Biological Sciences - Neuroscience and Physiology

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
• Submit 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 admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

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.

GPA

You must have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

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 two page statement of your academic and professional goals and submit it in the application system.

Letters of Recommendation

Provide three letters of recommendation from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic record and can evaluate your potential for graduate study.

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.

Minimum test scores that are considered acceptable for our School of Biological Sciences programs from international students required to take an English proficiency test are: TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 125.

Application Deadlines

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

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