While each program has their own admissions requirements, you must begin your application by following these steps.
Step 1. Complete Online Application
Create an online Admissions Account and complete the application. This application is a requirement regardless of the program you are enrolling in.
Admissions Account Instructions
Your Admissions Account is a portal that houses your application to the UND School of Graduate Studies. You’ll log into your Admissions Account to start, save and submit your online application, check your application status and view your application checklist.
All admissions information, including decisions, are sent via email and posted in your Admissions Account. You will receive emails throughout the process keeping you updated on the status of your application. It’s your responsibility to ensure all submitted materials were received and attached to the application. Please monitor your Admissions Account and email to know when our decision is read.
Technical issues? We recommend using Google Chrome when completing the application. If you run into issues with items not displaying in the application or your portal, try clearing your cache and cookies.
Application Fee
A $35 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of submission. Payment can be made by credit card or electronic check in your Admissions Account.
Applications are considered “submitted” after the $35 application fee is paid and you have signed and submitted your application electronically. Your application status will be “incomplete” until all materials (e.g., transcripts, test scores, etc.) are received and processed.
Application fees are waived for McNair Scholars.
Step 2. Provide Required Documents
Required documents are different based on the program, course or certificate to which you are applying.
UND requires all applicants to submit a completed application before it will be reviewed for admission. For an application to be complete, all of the required materials must be received as official documents. Applications completed after the program deadline may not be reviewed.
Any application materials submitted prior to the submission of the online application will be kept active for six months. After six months, if an application has not been received, the documents will be destroyed.
- Full Program
- Certificate
- Non-degree
- Multiple Apps
To apply to a graduate degree program, send documents to the Office of University Admissions, not the department to which you are applying.
Official Transcripts
One official copy of all college and/or university academic transcripts must be submitted. Exceptions apply for North Dakota University System institutions.
- Do not send high school, intermediate or secondary transcripts.
- One official copy of all academic transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attempted credit at, including undergraduate and graduate course work, must arrive in an official manner.
- All original transcripts from transfer credits posted on a subsequent transcript must also be provided.
- If the institution sends transcript via mail, it must arrive in envelopes sealed by the registrar.
- If the institution sends transcripts in an electronic manner, it must be received in a secure document format.
- Transcripts that have been opened or tampered with will not be accepted.
Transcripts from Outside the U.S. or Canada
- If you have attended college or university outside of the U.S. or Canada, you must submit an official or attested copy of your transcript. If applicable, you must also submit an official or attested diploma or degree certificate.
- All documentation must be in English or have an English translation attached.
- Indian students must provide all official or attested mark sheets and a copy of their diploma.
- Chinese students must provide transcripts plus Graduation Certificate and Degree Diploma.
- A credential evaluation performed by a NACES member organization can be submitted in place of the transcript requirement.
Statement of Goals
A statement of goals or personal statement (about 1-2 pages in length) is required to assess your writing ability and determine if the program suits your needs. Some programs may require you to address certain questions or topics.
Test Scores and English Proficiency
All graduate admissions tests must be sent directly by the testing center. Photocopies are not accepted. Note that not all graduate programs require testing for admission.
GRE Codes for UND
- CSDCAS Program = 4416
- PTCAS Program = 0541
- SOPHAS Program = 4502
- All Other Programs = 6878
Recommendations
All applications must include three academic or professional references:
- As part of the online application process, you will be asked to provide the email addresses for your references.
- Your references will then receive an email requesting them to complete an online recommendation form on your behalf.
- Be sure to let your references know to watch for an email from UND to complete your recommendation.
- Reference letters may be used in lieu of the online recommendation forms.
It is preferable that the recommendations (references) come from those who can honestly evaluate your potential for graduate study:
- Close family and friends are not eligible to provide recommendations.
- Faculty, advisors, supervisors or other colleagues who can speak to your past performance in the workplace or academically as it pertains to your potential to be successful in a program are eligible to provide recommendations for applicants.
Program Requirements
Be sure to review academic programs for specific admission requirements. Some programs require additional materials such as an essay, resume, certification/licensure, GRE General, or experience in a specific field.