Programs
» Requirements for Admission to Advanced Studies in Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Two tracks leading to the Ph.D. degree are offered, the first stresses Microbiology (including bacteriology and virology), and the second stresses Cellular and Molecular Immunology/Immunopathology. Applicants are required to inform the Graduate Office and the Department of their preference for pursuing the Ph.D. degree in Microbiology/Immunology or the Ph.D. Degree in Immunology/Immunopathology. Two sets of admissions requirements must be met, those of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Graduate School and those of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Admission Requirements of the Graduate School

Applicants must comply with the requirements for admission to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences published in the most recent edition of the Graduate School catalog. In general, applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or from a foreign institution with similar requirements for the baccalaureate degree. A cumulative grade point average of 2.70 (A=4.0) or better is required on all course work attempted, or a 3.20 on the last 60 semester hours of course work attempted. Students may also be accepted with a cumulative grade point average of between 2.50 and 2.69 on all course work attempted prior to receipt of the baccalaureate degree, provided that the applicant also has satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations, the Miller Analogies Test, or a similar test acceptable to the Graduate Dean.

Admission Requirements of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology

1. A statement addressing the applicant’s interest in pursuing an advanced degree, and anticipated research interest is required. Applicants should specifically mention any previous research or graduate educational experience.

2. The Department requires Graduate Record Examination scores of all applicants.

3. The Department requires a minimum of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL examination of all foreign applicants.

4. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from former professors, are required of all applicants.

5. Transcripts of all undergraduate course work and any graduate course work are required. The Department requires a minimum overall grade point average of 2.85.

6. Applicants must have successfully completed courses in mathematics and chemistry -- both inorganic and organic. A course in biochemistry is highly recommended.

7. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological science or related field with a strong background in biology.

8. Applicants with a Research Masters (M.S. or M.A.) degree or equivalent in microbiology or a closely related area wishing to enter the Ph.D. program are required to provide (a) a final transcript indicating completion of the Masters degree requirements; and (b) a finalized, approved copy of the Masters thesis, or a detailed synopsis of the thesis (if it is in preparation) and a letter from the Major Advisor stating that the degree will be completed prior to matriculation into the Ph.D. program.

Deadlines:

As the Department of Microbiology and Immunology reviews all application materials starting on January 4 of each year, the Department requests that all transcripts, letters of recommendation, Graduate Record Examination scores, and TOEFL scores, be received by the Graduate School Office as soon as possible after that date, and no later than February 15 of each calendar year. All application materials are to be sent to the Graduate Office.