Admission Requirements

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management Admission Requirements

Scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are not required for admission but may be submitted if desired by the applicant.

For admission, an applicant should have at least a 3.25 grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale), and courses that are basic to the individual's field of specialization. Ordinarily, these include:

• 9 credits in communication including technical writing and speech;
• 10 credits in chemistry, mathematics, and physics;
• 8 credits in biological sciences including botany; and
• 12 credits in agronomy, geology, and plant science including soil science.

Individuals who have earned baccalaureate degrees in related science disciplines typically meet the course subject area requirements for our graduate programs. However, students with undergraduate degrees in different fields are still encouraged to apply but may be accepted on a provisional basis contingent upon addressing any deficiencies. If admitted provisionally, the student will work with a faculty adviser to establish specific conditions that must be fulfilled to transition to a regular graduate degree program. Ultimately, the student's graduate committee will have the final say on any course deficiencies that need to be addressed. It is important to note that provisional status is not intended for individuals with poor academic records seeking entry into Ph.D. programs. Our goal is to ensure that all students admitted to our graduate programs have a strong academic foundation in their chosen field of study.

Three reference letters and a brief statement describing the applicant's academic goals, career interests, and special qualifications are required. The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces available. Exceptions to admission requirements may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests, at the discretion of the program.

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Soil Science requires a master's degree in Soil Science or a closely related field, or a bachelor's degree along with exceptional qualifications, the support of the prospective adviser, and concurrence of the Graduate Programs Committee and the Department Head.

Evaluation of the Applicant

Faculty evaluate:

• Master’s degree obtained
• Previous course work
• Academic performance (grade point average)
• TOEFL scores (international students)
• Course deficiencies
• Personal vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of applicant's academic goals and career interests

Recommendation for acceptance or rejection of an applicant is made to the Graduate School by the Department's Graduate Program Coordinator in consultation with the reviewing faculty members. A favorable (majority) vote and a willing adviser are required for acceptance.

The best-qualified applicants are accepted within the limits of available openings in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management graduate program. Exceptions to the admission criteria may be granted for applicants with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. However, deficiencies must be fulfilled early in the program. Applicants with a large number of deficiencies may be advised to enroll in a second bachelor's program.

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires evidence of research ability, e.g., a master's degree thesis, paper, or equivalent publication and a grade point average of 3.3 or higher in a graduate degree program, exclusive of thesis and special problems. Baccalaureate degree students graduating from an honors program with a required thesis, or who have authored a refereed publication, may be considered for admittance without a master's degree.

All students wishing to pursue a doctoral program must pass a candidacy examination administered by the Department to attain full status as a doctoral candidate. Prior to passing the candidacy exam, the student who has been admitted into a departmental doctoral program is identified as a doctoral student, but not a doctoral candidate.

The Graduate Program Coordinator of graduate studies and the electronic process will supply all necessary application materials and relevant information. 

We highly recommend that all applications be submitted before January 1st for summer or fall program admissions, and before August 1st for spring admission. Assistantship decisions are typically finalized in early February and September, so submitting your application early increases your chances of receiving special support funds.

Graduate School Admission Requirements

For information regarding the admissions policies of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, please consult the provided links below.

J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Qualifications for Admissions

J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Admission Requirements for International Students