A completed application form for graduate study at MSU
Official transcripts from previous institutions
A GPA of 3.00
An academic writing sample in English
Three letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
The Office of the Graduate School will forward your application to our department for review. We will admit about 10 students each year. Because of the course sequencing, we prefer that all incoming students start in the fall. To be considered for funding, we encourage you to apply by February 15th.

We look at applicants as a whole package, including GPA, letters of recommendation, purpose statement, and fit for our program. As a general rule, a strong candidate will have a GPA of 3.0 or better and strong letters of recommendation.
An applicant must request an official transcript from the bachelor's degree institution and from each college or university attended following the bachelor's degree. If fewer than 60-70 hours were completed at the institution which awarded the bachelor's degree, an official transcript from the previous institution(s) is required as well. The department may require previous transcripts to verify prerequisites. The official transcript must be in a sealed envelope bearing the institution's return address with the Registrar's signature or stamp across the flap.
The Graduate School will accept electronic transcripts directly from Escrip. Electronic transcripts sent by Escrip should be sent to Mississippi State University, Graduate School.
A minimum TOEFL score of 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5 for admission
TOEFL score of 550 PBT
Considered proficient in English. Applicant is not required to enroll in an ESL course unless his/her academic program requires a higher test score.
Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship
An international applicant for Unclassified graduate status (non-degree-seeking) who is not from a country where English is the first language or who does not hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university where English is the first language must submit an appropriate TOEFL or IELTS score.