Application Instructions

We offer Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science in Teaching (MST), and Doctoral (PhD) degrees through the Department of Biology.

As stated in the PSU application instructions (Application for Graduate Admission form), to ensure that your application is properly processed, you must submit two separate application packets.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS: 

1. Application for Graduate Admission.
   
2. A non-refundable processing fee of $50.00.
   
3. One official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. NOTE: To be official, the transcript must be in its original sealed envelope from the issuing school or institution. All documents submitted to the University become property of Portland State University and cannot be returned, copied or released. (An official PSU transcript is not required for former PSU students).
   
4. All graduate students whose first language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement prior to enrolling in academic classes. Please note that this requirement applies to all students, including resident aliens and citizens.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY:

1. Copy of the Application sent to the Admissions Office.
   
2. Application for Graduate Studies in Biology (a full application package is available here).
   
   
3. Copies (photocopies acceptable) of transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended.
   
4. GRE General Test results (photocopy acceptable).  To have official copies sent to the department, use the institution code for PSU (4610) and the departmental code for Biology (0203).
   
   
5. Results of the GRE Subject Test in Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (photocopy acceptable).  To have official copies sent to the department, use the institution code for PSU (4610) and the code for Biology (0203).  Since this exam is offered only twice per year please submit all the other materials on this list if you have not taken the exam.  The Graduate Affairs Committee will assess your application without the subject GRE scores, but you will still be required to take the exam before you are fully admitted to the program. 
   
   
6. TOEFL test results (photocopy acceptable – only if your first language is not English). 
   
7. A letter of intent that indicates your research interests, career goals, and the specific area of biology that you wish to pursue.
   
8. A written statement from a Biology Department faculty member indicating that s/he is willing to act as your sponsor and can accommodate you at the time of your anticipated admission (they can send this separately to the GAC). 
   
   
9. Two letters of reference (see attached forms).

Submit all of the above  with the rest of your departmental application forms to:

Students wishing to receive highest priority for fall admission must complete their application file with the department by February 15th. Admission decisions will be made between March 15th and April 15th.

While our graduate curriculum is designed for students to initiate their graduate studies in the fall, we will consider outstanding candidates for admission in the winter and spring terms.

Other Useful Links:

• Is Graduate School Right for You? (PDF)
  
• PSU Graduate Programs in Biology. (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions. (PDF)
  

Questions concerning your application status should be directed to:

Luis Ruedas, Chair
Graduate Affairs Committee
ruedas@pdx.edu