Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

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If you are interested in learning more about the process of transferring to Montana State University, including recommneded steps, advising, and Orientation information, please visit our Transfer Student Guide.

Transfer Student Information

A transfer student has graduated from high school or its equivalent and attempted 12 or more quarter or semester credits of college-level courses at a regionally accredited institution after high school graduation.

Students who have previously been awarded a baccalaureate degree who wish to apply as a Second Bachelor’s Degree student (Post-Baccalaureate) are also considered transfer students. College-level work is defined as those courses that are applicable towards at least an associate degree.  It does not include remedial, certificate or developmental courses.

Students who previously attended Montana State University and who are returning after attending another institution should refer to the Former MSU Students section.

Applicants will be considered for admission based on transferable credits from all regionally accredited colleges or universities previously attended. As determined by the Office of Admissions, a 2.0 (or C average) cumulative transferable GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required in order to be accepted for admission in good academic standing. Transfer students start with a new GPA upon enrolling at MSU.

Students who do not meet the 2.0 cumulative transferable GPA are still encouraged to apply for admission and submit the necessary credentials. Montana State University will examine each student’s credentials on an individual case for admissibility. Some students who do not meet the requirements may be admitted on University Probation and will need to earn a 2.0 or higher GPA upon completing the first term attended at MSU to be placed in good academic standing.

Application Process

Receipt of the following credentials in the Office of Admissions constitutes a complete application for admission. Requests to have final credentials sent to MSU must be initiated by the applicant. Requests should be made by contacting the Registrar’s Office at the college/university previously attended. Credentials must be sent directly from each institution or agency to the Office of Admissions. Credentials that have been opened, are emailed, or are in an unsealed envelope are considered unofficial working copies and will not be accepted as official documents.

Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original application term. To apply for a semester other than the one originally intended, notify the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.

Note: if you are currently a student at a Montana University System campus, please fill out our application transmittal form.

Be sure to submit the following items (if applicable):

1. Admissions Application: An application for admission may be submitted online or downloaded and printed; if completing the paper application, please return the completed and signed application form to the Office of Admissions. The application may also be obtained from the Office of Admissions.
2. Application Fee (non-refundable): $38 for the online application or $30 for the paper application. Checks should be made payable to Montana State University. The application fee will not be waived or refunded. The fee must be paid before the application for admission will be processed.
3. Official College/University Transcripts: An official transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each regionally accredited college or university attended. This academic information will be used to determine admission status as well as transfer credit. Applicants who are enrolled at a transfer school while applying to MSU will be considered for admission based on an incomplete official transcript showing all academic work completed and posted to date. A final official transcript must be received in the Office of Admissions by the 15th class day of the first term of attendance. If the college or university participates in secure electronic transmission of official transcripts, the transcripts should be sent to: [email protected]. Academic eligibility will be reviewed again upon receipt of that final transcript. For more information on how college/university courses will transfer to MSU, refer to the "Evaluation of Transfer Credit" section.
4. Advanced Placement (AP): Applicants who have completed an Advanced Placement Examination should request that the official scores be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Scores of 3 or higher on most AP Exams will earn college credit with a Pass grade for the equivalent courses. For more information on how AP courses will transfer to MSU, refer to the AP Course Equivalencies website.
5. International Baccalaureate (IB):Applicants who have completed an International Baccalaureate Examination should request that the official scores be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Scores of 4 or higher on IB Exams (primarily Higher Level) will be granted college credit with a Pass grade for equivalent courses. For more information on how IB courses will transfer to MSU, refer to the IB Course Equivalencies website.

Transfer students follow the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment at MSU. Transfer students from community colleges and four year colleges in Montana may elect to follow the MSU catalog that was in effect when they began their freshman year at the above mentioned institution.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our staff at [email protected], or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.