Admissions Process

Applying to MS State for Freshman Students

Once you've chosen a program, prepare your documents and apply online through our website.

Admission Requirements

• A minimum 2.0 grade-point average on the CPC
• Satisfy the National Collegiate Athletic Association standards for student-athletes who are full or partial qualifiers under Division I guidelines.
• Test-Optional: Students who choose not to participate in ACT or SAT testing are reviewed for admissibility, which involves consideration of high school performance, placement testing, special interests, skills, and other non-cognitive factors.

* If a test score is submitted, MS State will superscore - highest ACT or SAT subject test scores from the same test type when scores from more than one test date are submitted. A combination of ACT and SAT subtest scores cannot be combined to calculate a superscore.

Submit Documents: After submitting your application, send in the required documents, which may include official high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays or personal statements. Please read through your application thoroughly.

Application Fee: Each application requires a $40 non-refundable fee. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

Stay Updated: Check your email and the admission portal for updates.

Applying to MS State for Transfer Students

Prepare your documents and apply online through our website.

Admission Requirements

New Transfers (15 or more transferable hours)

• College GPA - 2.0 cumulative GPA on all credit hours*
• Good Academic Standing

New Transfers (fewer than 15 transferable hours)

• College GPA - 2.0 cumulative GPA on all credit hours*
• Good Academic Standing
• Submit High School GPA** and ACT or SAT scores for consideration

Include high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays. Specific programs may require additional documentation.

Application Fee: Each application requires a $40 non-refundable fee. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

Stay Updated: Check your email and the admission portal for updates.

Readmission

Prepare your documents and apply online through our website.

• If you have previously attended Mississippi State University and wish to return, you must submit an Application for Readmission. There is no fee associated with the readmission application.
• Submit Documents: Include separate official final transcripts from any college or university you attended since leaving MSU. Faxed transcripts are not accepted.
• *All previous college attendance must be disclosed on your application for readmission. You must be in good academic standing at the most recent institution attended.
• Stay Updated: Check your email and the admission portal for updates.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Students

Prepare your documents and apply online through our website.

Submit Recommendations

Three letters of recommendation are required for applications and must be submitted electronically. Applicants should register the names and email addresses of three recommenders familiar with their academic and professional backgrounds during the online application process. Once the application is submitted, each recommender will receive a URL link with instructions to complete an online recommendation for the student. (Letters must be in English and, if from university staff or faculty, on official letterhead.)

Once submitted, applicants will receive an email notification.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants to Mississippi State University are required to write and upload a Statement of Purpose. This statement plays a crucial role in admission decisions, so applicants should dedicate special attention and focus to its composition to enhance their chances of acceptance.

Application Fee

Each application requires a $60 ($80 International) non-refundable application fee. Be prepared to make this payment when you submit your application.

Review Process

The admissions committee for your chosen program reviews completed applications. This process may take several weeks, so please be patient while we consider your application.

Stay Updated

Once your application is complete, check your email and the admissions portal for updates from the admissions office. We’ll notify you of any additional steps you need to take and inform you of our decision regarding your application.

International Graduate Application Requirements

Prepare your documents and apply online through our website.

• Graduate degree program applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in progress or completed.

• Non-refundable Application Fee

  $80 for international applicants. Applications will not be processed until the fee is paid.

• Statement of Purpose

  Upload directly through the application portal. This document plays a key role in admission decisions.

• Three Letters of Recommendation

  Provide the names and email addresses of three individuals who have agreed to submit recommendations. Each will receive an email from the Graduate School with instructions to submit their letter electronically. Prompt responses are important to avoid delays in your application review.

• Official Academic Records

  Submit official transcripts in the original language along with certified English translations, if applicable.

• TOEFL or IELTS Scores

  Required unless you are from an exempt country or meet other criteria for exemption (see English Language Requirements).

• Résumé or CV (if required by the academic department)

  Upload through the application portal.

• Stay Updated: Check your email and the admission portal for updates.

*All documents must be submitted electronically unless otherwise noted. The application is not reviewed until the application fee and all required materials are received.

If you have previously attended Mississippi State University but haven’t enrolled for the past three semesters (excluding summers) and wish to return, you must submit an Application for Readmission.

There is no fee associated with the readmission application.