial application. An applicant who has not been offered admittance will have the opportunity to reapply within this time frame without incurring an additional application fee. If an applicant would like to reapply for the same program during this time, contact The Graduate School (gradschool@montana.edu) with the request. If an applicant waits longer than one (1) year, it will be necessary to reapply and pay the application fee again.
Note: Every applicant who applies for admission to MSU and completes an application will receive a formal decision by The Graduate School, whether they have, or have not, been admitted.
Note: The falsification, omission, or willful suppression by an applicant of any information requested, whether on the application forms or in the application documents, is grounds for either denial of admission or dismissal from MSU.
Attend an online drop-in session for more information:
These recurrent sessions are meant to be a dedicated space for prospective students to ask questions related to the application process for the Graduate School at Montana State University and other related topics (i.e. tips on letter of purpose, how to look for a potential advisor, etc.).
The sessions will be held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. (MDT). Please check this time zone converter if you'll join us from other states/countries: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html?iso=20240227T182800&p1=3754
Follow this link to join the Tuesday sessions. Follow this link to join the Thursday sessions.
Annual Campus Security Report and Crime Statistics
You may view Montana State University's annual security report on our website. This is a report required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the university. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, including crime prevention, fire safety, university police authority, crime reporting policies, sexual assault policies and other matters of importance related to safety and security. If you would like to receive the combined Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report, you may request a printed copy be mailed to you by sending a request to:
MSU Dean of Students Office
Room 211 Montana Hall
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana 59717
(406) 994-2826