Qualifications and Applying to
Graduate Programs

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.

• A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

• Scores of at least 150 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

• TOEFL, IELTS or satisfactory completion of the UNO Intensive English Language Program are required for applicants for whom English is not their native language.

• Satisfactory academic standing at the last university or college attended.

Three letters of recommendation and an applicant information sheet (including a clear statement of the student's interests, experiences and goal) are required. Previous research experience is desirable.

 Applicants are accepted into the graduate programs based upon recommendation of the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Committee. In making its recommendation, the Graduate Committee will consider the student's previous academic record and research experience, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Because of the importance of research in graduate education, it is essential that applicants familiarize themselves with the types of projects being conducted and the potential research advisors in the department. To this end, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact one or more faculty members (see Biology Faculty profiles) to discuss areas of mutual interests and the availability of research positions in their laboratories.

Deadlines: For fall admission, the review of applicants begins on February 1 and continues until all positions are filled. On rare occasion, students are admitted for the spring semester, in which case applicant materials must be received by October 1.

To apply to the graduate programs in the Department of Biological Sciences,
applicants are required to: