How to Apply for a Graduate Degree
The best time is now
Apply to DSU
- Review the specific admission requirements for your desired program on the Requirements and Timelines page that is linked from the program's page. Navigate to your program page from the graduate programs listing.
- Start your online application.
- Plan to submit your application with a $36 application fee.
- Prepare your purpose statement for your application.
You have the opportunity to share your goals and qualifications with a purpose statement:- In 200 to 300 words, share your purpose for choosing this graduate degree and how you feel prepared. Our admissions committee wants to know:
- Why are you choosing to pursue this degree?
- What role does this degree program play in your career objectives?
- What special knowledge, skills, or experiences prepare you to succeed in this program?
- This is also an opportunity to expand on how you meet the program admission requirements.
- In 200 to 300 words, share your purpose for choosing this graduate degree and how you feel prepared. Our admissions committee wants to know:
- After submitting your online application, you can log into your application portal to submit any remaining application documents and check the status of your application.
- Request your official transcripts from institutions with degree(s) you’ve earned be sent to Dakota State University by email or mail:
Dakota State University Graduate Studies Admissions
820 N Washington Avenue
Madison, SD 57042-1799
By parchment or e-transcript to: DSU-GraduateAdmissions@dsu.edu - After submitting all of your application documents, you can refer back to the portal to check your application status: apply.dsu.edu/apply.
- All required materials must be submitted by the program's application deadline to be considered.
- Depending on the program, admission decisions may take up to several weeks after submitting all application materials for master's programs and up to several weeks after the application deadline for Ph.D. programs.
GRE/GMAT scores are not required for admission.
Explore more
Explore more information about international student admissions and other opportunities.
International students
If you are an international student, begin by filling out an application to the program you wish to enter. You will also submit a Certificate of Financial Responsibility in order to receive an I-20 form, which is required to apply for an F-1 Student Visa.
Explore International Graduate Admissions
Non-degree-seeking students
If you're a non-degree-seeking student, there is no cost to apply.
4+1 program students
If you're an undergraduate student with plans to complete a BS and MS, you can earn both in five years. For more information, please see our 4+1 page or the DSU online catalog.
Graduate Assistantships
Competitive graduate assistantships are available for eligible programs and for full-time, on-campus students.