|
|
|
|
Application Process
In
general, students interested in the M. S. or Ph. D. program in the Department of
Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG) should plan to apply for admission to
the Fall semester. All material should be submitted by the deadline of January 7
for timely consideration of the application. Only exceptional students will be
considered for admission in the Spring semester. Applications can be obtained by
downloading the information from the
Graduate School's web site or by contacting the department's
graduate office.
The
department does not give preference to either M. S. or Ph.D. applicants, insofar
as we admit the students with the best records and the greatest potential for
future success. Entering students are encouraged to select the M. S. or Ph.D.
program based on their professional objectives. Typically, the appropriate
professional objective for a M. S. student is a research technician position or
an equivalent position, whereas the appropriate objective for a Ph.D. student is
a research scientist, college professor, government administrator, or another
position requiring advanced training at the Ph.D. level.
The minimum requirements
for admission are a Bachelors degree earned from an accredited institution and
an overall grade point average of at least 3.0. Successful applicants have
usually obtained a broad course background and significant research experience
in the biological or physical sciences. A more specialized background in cell
biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, or plant biology is desirable but not
essential. However, the lack of background courses in the subject corresponding
to an applicant's research interests may lengthen the time required to earn a
degree.
All applicants must submit:
-
Three letters of recommendation from
professional or academic references
-
Official college transcripts
-
A statement of purpose for pursuing the degree,
including goals and objectives for future work in the field
-
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
-
International applicants must also submit Test
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English scores.
Prospective applicants
should also be aware that admission into the CBMG graduate program is very
competitive. For instance, the combined average credentials of the new students
entering in the Fall 2005, 2006, and 2007 semesters were: a GPA of 3.5 and GRE
verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing of 583, 727, and 4.4, respectively.
Admissible applicants whose academic credentials fall significantly below these
numbers should have extensive research experience, strong recommendation
letters, and/or compelling life experiences that compensate for their lower
academic credentials.
|
