Types of Admission Status
Students are admitted based on the strength of their undergraduate record and admission materials. An applicant may be unconditionally admitted, conditionally admitted, provisionally admitted, or receive a language admission.
Unconditional Admission — This status is granted to applicants who have fully satisfied the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies. The unconditional admission status does not guarantee approval of a student's admission to candidacy for a degree program.
Conditional — This status is granted to applicants who do not satisfy the minimum GPA or the minimum GRE score requirements, and who have deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation. The offer of a conditional admission is recommended at the program level. An applicant who has been admitted conditionally will complete an educational plan with his or her department and the graduate dean, that specifies a minimum of nine credits to be completed with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Upon completion of this requirement, the student's academic record will be reviewed for consideration to be granted unconditional admission.
Provisional — This status is granted, at a department's request, to academically strong applicants whose application files are missing an item. A provisional admission status allows the applicant to start classes, but within the first semester the applicant must submit the missing materials. Applicants will not be allowed to continue as a provisionally admitted student beyond one term.
Language Admission — A language admission provides an admission opportunity for international students who represent strong academic record, but have obtained computerized TOEFL scores just below SCSU's minimums. Students may be considered for a language admission if they post the following TOEFL scores:
- Computer Based: 207 to 212, rather than the required 213.
- Internet based: 76 to 79, rather than the required 79.
- Paper based: 540 to 549 rather than the required 550.
The challenge of SCSU's graduate curriculum necessitates firm adherence to these standards. Students with computerized scores below 207, Internet-based scores below 76 and paper scores less than 540 will not be considered. Students who have been evaluated and meet this profile will be offered a language admission. This concurrent acceptance includes the following condition:
Successful completion of Intensive English Center (IEC) Level 5 program at St. Cloud State University. Most graduate students are able to complete Level 5 program in one or two semesters. Students may access information about the Intensive English Center on the Web at www.stcloudstate.edu/iec. When students have completed their Level 5 program, they will be eligible to start their master's program during the next available semester. The IEC director will send a letter indicating a student's IEC completion readiness to their master's program. When the student starts a master's program, he or she will be eligible to apply and compete for a graduate assistantship.
Denial of Admission
This determination means that a student has been denied admission to a degree
program and may not earn a master's degree from St. Cloud State University
even if he or she has successfully completed advanced courses. Reapplication
does not guarantee admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
Readmission
SCSU recognizes the need of students who, because of family obligations, health
concerns, employment or other concerns, must "stop out" from their
graduate education plans. Please provide written notification to your adviser
and the School of Graduate Studies if you need to "stop out" from
your program and include a date when we may anticipate your return.
However slowly or rapidly a student may be able to return to SCSU, the maximum time limit for valid course work is seven years. If you are returning to SCSU we encourage you to immediately contact your graduate adviser to review changes in curriculum, licensure requirements, and departmental updates. Your graduate plan will need to be updated and may need new approval.
An extended absence from SCSU may require readmission. This circumstance varies greatly by department as licensing rules and curricula may progress with industry needs. Most application files are maintained for five years. If your application or departmental file no longer exists, it may be necessary to submit new admission materials, to be reconsidered for admission.
MnSCU Board Policy — 3.4 Admissions, Part 5, Subpart
G
Students who have been suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons from
any post-secondary institution may be denied admission to a MnSCU college
or university.
Additional Information — The School of Graduate Studies and the individual programs within it reserve the right to request additional information when they believe it is necessary.
Admission Policies and Standards
The St. Cloud State University School of Graduate Studies complies with all NAGAP (National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals) ethics policies and standards. A list of NAGAP ethics policies and standards can be found by clicking here.
