Updated 2019-2020 Graduate Catalog

Graduate Studies

Memorial 310
218-755-2027

Bemidji State University began offering graduate course work in the summer of 1953. Accreditation was received from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools for the Master of Science degree in Education in 1957. The University received approval to offer graduate course work leading to the Master of Arts degree in 1969. The graduate program offers a variety of graduate master's degree programs and specialized licensures. Graduate-level course work is offered for students pursuing a degree, as well as for students who wish to continue professional preparation or broaden their educational experiences without reference to the requirements for a degree.

The goal of graduate studies is to enable the student to achieve an advanced state of knowledge and professionalism encompassing the philosophy, history, theory, and methodology of a discipline or field of study. Students who attain this goal will have developed the skills necessary to conduct research, to evaluate and apply the research of others, and to present, orally and in writing, the results of their studies to other scholars and to the community at large.

Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (4.0 = A) (check with specific department as some may have a different requirement) or a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 ("B") during the final 60 semester credits will be considered for admission. All applicants for a degree program must also submit one (1) official transcript from each previously attended regionally accredited college or university and a completed application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. Biology and Environmental Studies applicants in addition are required to provide results from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test. International applicants whose first language is other than English must also submit the TOEFL.

Graduate Special Student Status: Students seeking to take graduate courses without a planned degree objective may apply for special student admission. Admission as a Graduate Special student requires that the applicant must have graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants who are admitted as Graduate Special students may later apply for admission to a graduate degree program. A non-refundable application fee is required.