Application Process

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Graduate School Application
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts from all universities attended, with degrees posted:
   • All applicants must upload unofficial or official  transcripts during the online application process, even if you are currently still working on your degree.
   • Current and previous students of MSU-Bozeman need to list MSU on the application but do not need to submit official transcripts. 
   • If the department extends an offer of admission, the Graduate School must receive official transcripts with degree(s) posted from the university(s) attended.
   • Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit.
   • MSU requires an undergraduate/graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
4. Three (3) Personal Essays: Each essay should be a maximum of 2 pages in length & respond to the following:
   
   • Essay 1 - Describe your career goals for the future and how you see the completion of a Master's degree as helping you achieve your goals.
   • Essay 2 - Describe your personal strengths as an educator and identify the ways in which you believe you could use your strengths to contribute to the cohort of students with whom you will be studying.
   • Essay 3 - Describe the areas in which you want & need to grow as a professional educator and/or educational researcher.  Applicants applying to the Educational Researcher track are strongly encouraged to be very precise with their research interests and indicate what faculty in our department might be a good fit as their potential advisor. 
5. Three (3) Professional References: The electronic process will prompt each recommender to submit a signed reference letter. One of the recommenders should be from your current direct supervisor. Applicants who do not have a letter from a present supervisor must provide a written explanation identifying the specific reason(s) why they are unable to secure a letter of recommendation from their present supervisor.
6. International Applicants: Visit the Graduate School's International Admissions website.  The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test scores or the $70 Graduate School Application fee. All unofficial/official transcripts must be translated and transcribed to a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) scale.

Applications must be submitted via the online application system and all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted due date.

Applications received after the due date may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

The MEd application deadlines are:

• Fall Semester:  
  • April 1st 
  • July 15th (late review)
• Spring Semester: Nov 1st   
• Summer Semester:  April 1^st

To apply to the Curriculum & Instruction EdS or EdD program applicants must hold a Master's degree.

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Graduate School Application
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts from all universities attended, with bachelors and masters degrees posted:
   • All applicants must upload unofficial or official  transcripts during the online application process, even if you are currently still working on your degree.
   • Current and previous students of MSU-Bozeman need to list MSU on the application but do not need to submit official transcripts. 
   • If the department extends an offer of admission, the Graduate School must receive official transcripts with degree(s) posted from the university(s) attended.
   • Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit.
   • MSU requires an undergraduate/graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
4. Personal Essay: The essay should be a maximum of 3 pages in length, and respond to the following:
   • Describe your development as an educator, your future career goals, and how you see the completion of a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum & Instruction as helping you achieve your goals.
   • Describe your personal strengths and interests as an educator and identify the ways in which you believe you could use your strengths to contribute to the cohort of students with whom you will be studying.
   • Indicate the area of curriculum, instruction, or teacher education in which you would like to conduct research. EdD application only.
5. Three (3) Professional References: During the application process you will be asked to submit contact information for each recommender. The electronic process will prompt each recommender to submit a signed reference letter. The letters should be from individuals qualified to assess your ability and potential as a graduate student and be able to attest to your work ethic and professionalism. References from relatives are not acceptable. 
6. Writing Sample: Please upload a selected example of writing that demonstrates academic potential such as an artifact that highlights your interests, strengths, context and goals/desires more conducive to holistic review. (not required for EDS)
7. International Applicants: Visit the Graduate School's International Admissions website. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test scores or the $70 Graduate School Application fee. All unofficial/official transcripts must be translated and transcribed to a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) scale.

EdD applicants may be contacted for an interview by the program  review committee.

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty in our department whose research interest aligns and identify as a potential Chair.

Applications must be submitted via the online application system and all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted due date. Students matriculate into the EdS and EdD program fall semester. Applications to these programs are reviewed each year after the April 1st due date. Applications received after this date may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

Fall Semester:  

• February 1st: Early priority deadline for those seeking graduate assistantships or an early decision.
• April 1st: Application due date

 

To apply to the Curriculum & Instruction PhD program applicants must hold a Master's degree.

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials:

1. Completed Graduate School Application
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts from all universities attended, with bachelors and masters degrees posted:
   • All applicants must upload unofficial or official  transcripts during the online application process, even if you are currently still working on your degree.
   • Current and previous students of MSU-Bozeman need to list MSU on the application but do not need to submit official transcripts. 
   • If the department extends an offer of admission, the Graduate School must receive official transcripts with degree(s) posted from the university(s) attended.
   • Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit.
   • MSU requires an undergraduate/graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
4. Personal Essay: Suggested length is 2-3 pages. The applicant should briefly describe the following:
   • Education and other educational professional experiences. 
   • Research interests and experience including alignment with faculty interests and expertise and an example of research experiences using educational theory, research methods, and application.
   • Professional goals.
5. Three (3) Professional References: During the application process you will be asked to submit contact information for each recommender. The electronic process will prompt each recommender to submit a signed reference letter. The letters should be from individuals qualified to assess the following:
   • Knowledge in chosen field
   • Motivation and perseverance toward goals
   • Ability to work independently
   • Ability to express thoughts in speech and writing
   • Ability/potential for college teaching
   • Ability to plan and conduct research
6. Writing Sample: Please upload a selected example of writing that demonstrates academic potential such as an artifact that highlights your interests, strengths, context and goals/desires more conducive to holistic review.
7. Research and Data Analysis Skills Summary:  You will be asked to upload a separate document (suggested length is one page) addressing the following:
   • Describe your research experience skills.
   • Summarize your experiences using different research methods.
   • List scholarly products such as peer-reviewed conference publications and peer-reviewed publications. 
   • Describe data analysis skills and experience using different data analysis software (i.e., SPSS, ENVIVO, SAS).
8. International Applicants: Visit the Graduate School's International Admissions site. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test scores or the $70 Graduate School Application fee. All unofficial/official transcripts must be translated and transcribed to a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) scale.

PhD applicants may be contacted for an interview by the faculty review committee.

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty in our department whose research interest aligns and identify as a potential Chair.

Applications must be submitted via the online application system and all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted due date. Students matriculate into the PhD program fall semester only. Applications to the PhD program are reviewed each year after the April 1st due date. Applications received after this date may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

Fall Semester:  

• February 1st: Early priority due date for those seeking graduate assistantships or an early decision.
• April 1st: Application due date