FAQs
This is somewhat variable but typically we have 60-80 applicants each year to fill a class of 12 – 14 students
We do not consider applications below the 35th percentile on either the Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning sections. We do not consider applications with scores of 3.0 or lower on the Analytical Writing section.
Again, this is somewhat variable, but typically median scores of accepted students fall at approximately 75th percentile (Verbal), 60th percentile (Quantitative) and 80th percentile (Analytical Writing).
Yes. You must have a GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admission.
The average GPA is approximately 3.60.
You must take either the TOEFL or the IELTS unless you are applying from a country where English is the SOLE OFFICIAL language of instruction. Please see this link for additional information.
I am an international student with a 3 year baccalaureate degree, can I be considered for admission?
Answer Show Less –No. International students must have their transcripts evaluating by a credentialing service to determine equivalencies. Three year baccalaureates are not accepted for admission.
Within two weeks of the deadline, you will be notified if we wish to schedule a phone interview. Those not scheduled for a phone interview may be placed on a wait list. Wait listed applicants will be notified about interviews as space becomes available.
No. We offer the program only as a full-time, in-person, cohort-based program. There are some night classes, but the majority of classes are during the day. In addition, the program involves a great deal of out of class time for consulting project work, class projects, networking opportunities, and travel.
The program requires 44 credits of coursework. The cost per credit is outlined here under the heading “Other Graduate Programs.” The number of credits you take each semester varies, so the cost will be higher some semesters than others.
Yes. We do accept students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. These students are generally successful at earning admission to doctoral programs. Recent graduates of the program have pursued doctoral degrees at Louisiana Tech University, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), North Carolina State University, the University of Minnesota, and Western Michigan University. However, the I-O program at Minnesota State definitely has a more applied focus and the vast majority of our students are interested in finishing their master’s degree and entering the workforce.
We have an exceptional track record of placing students in internships and careers. We maintain a strong network with our alumni and other professionals in the field who provide opportunities for our students and graduates. In fact, many of these individuals and organizations seek us out when they have hiring needs and/or have hired multiple interns and graduates from our program over the years. Ultimately students are responsible for finding their own internship placement, but program faculty help as much as possible.
The culture here is demonstrated throughout this website. The culture is very engaged. We take a “work hard, play hard” approach to education. The program is very challenging, has a high workload and a heavy focus on applied and collaborative work. We also emphasize the importance of building relationships, being a well-rounded person, and having fun. The program entails travel, social gatherings, consulting, site visits, speakers, and the occasional karaoke night.
It is best to choose professors who have a good basis for evaluating your performance. Work supervisors are good references if they supervised you in relevant work (e.g., an internship or practicum setting). A minimum of two of your references should be from professors rather than other settings. If you have been out of college and in the workforce for some time, it is okay to use a combination of professors and work references or only work references as needed. Please avoid using personal friends, family members, clergy, etc. as references.
No. The program is thesis optional. Students must complete either a thesis or an internship. All students must also complete a project portfolio and pass comprehensive exams prior to graduation. Please see the Program Overview page for more information.
For more information about the program, contact kristie.campana@mnsu.edu or any of the faculty in the I-O program. For information about the online application process and whether any of your materials have been received, contact gradapp@mnsu.edu. If you would like to talk to a current student in the program, visit our Current Students page for contact information.
Absolutely. We highly recommend this. It’s best to arrange visits directly with the I-O program rather than going through university admissions. Contact kristie.campana@mnsu.edu and she will help arrange
