Admissions Requirements
Getting In
When you apply to Northern, each student will have to meet certain requirements in order for us to fully process your initial application. We need your transcripts from previous schools, immunization records for the MMR vaccine, test scores, and other information depending on your circumstances. Below you will find all of the information for our requirements to complete your application. If you need further clarity contact the Admissions Office.
Please refer to the International Students webpage for international transcript and TOEFL test information.
First Time Students: You will need to send us official copies of your high school transcripts to the Admissions Office. If you are still in school, we accept unofficial transcripts with your initial application and do not expect your final transcripts until after you graduate.
Transfer Students: You must insure that a complete and official transcript from each college and/or university or other post-secondary institutions 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. For more information about transferring credits, please see the detailed Transfer Student Admission webpage.
- The Montana Board of Regents (BOR) policy on requiring ACT/SAT scores for admission has changed. All first-time traditional undergraduate students may but are not required to submit their results from either the ACT or SAT college admissions exam. Questions about the ACT or SAT can be directed to the Office of Admissions. Prior to fall 2020, all first-time applicants who entered college within three years from the date of their high school graduation or from the date when they would have graduated from high school were required to take either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). One of these tests was to be taken prior to making an application for admission and official results sent to Montana State University Northern. Please note, the SAT or ACT is welcomed but NOT currently required for admission.
In order to be in compliance with Montana state law, students born on or after January 1, 1957 who are taking seven or more credits OR are enrolled in a degree program must either:
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.
International students have additional immunization requirements. Please refer to the section entitled International Students.
Applicants for Advanced Placement credit should ask the College Entrance Examination Board to submit official examination scores to the Office of Admissions. Grades of 3, 4, or 5 on College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Examinations will result in the granting of credit upon completion of 12 semester credits of coursework at Montana State University-Northern. This credit will be awarded to degree seeking students for corresponding courses at Montana State University-Northern. Grades will not be awarded. A notation of the award will be placed on the student's transcript.