Skip to main content
Site navigation
Graduate School

Admission Requirements

Let's get started.

We appreciate your interest in pursuing a graduate degree at South Dakota State University!

Work in the lab

The Graduate School oversees and facilitates applications to the South Dakota State University graduate programs. Some of our academic programs have different deadlines and require additional documents, so please review the important program specific admission requirements in the graduate catalog.

Processing of an application will begin only when the online application form, application fee, and all other required documentation is received by the SDSU Graduate School. If an applicant fails to complete the application file by the deadline for the term proposed to begin graduate work, a new date of entry may need to be specified.

We invite you to explore our admission requirements, please select your application type:

Graduate School Admission Requirements for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Please be aware that some programs have additional requirements or higher minimum requirements, consult the graduate catalog for program specific requirements. The Graduate School requires:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 to receive unconditional acceptance.
  • An official bachelor's degree transcript - If you are completing your bachelor's degree at the time of application, you may submit an incomplete transcript. If you are accepted, a complete transcript with completed degree will be required by the end of your first semester of coursework.

Steps to Apply for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

  1. Submit the Online Application.

  2. Pay the application fee - The fee can be paid through the online application system at the time of application submission or by sending a check or money order to the Graduate School:

    SDSU Graduate School
    Morrill Hall 130
    Box 2201
    Brookings, SD 57007

  3. Submit your official transcripts - Request official transcripts from:

    • Each institution from which a degree was earned or will be earned.
    • Any institution at which you have earned graduate credits.

    To be considered official, each transcript must come directly to SDSU from the institution; student issued transcripts are not considered official.

    If you attended a South Dakota regental institution, the Graduate School will access all transcripts for you. You do not need to take any action.

  4. Submit proof of immunity - Medically signed proof of two properly administered measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunizations OR immune titers for measles, mumps and rubella is required. Proof of immunity is required before taking on-campus courses. For additional information see SDSU immunization and health requirements or contact Student Health Services directly.

  5. Submit any additional documents required by your program of interest - Programs may ask for additional documents beyond what the Graduate School requires.

    Examples may include:

    • Letters of recommendation.
    • Resume.
    • Goal statement.
    • Curriculum vitae.
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - GRE scores must be sent directly to the Graduate School from ETS. The SDSU GRE code is 6653. If submitting an application for a program within the College of Engineering, use GRE code 2862. Contact ETS for more information about the GRE test.

Returning SDSU Graduate Students

Returning students are encouraged to review our masters and doctoral and time limitation policies.

Steps to Apply for Returning SDSU Graduate Students

  1. If you are returning to the same program and have been out for three semesters or less, submit the Reapplication Form. Students who have been inactive longer than three semesters, submit the Online Application.

  2. Pay the application fee - The application fee can be paid online through the online application system or by sending a check or money order to the Graduate School. Application fee is waived if returning after less than three semesters.

    SDSU Graduate School
    Morrill Hall 130
    Box 2201
    Brookings, SD 57007

  3. Submit Official Transcripts - The Graduate School will use all previously submitted transcripts on file for you. Please submit official transcripts for any graduate coursework completed since your last enrollment.

    *If the coursework was completed at a South Dakota Board of Regents institution, we have access to your transcript and you do not need to take any action.

  4. Verify that SDSU has your proof of immunity - Contact Student Health Services to verify your immunizations are on file.
  5. Submit additional documents required by your program of interest - Programs may ask for additional documents above what the Graduate School requires. The Graduate School can send previously submitted documents in your file to your program. Contact your Graduate Coordinator to verify the need for these documents or if they would like new documents. Examples may include:
    • Letters of recommendation.
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
    • Resume, Goal Statement or Curriculum Vitae.