Please follow the instructions below to apply to the Graduate Program in Plant Biology at Michigan State University. The application procedure is the same for both the PhD and M.S. programs, except for Question #17 (instructions provided below). If you have any questions, please contact us. Thank you for your application.
Deadline: Application materials are due on 15 December for admission to the graduate program for the following fall semester. Late applications are accepted but many of our fellowship nominations are made in early January, so for full consideration of your application it is important for you to have all materials to MSU by 15 December.
Your application should include the following:
1. MSU Application for Admission to Graduate Study
2. Resume
3. Academic and Personal Statements
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Transcripts
6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
7. TOEFL scores (for International students only)
1. MSU Application for Admission to Graduate Study
The interactive application form for domestic or international applicants must be filled out online. All information is secured with SSL encryption. When a completed application form is received by the University, it will automatically be sent to the Department of Plant Biology if you list the correct major code (Question 17 on the form). The major codes for Plant Biology are 7019 for PhD applicants and 7018 for M.S. applicants.
2. Resume
Please list each activity that accounts for your time since earning a bachelor's degree (e.g. employment, military service, travel). Be sure to include the type of activity, name of your employer, city/state, and dates. List the most recent activity first.
3. Academic and Personal Statements
Two separate written statements are required and should be submitted as separate documents. They can be mailed to the Department or sent by email to the Graduate Secretary (kbaldwin@msu.edu). Your Academic Statement should include a moderately detailed explanation of your plans for graduate study, your future professional goals, and how the graduate program in the Department of Plant Biology will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Be sure to indicate your area(s) of research interest and include mention of any research experience you have had prior to applying to graduate school at MSU. Please indicate specific faculty who you may wish to work with in the Department of Plant Biology.
The Personal Statement should explain how your background and life experiences, including social, economic, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may also wish to explain how these factors have motivated you in pursuit of higher education and how they will help shape your contributions to the Plant Biology graduate program.
Request three letters of recommendation, from individuals qualified to assess you promise of success in a graduate program, and have these letters sent directly to:
Department of Plant Biology
Graduate Admissions Committee
166 Plant Biology Labs
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1312
5. Transcripts
Please arrange to have official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning that you have attended sent to the above address.
6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
Have an official report of your GRE scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. The Institution Code for MSU is 1465, the Departmental Code for Plant Biology is 0202. The three standard sections of the GRE, verbal, quantitative and analytical, are required for admission. Since there is often a delay before such reports are received by the University, you may wish to also send a copy of your score report to the departmental address above, to be sure that we receive at least a copy of your GRE scores before the December 15th deadline.
7. TOEFL scores (International applicants only)
Please have the originals sent to the Department of Plant Biology at the above address. You may also send us a copy with your application to be sure we receive all materials before December 15th. The Institution code for MSU is 1465, and the Plant Biology program code is 35.
If you have any questions about the application procedure, pleace contact us.
