At North Dakota State University, graduate students can chart their own course for traditional scholarly inquiry or push the boundaries of modern theory and research. A student-focused, land-grant, research university located in the heart of the Upper Midwest, NDSU is a leader in academic excellence and competitive research. Students in NDSU’s Graduate School have access to cutting-edge research facilities, internationally renowned faculty mentors and numerous public-private partnerships. A growing, vibrant university, NDSU is recognized as a leaders among its peers.

NDSU was founded in 1890, and graduate students were first accepted in 1895. The first Master of Science degree was awarded in 1899. Since then, graduate students have been in regular attendance and have participated in the scholarly activity of the campus. In 1959, the North Dakota Board of Higher Education first authorized certain departments to offer the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The first Ph.D. degrees were awarded in 1963. Currently, NDSU offers 51 doctoral degrees, 83 master’s degrees, an education specialist degree and 13 certificate programs.

Led by a community of more than 600 faculty members and supported by a dedicated staff, the Graduate School offers an academic and social environment that fosters intellectual and personal development. With NDSU’s relatively small size, students work closely with innovative faculty mentors who are recognized and respected nationally and internationally for contributions to their fields of study.

Graduate Programs in Eight Colleges:

• Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources
• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Human Development and Education
• Health Professions
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Science and Mathematics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Extension Education

Graduate Assistantships

NDSU offers research and teaching assistantships to qualified students. These awards recognize superior teaching and research contributions of NDSU graduate students. Graduate assistantships contribute to professional development with the primary purpose of helping students successfully complete their academic program. Assistantships augment other educational experiences and provide financial support to help students focus on their educational goals.

Campus Life

• Student Population
  NDSU enrolls approximately 14,500 students, including more than 1,000 international students from more than 75 countries. Just over 2,100 graduate students are enrolled at NDSU.
• Extracurricular Opportunities
  Nearly 300 student organizations are active on the NDSU campus. Intramural sports and fine arts programs are open to all students.
• Graduate Student Council
  The NDSU Graduate Student Council represents the graduate student body. The group meets to offer support and listen to student concerns. It also hosts regular social functions.
• International Student Services
  The International Student Association welcomes new students to campus, provides advice and support, and hosts events for international students and the public. The Office of International Student and Study Abroad Services provides immigration advice and support services for international students.
• Housing
  Students have several cost-effective housing options on campus. Married/family student housing is affordable and located within walking distance to campus.
• Transportation
  Bus service around campus and in the community is free for NDSU students. An international airport, train service and a commercial bus line serve Fargo-Moorhead.
• Recreation
  Campus facilities include the state-of-the-art Wallman Wellness Center featuring fitness facilities, daycare, pharmacy, clinic, rock-climbing wall, martial arts studio, basketball and volleyball courts, and a suspended running track. The Memorial Union has an amphitheater, art gallery, bowling alley, billiards, and areas to eat and relax. Students can attend athletic competitions such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling on campus. Additional opportunities are available close to the NDSU campus through the Fargo Park District.
• Computer facilities
  Computer clusters for student use are located across campus and through the university's wireless internet network. Advanced computing systems are available for students in technical majors like computer science and engineering, in addition to a Technology Learning & Media Center which features access to and specialized support for video production and editing, graphic design, audio editing and web development software.

Fargo-Moorhead Community

NDSU is located on the eastern edge of North Dakota in Fargo, the state’s largest community and one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community, with a population of 220,000, offers a safe, friendly, and clean environment. Fargo has a high quality education system; complete medical system; strong business environment; entertainment and cultural activities; excellent parks, golf courses, and other public facilities; and many places to shop and eat, including a newly refurbished downtown district.

Admission

Application deadlines vary by program. Required application materials include:

• Online application and $35 application fee
• All official transcripts (statement of marks)
• Test scores (GRE/GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS, if required)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Additional program-specific materials, if required