GRADUATE ADMISSIONS FAQ

Do I have to submit a new application if I want to apply to multiple programs?

Yes, you will need to submit a separate application for each program you apply to.

I started my application, but I don’t see my desired term listed. What should I do?

Each term has a corresponding application link. Please be sure that you have selected the appropriate apply link for your desired term.

https://apply.grad.msstate.edu/

The application will not allow me to submit it without entering a term, but there isn’t a term for me to select. What should I do?

This error occurs when you are trying to submit an application after the Graduate School deadline. Please be mindful of the Graduate School deadlines listed here:

https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions/deadlines

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING APPLICATIONS

I don’t see my school listed in the drop-down menu. What should I enter?

If you do not see your institution listed under the Educational Background section, then please search, and select 009998 for domestic schools and 009999 for international schools. Once you have selected the above entries, delete the text in the institution field and replace it with the name of your institution.

Am I required to pay an application fee for multiple applications submitted for the same term?

Yes, a non-refundable application fee is required for each application submitted. The application fee is $60 for domestic students and $80 for international students.

Does the Graduate School provide application fee waivers?

The Graduate School only waives the application fee for full-time benefit eligible employees, veterans or active US military personnel, and McNair Scholars. If you are seeking an application fee waiver, you may contact the program in which you are interested and inquire.

How long will it take for me to receive my decision?

Once we have received your completed application packet, we will process it and send it to your desired program for review. Each program has their own review process which may consist of multiple review stages. As soon as we receive your application back from the program with a decision, we will finalize it and release your decision letter as soon as we can.

I already submitted my application, but I changed my mind. Can you change my major?

No, you will need to submit a new application to apply for a different program.

The application deadline for my desired term has passed. Can I still apply?

No, but you are welcome to apply for a term that is available. Please be sure that the program admits for the term you select.

How do I cancel my application?

We are sorry to hear that you will not be continuing your application. Please email the Admissions Assistant for your program.

I need to defer my admission to another term.

To defer your admission, please email your graduate coordinator. Your graduate coordinator will provide us with approval, and we will process your request and send you an updated decision letter.

*Please note that you are allowed one deferral and may defer up to two semesters.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS

Do I have to send/upload my official transcripts with my application? Can I use unofficial transcripts?

No, you do not need to submit official transcripts during the application process. We can use unofficial transcripts to process your application. If admitted, you will be required to submit official documents.

Am I required to send transcripts from every college ever attended?

We require transcripts for your bachelor’s degree institution and any coursework completed afterwards. If additional transcripts are needed, then your Admissions Assistant will contact you for it.

Can I apply with a 3-year bachelor’s degree from my international school?

Some students have been admitted with a 3-year bachelor’s degree from international schools. We recommend that you check with your desired program to see if your degree meets their program requirements before applying.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS

How can I send my official transcripts?

We accept :

•Official hard copies sent directly from the institution

•Official hard copies in a sealed envelope from the institution delivered via delivery service

•Official hard copies in a sealed envelope from the institution delivered by student

•International students must submit official transcript, including individual mark sheets and diplomas, in the native language (along with translated copies if appropriate)

i.If international students are only given one official copy of their transcript, then they may bring the original documents to our office. We will make a copy and give them back.

*Please note that any documents left with us become the official property of MSU, and they will not be returned to the student.

Please send your official transcript via any of the methods below.

The Graduate School gradapps@grad.msstate.edu

Mailing Address:

Mississippi State University

The Graduate School

P.O. Box G

Mississippi State, MS 39762

Express Mailing Address: Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.)

Mississippi State University

The Graduate School

175 President’s Circle, Allen Hall-Room 617

Mississippi State, MS 39762

Is the GRE or GMAT required for admission?

No. We no longer require the GRE or GMAT for admission. However, these scores may be required if you are seeking funding. So, please check with the program for more information.

What official English proficiency tests do you accept?

We accept the TOEFL ibt, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, and PTE. We will accept scores that are within 5 years from the test date.

Do you accept Duolingo?

No, we do not accept Duolingo test scores.

Where should I send my official scores?

Please have your official scores reported to Mississippi State UniversityThe Graduate School. If you are sending scores through ETS, our school code is 1480.

My English scores are older than two years and cannot be officially reported. What should I do?

We will accept official scores provided by students’ previous institution as a copy of the original score report or reported in a letter on an official letterhead. Those scores should be emailed directly by the institution to the Graduate School. If scores are unable to be provided, then you will need to retake the English proficiency exam. If the new scores are less than the required English proficiency, you will be required to enroll in the appropriate ESL classes.

Can I retake the English proficiency test to get a higher score so I don’t have to take ESL classes?

Yes. You can retake the English test to earn a higher score and test out of ESL classes. Your new official scores must be received by the Graduate School no later than five business days before the first day of class and prior to registering for classes.

Are entrance exams a requirement for graduate admission at Mississippi State University?

