Graduate Program Information

 

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach.

Graduate School

• Application Requirements
• Admissions Types
• Graduate Application
• Student Statements
• Official Transcripts

Program Specific

• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Résumé / Curriculum vitae

International Students

• TOEFL: Recommended Score of 85 iBT
• IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Fall Semester: January 15
Spring Semester: September 15

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission to improve your chances of receiving funding

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact individual faculty members.

• All grades must be a B or better in the major subject areas and GPA of 3.0. If your GPA falls below a 3.0 then you are automatically on probation.
• All graduate program options in the department require 2 credits of graduate seminar (BL5012). In order to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training, all graduate students must take The Scientific Profession (BL5025) as well.
• The MS thesis option requires a minimum of 20 credits of coursework, and the report option requires a minimum 24 credits of coursework. Both options have a minimum of 12 credits of 5000 level or above and a maximum of 12 credits at the 3000-4000 level.
• The MS coursework option requires 30 credits of coursework. Students in this option must take Scientific Writing and Publishing (BL5051) as part of their coursework. A minimum of 18 credits of 5000 level or above and a maximum of 12 credits at the 3000-4000 level.
• The PhD requires 30 credits beyond the MS.  If MS is ‘skipped’ then 60 credits total are required and they need to fulfill the MS requirements of 12 credits of 5000 or above and a maximum of 12 credits at the 3000-4000 level.
• For additional University minimum requirements for a course to accepted at the graduate level see Degree Requirements for the Graduate School.
• Annual CV updates required to track performance and improve our program, used to determine GTA allocations include: Professional Preparation, Awards, Publications, Teaching Experience, Funding History, Presentations and Professional Meetings Attended, and Service.
• Be an active member of the scholarly community (e.g., attend seminars, be productive member of academic community)
• Participate in our peer-mentoring program
• Be responsible to staying on top of the required forms for your degree as found at Graduate School website.

Your Advisor is a member of the faculty with whom you work to design, implement and defend your graduate academic program and thesis. The ideas generated are not only yours but are intellectual property of many (you, your advisor and committee members, and possibly the funding source) please consider and acknowledge that.

If for some reason you feel you are not getting the guidance you feel you need please see the Graduate Director before considering any change in advisor. Open communication will help to limit the likelihood of needed change.

Your graduate committee must have at a minimum:

• For PhD students: your advisor plus at least one faculty from the department and two external members (outside the department) Total number: 4. 
• For MS students: your advisor plus 2 faculty from within the department.

Select committee in consultation with your advisor and meet by the second semester (forms M2, D4A). Meet with potential committee members to get a feel for your potential working relationship, committee advises on coursework, future career direction/tools, etc. Visit the degree requirements on the Graduate School website for additional information about requirements.