Applying to the GSE Program

Admission to the GSE program is competitive and limited by the availability of personnel, facilities, and funding necessary to provide quality graduate education within each program. Before applying to the program, prospective students are encouraged to contact individual faculty members to identify prospective advisors, discuss their research interests and educational goals, and determine if GRA positions are available.

The requirements and procedures outlined below are taken from the South Dakota State University Graduate Catalog, and additional information pertaining specifically to the GSE program has been added.

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate Degree - Admission to the Graduate School requires that the applicant be a graduate of an institution of higher learning. The institution must be one of recognized standing (regional accreditation) whose requirements are substantially the same as those of the South Dakota State University department(s) in which the advanced degree will be taken.

2. Minimum Grade-Point Average - An applicant may be admitted without condition if a Bachelor's degree has been earned, all undergraduate prerequisites for major and minor (if required) fields of study satisfactorily completed, and the applicant had an average of "B" (3.0 or higher on a 4-point grading system; A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = l) during the last two academic years of undergraduate work.

Applicants with grade point average between 3.0 and 2.75 may also be considered for unconditional admission if other aspects of their academic and/or professional record indicate superior performance and potential.

Application Procedure

1. Application Form - The applicant must complete and submit the application form supplied by the Graduate School. These forms are accessible via the following links:

Application Form for U.S. citizens
Application Form for international students

2. Application Fee - The applicant must pay a non-refundable application fee of $35 (U.S. Dollars) if applying for a degree program. Students who have previously paid the application fee and are re-applying to the same program or who are not applying for a degree program are exempt from this fee. Domestic students should submit a personal check made out to South Dakota State University. International students may either submit a demand draft or make payment via credit card. Contact the SDSU Graduate School for additional information.

3. Official Transcripts - For degree-seeking students, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work must be sent directly to the Graduate School. For those students not actively pursuing a degree, the Bachelors degree must be stated on the application form and the degree will be verified. Students will be withdrawn from graduate coursework if a degree cannot be verified.

If application is submitted before the Bachelor's degree is complete, an incomplete transcript must be filed. When the Bachelor's degree is awarded, a final transcript must then be sent. This final transcript must be filed during the first semester of graduate work.

International students must have completed four years of post-secondary education and must hold a Bachelor's degree before applications will be reviewed by the graduate school and the respective department. International students who cannot provide original transcripts may submit notarized or certified copies at the time of application. A Provisional degree certificate will be accepted.

4. Letters of Recommendation - Two letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the academic ability and professional competency of the applicant should be sent directly to the Graduate School. Forms are accessible via the following link:

Graduate School Recommendation Form

5. Letter of Intent - Applicants must provide a letter describing their research interests and academic goals in pursuing a Ph.D. In this letter, applicants should identify one or more faculty members whom they have identified as potential advisors.

6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. The scores should not be more than four (4) years old and an official copy must be sent to the Graduate School directly from the Educational Testing Service. The institution code for SDSU is 6653.

Additional Requirements for International Students

In addition to the above procedures, International Students must submit the following:

1. TOEFL Score - A score of 525 paper-based, 197 computer-based, or 71 Internet-based or above is required by the Graduate School for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Department requirements are listed with each department section in this bulletin. Additional English testing is given after arrival and students who do not possess satisfactory language skills may be required to enroll in remedial courses. Remedial courses may not be used toward a graduate degree and require separate tuition payment. The scores should not be more than two years old and an official copy must be sent to the Graduate School directly from the Educational Testing Service. The institution code for SDSU is 6653.

2. Financial Support - Evidence of available financial support for at least two years (M.S., M.A., M.Ed.) or four years (Ph.D.) must be submitted to the International Student Affairs (ISA) Office, Administration Building Room 312. For any financial assistance from this institution the applicant should correspond with the Head of the Major Department.

3. Physical Examination Record - A physical evaluation is helpful. A record of 2 immunizations for measles and 2 for rubella, signed by a doctor is required.

Documents for entry into the U.S. will be issued by the ISA Office after academic admission and financial certification are complete.

For more information, contact:
International Student Affairs
South Dakota State University
Administration Bldg. 312
Box 2201
Brookings SD 57007-1098
Phone: 605-688-4122
Fax: 605-688-5951
Email: intlstud@adm.sdstate.edu

Application Process

After an application for admission and all supporting documents are received and evaluated by the Graduate School, they are sent for review to the department concerned. Using the recommendations made by the department, the Dean of the Graduate School acts on the application and notifies the applicant, department, and/or committee concerned.

Applications and all related documents should be mailed to:

Graduate School
South Dakota State University
Administration Bldg 130
Box 2201
Brookings, SD 57007-1998
Phone: 605-688-4181
Fax: 605-688-6171
Email: sdsu_gradschool@sdstate.edu