FRESHMEN ADMISSION Individuals seeking a Bachelor’s degree: Graduates of accredited high schools who graduated less than three years prior to attendance, must meet both the Admission Standards requirements and the Board of Regents college preparatory curriculum to begin as first-time, full-time freshmen.
Admissions Standards Requirements
The Admission Standards requirements are as follows:
Enhanced ACT Composite Score of 20 or higher
SAT Combined Verbal and Math Standard Score of 1440 or higher
High School Grade Point Average of 2.50 or higher
Rank in the upper half of the student’s graduating class.
College Preparatory Curriculum Students must meet one of the three following categories for admission as a full-time freshman
A
Minimum Core with Test Requirement
Course
Years
College Prep
Exam
2006 Score
2007 Score
Mathematics
3
Algebra I, II and Geometry (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses). Mathematics course in senior year encouraged
ACT Math
17
18
SAT Math
420
440
CLEP
50
50
English
4
Written and oral communication skills and literature.
Science
2
2 lab sciences: one year must be earth science, biology, chemistry or physics.
Social Studies
3
Global studies (world history, world geography), American history, and government. Economics, American Indian history or other third-year courses.
Electives
2
Foreign language, computer science, visual and performing arts, or vocational education.
~ OR ~
B
Minimum Core with AP Credit by Exam
Course
Years
Advanced Placement
Exam
Score
Mathematics
Advanced Placement Courses designed to prepare students for these exams.
Calculus AB
3+
Calculus BC
3+
English
Advanced Placement Courses designed to prepare students for these exams.
English Language
3+
English Literature
3+
English
4
Written and oral communication skills and literature
Science
2
2 lab sciences: one year must be earth science, biology, chemistry or physics.
Social Studies
3
Global studies (world history, world geography), American history, and government. Economics, American Indian history or other third-year courses.
Electives
2
Foreign language, computer science, visual and performing arts, or vocational education.
~ OR ~
C
Rigorous Core without Test Requirement
Course
Years
Rigorous Core
Mathematics
3
Algebra I, II, geometry (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses, i.e. three levels of Integrated Mathematics
1
A course beyond Algebra II or beyond Integrated Math III (such as Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Computer
Math, Integrated Math IV). All with grades of C or better.
English
4
Written and oral communication skills, literature, and a designated college-prep composition or research-writing course.
Science
3
Full year each: General, physical or earth science; biology; chemistry or physics.
Social Studies
3
Global studies (world history, world geography), American history; government, economics, American Indian history
or other third-year courses. Recommendation: one half year or more of other courses such as psychology, humanities.
Electives
3
2 years of a second language, music, fine arts, speech/debate, career and technical education (such as information technology, computer science).
Students who are not eligible to enter a four-year program may pursue an associate degree major and change to a four-year program upon successful completion of M 121 or higher.level math
Exceptions to the College Preparator/Admissions Standards Requirements
Non-traditional students (students that have graduated from high school at least three years prior to enrollment),
Summer only students,
Part-time students taking six or fewer college or university level credits. For the purpose of this section, “university level credits” means those courses that are applicable toward an, associate of applied science, associate of science, bachelor of applied science, or baccalaureate degree at Montana State University-Northern. Such courses shall include neither remedial nor developmental courses.
How to Apply
Submit an application form or apply online. Applications may also be obtained from Montana high school guidance counselors, or by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll-free 1-800-662- 6132 extension 3704 or (406)265- 3704 or online.
A $30 non-refundable application fee and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
A final high school transcript, with a graduation date posted, must be sent to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501.
All freshmen applicants who have graduated from high school less than three years prior to the first date of enrollment or are less than 21 years of age at Montana State University- Northern must submit a score report from the American College Test (ACT) or from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
In-state applicants who have earned 12 or more semester credits at another accredited college or university and are in good academic standing with the college or university from which they are transferring are considered transfer students.
Out-of-state applicants who have earned 12 or more semester credits with at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (based on a 4.00 scale) for all college or university level work are considered transfer students.
