How to Apply for a Graduate Degree at Dakota State University

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Apply to DSU 

1. 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.
2. Start your online application.
   • Submit your application with a $35 application fee.
   • 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.
     • *Note for Fall 2024 applications, you can upload the purpose statement in your application portal after submitting the online application. For applications starting for Spring 2025, you can enter your purpose statement directly in the online application.
   • 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. 
3. Request your official transcripts 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
4. After submitting all of your application documents in your portal, you can refer back to the portal to check your application status: apply.dsu.edu/apply.
   
   Depending on the program, admission decisions may take up to several weeks after submitting all application materials or after the application deadline. 

GRE/GMAT scores are not required for admission.  

APPLY FOR A GRADUATE DEGREE

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.

International graduate student admissions

Non-degree-seeking students

If you're a non-degree-seeking student, there is no cost to apply.

Apply as a non-degree student

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. 

Learn more about assistantships