Introduction

Applying

Requirements

PBS Courses

Helpful Hints

GRE Test

ESL Programs

Requirements

Application Evaluation Criteria

Completed applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee of the Plant Biological Sciences graduate program. Factors generally given the highest weight include: undergraduate and graduate GPA; upper division GPA trend; the applicant's written statement of career objectives; recommendation letters; GRE percentile scores, and TOEFL scores (if required). Other important evaluation criteria include: research and work experience; quality of the institution; and publications.

Requirements

The following requirements should be met by applicants to the Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program. Applicants who have not satisfied the requirements may still be admitted when other factors suggest that they can fulfill the missing courses or requirements while in the graduate program.

1. A baccalaureate degree in the natural or physical sciences


2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (of a possible 4.00) is preferred


3. Coursework:
   • Animal Biology
   • Differential and integral Calculus or Statistics
   • Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
   • Genetics
   • Physics (one year)
   • Physical chemistry (recommended for students with interests in molecular biology)
   • Plant Biology


4. Test Scores (Institution code: 6874; Department code: 0299):
   • General GRE score is required. A combined score (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical) of greater than 1800 is desired. The preferred performance level is above the 60 percentile in all three areas.
   
   
   • Subject test score (Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology) is strongly recommended, but not required.
   
   
   • Foreign students must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL-Code 35) OR the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum desired score for the TOEFL is at least 79 plus 21 on Writing and 19 on Reading. If your TOEFL or IELTS is older than two years, it will be considered invalid. If you have completed 16 semesters/24 quarter credits within the last 24 months in an academic program in a recognized institution of higher learning in the U.S., you do not need to submit the TOEFL or IELTS as part of the application but these credits must be reflected on your transcripts.

Research experience is highly desirable.

Qualified domestic applicants are invited to a prospective student open (generally held in the third week in January) on campus. Expenses are covered by the program.

Commitment to Diversity

The Plant Biological Sciences' Commitment to Diversity embraces the University of Minnesota’s position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. We define diversity to encompass many characteristics including economic disadvantage, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities, race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability.

A diverse student body enriches graduate education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of new knowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for, and opportunities to learn from, others with the broad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society.

Higher education trains the next generation of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should be accessible to all members of society. The Graduate School and its constituent graduate programs are therefore committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and support programs that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the next generation.