The Graduate School provides qualified post-baccalaureate students with the opportunity for advanced study toward a graduate degree. The Graduate School promotes excellence in scholarship and creativity, and encourages original research and competency in technical and professional fields. It is responsible for general supervision of all graduate activity in the departments, schools, and colleges of the University.

The majority of the graduate courses are offered on the Grand Forks campus; however, each semester some graduate courses are offered off campus under the joint supervision of the Graduate School and the Division of Continuing Education. A number of degree programs are offered throughout the state of North Dakota.

The first master's degree was awarded in 1895, and the first Ph.D. was awarded in 1914. In 1995-96, 379 master's degrees, 3 specialist diplomas, and 40 doctorates were awarded. More than 12,500 master's degrees, 70 specialist's diplomas, and 1600 doctoral degrees have been awarded by the University.

The Graduate School is a member of the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools and the Western Association of Graduate Schools. It is one of the one hundred charter members of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.

The Dean is the chief administrative officer of the Graduate School. Graduate School policy is set by the Graduate Faculty which is made up of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the Graduate School, and members of the University faculty who have been approved for membership on the Graduate Faculty. Approximately 400 faculty are now members of the Graduate Faculty.

The Graduate Committee is the executive body of the Graduate Faculty. It is composed of the Graduate Dean and twelve elected members, one representative elected from and by the graduate faculties of nine academic area electorates, and three members elected at large from the Graduate Faculty. The Committee formulates Graduate School policy, monitors program development on behalf of the Graduate Faculty, and serves as an appeal board for student petitions.

Only members of the Graduate Faculty normally may serve on Faculty Advisory Committees and serve as advisors for graduate students.