Minimum Admission Requirements by Graduate Studies
The following are the minimum requirements that must be met to be admitted into Metropolitan State University of Denver by Graduate Studies. Please note that each individual graduate program and/or certificate has its own set of admissions standards in addition to the minimum standards determined by Graduate Studies.
- Admission to a graduate program at MSU Denver typically requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. Some Graduate Programs may also admit qualified students from non-accredited institutions, and it is expected that graduate programs have review standards in place that will allow them to assess that an applicant with a BS/BA from a non-accredited institution is qualified to be admitted to the program. Students are encouraged to inquire with the programs.
- Programs that have concurrent enrollment options may not require a bachelor’s degree completion prior to admissions into the graduate program. Please check program catalog information for details.
- Applicants whose credentials include studies or coursework at a College or University outside the USA (not taken as part of a semester abroad program) must include original transcripts and documentation in English (or certified English translation) of the transcript.
- Have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better (“A” is equal to 4.0) or a 3.00 or better GPA in nine (9) credit hours or more of a partially completed graduate level master’s degree program. Applications from individuals who attended a College or University that does not issue grades or a GPA will be evaluated by the Graduate Studies on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants who are applying as graduate degree-seeking students and were graduate degree-seeking students elsewhere but did not complete the program must demonstrate that they departed that program in good academic standing
- Any other material required specifically by the individual graduate program. This may include but is not limited to scores from the GRE or other examinations, writing samples, portfolio work, etc. Check with individual graduate program for additional/specific requirements.
Applying for Admissions to a Master’s Degree or Certificate Program as a Domestic Student
Graduate programs may set one or more standard application deadlines appropriate for management of the program.
Prospective students are encouraged to consult the application procedures provided by the program.
To apply for admission to a degree or certificate program, complete the following steps before the program deadline:
- Submit an online application for admission to the Office of Graduate Studies, along with the nonrefundable application fee.
- Request official transcripts from every educational institution attended beyond high school. Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Graduate Studies and can be sent electronically or mailed directly. Please use the following address if transcripts are mailed:
- The Office of Graduate Studies P.O. Box 173362 Campus Box 48 Denver, CO 80217
- Please use the following e-mail address if the transcripts are electronically sent: gradtranscripts@msudenver.edu.
- Complete any standardized exams required by the individual graduate program. Check the list of Degree Programs available on the Office of Graduate Studies website to see if a specific program requires exams. Make sure the exam results are forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies.The institutional code for Metropolitan State University of Denver for all exams administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is 4505.
- Submit all other materials required by the graduate program.
Review of an application cannot begin until each of these steps is completed and the Office of Graduate Studies has received all materials, including materials that are specific to a particular graduate program. Students can monitor the status of their application through the application portal. Once an admissions decision has been determined by the Program, students may be admitted in one of the following categories: Regular Admission This category is typically used when the undergraduate GPA is 2.50 or higher. Regular admission indicates full graduate standing in an academic program with no special stipulations.
Regular Admission with Requirements: This category is used when a student has not yet completed the undergraduate degree or the Office of Graduate Studies has not yet received a final official undergraduate transcript with the undergraduate degree posted. The student’s status is changed to regular once the Office of Graduate Studies has received verification of the undergraduate degree. This category is also used at the graduate program (degree or certificate) level for students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.50 or for students who have other outstanding admission requirements as defined by the Office of Graduate Studies or the academic program.
A graduate program may admit an applicant who does not meet the criteria for regular admission. Each graduate program graduate director shall annually complete a Special Admission form that lists all applicants admitted who do not meet the criteria for regular admission. In addition, the Special Admission form shall outline the rationale to support for each special admission. The form accompanies the applicant’s admission documents. The admission of the applicant as regularly admitted with requirements requires the approval of the Associate Vice President of Graduate Studies. Regular admission with requirements students are subject to the same standard of performance required by regular admission students, plus any other requirements imposed by graduate directors as a condition of admission. The student’s status is changed to “regular” once the specified stipulations have been met. If the student fails to meet the stipulated requirements, they may be dismissed from the graduate program.
Students who are denied admission, may still be eligible for non-degree seeking status. Please see the section on how to apply as a non-degree seeking student for more information. Non-degree seeking graduate students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Applying for Admission as an International Graduate Student
Metropolitan State University of Denver welcomes applications from qualified students from across the globe. The requirements described below apply to applicants residing in the United States with a current F-1 visa or applicants who require a student visa to study in the United States. International applicants may apply for admission as graduate students if they have earned, from an accredited institution, the equivalent of a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree or a higher degree. International students must complete the same admission requirements as domestic students in addition to the International Student requirements.
To apply for admission to Metropolitan State University of Denver, international applicants must complete the following additional steps:
- Submit a completed Student Graduate Application along with the nonrefundable application fee.
