MBI Graduate Handbook
Admission to Graduate Study
General Statement of Policy
Inquiries concerning graduate study in the Department are referred to the Chair of the Departmental Graduate Program Committee and evaluated by faculty members. Students accepted must conform to the requirements and regulations of The Graduate School and the Department. The Department and the student's Committee may specify additional requirements within the program. All requirements must be fulfilled before a student is awarded a degree.
Application Requirements
The procedures for admission are as stated in The Graduate School Application Requirements.
- Application form
- Three letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Official Transcripts
- Personal Statement
The most important part of your statement is to convey why you want to study the field you have chosen and why at MSU. Develop a story that focuses on how your experiences have shaped your goals.
Additional materials for International Applicants:
- English Proficiency exams
If English is not the official language of the student's country of citizenship, the student is required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These exams are not required if the applicant has received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in the U.S. Please visit http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html for additional information.
- International Student Financial Certificate
Application/Admission Process
The complete application for admission is available online at The Graduate School. For consideration, applications must be received by:
- Fall Semester - December 15
- Spring Semester - September 15
After receipt of the completed application, the Department Graduate Committee and faculty will invite promising candidates for on-campus interviews. A teleconference interview is acceptable. Based on interviews, the Graduate Program Committee will make recommendations about the suitability of all applicants. The Department Head will then make a firm recommendation to the Dean of The Graduate School concerning admission.
The Department may choose any of the following:
- Accept (Regular Admission). The student has satisfied all of requirements of The Graduate School and the Department. A mentor in the student's area of interest is likely to be available (rotation students) or already provided a letter of support (directly admitted students).
- Accept with Provisions (Provisional Admission). These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Provisions address any potential deficiencies in the applicant’s capability to excel in the graduate program and may include additional coursework. They and be met before a student is awarded a degree.
- Deny. Due to the competitive nature of the application process, not all students will be accepted that meet the minimum requirement. Further information can be requested by contacting the chair of the Graduate Program committee.
Students will be considered for direct admission only when there is a professor willing to support them for the duration of their studies. These students undergo the same procedures and deadlines above.