Why Graduate School?

Graduate school can open doors to advanced careers, higher salaries, and specialized knowledge. Whether you're aiming for leadership roles, research opportunities, or a career pivot, a master's, graduate certificate, or doctoral degree from Minnesota State Moorhead can be a game changer.

Step 1. Define Your Goals

Before applying, clarify:

• What field excites you? Education, business, counseling, healthcare?
• What are your career goals? Teaching, management, clinical practice, or research?

At Moorhead, you'll find programs that align with diverse goals. From our MBA and its four emphasis areas to our Ed.D. in Educational leadership, which offers a healthcare emphasis, you'll be able to find a program for you.

Moorhead Graduate Degrees

Step 2: Research Programs & Formats

Once you have clarified your goals, you'll have a clearer vision of what program makes the most sense for you. Our graduate programs are designed with working professionals in mind, with most offering online courses and many offering multiple delivery options.

Popular graduate programs include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MS in Counseling
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• MS in Cybersecurity

For a full list, visit our graduate program page.

Step 3: Understand Admissions Requirements

Looking into admission requirements can be overwhelming. At Moorhead, we keep it simple.

Most graduate programs require:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (some programs require 3.25).
• Application materials such as: Resume or CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts from previous degrees

Some programs may require additional steps, like background checks for counseling or education fields.

Step 4: Plan Financially

As you look into programs, comparing prices is important as a graduate degree can be a big financial decision.

Moorhead is known for affordability:

• Graduate tuition: Around $24,800, depending on the program.
• Cost per credit: Approximately $600

Financial aid options include assistantships, scholarships, and the Preferred Partners program. Compared to national averages, Moorhead offers excellent value for your investment.

5. Craft a Strong Application

• Statement of Purpose: Share your academic background, career goals, and why Moorhead fits.
• Letters of Recommendation: Choose mentors who know your strengths.
• Resume/CV: Highlight relevant experience.

Here's a quick tip: If you haven't updated your resume in a while, you can download it from your LinkedIn profile. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Go to your profile and click "Resources"
2. Select "Save to PDF" in the drop-down menu

And there you go! It is recommended that you review the PDF after downloading to make sure everything is accurate.

6. Apply Early

Depending on when you plan to start your program, deadlines will vary. Many Moorhead programs offer multiple start dates each year, while some are limited to a specific term. Check your specific degree requirements and deadlines.

Applications are submitted through BusinessCAS or GradCAS, depending on the program.

Why Choose Moorhead?

• Affordable tuition
• Flexible online and on-campus options
• Personalized faculty support
• Strong career outcomes in education, business, healthcare, and counseling

Ready for the Next Step? Explore Moorhead's graduate programs and start your application today at mnstate.edu/graduate.

FAQs About Getting Into Graduate School

What GPA do I need to get into Moorhead's graduate program?
Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, though some may ask for 3.25. Always check the specific program requirements for your program.

Does Moorhead offer online graduate programs? 
Yes! Moorhead provides flexible online and hybrid options for many programs, including the MBA, MS in Counseling, and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). This makes it easier to balance school with work and life.

How much does graduate school cost at Moorhead? 
Graduate tuition at Moorhead has an average cost per credit around $600. Price will vary depending on your graduate program. Financial aid, assistantships, and scholarships are available to help reduce costs.

How long will it take me to get a graduate degree?
How long it takes to get your graduate degree will depend on your program. Many of our master's degrees can be completed in as little as 12 months (MBA, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Cybersecurity, etc.) while others may take more time to complete. Check your specific program page for more information.