- Submit official transcripts and proof of degree from each educational institution you have attended beyond high school or the equivalent of high school.
Please reach out to the Office of International Student Support if you are an applicant with a visa other than F-1. You may reach the office at: intlsupport@msudenver.edu
If written in a language other than English, these documents must be accompanied by an official English translation. Additionally, all foreign transcripts must submit a professional credential evaluation completed by a NACES member.
Evaluations must be sent directly from the servicer to gradtranscripts@msudenver.edu or via postal mail to:
Graduate Admissions Office of Graduate Studies
Metropolitan State University of Denver
P.O. Box 173362 Campus Box 48
Denver CO, 80217
- Submit evidence of English proficiency that meets the minimum requirements for the Office of Graduate Studies and the graduate program. The English Language Proficiency Requirement can be met by submitting official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE scores. Scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency and are valid if scored within two years of application to Metropolitan State University of Denver. The minimum score required for admission is:
- TOEFL score of 76 internet-based (iBT)
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 or better
- PTE overall score of 51
Some graduate programs may require higher TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. Prospective students should review the requirements for the specific program in which they are interested.
Additional options for demonstrating English language proficiency exist. Meeting score requirements does not guarantee admission.
- Take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or any other predictive exam required by the program to which you are applying. Ensure that the results of these exams are forwarded to: gradtranscripts@msudenver.edu or via postal mail to:
Graduate Admissions Office of Graduate Studies
Metropolitan State University of Denver
P.O. Box 173362 Campus Box 48
Denver CO, 80217
The institution code number for Metropolitan State University of Denver for all examinations administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) including the TOEFL and GRE is 4505.
- Submit all other materials required by the graduate program.
- Complete the Affidavit for Financial Support OGS and Submit documentation to show sufficient financial resources to cover one calendar year of living expenses, tuition, and fees to the application portal.
After meeting all other requirements for admission and being accepted to a graduate program. This item is only required for students who require the F-1 student visa to complete their graduate program. International Student Support will issue a form I-20 former students who require the F-1 student visa, meet all admission requirements, supply the necessary financial documentation, and are accepted to a degree program. A form I-20 form will be required to apply for the F-1 student visa. If you would like additional information, please contact Graduate Admissions.
Review of an application cannot begin until each of these steps is completed and the Office of Graduate Studies has received all materials, including materials that are specific to a particular graduate program. Applicants can monitor the status of their application using the logging onto the application portal (https://connect.msudenver.edu/apply/).
To Apply as a Non-Degree Seeking Student
Individuals who submit an application but do not specify a degree or certificate program to which they are applying will be evaluated for admission as non-degree seeking students by the Office of Graduate Studies. Applications from non- degree seeking students are accepted at any time. However, prospective students are advised to submit all application materials well in advance of the desired semester for admission. Applicants may apply for admission as a non-degree seeking student if they have earned a baccalaureate degree or a higher degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students who subsequently decide to apply for a degree or certificate program will be required to meet the GPA and all other requirements of the specified program to which they apply. To apply for admission as a non-degree seeking student, complete the following steps.
- Submit an online application for admission to the Office of Graduate Studies, along with the nonrefundable application fee.
- Request official transcripts from each educational institution attended beyond high school. Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Graduate Studies and can be sent electronically or mailed directly. Please use the following address if transcripts are mailed:
- The Office of Graduate Studies P.O. Box 173362 Campus Box 48 Denver, CO 80217
- Please use the following e-mail address if the transcripts are electronically sent: gradtranscripts@msudenver.edu.
- Submit additional material(s) required by programs and meet program enrollment requirements for specific classes.
Admission Status for Non-degree Seeking Students
Students who are admitted by Office of Graduate Studies as non-degree seeking students may register for courses of interest for which they are eligible as long as they have met the necessary prerequisites and the courses are not restricted. However, they may not work toward a graduate degree or certificate and are not eligible for federal financial aid. If a student completes courses as a non-degree seeking student and later applies and is admitted to a graduate program, the program may recommend to the Office of Graduate Studies that courses completed while in non-degree status be applied to the credit requirements for the program. The graduate program may define a maximum number of applicable credits of this type, but the maximum cannot exceed one-third (1/3) of the total credit requirement, and all final decisions on the applicability of such credit rests with the Associate Vice President of Graduate Studies.
Administrative Handling of Admission Documents
The Office of Graduate Studies coordinates graduate admission processes and can provide additional information and answer questions. All documents received by Metropolitan State University of Denver in conjunction with an application for admission become the property of the University. These documents will be duplicated only for use in admission decisions and student advising at the University. Moreover, the original documents will neither be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to any individual unaffiliated with Metropolitan State University of Denver or forwarded to any other agency, organization, college, or university.
Page modified on June 28, 2024.
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