Master of Science & Specialist in Educational Leadership Admission & Application Requirements

Priority Deadlines

Applications are often accepted after the deadlines posted below when space is available. Please contact the Graduate Studies Office if you have questions.

  • Summer: April 15 (flexible)
  • Fall: August 1 (flexible)
  • Spring: December 1 (flexible)

Part 1: Graduate Studies Application

Admission Requirement
Instructions
  1. Online graduate application

Submit the Graduate Online Application - This is only the first step in the application process.

  1. $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate applications

After you complete the Graduate Online Application:

  • Log in to eServices with your StarID.
  • Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.

Note: Upon completion of the application form in step one, you will receive an email in 1-2 business days giving instructions for the remaining steps and completing the program application in Part 2. Please note that the steps below cannot be completed until you receive that email. If you do not receive the email with Self Service Center instructions, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.

  1. Transcripts from degree conferring colleges and universities

Unofficial transcripts can be used for a conditional admission decision, and you must provide official documentation prior to the first day of class enrollment.

Official transcripts can be sent to:

Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563

Please note that failing to submit the official transcripts by the deadline will result in discontinuation of class enrollment.

You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.

Part 2: Graduate Program Application

  1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; no specific major required
    For a specialist: Master’s degree from an accredited institution; no specific major required

This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.

  1. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits

This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.

  1. Essay

Prepare a 250-word essay addressing your professional goals for the Educational Leadership program and future leadership goals (e.g., K-12, higher education, licensure, etc.). Please put your name on all pages.

  • Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
  • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
  • Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
  • Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.

*International students please see additional admission requirements.