All applicants who have earned fewer than 12 post-secondary semester credits must meet freshman student requirements and must have an official copy of their transfer work sent to Montana State University-Northern (see Transfer of Credits).
The student must insure that a complete and official transcript from each regionally accredited college and/or university or other post-secondary institution attended is mailed to the Admissions Office. The student must submit official transcripts from ALL regionally accredited institutions attended, whether or not credit was earned. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the previous institution(s) attended to the Admissions Office at Montana State University-Northern.
All credits previously earned are transferred when the student transfers to Montana State University-Northern from a college and/or university level institution which is regionally accredited.
In cases where no formal transfer credit agreement exists between Montana State University-Northern and the sending institution, the Registrar’s Office at Montana State University-Northern, in conjunction with the appropriate program advisor, will review all eligible course work for transfer credit.
For classes used to satisfy a prerequisite or required class in a student’s major, minor, option or certificate, students must earn a C- or better;
For classes used to satisfy a general education requirement, students must earn a C- or better;
For classes used as free or elective credits, students must earn a D- or better. (Free or elective credits are additional credits that a student must earn in order to have the required number of total credits for a twoyear or four-hear degree. They are classes that are not used to satisfy the requirements of a major, minor, option, certificate or general education program.)
Grade point averages for transfer work are not calculated in the grade point average at Montana State University-Northern with the exception of those students entering the Nursing Program. The transcript will list courses and grades from previous institutions attended for which transfer credit has been granted. Only the credits and grade points earned in courses taken at Montana State University-Northern are used in the calculation of the grade point average.
Students who wish to pursue graduate work at Montana State University-Northern should contact the Graduate Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 for application materials. All application materials should be returned to the Graduate Office one month prior to the proposed date of registration to allow adequate time for complete processing.
To be considered for admission to graduate study, an applicant must have been granted a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate student who is within 16 credits of completion of the baccalaureate degree, and who has at least a 3.00 grade point average over the last 60 credits, may petition the Graduate Council for approval to take up to nine credits of graduate coursework which may apply toward a graduate degree. These credits may not be applied to the student’s undergraduate program. Graduate credit earned in this manner will not become a part of the student’s permanent record until all requirements for the baccalaureate degree have been met.
Admission to graduate studies does not constitute matriculation for degree candidacy. Students who wish to matriculate for advanced degrees must make proper application for the specific degree sought (see Graduate Studies Overview). Information regarding candidacy is available from the Graduate Studies Office.
How to Apply
Submit the Graduate Application for Admission to the Graduate Office. This form may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office.
A $30 non-refundable application fee, payable to Montana State University-Northern, is required of first-time applicants to Montana State University-Northern. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
One copy of the applicant’s official transcript, showing a baccalaureate (or higher) degree must be sent directly to the Graduate Office by the college or university previously attended, if other than Montana State University-Northern. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the institution to the Graduate Office at Montana State University-Northern.
An applicant, 21 years of age or over, who is not a high school graduate, may seek admission as an Adult Special student by presenting evidence that he/she is adequately prepared to pursue a selected University program. Upon completing the work of the freshmen and sophomore years with a grade average of “C” or better, an Adult Special student may, upon the recommendation of his/her faculty advisor and major academic College Dean, be accepted as a regular student and a candidate for a degree on the same basis as students who have been admitted upon graduation from an accredited high school. Adult Special students cannot enter the nursing program. Nursing students must have a minimum of a GED.
How to Apply
Submit an application form or apply online. Applications may also be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll free 1-800-662-6132, extension 3704 or (406) 265-3704.
A $30 non-refundable application fee and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
A high school student may apply for admission to take regular University courses while concurrently enrolled in high school. High school students may be accepted for admission when academic ability and general maturity warrant acceptance. Such admission shall be based on providing educational opportunities not available in the high school setting.
Academic Eligibility
To be eligible for early admission, the applicant:
Must have completed their sophomore year in high school.
Must have a minimum grade point average of a 3.00 and/or a 20 ACT composite score or 1440 SAT score or higher.
