Admission to the Master’s Degrees Programs
Interested students must apply for admission into the Master’s Degree program; admission is not automatic. The goal of the admissions requirements for the Master’s Degree program is to ensure that students are sufficiently prepared to be academically successful at the Master’s Degree level. There are two major admission processes: 1) English proficiency--we use the TOEFL for this purpose, and 2) academic and/or career background comparable to a US bachelor’s degree. You will complete an application to begin this process, and you will also be required to present a current copy of your resume/curriculum vitae. The resume/curriculum vitae should be presented in a chronological format and should show your education and career assignments along with the major responsibilities of each assignment. (This document is different from your biography which would present summary information about career and your family and hobbies.)
Academic Records
During the summer orientation period, all international students must submit a package of documents to the University Registrar’s Office that includes copies of their academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates in their original language and in English. Academic documents should include the name of the institution, student name, dates of study, and degrees awarded. Please note the English translation does not need to be official but must reflect the complete document; unofficial translations are acceptable. Documents must be submitted as a complete package. Soon after arrival, you will have an opportunity to meet with the Academic Affairs office at NDU to review your credentials and submit the formal application for the master’s degree program.
It is absolutely imperative that international students bring all academic documentation possible. Please take the time before leaving for the U.S. to ensure you have all academic documentation so that you are prepared to submit a complete package upon arrival at NDU.
English Proficiency
Admission to the Master’s Degree program also depends on the student’s English proficiency. NDU uses the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to gauge the students English proficiency. Students are encouraged to take the TOEFL in your country before arrival in the U.S. However, you may take the TOEFL in the U.S. as long as you complete the test by August 15 and have the official score report submitted directly to NDU using score code 3324. If you have questions about obtaining an official score report for NDU, please let us know. Students will receive a voucher from NDU to cover the cost of one test attempt in the U.S. (any tests taken in home country cannot be reimbursed). NDU will provide instructions on how to register for the test, but students are responsible for selecting a time and registering for the test themselves. Students will take the TOEFL shortly after arrival, so please take some time to prepare before arrival. NDU requires a score of 83 or better on the internet-based TOEFL to automatically meet the English proficiency requirement. TOEFL scores are valid for two years so if any students have previously taken the test, they will be asked to obtain an official score report for NDU.
TOEFL Exemptions
The only students exempt from taking the TOEFL are those from countries specifically exempted by DSCA Memorandum 16-55, dated 17 November 2016, which include: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, and United Kingdom. Students from Austria, Germany, Kenya, Pakistan and Switzerland are also exempt. Additionally, the TOEFL is not required for international students who have earned a Bachelor’s or Master's Degree from a university in the United States. If you have earned a degree from a university in the United States, you will be required to obtain an official transcript from that university to earn the exemption. No other exemptions will be granted.
You will receive more information about the process and procedures to be admitted to the Master’s Degree program at your respective college once you arrive to NDU.