Graduate Admission

Before applying, you should acquire additional information about the degree program from the department or college offering the degree, or the program coordinator listed on the degree page.

All graduate degree programs require the student to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Obtain Application Materials

  • Apply online through the Graduate School
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) information, may be obtained at http://www.ets.org.

Review the Application and Admission Requirements

Except for Track II admission, the General Test section of the GRE is required for application to Graduate School. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT is required for the College of Business. Scores must be no more than five years old and be forwarded directly from Educational Testing Service (Colorado State University's Institution Code is 4075).

The following must be submitted to the Admissions Office, Spruce Hall, Spruce Hall, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-8020.

  1. A completed Colorado State graduate application (GS Form 1).
  2. A non-refundable $50 application fee.

The following must be sent directly to the department in which you plan to study:

  1. Official transcripts of all collegiate work completed (official transcripts from Colorado State are not required).
  2. At least three letters of recommendation.
  3. If financial support is desired, a complete Application for Financial Assistance (GS 4B, available with GS Form 1).
  4. For Track II admission, a Statement of Purpose and a résumé are required. Your department designates whether Track II admission is available and the criteria required.
  5. Any other information that individual departments may require for particular programs.

International Students Only

In addition to the requirements listed above, international students also need:

  1. Official transcripts with a certified translation into English.
  2. Certified proof of financial support.
  3. A biographical statement.
  4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: The minimum TOEFL score for unconditional admission is 213 (computer-based) or 80 (Internet-based) and 550 (paper-based). Official scores taken within two years prior to admission must be submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service. Conditional admission is possible with the provision that you achieve adequate proficiency in English (TOEFL score of 213) before registering for courses or that they satisfactorily complete an Intensive English Program. Approval of both the department and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies are necessary for such conditional admission.

Track II Admission

Track II admissions are available only to individuals who have at least five years of appropriate professional experience and a baccalaureate degree.

In addition to completing the GS-1 online form and paying your $50.00 application fee as instructed above, the following must be sent directly to the department in which you plan to study.

  1. Official transcripts of all collegiate work completed (official transcripts from Colorado State are not required).
  2. Three letters of recommendation written by individuals in at least two of the following categories:
    • Applicant's previous or current college/university instructors.
    • Applicant's previous or current, immediate professional supervisors.
    • Observers, other than supervisors, who can verify the specific impact of the applicant's professional or intellectual expertise. Letters from friends, coworkers, relatives, or character witnesses will be considered only supplemental to the three required references.
  3. A written statement of purpose (i.e. letter of intent) that contains a:
    • Summary of long-term professional or personal goals.
    • Statement regarding your educational goals.
    • Statement indicating how this education will contribute to the your long-term goals.
    • List of factors that led the applicant to consider Colorado State for graduate study.
  4. A current résumé that contains a:
    • Record of all collegiate work, including names of institutions, periods of attendance, and degrees earned.
    • Record of all professional employment including dates of service (including military).
    • List of any special skills or competencies (including certifications and licensures).
    • List of publications, exhibitions, prizes, awards, or other recognition.
    • List of service activities (including community and charitable).

Submit Materials Before the Deadline

Deadlines for degree programs offered though Continuing Education may not follow University dates. Visit your degree program page for specific dates as your program may have deadlines that vary from the general deadlines below. Please note that applying for federal financial aid adds several weeks time.

  Without Financial Support With Financial Support
Fall: April 1 February 15
Spring: September 1 July 15
Summer: January 1 November 15