Students attending non-accredited high schools must have taken the ACT and received a 20 composite score or 1440 SAT score or higher.
How to Apply
Submit an application form or apply online. Applications may also be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll free 1-800-662-6132, extension. 3704 or (406) 265-3704.
A $30 non-refundable fee and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
Request that a current high school transcript be sent to the Admissions Office, Montana State University- Northern, Havre, MT 59501.
A letter of recommendation from the high school principal or guidance counselor must be submitted.
Submit a copy of ACT or SAT scores.
Secure approval from the instructor and College Dean for each course in which enrollment is planned.
Students are limited to six credits per semester under this program.
A person who is 21 years old or older and who is not a graduate of an accredited high school may be admitted by earning satisfactory scores on the General Education Development Examination. A person under the age of 21 who has earned satisfactory scores on the General Education Development Examination and who is not a graduate of an accredited high school may be admitted as a “Conditional Freshman”. Conditional Freshmen must complete a prescribed program of study during the first semester of enrollment. Conditional Freshmen who complete the prescribed courses without being placed on probation are removed from conditional status and will be considered regular students in the subsequent semester.
The GED examination may not be used to satisfy the requirements of high school graduation until after the student’s high school class has graduated. Information regarding requirements and test center locations for the GED in Montana may be obtained from the GED Program, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Capitol, Helena, MT 59620.
How to Apply
Submit an application form or apply online. Applications may also be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll-free 1-800-662-6132 extension 3704 or (406) 265-3704.
A $30 non-refundable fee and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
Request a copy of your GED score report to be forwarded to the Admissions Office. Information can be obtained from the GED test site coordinator.
Submit a copy of ACT or SAT scores if under the age of 21.
Freshman and Transfer Student Admission Requirements
International Application
International Application
for Admission must be submitted to MSU-Northern, Admissions Office, PO Box 7751, Havre, MT 59501. Priority deadline for application is July 1 for Fall Semester, November 1 for Spring Semester, and April 1 for Summer Semester. To obtain an international application call toll-free 1-800-662-6132, extension 3704
Application Fee.
A US$30 nonrefundable fee is required of all applicants. Checks or Money Orders must be made payable to MSU-Northern. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
Statement of Financial Support.
A statement of financial support from a bank or financial institution regarding funds of a financial sponsor, the student or the parent must be provided. The statement must verify financial support available to the applicant in US Dollars based on current year estimated cost of attendance for each year attendance. Contact the Admissions Office for current year estimated cost of attendance budget for International students at 1-800-662-6132, extension 3704.
English Language Proficiency.
Provide an official TOEFL score report of a 475 (153 CBT) for undergraduate, 500 (173 CBT) for graduate admission, or successful completion of an English as a Second Language Program. For further information contact: ELS Language Centers, 5761 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, CA 90203 USA. Telephone: (310)642-0988 or visit http://www.els.com.
Certificates of completion with official grades from other English language programs or institutes may be considered as satisfying the English language requirement. TOEFL scores or transcripts for ESL programs must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Services (ETS) or Language Institute attended to MSU-Northern, Admissions Office.
Educational Credentials. International students must meet the equivalent of out-of-state admission requirements for the appropriate category of freshman, transfer, or graduate student. Official/certified transcripts and marks are required from all secondary and college or university education completed.
Freshmen must submit official secondary transcripts posting date of completion and must include an English translation. Certified true copies of original transcripts are acceptable.
Transfer Students must request official transcripts from each international or U.S. postsecondary institution attended be sent directly from the institution(s) to MSU-Northern.
All transcripts of academic work undertaken outside of the U.S. or in non-English-speaking Canada must be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation of foreign educational credentials. For further information contact: World Education Services, PO Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745 or visit http://www.wes.org.
Immunization Records.
Non US Citizens must show a physician validated immunization record of two measles (rubeola) and rubella immunity, Diphtheria-Tetanus (DT or Td), and skin testing for Tuberculosis that was completed within one year of the planned attendance date. This evidence must be presented before a student is permitted to register.
