Before you apply
Notice for Air Force and Fort Leonard Wood Applicants
If you're in one of the following programs:
- Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT APNE)
- Ft. Leonard Wood
Please contact us before applying.
Admission Requirements
Get started
Apply to this program through a central application: GradCAS. Review the sections
below before you begin.
When should you apply?
Decide the semester you want to start and apply by one of the following dates:
| Semester | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
| Summer | May 1 |
Admission is competitive.
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You’ve applied. What happens next?
Our faculty reviews your application and decides whether to admit you.
You’ll usually learn your admission status within one month after you’ve applied.
Additional admission consideration information
The GRE is no longer required for admission consideration.
All of the following items are needed to complete your application package prior to it being forwarded to the DSS Admissions Committee for review:
- A bachelor's degree transcript from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State University. An unofficial transcript may be uploaded for admission consideration purposes. Note, however, that submission of an official transcript to MSU Graduate Admissions will be required prior to enrolling for a second semester.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate academic coursework.
- Your resume.
- Personal statement outlining why you wish to pursue a DSS degree. This statement will also be viewed as a writing sample, should be addressed to the DSS Admissions Committee and signed by you.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty, professionals acquainted with the applicant’s academic work, research and/or analytical skills, or current/former supervisor(s). The letters must be signed by the respective recommender.
International applicants
Apply through GradCAS.
Effective immediately (April 1, 2024), the Missouri State University School of Defense and Strategic Studies programs are not eligible for and will NOT be approved for F-1 student applications. The School of Defense and Strategic Studies programs will continue to accept applications from international students to participate in online asynchronous and virtual ZOOM and/or MS Teams evening classes from their home countries.
Contact the Office of International Services if you have questions.