While the GRE and GMAT are no longer required for admission, English Proficiency scores may be required for some International Students.

https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions/test-scores

Am I eligible for financial aid as a distance education student?

Yes, please contact the Student Financial Aid Office for information regarding financial aid requirements.

Am I eligible for financial aid as an unclassified graduate student?

Certain types of financial aid may not be available when in the unclassified status. The Graduate School encourages one to contact the Student Financial Aid Office for additional information regarding financial aid eligibility, prior to applying.

I have a hold on my account! What does it mean? What should I do?

If you have a hold on your account, then there is an outstanding admission requirement that needs to be satisfied. Most often, the hold is for an official transcript or official test score. You will need to request your previous institution(s) to send us your official transcript or request the testing company to send us your official test score(s). Other times, the hold may be through the Health Center for immunization records or the International Services Office. If you have a hold with one of these offices, then please contact them directly.

Health Center- 662-325-2431

International Services Office- 662-325-8929

I can’t register for classes! What should I do?

Please make sure that you have satisfied all holds on your student account, if any. If you do not have any holds, then please check with your department/ advisor to make sure that you have been released to register.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING ASSISTANTSHIP

What is an assistantship?

Graduate assistantships are provided as financial support for graduate students. They are intended to facilitate progress toward the earning of a graduate degree. Graduate research, teaching, and service assistantships are available on an annual or nine-month basis. Individual academic and non-academic departments/units are responsible for awarding the assistantship, establishing duties and responsibilities, work schedule, and determining stipend rate. A graduate assistant’s work schedule must not exceed 20 hours per week.

Can a student have a job off-campus in addition to having an assistantship?

Student can have an off-campus job and an assistantship as long as it does not interfere with their class schedule and it would not prevent them from working the required 20 hours per week.

NOTE: International students will need to contact the International Institute to determine their ability to work off-campus. Visa restrictions limit students to only working on campus 20 hours/week unless they are pursuing an internship or off-campus research related to their field of study.

I am resigning from my assistantship. What will happen to my assistantship and tuition remission?

Resigning or being removed from your assistantship, your duties, stipend, and tuition exemption will cease. Your tuition exemption will be pro-rated. You will be required to pay back a pro-rated portion of the previously applied tuition exemption.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING ASSISTANTSHIP

Where can I apply for a graduate assistantship?

Please contact your home academic department to see whether they have any assistantships available. You may also submit your application to the Graduate School.

Where can I get a copy of the graduate assistantship handbook?

From the graduate school website.

Graduate Student Handbook

Where can I get an application for a graduate assistantship?

From the graduate school website and you can also obtain an application from various departments.

Graduate Assistantship Application

Does the graduate assistant have to pay taxes on the stipend?

Yes, all compensation paid is subject to state and federal taxes.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING ASSISTANTSHIP

How many credit hours must a graduate assistant be enrolled in to be eligible to hold a graduate assistantship in the Fall semester and Spring semester?

A graduate assistant must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours during the entire Fall semester and Spring semester. The full-time course load may not be composed of undergraduate courses unless the undergraduate course is a program prerequisite. Therefore no course may be dropped if the resulting course load is fewer than the required 9 graduate credit hours, nor may any course in the 9-hour load consist of or be converted to audit status.

How many hours are required for a graduate assistant during the Summer term?

A student is required to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours if working the entire summer or 3 hours if just working one term or Maymester. Please see the Graduate Catalog for specifics relating to summer graduate assistantships: http://catalog.msstate.edu/graduate/graduate-assistantships/#typesofassistantshipappo intmentstext

Why are there tax withholdings on my tuition waiver?

All Graduate tuition waivers are taxable unless exempt under the Internal Revenue Code. It is important that you complete your Tuition Remission form completely and answer the questions concerning your course of study and the role it plays in the performance of the duties of the position.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING ASSISTANTSHIP

Are there any graduate level waivers that are excluded from taxation?

Graduate Research Assistantship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship tuition exemptions are not subject to taxation. However, Graduate Service Assistantship tuition exemptions may be subject to taxation based on the relation of course of study and assistantship duties.

I am a new Teaching Assistant. What is the Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Workshop?

The GTA Workshop is held twice a year, prior to the Fall and Spring semester. It is designed to introduce first-time teaching assistants to the techniques and skills necessary to be effective instructors in the university environment and promote excellence in undergraduate education. The workshop has two parts, the virtual, asynchronous General Session and the in-person Classroom evaluation. Your GTA appointment will determine if you only have to complete one part or both. Your department is responsible for registering you for the workshop and students may not register themselves.

You can learn more about the workshop here: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/funding-tuition/assistantships/gradassistantship-teaching-workshop

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING OTHER TOPICS

How do I find out who my graduate coordinator is?

Please view our graduate programs webpage to find your graduate coordinator.

https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-programs

Can I have my spouse, parent, friend, agency, etc. check on my application and other grad related matters?

