Application and Tuition Information

Two personal reference letters from people acquainted with the academic ability and professional competence of the applicant are required.

Applicants who have completed a degree outside the United States must provide a professional transcript evaluation from an evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Examples of acceptable services are Educational Perspectives and World Education Services (WES). Evaluations must include Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation and U.S. degree equivalency. Official international transcripts are waived due to the transcript evaluation requirement. If the applicant has completed a master’s degree in the United States, the transcript evaluation requirement is waived. Applicants with a master’s degree in the United States should submit the official transcripts from their institution. The submitted transcripts become the property of South Dakota State University and will not be returned.

GRE is not required. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and scores are required for international students from non-English speaking countries. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score is also acceptable, The Institutional Code for SDSU is 6653.

All M.S. programs are self funded. For in-person M.S. program, scholarships and assistantships may be available at later stages after admission.

Ph.D. Program: All admitted students will be supported by a teaching or research assistantship from the department. Limited assistantships are available each year. No financial support statement is needed. Applicants who have research support and/or scholarships from government agencies, foreign embassies, foundations or other institutions, should submit a financial support letter along with their application. For other applicants, no financial support letter is needed.

A record of two immunizations for measles and two for rubella is only required after the applicant is admitted to the program.

M.S. Programs: The admission is based on the students cumulative GPA in undergraduate or graduate studies, Relevant Science Coursework, Reference letters, essay, primary research/work experience and interview.

Ph.D. Program: The selection is primarily based on the nature and quality of the student’s research experience, and its fit to the available projects, their motivation and commitment to graduate studies as relayed in essay/personal statement and interview, and their communication skills.

**All admissions decisions are contingent on confirmation that a US-equivalent bachelor’s is conferred.