Procedures

BSU Graduates:

• Submit Form 1-Application for Admission to Graduate Studies
• Submit a $20.00 non-refundable application fee payable to BSU
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from a previous employer/professor. For a Recommendation Form, go to Graduate Forms.

In addition to the above requirements, please submit the following for the programs indicated:

Biology Applicants - Application Materials Due by April 1

• One-page letter of intent stating research interests and future career goals
• Graduate Record Examination-General Test scores

Education (MS/MEd) Applicants - Application Materials Due by January 15

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
• One page letter of intent (limit each response to 50 words) stating the following:
  
• Why do you want to be in the graduate program?
  
• Explain your background in education or in your current degree field.
  
• What do you plan to use this degree for?
  

English Applicants - Application Materials Due by February 15

• Letter of Application for Graduate Study addressed to "English Department Director of Graduate Studies," which includes the following:
  • The Degree you wish to obtain (MA/MS)
  • If you're applying for a Graduate Assistantship (GA), a statement to that effect
  • A statement regarding your reasons for applying for Graduate Study, and for applying for a GA if you have interest
  • A summary of your experience, academic study, skills, and interests you will bring to your studies
  • Other information you would like the English Department to consider regarding your application
• Must submit a total of three (3) letters of recommendation; see Recommendation Form under Graduate Forms (If you are applying for a Graduate Assistantship, ask the recommender to comment on your potential as a classroom teacher.)
• Students may apply to the English program at any time; however, if students are interested in a Graduate Assistantship, their application must be received by March 1st to be eligible for the following academic year.

Environmental Studies Applicants

• One page letter of intent stating the Environmental Studies Specialization you want to pursue, your academic background, professional working experience (if any), and any additional information that you believe will assist those who are reviewing your application.
• No letters of recommendation are required
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE), General Test score of 1050 or higher (Verbal + Quantitative, with neither below 450), and an Analytical score of 4.5 or higher on a 0-6 scale

Special Education Applicants - Application Materials Due by January 15

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
• One page letter of intent (limit each response to 50 words) stating the following:
  
• Why do you want to be in the graduate program?
  
• Explain your background in education or in your current degree field.
  
• What do you plan to use this degree for?

Electronic Application & Payment Option

Non-BSU Graduates:

• Submit Form 1-Application for Admission to Graduate Studies
• Submit a $20.00 non-refundable application fee payable to BSU
  
• Request one (1) official transcript from the undergraduate institution where you received your bachelor's degree and from each graduate college/university you previously attended; send directly to the School of Graduate Studies. If you received your baccalaureate degree from a MnSCU institution, you will not need to send in an official transcript; we will retrieve your transcript through our e-transcript capability.
  
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation; see additional requirements below. See Recommendation Form under Graduate Forms
• A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score is required of all applicants whose first language is not English. International students are required to complete the International Student application for Admission form (See International Program Center)

Additional requirements are needed for the following programs:

Biology Applicants - Application Materials Due by April 1

• One-page letter of intent stating research interests and future career goals
• Graduate Record Examination-General Test scores

Education (MS/MEd) Applicants - Application Materials Due by January 15

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
• A copy of your teacher licensure, if applicable
  
• One page letter of intent (limit each response to 50 words) stating the following:
  
• Why do you want to be in the graduate program?
  
• Explain your background in education or in your current degree field.
  
• What do you plan to use this degree for?

English Applicants - Application Materials Due by February 15

• Letter of Application for Graduate Study addressed to "English Department Director of Graduate Studies," which includes the following:
  • The Degree you wish to obtain (MA/MS)
  • If you're applying for a Graduate Assistantship (GA), a statement to that effect
  • A statement regarding your reasons for applying for Graduate Study, and for applying for a GA if you have interest
  • A summary of your experience, academic study, skills, and interests you will bring to your studies
  • Other information you would like the English Department to consider regarding your application
• Must submit a total of three (3) letters of recommendation; see Recommendation Form under Graduate Forms (If you are applying for a Graduate Assistantship, ask the recommender to comment on your potential as a classroom teacher.)
• Students may apply to the English program at any time; however, if students are interested in a Graduate Assistantship, their application must be received by March 1st to be eligible for the following academic year.

Environmental Studies Applicants

• One page letter of intent stating the Environmental Studies Specialization you want to pursue, your academic background, professional working experience (if any), and any additional information that you believe will assist those who are reviewing your application.
• No letters of recommendation are required
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE), General Test score of 1050 or higher (Verbal + Quantitative, with neither below 450), and an Analytical score of 4.5 or higher on a 0-6 scale

Special Education Applicants - Application Materials Due by January 15

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
• A copy of your teacher licensure, if applicable
  
• One page letter of intent (limit each response to 50 words) stating the following:
  
• Why do you want to be in the graduate program?
  
• Explain your background in education or in your current degree field.
  
• What do you plan to use this degree for?

 Electronic Application and Payment Option