We cannot disclose any information to anyone other than you without your written permission as in accordance with FERPA. You may send an email to your Admissions Assistant stating that you provide an individual with permission to inquire about your graduate status. Please complete the attached form to provide an agency with permission to inquire about your graduate status.

https://www.grad.msstate.edu/sites/www.grad.msstate.edu/files/inlinefiles/Agent%20Release%20Form.pdf

How much is tuition?

Tuition is determined by a number of factors such as residency status, campus, and number of credit hours. Please see the controller’s website for more information about tuition.

https://www.controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/tuition/

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING OTHER TOPICS

Do not use copy and paste when entering your password to avoid entering unnecessary spaces.

If you are asked to enter your birthdate, enter only numbers without spaces or dashes. (MMDDYYYY)

Follow these rules when resetting your password:

1)Is case sensitive

2)Must contain 8-15 characters

3)Must begin with a letter

4)Must contain at least 2 numbers or special characters

5)Can contain the following special characters % -_!+

https://servicedesk.msstate.edu/TDClient/45/Portal/Requests/ ServiceDet?ID=1274

Your NetID will not change. Allow 24 hours after admission for your account to be re-activated. You will need to reset your password at https:// netpassword.msstate.edu/start . When entering your NetID, use lowercase letters.

I cannot set up my MSU NetID Password. How can I solve this problem?

I have been approved for readmission to Graduate School and need my NetID reactivated so I can register for classes.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING OTHER TOPICS

What professional opportunities are there for graduate students?

While many individual departments offer opportunities for their students, the Graduate School offer a variety of events and competitions for graduate students to gain professional development funding, practice communication and presentation skills, and win money. We also host, in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association, Graduate Welcome Week in the Fall and Graduate Appreciation Week in the Spring, where graduate students can take advantage of workshops, free coffee and ice cream events, and graduate student mixer.

You can learn more about all opportunities here:

https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-student-development

What is the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and how do I get involved?

The GSA is a student organization for graduate students that is led by graduate students. This organization represents the interests of graduate students on a variety of campus committees and provides programs and services to enrich the graduate student experience. Every graduate student at MSU is automatically a member of the GSA and can take advantage of the programs and services they provide.

You can learn more about the GSA here: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/ students/graduate-student-development/graduate-student-association.

For current meeting information, events and the GSA Officers, please visit the Graduate Student Association Cowbell Connect page, follow the GSA on social media (Facebook - “Graduate Student Association - Mississippi State University”, Twitter and Instagram - @msstate_gsa), or email the GSA at GSA@grad.msstate.edu.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING OTHER TOPICS

Does the Graduate School offer an Orientation for new graduate students?

While many departments offer an orientation on what to expect from your individual program and your responsibilities as a Graduate Assistant, the Graduate School offers a completely optional orientation with resources and information about MSU, the graduate school and the community. This virtual orientation is available in the Fall and Spring semester. New graduate students, please be on the lookout for an email with more information once you have been admitted.

Can I switch from unclassified to a degree program?

Students admitted in unclassified status must remain unclassified for a period of one semester before being admitted to a degree program.

Do I receive tuition exemption if I am enrolled in a distance education course?

Graduate assistants tuition award does not cover the Distance Education courses when a student is enrolled in more than 9 credit hours. Graduate assistants are responsible for payment of any additional per credit hour rate incurred as a result of Distance Education courses. The full-time tuition exemption credit will be applied to a student’s Banner account covering the basic tuition of the Distance Education course. Tuition Exemption does not cover the Distance Fee charge.

Do I receive tuition exemption if I am enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) course?

Graduate assistants tuition award does not cover the cost of ESL courses when a student is enrolled in more than 9 credit hours. Graduate assistants are responsible for payment of any additional per credit hour rate incurred as a result of ESL courses. Some international students are required by the University to take ESL 5323 and/or ESL 5313. Both are considered undergraduate prerequisite course while holding an assistantship. ESL 5323 and ESL 5313 cannot be taken concurrently.

Does the Graduate School offer Health Insurance Supplement?

The University provides a health insurance subsidy for Graduate Assistants who purchase the University-sponsored health insurance plan through the MSU Longest Student Health Center. The total health insurance subsidy is $400 per academic year; $200 for the fall semester and $200 for the spring/summer semester. The subsidy will be deposited into each Graduate Assistant’s Banner account during the first week of October for the Fall semester and the first week of February for the Spring semester.

To access information about the University-sponsored health insurance plan, visit https://www.healthcenter.msstate.edu/insurance

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING OTHER TOPICS

How do I register for classes as a distance education student?

To get registered, students should contact their graduate advisor.

How many unclassified hours will transfer to a degree program?

Nine graduate hours of work received as an unclassified student may be transferred to a degree program with the approval of the department. Hours completed in this status may not be used to satisfy provisional admission requirements.

I am having trouble accessing Canvas. What do I need to do?

Distance students should refer to CDE’s Technical Assistance page for additional information on Canvas and other technical issues.