Oklahoma State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution
Oklahoma State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution

Prospective Students

Apply OSU

To ensure full consideration, you should directly correspond with one or two members of our faculty whose research most closely matches your own interests. Initial contact should be made several months prior to the semester of admission.
 
  
 
    Application procedure
Submit your application materials
• Fall semester: March 1st. Primary consideration is given to applications received by January 15th.
• Spring semester: September 1st. Primary consideration is given to applications received by July 15th.
Early application is strongly advised for full consideration and support!

 

 

 

The steps in the application process are:
(1) identify advisor
(2) submit paperwork; and
(3) approval by the home department, Plant Biology Ph.D. Program/Plant Biology M.S. Program and Graduate College.

All required documents are to be submitted to the Graduate College via their interactive web site. It is also advisable to email unofficial copies of documents directly to your prospective mentor (faculty member) so they and the home department may begin considering your credentials prior to completion of the application process. Required documents include:

  • An official Graduate College application for admission and the non-refundable application fee. The current fee is indicated in the application materials.
  • Original official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work.
  • A statement of purpose and goals that should include relevant information about your background, research interests, and career objectives. It should be tailored toward the specific faculty member(s) with whom you wish to work.
  • A resumé (curriculum vita) summarizing your academic and professional accomplishments.
  • Three letters of recommendation must be directly uploaded to the application software. You must provide referees' contact information and the system will email them directly. Be sure to ask them before listing them as references!
  • An abstract of the Master of Science degree thesis, if applicable.
  • [International students only] A minimum TOEFL score of 570 (paper-based) for Ph.D. or 550 for M.S. or 88 (web-based) for Ph.D. or 79 for M.S. A minimum S (Speaking) score of 26 is required to be eligible for a teaching assistantship.
  • [International students only] A financial affidavit in accordance to OSU requirements.

Once the application is complete it will be forwarded to the Coordinator of the Plant Science Ph.D. Program/Plant Biology M.S. Program for review. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all application materials arrive at OSU in a timely manner.