A former Northern Montana College/Montana State University-Northern student who did not attend the preceding semester must submit an application for re-admission to the Admissions Office and official copies of transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended since his/her last registration at Montana State University-Northern. A transcript will be accepted as official only when sent directly from the Registrar of the institution(s) previously attended to the Admissions Office at Montana State University-Northern.
The undergraduate non-degree admissions status is designed to meet the needs of students who do not wish to pursue a degree at Montana State University-Northern. Once admitted to non-degree status, the student may retain that status indefinitely. If the student wishes to change to regular status, the steps outlined under “Changing from Non-degree Status” must be followed. An application form must be completed. ACT/SAT test scores will not be required.
Non-degree applicants will not be required to submit transcripts from previous institutions. The applicant must certify that he/she has not been suspended from any post secondary institution within the past twelve months. A non-degree student in good standing (2.00 or higher cumulative GPA) may apply for a change from non-degree to regular status. Requirements for regular admission must be met at that time. Professional Teacher Education, Nursing, and Graduate courses are not available to undergraduate non-degree students. Non-degree status is not suitable for any person receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits. Non-degree students may not participate in intercollegiate athletics or any other program requiring regular admission status. Non-degree students are subject to the same University regulations as regular students.
How to Apply
Submit an application form or apply online. Applications may also be obtained by writing to the Admissions Office, Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT 59501 or calling toll free 1-800-662-6132 extension 3704 or (406) 265-3704.
A $30 non-refundable application fee and the completed admissions application should be returned to the Admissions Office. If the applicant is admitted but does not register, the $30 application fee is valid for the subsequent twelve months.
Changing from Non-Degree Status
To change from non-degree status to regular status, a student must have at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA and do the following:
Submit ACT/SAT scores if they would have been required at the time of first admission to Montana State University-Northern.
Submit high school and/or offcial college, university, or other post secondary transcripts from all other regionally accredited institutions attended. The student must submit transcripts from ALL institutions attended, whether or not credit was earned. A transcript will be accepted as off cial only when sent directly from the Registrar of the institution to the Admissions Office at Montana State University-Northern.
Show proof of two vaccinations against measles and one against rubella. Immunizations must have been given after 1967 and after the student’s first birthday and must have been administered at least thirty days apart. Current immunizations must have been administered in the form of the MMR vaccine. Immunizations must be documented by a physician, registered nurse or school official. ~ OR ~
Show documentation of having contracted measles and rubella. Documentation by a physician is required including dates of illness. ~ OR ~
File a medical or religious exemption.
WUE is the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WUE, resident students of participating states may enroll in two-year and four-year public college programs at a reduced tuition level: approximately 150 percent of the institution’s regular resident tuition. WUE tuition is considerably less than nonresident tuition. Resident students from the following states may participate if they meet eligibility requirements: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
How to Apply
Information and a WUE Scholarship application for Montana State University- Northern may be obtained online or from the Admissions Office at 1-800-662-6132, extension 3704, or (406)265-3704. Or email: admissions@msun.edu.
March 1 is a Priority Deadline for WUE applicant consideration.
Submit the WUE scholarship application along with a working copy of transcript. Send WUE Scholarship Application and supporting documents to:
MSU-Northern Admissions Office
PO Box 7751
Havre, MT 59501
Conditions for Enrollment
A limited number of students are granted the WUE scholarship on a competitive and space-available basis. Montana State University-Northern reserves the right to change the requirements for admission into the WUE program without further notice.
To be eligible for a WUE Scholarship, applicants must be admitted to Montana State University-Northern, and be a resident of a participating WUE state.
Duration of the WUE Scholarship is four years or until completion of 120 credits, whichever comes first.
Recipients of a WUE Scholarship must maintain a cumulative G.P.A of 2.5 or above and maintain 15 credits per semester.
Time as a WUE Scholarship recipient cannot be used toward fulfilling Montana residency requirements.
Spring Semester WUE Scholarship applicants may be considered by the Scholarship Coordinator on a spaceavailable basis.
To obtain information about WUE programs in other states visit: http://wue.wiche.edu.