St. Cloud State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How large is the School of Graduate Studies?

SCSU hosts 13,083 undergraduate students, 523 full-time graduate students and 1,050 part-time graduate students.

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

SCSU offers a wide variety of graduate programs.  You can visit with a career counselor or use career resources in our Career Services office located in Centennial Hall in Room 215 or visit www.stcloudstate.edu/careerservices/.  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?

Access our on-line application at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/forms/prospective.asp.  You can also pick up an application at the School of Graduate Studies office located in the Administrative Services Building in room 121. If you wish to apply to a certificate program, you can find a specific application for each program at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/forms/prospective.asp. 

Where do I get a non-degree seeking application?

Access our on-line application at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/forms/prospective.asp.  You can also pick up an application at the School of Graduate Studies office in Administrative Services Building in room 121.

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 admission to the School of Graduate Studies, a candidate must meet at a minimum one of the following criteria:

• 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 480 or higher verbal score on the GRE examination.
• Achieve a 520 or higher quantitative score on the GRE examination.
• Achieve a 470 or higher on the GMAT examination. (The GMAT is required of all MBA applicants.)

The GRE is required of all applicants except for those applying to the MBA program. The GMAT is required of all MBA applicants.

What do I need to submit?

A completed application consists of the following:

• Graduate admission application and a $35.00 non-refundable application fee payable to SCSU.
• Three recommendation forms from individuals who are able to address your academic qualifications and ability to succeed in your chosen program and profession.
• One copy of all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted directly by each institution to the School of Graduate Studies. Transcripts submitted by students cannot be accepted. Transcripts of SCSU course work do not need to be submitted. Applicants who apply before receiving their baccalaureate degree will be required to submit an additional transcript once their degree is conferred.
• 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, MELAB 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.
• NOTE: The School of Graduate Studies and the individual programs within it reserve the right to request additional information when they believe it is necessary.

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 any changes to your application, contact the School of Graduate Studies office.  If you wish to change to a different program, you can locate that form at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/forms/current.asp

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 bachelor’s 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 bulletin?

You can access the graduate bulletin on-line at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/bulletin/default.asp or pick up a copy of the graduate bulletin in the School of Graduate Studies office located in AS 121.

Where can I find the class schedules?

View fall and spring class schedules on-line at: www.stcloudstate.edu/registrar/pdf/courseschedule_f07s08.pdf
View summer class schedules on-line at: www.stcloudstate.edu/summer/pdf/2007/07courses.pdf

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?

Access the form on-line at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/forms/pdf/gradscholarships.pdf or pick up a scholarship application at the School of Graduate Studies office in AS 121.

Where do I get a graduate assistantship application?

Access the form on-line at: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/forms/pdf/GAApplication.pdf or pick up a graduate assistantship application 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 Financial Aid at (320) 308-2047 or visit their 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 AS 121.