1. Successful completion of two semesters or equivalent course in general chemistry, and courses in general biology, general physics, and organic chemistry.
2. Undergraduate courses in analytical chemistry, calculus, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and statistics are desirable.
3. Overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
4. GRE score on the General Test. Presentation of scores from an appropriate Subject Test is desirable.
5. Graduate students may be admitted to either the M.S. program or directly to the Ph.D. program.
6. Students who elect to begin the M.S. program and later decide to pursue the Ph.D. before finishing the M.S. may do so by petitioning the Departmental Faculty. This action requires a GPA in accordance with the current Academic Catalog.

The Application Process

How should I apply?
It is our aim to provide a fair, balanced review of applications with the least amount of delay. In order to do this, we ask that applications (including personal statement and letters of recommendation) are submitted online through the UND Graduate School Admissions Page:

http://www.graduateschool.und.edu/html/admissionshome.html

Unfortunately, hard paper applications will take longer to process and will delay the process.

When should I submit my application?
Applicants are generally considered at the beginning of the year for admission for the following fall semester. January and February are extremely busy times for the processing of applications. Thus, we recommend having applications completed by early January. For a Fall 2008 start, we recommend that the admission packet be completed by early January, 2008. Only official copies of transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores can be used for the application packet. The UND Institutional Code for the GRE and TOEFL is 6878. Our Departmental Code for the GRE is 0216.

We strongly suggest that the GRE (and if necessary the TOEFL, see below) is taken prior to the end of the previous fall semester. Thus, if you are considering a Fall 2008 start, we recommend you take the GRE (and if necessary the TOEFL) by November 2007. Given the volume of applications and time of processing, the reporting of scores and inclusion into admission files after that period can be delayed.

The Department will NOT review incomplete applications. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete.

What is the role of the GRE?
We require scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test. We use the GRE scores as a part of the total dossier that includes other areas such as research experience, publications, coursework, and the personal statement. However, our analyses demonstrate that a GRE quantitative score of above 60% is an indicator of potential success for the first year of coursework.

TOEFL Information:

A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score is required of ALL applicants whose native language is not English. This is the only evidence of competence in English that is acceptable to UND and must be submitted before any application is considered. Test score requirements will not be waived or delayed. TOEFL scores older than two years are not valid.

A minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) must be achieved on the TOEFL to be considered for admission. For the TOEFL iBT, student must have at least 23/30 Speaking, 19/30 Listening, 19/30 Reading, and 15/30 writing with at least a 79/120 total score.

Non-native speakers of English who have received a bachelor's degree or higher in the United States or English-speaking Canada are not required to take the TOEFL.
TOEFL applications may be obtained from:

TOEFL, Educational Testing Service
Box 6155
Princeton, NJ 08541-6155, USA.

Only official copies of the TOEFL are accepted (no photocopies).

UND Graduate School Admissions Page:

http://www.graduateschool.und.edu/html/admissionshome.html