Important Next Steps - Please Read the Entire Page!

If you have not accepted your MSU offer, please do so now through the admissions portal. 

HOUSING
You should apply for housing at the same time you are applying to MSU, or as soon as you receive your offer. University campus housing cannot guarantee placement; however, it is the most affordable in the area. If you are interested in living off campus, please review the link to the Off-Campus Marketplace (You will need to be offered admission to use this agency, as you will need to secure an MSU Net ID).

NOTE: The NetID is DIFFERENT than your MSU Student ID.
The NetID allows you to access many campus services, including student email, Microsoft Office, and the Library (e.g., p12x345). Your MSU Student ID is found on the bottom of your acceptance letter and begins with a dash (Example: -01234567). Be sure to include the dash when you use it. 

1. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER for classes UNTIL you clear all holds:

  • ALL STUDENTS will have an Immunization & Tuberculosis Hold, which will prevent registration. Use the following link to download the forms you will need to submit to the Student Health Services. If you have any questions, be sure to direct them to the Student Health Service. The Graduate School cannot assist with any Student Health Services holds. If you choose, you can complete the forms and email them to: immune@montana.edu.
  • Review your offer letter to see if you were offered admission with a condition; it should indicate if you are missing documents and where you should have them sent.

2. Before you get started on registering, take a look at the following links:

NOTE: If you experience a permission or prerequisite request, please contact the department offering the course; they can assist with your registration. 

3. Steps to Registering as a Graduate Student:

We want to make MSU registration as simple as possible. Step-by-step instructions for our online registration system are available on the Office of the Registrar's Registration Instructions page. You should work through the step-by-step instructions, not skipping any steps. Please know that you CANNOT obtain your student email OR access Canvas until you have registered. 

As a New Graduate Student, only those individuals in a graduate degree program will need an Advisor Pin/Alternate Pin. Non-degree or NTNO students do not (and should not be asked for one during the application process. If you are in a certificate, your first term PIN will be 423185 (This should not be confused with the number you used when you logged into MyMSU). This Advisor Pin is used when you register for the first time; after the first term, you will meet with your program advisor for future advising/registration pins.

After registering for courses, please REMEMBER to sign up for Orientation!

4. NetID & Email Address:

Please follow the link where you can acquire your MSU Net ID (if you haven't already). Your MSU email address will be generated AFTER you register for courses. If you were faculty/staff before applying to Montana State, you may want to update your personal/preferred email address.  You can review your emails in MyMSU under the Personal Information tab.

5. Orientation: 

As a new graduate student at MSU, you will need to register for the new graduate student training and orientation. Once you register, you will have access to the training and orientation in Canvas (previously D2L/Brightspace) about 2 weeks before the start of the term. This training covers topics such as FERPA, Residency, Title IX, Office of Research Compliance & Ethical Conduct, Disability Services, Veteran Services, and other important information necessary for all new graduate students.

6. Cat Card: 

The CatCard is your identification card for Montana State University-Bozeman. You can use the CatCard to enter buildings, such as the Renne Library, access the Fitness Center (when applicable), and other areas on campus.  As a new graduate student, you were automatically charged a $20.00 fee. Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the CatCard office. A CatCard cannot be issued without photo verification.

7. Required Prevention Education Courses: Thriving Together 

As part of our comprehensive prevention program for new students, Montana State University requires all incoming students to complete the Thriving Together program. This online training, available in CANVAS, is designed to foster a campus culture of safety and well-being, enabling you and your peers to thrive in your new campus community. You will also receive an email with instructions. Please ensure your preferred email address is listed in MyMSU. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Thriving Together Team at thrivingtogether@montana.edu.

8. Cost of Courses and Paying Your Bill:

Please see the following links for information on:

8. Deferring your start term:

This request must be made in writing to The Graduate School and the admitting department (email is acceptable). If approved, a deferral can be for up to one (1) year (two (2) terms, not including summer term.

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Steps for Completing a Certificate at MSU.
Link to MSU's Graduate School Policy and Procedures.