Test Scores
Information about required tests is found in specific degree and program requirements. That information can also be found in the Quick Reference located in the Graduate Catalog.
Visit the MSU Testing Center for available test dates and specific test websites. For those submitting the GMAT score use Mississippi State University's institutional code WFT, for those submitting IELTS scores use Mississippi State University – Office of the Graduate School and for those submitting the GRE, and TOEFL score(s) use MSU's institutional code 1480.
GRE/GMAT
Mississippi State University’s Graduate School no longer requires the GRE or GMAT for admissions purposes. However, some departments may require these test scores to be eligible for an assistantship. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Coordinator of the program of interest to inquire about specific score expectations related to holding a graduate assistantship position.
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the results of either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam. Prospective students should contact ETS (TOEFL), IELTS, or Duolingo for testing information. The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements.
SCORE: 53 and above
Admission Eligibility: Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship
Considered proficient in English. No ESL required unless program requires a higher score.
SCORE: 47-52
Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship
Scores indicate need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Must enroll in EAP 5323 (Academic Research and Writing). Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program
SCORE: 44-46
Eligible for admission for Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met.
Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
SCORE: 42-43
Not eligible for admission to Graduate School
Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.
SCORE: 115
Admission Eligibility: Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship
Considered proficient in English. No ESL required unless program requires a higher score.
SCORE: 105
Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship
Scores indicate need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Must enroll in EAP 5323 (Academic Research and Writing). Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program
SCORE: 100
Eligible for admission for Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met.
Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
SCORE: 95
Not eligible for admission to Graduate School
Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.
SCORE: 9 and above
Admission Eligibility: Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship
Considered proficient in English. No ESL required unless program requires a higher score.
SCORE: 8.0-8.5
Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship
Scores indicate need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Must enroll in EAP 5323 (Academic Research and Writing). Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program
SCORE: 7.0-7.5
Eligible for admission for Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met.
Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
SCORE: 6.0-6.5
Not eligible for admission to Graduate School
Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.
(scores for both old & new scale listed)
SCORE: 79 and above (4.5 and above)
Admission Eligibility: Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship
Considered proficient in English. No ESL required unless program requires a higher score.
SCORE: 69-78 (4.0)
Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship
Scores indicate need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Must enroll in EAP 5323 (Academic Research and Writing). Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program
SCORE: 61-68 (3.5)
Eligible for admission for Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met.
Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
SCORE: 54-60 (3.0)
Not eligible for admission to Graduate School
Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.
SCORE: 6.5 and above
Admission Eligibility: Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship
Considered proficient in English. No ESL required unless program requires a higher score.
SCORE: 6.0-6.4
Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship
Scores indicate need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Must enroll in EAP 5323 (Academic Research and Writing). Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program
SCORE: 5.5-5.9
Eligible for admission for Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met.
Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
SCORE: 4.6-5.4
Not eligible for admission to Graduate School
Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.