MSU Graduate Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for a MSU graduate program are outlined in the following link: http://catalog.msstate.edu/graduate/admissions-information/application-process/
Departmental Graduate Admissions Requirements
General Requirements
Prerequisites for admission into the graduate program include all the general requirements of the Graduate School. GRE scores are not currently required for application to this program. When GRE scores are required, this test may be waived if you have a 3.5 GPA or higher in a previous graduate program. International students must obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 550 PBT (213 CBT or 79 iBT) or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
Components of the Admission Packet
Ph.D. Program
Below we have compiled some helpful steps to consider as you prepare and complete your application.
- Review tips for a successful application.
- Review both University and departmental deadlines.
- Master’s Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25.
- Provide three letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty and administrators who can comment about your scholarly ability).
- Prepare your statement of purpose (should be well-organized, clear, concise, fitting between 500-1000 words.: In the statement, please make sure to address the following:
- Provide a brief overview of your academic journey, including relevant degrees, coursework, and any research or projects you’ve completed.
- Provide specific reasons why you’re applying to this program, including faculty you want to work with, research facilities, or specific courses that appeal to you.
- Mention specific faculty members whose research aligns with your interests, and how you hope to collaborate or benefit from their mentorship.
- Include a detailed description of your research interests, including specific topics or questions you want to explore during your PhD.
- Describe your long-term career aspirations, whether they are academic, professional, or a blend of both.
- Provide a summary of any work experience that is relevant to the field, particularly in programs that value professional expertise.
- A statement about how you hope to contribute to the field through your research and professional work.
- Review, edit, and finalize your resume/curriculum vitae
- Provide a writing sample that
- reflects your interest in the field of study
- has a clearly defined research question or thesis that guides the writing
- demonstrates your ability to develop a logical, well-structured argument
- includes relevant scholarly sources, including primary and secondary literature
- has a clear and logical structure
- free from grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and other language issues.
- Demonstrates your ability to offer original insights or perspectives on a topic
- aligns with the research field of the PhD program.
- Request your transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions attended.
- International students should have their test scores sent to The Graduate School (Examples: TOEFL or IELTS) and should obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 550 PBT (213 CBT or 79 iBT) or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
Admission Types
Full Admission to any department graduate programs requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from a four-year accredited institution or a minimum graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher on previous graduate work from an accredited institution.
Provisional Admission. If a student does not fully meet the admission requirements of the program, it may be possible for that student to be admitted provisionally. If admitted provisionally, the student must attain a 3.00 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate courses at Mississippi State University after admission to the program. Courses with an S grade, transfer credits, or credits earned while in Unclassified status cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. If a 3.00 GPA is not attained, the student shall be dismissed from the graduate program.
Contingent Admission. There are no contingent admissions. The admission packet must be complete and all admission requirements met before admission will be considered.
Deadlines
| Applying For | Domestic Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer first 5-week | May 1 |
| Summer second 5-week | May 1 |
| Summer 10-week | May 1 |
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Application deadlines for international students are two months prior to these domestic deadlines. Because our programs are online, international students take online courses without immigrating to the United States.
Readmission
The Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development requires that a student who has not been enrolled for three consecutive semesters must submit a readmission application that includes:
- Three letters of recommendation (if they are older than three years since the last application)
- A revised statement of purpose that:
- describes the purpose of reapplying
- discusses the applicant's career goals
- explains how circumstances have changed making academic improvement a realistic goal
- identifies the applicant's research interest (Ph.D. students only)
Application Process
Click the link below to view the department's admission requirements and deadlines. After reviewing, you can begin the application process via the Application link.
Admittance to Program
Once you have completed the admission process, the Graduate School will forward your information to the Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development for review. After review by the department admissions committee, College Dean, and Graduate Dean, you will be notified of the decision by an email from the Graduate School. If you have any further questions, you may contact the Graduate School and/or ISWD Department at the links below.
Advisor Assignment
After your admission to the program, you will be assigned an advisor from our department. You will need to contact your advisor to schedule an appointment to complete your course schedule for the upcoming semester. The first link below directs you to our program curriculum sheet. The second link directs you to our faculty directory. Click on the faculty member's name to view a full profile including research interests.
Ph.D. Program Curriculum Sheet
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available to graduate students both in our department and in other departments at the University. The three types of assistantships are service, research and teaching. Assistantships offer students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of study as well as earn a stipend. Please click on the following links to learn more about graduate assistantships and the application process. For opportunities in the ISWD Department, contact the department head.