Certificate & MS Application

Application deadline for summer start: April 1st
Application deadline for fall start: July 1st
Application deadline for spring start: November 1st

To help you prepare to apply, we invite you to register for one of our upcoming information sessions.

Before You Apply

We invite you to learn more about the MS and Certificate programs by exploring the Professional Programs section of the Department of Writing Studies’ website. General information about graduate admissions at the University of Minnesota is also available in the Graduate School’s Prospective Student Toolkit.

We strive to offer transparency in our admissions requirements and process. If anything is unclear, if you have questions about our programs or how to apply, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please email writgpc@umn.edu and jhall@umn.edu. Admissions and applications consultations are also available to prospective students through the Graduate School Diversity Office (email gsdo@umn.edu to schedule).

Please review the tuition rates (scroll down to College of Liberal Arts’ college-specific post-baccalaureate tuition rates for the certificate; the MS is offered at the general graduate and professional rate) and fees information. Prospective students considering student loans are strongly advised to contact One Stop Student Services to learn about the differences in the financial aid eligibility of our two programs prior to applying.

Our courses offer many opportunities for collaboration and leverage Google Workspace to coordinate team projects. Previous students suggest that incoming students have proficiency in Google Workspace (e.g., Gmail, Drive, Slides, etc.) prior to their program start. Please contact us with any questions.

Application Review Criteria

In reflection of our commitment to an equitable and inclusive admissions process, we neither require nor consider GRE scores. Nor is there a minimum required GPA. Instead, your application materials are considered holistically. Key considerations during application review include:

alignment between your expressed interests and focus of the program;
demonstrated understanding of the field of technical communication; and
preparedness for success in graduate-level study.

Application Instructions and Timeline

The Graduate School must receive all of the following materials before your application will be considered. All application materials must be submitted electronically via the online admissions system.

Apply for Admission

To ensure that the application review process is consistent and fair, we only review the materials listed. Any unsolicited or extra materials will be redacted from the application packet reviewed by faculty.

Applications will be reviewed by program faculty after the deadline for the admission term selected on the application. Applicants can anticipate receiving a decision on their application 2 to 3 weeks after the application deadline at the email address provided in the admission system. We ask that applicants who receive an offer of admission plan to complete the form to accept or decline the offer within 2 weeks of receipt.

Please contact our graduate programs coordinator at 612-624-4761 or writgpc@umn.edu if you have any questions.

Application parts	How to submit
Graduate School Application (Overview)	Please read the Graduate School’s application instructions and apply online. All materials should be submitted through the Graduate School’s online admissions system. MS in Scientific & Technical Communication Required fields: Program Selection, Term Selection, Biographical Information, Personal Background, Academic History, Employment, Recommendations, and Materials. GRE scores are not required for the MS. Certificate in Technical Communication Required fields: Program Selection, Term Selection, Biographical Information, Personal Background, Academic History, Employment, and Materials. Letters of Recommendation and GRE scores are not required for the certificate program.
Academic History Required for MS & Certificate	Upload unofficial transcripts or academic records from each undergraduate and graduate institution you attended to the Academic History section of the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail paper copies of your transcripts; you do not need official transcripts or academic records for the initial review. If you are admitted, the University will request official copies. See important information about uploading your transcripts and credentials.
Test Scores	GRE scores are neither required nor considered for the MS or the certificate programs. For non-native English speakers: TOEFL, IELTS. See more information about TOEFL and IELTS scores and how to submit them.
Materials: Statements Required for MS & Certificate	Personal Statement: In approximately 500 words, outline your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. Diversity Statement: Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota’s mission. The UMN Graduate School provides the following definition of diversity: The “inclusion of individuals with differing backgrounds and experiences derived from, e.g., different ethnicities, gender identities, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, veteran status, and/or disabilities.” Please write a statement, approximately 500 words, that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. Extenuating Circumstances Statement: This statement is optional but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Materials: Writing samples (2) Required for MS & Certificate	Upload two (2) writing samples into the “Other Materials” portion of the Materials section of the online admissions system. At least one sample must demonstrate your writing proficiency. We recommend submitting published works; however, undergraduate work is also acceptable. To demonstrate your verbal and visual proficiency, the second sample may include link(s) to other media such as graphics, photographs, slides, artwork, or audio or videotape.
Recommendations (3) Required for MS Only	Letters of Recommendation (3 letters) are requested and submitted via the Graduate School's online application system. One or more of your recommendations should come from current/former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable. Note: You are encouraged to communicate submission deadlines directly to recommenders. The automated email request message will not communicate that information. See important information about letters of recommendation.
Application Fee	As specified by the Graduate School. Information about fees.
Application Status	Check your application status.