Graduate Studies for International Students

Minnesota State Moorhead welcomes international graduate students from around the world. Several graduate programs are available for students seeking an F-1 student visa and the opportunity to study on campus in Minnesota while gaining hands-on experience and cultural experiences. A few programs have a STEM designation, meaning international students will be eligible for three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT).

F-1 Visa Eligible Study Options for International Applicants

The following programs are offered on campus or hybrid and meet the F1 Visa international student course delivery expectations.

• STEM Designated degrees – Through STEM designation, international students who graduate from these programs will be eligible for three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT):
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity
• AACSB-accredited graduate business degrees – The Paseka School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, a prestigious designation earned by only six percent of the world’s business schools.
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics
• Graduate health and human services degrees – The following health and human services graduate programs are F-1 Visa Eligible.
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Science School Psychology
  • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Online Study Options for International Applicants

If relocating to the U.S. is not possible, Moorhead has many online graduate programs available. These programs are not eligible for students that already possess or require a normal student visa (F-1 and J-1).

Full list of online graduate degrees.

• Study Online with a One Week Residency. The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is available for international applicants who wish to stay in their home country and study online with the following caveat. The applicant must be able to attend a one week summer residency at Minnesota State University Moorhead. This program is not eligible for a normal student visa (F1 or J1). Students who need a visa to enter the United States for the 1-week residency should obtain a B-1 temporary tourist visa from their local US Embassy.

Application & Admission for Graduate International Students

International graduate student applicants follow the program specific admission and application requirements listed on the graduate program webpages.

In addition to the admission requirements listed on the program page, international applicants must supply:

1. A comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), World Education Services (WES), or any other NACES accredited evaluation firm for transcripts from all post-secondary colleges and universities outside of the United States is required.
   The ECE, WES, or NACES evaluation must certify international degree as equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
2. For those whose native language is not English, an official score from either the TOEFL (6678 MSUM school code), IELTS (Minnesota State University Moorhead), or Duolingo English Test (Minnesota State University Moorhead). The TOEFL required score is 550 (PBT) or 78-80 (iBT). A overall band score of 6.5 is required on the IELTS. A minimum score of 120 is required on the Duolingo English Test.

On Campus Students Only

1. Completed Sponsor Form listing the availability of adequate monetary support for the duration of graduate study and an official bank statement. The current requirement is at least U.S. $26,198 - $34,514 USD for a school year (depending on program). Verification of additional funds is necessary if you are bringing a spouse or other family members as follows: $7,000 for the first dependent (or spouse) and $6,000 for each additional dependent.
2. Completed, signed International Graduate Student Agreement form.
3. Completed, signed International Graduate Student Sponsor form.
4. Completed, signed International Graduate Student Transfer form (if appropriate).
5. International graduate students must purchase the University health insurance. No exceptions will be made.

Please note:

• It is important that you check with your home country to be sure than they will accept an online degree from another country.
• Submissions of fraudulent documents will cause severe penalties resulting in an investigation from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Your SEVIS (Immigration Record) will be terminated immediately (for on-campus students. Online students will not have a SEVIS record.)