Prospective Graduate Students
Admissions Requirements
University Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum undergraduate Grade Point Average of 3.0 (for regular admission status)
- For non-native speakers of English, whether international or U.S. citizens or permanent residents, proof of English proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
- Official scores from the TOEFL or IELTS achieved no more than two years before the semester of admission. Below are the minimum scores for regular admission status:
- Internet-based TOEFL: reading, writing, and listening scores of at least 20
- Computer-based TOEFL: all parts at least 20
- Paper-based TOEFL: all parts at least 53
- IELTS: overall band score at least 6.0 and all individual band scores at least 5.5
- Graduation with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned in residence from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
- Graduation with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a program taught in English at an international institution. This does not apply to degrees earned online. Verification of English instruction from the university is required as part of the application and can be from a catalog or program description brochure or an official letter from a department chair, dean, or other university official stipulating English as the language of instruction. The applicant must also complete a telephone interview with a KU representative.
Non-native English speakers should note that the above requirements are for admission purposes only. All non-native English speakers are required to check in at KU's Applied English Center upon arrival. Some students may be required to complete an English proficiency exam and to complete English training courses before enrollment in regular courses is allowed.
- Official scores from the TOEFL or IELTS achieved no more than two years before the semester of admission. Below are the minimum scores for regular admission status:
Department Requirements
The departmental graduate admissions committee reviews the record of each applicant. The committee considers the candidate's overall undergraduate record in the context of the institution(s) from which the record was received. A minimum overall grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for regular admission. The student's academic record in the specialization is also important. The master's degree is not a prerequisite for entering a Ph.D. program. Domestic applicants must provide a certified score report from the Graduate Record Examination for the general test (scores from the GRE biology subject test are optional). Non-English-speaking applicants must provide certified scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language or from the International English Language Testing System or must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a program taught in English. Faculty recommendations, honors, awards, undergraduate research experience, publications, and professional experience are considered. Motivation, enthusiasm, and realistic career goals as evidenced by the applicant's essay are particularly important.
The number of students admitted is limited. Qualified candidates may be denied admission because of lack of a faculty sponsor, financial support, or research facilities.