US CITIZENS
(Forms)
Deadlines: Submission of application materials on time is an important requirement for full consideration. To be sure that you will be considered for teaching and research assistantships and for a variety of possible university, college and departmental fellowships, you must have all materials in our hands by December 15, for possible entry into the graduate program the following Fall Semester.
Your application should include the following:
1. MSU Online Application for Admission to Graduate Study (Application fee must be paid online)
2. Resume
3. Academic & Personal Statements
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Transcripts
6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
1. MSU Application for Admission to Graduate Study
Two types of applications are available on-line:
Interactive Form. Follow the appropriate link to go to an interactive form that will allow you to send all of your information directly to MSU over the internet. All information is secured with SSL encryption. When a completed application form is received by the University, it will be automatically be sent to the Plant Biology department if you list the correct major code (see below).
PDF Form (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). Follow this link go to a PDF version of the application that you can print using Adobe Acrobat software, fill out with pen or typewriter, and mail to MSU. Be sure that each page prints full size.
Question # 17 on the University Application form asks you to specify a “major code” and “major name.” The major code for a Plant Biology Ph.D. is 7019. The major code for a Plant Biology M.S. is 7018.
2. Resume
Should 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 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
Arrange to have official transcripts sent to the above address. The Plant Biology Program suggests a GPA of 3.3 or higher with not less than a 3.0 in major. Consideration may be given to students who have a GPA less than 3.0 if an alternative proof of potential academic excellence, such as outstanding letters of reference, exceptional performance on the GREs, extensive research experience, etc., is provided for consideration by the admissions committee.
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 0205. 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 January 1st deadline.
The three standard sections of the GRE, verbal, quantitative and analytical, are required for admission. Most successful applicants have a minimum verbal score of 550 and a minimum quantitative score of 600 on the GRE. The subject area exam (usually in Biology but some applicants take it in some other field of science) is not required by our department, but, for some students, it can provide important additional support for the application.
For questions about the above application procedure, contact:
Mrs. Kasey Baldwin
Graduate Secretary
Phone 517-432-4429
FAX 517-353-1926
Email kbaldwin@msu.edu
For questions about the suitability of our graduate program for your goals and aspirations, contact:
Dr. Alan Prather
Director of Graduate Studies
Phone 517-355-4695
FAX 517-353-1926
Email alan@msu.edu
