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Frequently Asked Questions

How large is the School of Graduate Studies?

Fall 2011 graduate student enrollment was 1,695. The total student body was more than 17,200.

How do I determine which graduate program is best for me?

St. Cloud State offers a wide variety of graduate programs.  You can visit with a career counselor or use career resources in our Career Services office in Centennial Hall, Room 215.  We also encourage you to review SCSU’s programs to identify those of greatest interest to you.  Visit the program descriptions for each program to research their requirements and expectations.  Compare that to your academic background, professional experience, interests and goals to decide which type of graduate education is best for you.

Where do I get an application for admission?

• To apply for a master's or doctoral degree visit the online admission application page.
• To apply to a certificate program, find the specific application for your program.

Where do I get a non-degree seeking (student guest) registration form?

You can complete an online form through the Office of Records and Registration to seek permission to register for graduate courses as a guest student. Details on registering as a student guest are featured at the bottom of this FAQ page.

Do I have to fill out separate applications for the academic program department and School of Graduate Studies?

No.

Who do I contact for admission requirements and information specific to my program or certificate?

Some programs have additional admission requirements and materials to be submitted.  Find these details at the beginning of each program description in the graduate bulletin.  You can also contact your program adviser for any questions directly related to your program.

Am I eligible to apply to the School of Graduate Studies?

To be eligible for consideration for academic admission consideration to the School of Graduate Studies, a candidate must meet the following academic criteria:

1. GRE or GMAT (The GMAT is required of all MBA applicants and may also be used in lieu of the GRE in many programs.)

2. One of the following:

• Possess at least an overall 2.75 GPA in your previous undergraduate and graduate records.
• Possess a GPA of at least 2.75 in the last half of your undergraduate work.
• Achieve a 152 or higher verbal score on the GRE examination. (For GRE exams taken before August 2011 a verbal score of 480 or higher is needed.)
• Achieve a 144 or higher quantitative score on the GRE examination. (For GRE exams taken before August 2011 a quantitative score of 520 or higher is needed.)
• Achieve a 470 or higher on the GMAT examination.

Some programs have additional admission requirements that are detailed at the beginning of each program description in this catalog.

What do I need to submit?

A completed application consists of the following:

• Graduate admission application and a non-refundable application fee payable to SCSU. The fee varies from $35 to $40 dependent on level of education sought.
• Three recommendation forms from individuals who are able to address your academic qualifications and ability to succeed in your chosen program and profession.
• Submit transcripts or a transcript evaluation. Details are provided for both international and domestic applicants
• GRE scores are required for all degree programs but the MBA.
• GMAT scores are required for the MBA program.
• A test of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) is required of all applicants whose first language is other than English.
• Additional admission materials required by the program to which you are applying. See program descriptions to determine if additional materials or interviews are needed.

Can the application fee be waived?

The application fee is waived for McNair Scholars only.  We recognize that the application fee may be a hardship for some applicants, but the fee is necessary to cover our administrative costs of processing your application.  We cannot process an application until we have received the application fee.

What is involved in the admission process?

When all official materials have been received at the School of Graduate Studies, your admission file will be sent to the graduate program for review by a graduate faculty committee. An admission recommendation will be made at the program level and will be returned to the School of Graduate Studies' dean for final review. A letter will be mailed to you informing you of the admission outcome.

How do I change a program or make a correction after submitting my application?

To make changes to your application, contact the School of Graduate Studies office.  To change programs, use the Change of Graduate Program form (PDF).

Can I change the term for which I had applied?

Most programs can accommodate a delay.  If you decide to change the term you wish to begin, contact the School of Graduate Studies office so we may indicate the change in your file.  Also, let your program adviser know that you will be changing your intended start date.

What if I have not finished my bachelor’s degree?  May I still apply?

Yes! We can evaluate your application if you are in the process of completing a bachelors' degree and have submitted official transcripts for at least three years of completed work.  When your degree is conferred, you must provide an additional official transcript to our office.

Where do I get a graduate catalog?

View the graduate catalog or pick up a copy of the graduate catalog in the School of Graduate Studies office located in AS 121.

Where can I find the class schedules?

Visit the online course schedule.

My transcripts, recommendation letters and test scores are not ready.  Should I wait until I get them to send my application?

No.  Do not miss the application deadline waiting for your test scores.  Be sure to note your test date on your application.  All admission materials will be kept on file, even if they are received before the application.

Where do I check to see if my transcripts have arrived from another University?

You can check to see if we have received your transcripts by calling the School of Graduate Studies at: 320-308-2114 or e-mail graduatestudies@stcloudstate.edu.

Where do I check to see if my official GRE, GMAT or TOEFL scores have arrived?

You can check to see if we have received your test scores by calling the School of Graduate Studies at: 320-308-2114 or e-mail graduatestudies@stcloudstate.edu.

Where do I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application by calling the School of Graduate Studies at: 320-308-2114 or e-mail graduatestudies@stcloudstate.edu.

Where do I get a scholarship application?

View the applications or pick up applications at the School of Graduate Studies office in AS 121.

Where do I get a graduate assistantship application?

View the graduate assistantship application or pick up a paper copy at the School of Graduate Studies office in AS 121.

Where do I go to find out about Financial Aid?

You can contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at (320) 308-2047 or visit the web site at: www.stcloudstate.edu/financialaid.

Where is the School of Graduate Studies?

The School of Graduate Studies at St. Cloud State University is in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  The School of Graduate Studies office is located in the Administrative Services Building, room 121.

Can I try a few graduate courses before being admitted?

Yes, register to be a Student Guest (Special Student Registration Opportunity). Complete the Online Application Form (Records and Registration)

This registration classification is for students who do not intend to pursue a graduate program at this institution or who wish to register for course work prior to their formal acceptance into a graduate program. SCSU welcomes working professionals, visiting graduate students, and non-admitted students to meet their educational needs at SCSU.

Individuals with a baccalaureate or higher degree wishing to enroll in graduate course work may register for unrestricted 500 and 600-level graduate course work. Please fill out a special student form with the Office of Records and Registration. Students are not required to submit credentials or transcripts.

• The graduate student guest (special student) registration is designed for those seeking professional or personal development or personal enrichment.
• Visiting graduate students may also use the graduate special student registration category.
• The graduate special student registration category is additionally designed for School of Graduate Studies' applicants who may have been delayed admission through incomplete application files, or have been denied graduate admission on their first review. Students may enroll in graduate course work through completion of a special student registration form.
• Students will be allowed to register for up to 16 graduate credits in spring semester and fall semester. In the summer a student may register for a maximum of 15 credits. Please understand that some of SCSU's graduate programs must restrict access to course work to admitted students only. Admitted students also have priority registration dates.
• Graduate special students are not admitted to SCSU, the School of Graduate Studies, nor our programs or departments, and are thus ineligible for any financial aid, graduate assistantships, or scholarships offered by SCSU.
• Faculty advisers are not assigned to graduate special students.
• All special students who register for graduate credit are subject to the academic regulations and policies contained in the graduate bulletin.
• The credits earned as a graduate special student are not guaranteed to be used within a degree program should the student decide to seek admission at a later date. It will be at the department's discretion at the time of admission to decide on the use of your graduate special student credits. Generally, a maximum of six semester credits may be applied toward a degree program with the approval of the department and the dean of graduate studies.
• Students cannot complete any graduate degree program through this registration category.
• International students who have not participated in SCSU's international orientation cannot use the graduate special student registration opportunity.