Biological Sciences - Neuroscience and Physiology

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a doctoral program must:

• typically have earned a master's degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the specific doctoral program
• have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (approximately the junior and senior years)
• have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for all graduate-level coursework
• provide official scores from the GRE general exam (use institution code 1319)
• provide three letters of recommendation
• present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

Lab Requirement 

The first step in the application process is to ask about working in a lab. We do not admit graduate students unless they have at least one faculty member who is willing to have them in their lab.

Contact a member of our faculty  who works in your area of interest. Discuss whether they are taking new students, whether your interests sufficiently overlap with theirs, and what research topics are being pursued in their labs.

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Submit your vita in the application system. It should include any information that will help assess your potential as a student in our graduate program. Also include:

• your educational background
• previous employment or positions related to science and your current status
• research activities, including publications
• memberships in professional societies
• any honors and awards you have received

Statement of Academic and Professional Goals

Write a one-to-two page statement of your academic and professional goals and submit it in the application system. 

Your statement should include:

• area of research in which you are interested
• faculty member(s) with whom you have corresponded with in regard to serving as your possible dissertation advisor
• your plans after completing graduate school

Letters of Recommendation

Spring and summer applicants: Provide three letters of recommendation. Letters should come from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic record and can evaluate your potential for graduate study. Send your letters to:

Director of Graduate Studies
School of Biological Sciences
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 6179--4120

Fall applicants: Submit names and email addresses of references for letters of recommendation within the online application.

Test Scores

GRE scores are not required for your application. However, if you wish to submit them, you may.

Scores do not play a significant part in our decision-making process for admission. GRE scores may help your application if you did not have strong undergraduate grades but have strong GRE scores.

Use institution code 1319 if you want to submit your scores. It will not be held against you if you do not submit GRE scores as part of your application.

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term — February 1
• Spring (January) Term — Not accepting applications
• Summer Term — Not accepting applications

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