Admission requirements, Ecology program

Most applicants have undergraduate degrees in ecology, biology, fish and wildlife, forestry, or natural resources. However, applicants with other backgrounds are welcome to apply.

Students are selected by an Admissions Committee on the basis of overall promise for graduate work. To be considered for admission, you must have:

• An appropriate academic background, including a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last two years (junior/senior) of a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university. Ideally, you should have taken at least three undergraduate classes in the biological sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, physiology) as well as a minimum of five undergraduate courses in the physical sciences and mathematics with at least one course each in chemistry, physics, calculus. However, a limited number of course deficiencies in these subjects may be remedied by taking undergraduate courses while a graduate student. Deficiencies must be made up in the first few semesters after admission.
• Satisfactory Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test scores. The general test is required; the subject test in Biology is optional (the Penn State institution code is R2660; the appropriate Department code is 0207).
• Proficiency in the English language. With some exceptions (noted below), international candidates are required to take the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and submit the results of the test with application for admission. Minimum acceptable TOEFL scores are: 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 points on the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 points on the speaking portion. (Penn State's Institution code is 2660 and the Department code is 30). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a masters degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States and Wales.

You must also complete the forms and send us the materials outlined in the instructions on how to apply.

Commitment from a faculty member

You need a commitment from an Ecology faculty member to serve as your adviser before admission will be granted. The adviser may be able to help the student obtain financial aid. Therefore, applicants are urged to initiate communication with the appropriate faculty member(s) as early as possible. To help you do this, we encourage you to submit a free pre-application form before making a formal application. This allows us to notify faculty of your interest, and to give you a preliminary assessment of the likely strength of your application were you to apply formally.

Please also include the name(s) of potential advisers with your information when submitting your application packet (for details of how to do this see the instructions on how to apply).

Deadlines

Although applications will be accepted throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to submit materials before February 1. Complete applications that are received on or before January 15 will be given first consideration.

Students are admitted in Fall of each year.