The Department of Defense and Strategic Studies in Washington D.C.

:: Admission Requirements and Deadlines::

Students may apply for admission in the Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May), or Summer (June-August) semesters.

The regular admission deadlines are as follows:

Fall: July 20th
Spring: December 20th
Summer: May 20th

Priority Application for Fall Admission: April 15

Students who apply by April 15th will receive priority consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships. Admission decisions for students who apply by April 15 will be emailed no later than May 15. Students will be notified separately with regard to possible financial award. Decisions will not be released by telephone. Admitted applicants will receive their admission packet in the mail within several weeks of being notified by e-mail.

Applications submitted after the priority date will be accepted on a rolling basis until the final application deadline of July 20th. In some cases merit-based financial awards may still be available for these applicants. Students are encouraged to apply early in order to receive priority scholarship consideration.

Spring and Summer Admission Deadline

There is no priority admissions date for Spring or Summer semester admission. The application deadlines are December 20th and May 20th respectively.

The minimum requirements for application consideration are:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

A combined undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75

A combined GRE score of 290 or higher on the new GRE scale, and 900 on the previous GRE scale -- (Institution code 6665; Department code 5199)

Non-traditional Students

The Department welcomes U.S. Veterans, current or transitioning U.S. Military personnel, and mid-career professionals to apply using our streamlined admission process.

The program recognizes the valuable experience that non-traditional students can bring to the program in terms of their prior work and life experiences. Such experiences benefit the classroom as a whole by bringing diversity to seminar discussions. In recognition of this, the DSS program offers a streamlined application process which allows some applicants to have their prior experience considered in lieu of the GRE exam. This waiver may be available upon request.

Special Note: Active duty U.S. military personnel assigned to Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. are considered Missouri State residents for tuition purposes and benefit greatly by receiving in-state tuition rates. Active duty U.S. military should contact the DSS Administration office to learn how they can take advantage of this valuable privilege.

Please call and ask about the details of the streamlined application process. 703.218-3565 or email DSS1@missouristate.edu

:: The Admissions Process ::

Complete an Application.

Applications for acceptance into the DSS program must be submitted to Missouri State University’s Graduate College. Prospective students may apply online at the Missouri State University web site at https://polar.missouristate.edu:9080/prod/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon or by mail.

Pay the application fee.

There is a nonrefundable application fee; you may pay by check or money order if mailing the application, or by credit card if applying online. Make check or money orders payable to Missouri State University.

Submit transcripts to the Graduate College Admissions Office.

Send one official copy of your transcripts showing course work for your bachelor's degree, as well as any graduate level courses (please ensure that your last 60 hours of course work is represented).

The address and contact information for the Graduate College Admissions Office is:

                        Missouri State University
                        Graduate College
                        901 S. National Avenue
                        Springfield, MO 65897
                        Tel: 417-836-5331
                        Fax: 417-836-6200

The application package is reviewed by the Graduate College, and if found to be acceptable, forwarded to DSS.

Prospective students are asked to provide directly to DSS:

Resume
Personal Statement outlining why they wish to pursue a DSS degree (approximately 500 words)
GRE scores
Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors, work supervisors, or other individuals who have direct knowlege of their performance as undergraduate students or other individuals who have knowledge of the student's skills and abilities

The mailing address and contact information for DSS is:

                        Missouri State University
                        Graduate Department of Defense and Strategic Studies
                        9302 Lee Highway, Suite 760
                        Fairfax, VA 22031
                        Tel: 703-218-3565
                        Fax: 703-218-3568

The completed application package is then reviewed by DSS faculty and the Head of the DSS department, who collectively determine whether a student should be accepted into the program, and whether they merit financial assistance. Students generally are notified of their acceptance into the program within one month of the date that DSS receives the complete application package. If merited, a financial award notification will be sent separately.

International Applicants

All International Applicants must apply through the International Student Services Offices. All international applicants are required to submit all materials and test results. http://international.missouristate.edu/services/