Click here to begin the application process for ALL graduate programs

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials:

  • Academic Transcripts from all universities attended, with degrees posted: All applicants must upload unofficial transcripts during this online application process (even if you are currently still working on your degree). In the case the department extends the offer, MSU must receive official transcripts with degree(s) posted from the university(s) attended. Submit official transcripts electronically to the Graduate School at gradschool@montana.edu PO Box 172580 Bozeman, MT 59717 or Department of Education Graduate Programs Office edgrad@montana.edu or by mail to MSU Dept of Education, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Bozeman, Montana 59717. Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. A bachelor's and master's degree are required for the EdS, EdD and PhD. An undergraduate and graduate GPA of at least 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 is required. 

Note: Current and previous students of MSU-Bozeman do not need to submit official transcripts however MSU should be listed on the application. 

  • Personal Essay: The suggested length is 2-3 pages, double-spaced. Statement of purpose/personal essay should describe your education experiences, why you are interested in the program, and how you plan to use the degree.  Applicants to the EdD and PhD programs  should address how further coursework will benefit them professionally and include research interests relevant to the doctoral degree. The program recommends that all applicants contact a faculty member in the program whose work most closely aligns with their interests before applying. 
  • Three (3) professional references: Three professional references written by people who are able to judge your potential for success in graduate level study. The committee strongly encourages applicants to have one letter from a former faculty member.
  • Writing Sample is required for EdD and PhD applicants only: Upload a selected example of writing that demonstrates academic potential such as an artifact that highlights your interest, strengths, context, and goals/desires more conducive to holistic review.
  • Research and Data Analysis Skills Summary is required for PhD applicants only: Upload a separate document (suggested length is one page) addressing the following:
    1. Describe your research experience skills.
    2. Summarize your experiences using different research methods.
    3. List scholarly products such as peer-reviewed conference publications and peer-reviewed publications. 
    4. Describe data analysis skills and experience using different data analysis software (i.e., SPSS, ENVIVO, SAS).

Additional admission requirement for International Applicants and Graduate School Policy

  • Transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate study from each international college or university must be provided. International transcripts, both unofficial and official, MUST BE translated and transcribed to US standards and US equivalency on a 4.0 grade point average scale.  An undergraduate and graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a scale of 4.00) is required. MSU does not require a specific accredited company to translate & transcribe international transcripts.
  • An application Fee of $70 is required. The application fee will not be waived, deferred, or refunded for any reason.
  • The Department of Education does not waive the English Language  Proficiency test score requirement.

Application Deadlines

Complete applications will be reviewed by members of the Graduate Admissions Committee who then convene to make a final admission recommendation. Applications are then forwarded to The Graduate School for final decision and administrative processing.  Please note the application review process will begin after the application deadline and not before.

We strongly suggest that prior to application or at the time of submitting an application, doctoral applicants contact faculty with whom their planned research would align.  This will assist us in identifying an appropriate advisor for program applicants and provide us an opportunity to get to know  you.  

Below are the deadlines by which all application materialsmust be submitted via the online application system.  For an application to be reviewed for admission, all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted deadline. 

The  application deadlines for the MEd and Certificate programs are:

  • Fall Semester:  April 1st
  • Spring Semester:  November 1st 

The application deadlines for Fall Semester for the EdS, EdD and PhD are:

  • February 1st early priority deadline
  • April 1st

Students matriculate into the EdS, EdD and PhD programs fall semester only. Applications are reviewed each year after the April 1st deadline. 

Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis. An applicant may also apply and enroll as a non-degree seeking graduate student and then apply to the Adult and Higher Education MEd at the next available application deadline. 

Note to applicants interested in Graduate Assistantships: 
To facilitate the process of soliciting a graduate assistantship, an early priority deadline of February 1st has been established. All complete applications received by February 1st will be reviewed early to allow ample time for applicants to apply for graduate assistantship opportunities well in advance of the April.  Applicants who apply after February 1st can still apply for vacant graduate assistantships; however these applications will be reviewed following the April 1st deadline.

Select graduate programs in Adult and Higher Education are approved Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)  and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) programs. To learn more, see the WRGP/WICHI page 

 

Contact Information

Graduate Program Coordinator
PO Box 172880
Montana State University
Reid Hall 215, Bozeman, MT 59717-2880 
edgrad@montana.edu