Graduate FAQs

Admissions

Q What is the minimum score on the GRE for admission?
A Generally, the guidelines are: MS - 1500, Ph.D. - 1780. These are not strict cut-offs.

Q Are MCAT scores acceptable?
A No.

Q How do I find out about deadlines for admissions?
A Download the latest copy of the policy document for the MS or Ph.D. program.

Q How do I get an application for admission into a graduate program?
A Application materials are on the Admissions page of this web site..

Graduate Committees

Q How many members are required to be on a committee?
A At least three.

Q What's the procedure to get outside readers on my committee?
A You must have approval of the Chair of the Department and Area Advisor (Ph.D.) or MS Graduate Committee (MS) in addition to the approval of the Dean's office. A written request must be made along with the attachment of the person's CV. The student will then be notified by the Graduate Coordinator.

Courses

Q I am limited to registering for only 15 hours, how do I get an increase?
A Inform the Graduate Coordinator (Ms. LaTesha Warren and she will make the request on your behalf with the Graduate Office.

Q How do I get IPs (in progress) for research removed?
A After one year of studies, you may contact the Graduate Coordinator to have change of grade forms completed.

Q How do I prevent IPs?
A When the 8800/8999/9999 reports are due, be sure to have your advisor sign the cover page along with your grade. If this is not done, you will be automatically be given an IP.

Q How do I find out about about the course requirements for an MS or Ph.D. degree?
A Download the latest copy of the policy document for the MS program or the Ph.D. program.

Q: Does the Biology department use plus (+) and minus (-) grades?
A: The Biology department courses use whole letter grades only:
    A = 4.0
    B = 3.0
    C = 2.0
    D = 1.0
    F = 0.0
    WF = 0.0

Deadlines

Q When are the non-thesis and thesis/dissertations due?
A Notices are posted outside the office of the graduate coordinator's office (422 Kell).

Q When are the semester research reports for Bio 8800/8999/9999 due?
A On the last day of MWF classes. The Graduate Coordinator will distribute the deadline a month before the reports are due.

Teaching and Research Assistantship

Q If I am receiving an assistantship, how many hours must I register for?
A Teaching - 12 hours, Research - 25 hours

Q If I have an assistantship, when do I get paid?
A On the last working day of the month.