How to Apply

Start Your Application Online

Use this checklist to assist with completing your application. MS-STEP candidates should apply to begin fall term only

Graduate School application

An application to the Graduate School is required of all Humphrey School applicants. Many of the requirements below may be uploaded to your Graduate School application and submitted together. You must also submit the additional Humphrey School section located in the Graduate School application. Note the Graduate School application has a $75 application for domestic students, and $95 for international students.

Personal Statement

In 500 words or less, double spaced, discuss your educational and professional experiences and goals. Relate these goals to your personal history and to the programs at the Humphrey School. Upload this statement into “Statement #1” in the applicant’s statement section of the Graduate School application. The statement is required of all Humphrey School applicants.

Resume or CV

Please include awards and leadership, service, or volunteer activities in your resume. Do not complete the “Awards and Activities” section including the “Honors and Awards” statement; include this information in your resume. Upload your resume into the “Resume or CV” section of the Graduate School application. The resume is required of all Humphrey School applicants.           

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records of all of your post secondary institutions should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. Transcripts are required of all Humphrey School applicants.

If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

GRE Scores

The GRE is required for MS-STEP students. An official score report must be received directly from ETS before an official admissions notification will be made. You may upload your personal copy from ETS into the additional materials section of the Graduate School online application to facilitate initial review of your application. You may take the test up to the application deadline for which you are applying. The school code for the University of Minnesota is RA 6874; the program code is 1903.

TOEFL scores

The TOEFL test is required for non-native English speakers except those who will have completed 24 quarter/16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota. A minimum score of 600 (paper test), or 250 (computer test), or 100 (internet test) is required. An IELTS score of 7.0 or higher is also acceptable. The school code for the University of Minnesota is RA 6874; the program code is 94. An official score report must be received directly from ETS before an official admissions notification will be made. You may upload your personal copy from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) into the additional materials section of the Graduate School online application to facilitate initial review of your application. English competency is required of all Humphrey School applicants.

At least three letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are required for MS-STEP applicants. Please request your letters of recommendation through the Graduate School application system. If your recommender cannot upload it online, they may send it in a sealed envelope signed across the back flap to the Humphrey School. Faxed and e-mailed copies are not accepted. Please ask your recommender to ignore the application Recommendation section instructions for "Narrative" and "Qualities to be ranked." All we ask for is a letter with an appraisal of the candidate's ability to pursue an advanced degree, his or her experience in or potential for public service and leadership, his or her motivation and purpose, and strengths and weaknesses that might affect his or her performance as a graduate student.

Prerequisites

There are prerequisites for each of our degree programs. If you have inadequate preparation in these prerequisites but are otherwise qualified for admission, you will still be considered at the discretion of the faculty admissions committee. However, you will be required to take the relevant courses before beginning the program.

Diversity statement

The diversity statement is optional, yet recommended for all students. It is required for students seeking the DOVE (Diversity of Views and Experiences fellowship), uploaded into “Statement #2” in the Applicant’s Statement section of the Graduate School application. The statement should discuss how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity.  If applicable, nominees should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college students).

Special Considerations:

Extenuating circumstances, if applicable (this can be used to explain prior performance that was below what you expect to achieve in graduate school), uploaded into “Extenuating Circumstances” section of the Graduate School application.