Admissions & How to Apply

Admissions Criteria

Admission to the MA program is evaluated based on three primary factors:

• Faculty Advisor Match: Admission is dependent on a successful match with a faculty advisor. We suggest you contact a potential faculty advisor before applying. You will be asked to rank up to 3 prospective faculty advisors on your application. Possible faculty advisors can be found on our Ecology and Evolution Faculty Labs page. Please note that not all faculty accept MA students in any given year. Feel free to contact Program Director Krishna R. Veeramah for advice.

• Likelihood of Success in Core Coursework: An important consideration for admissions is your likelihood of success in our graduate-level ecology or evolution courses. These courses require substantial intellectual engagement, fluency with scientific literature, strong quantitative skills, and the ability to assimilate knowledge at a rapid pace. Students need strong study skills and the ability to address complex questions on essay-style exams. Similarly, we consider likelihood of success in our required biometry (biostatistics) course, which requires strong quantitative skills including a working knowledge of calculus. In your application essay, please comment specifically on your preparation and likelihood of success in each of these courses.

• Calculus Requirement: A calculus course is required for admission. Please state when you have taken or plan to take this course (this may be noted at the end of your Statement of Purpose).

Ready to Apply?

• Submit Your Graduate School Application

• Request More Information

Required Application Components

Your application must include the following components:

• Graduate School Application Form: Includes general contact information, educational background, proposed advisors, and interest in pursuing internal fellowships.

• Statement of Purpose: Helps the admissions committee understand your academic objectives and fit. In your statement: 1) Clearly articulate specific examples of the types of research questions that interest you. 2) Describe how your background makes you a good fit for the Ecology and Evolution program and to the lab(s) to which you are applying. 3) Summarize your research experience, highlighting any presentations, publications, or awards. 4) Describe your potential for contributing to an inclusive learning environment, as evidenced by life experience, participation or leadership in affinity groups, mentoring, tutoring, outreach, or volunteer experiences.

• Transcripts: Official academic records (including GPA) from each college-level institution attended.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Summarizes your academic and work experiences, including education, presentations, publications, honors, teaching, professional experience, leadership, skills, and certifications. Review the VisualCV Guide for Graduate School or download our Sample CV Format (Google Drive).

• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from former professors, employers, or supervisors addressing research experience, academic preparation, and potential for contributing to an inclusive learning environment.

• TOEFL or IELTS Scores: Required if English is not your primary or native language.

• Application Fee: $100 processing fee. Review Fee Waiver Eligibility Criteria for financial need, opportunity programs, veterans/active duty military, or participants in Center for Inclusive Education recruitment events.