Microbiology: Admissions Requirements

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

Applications normally are considered only for fall entrance. International applicants are considered only for fall admission. To ensure optimum consideration for fall admission, complete applications should be received at this university by January 15 with a final deadline of April 15. Evaluation of applications will begin on January 15, and applications received between January 15 and April 15 will be considered only if unfilled slots remain.

To officially apply for admission, see http://www.udel.edu/gradoffice/apply/ for detailed instructions, web-based forms, and contact information. To be admitted to the graduate program, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A completed University of Delaware Graduate Studies application. In the application, prospective students should indicate clearly whether they are applying for the MS or the Ph.D. program.

• A personal statement is required in the Graduate Studies application, and should discuss the following questions:

  • What is your prior research experience (for credit, as an intern, as a job, or any other practical or industry-related experiences)?

  • What are your specific research and educational goals?

  • What are your long-term professional career objectives?

  • How do you see this program assisting you with achieving your objectives?

• Graduate Record Examination Scores are not required for domestic applicants. Subject GRE scores are not required.

• Official, up-to-date transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate programs. A minimum of 3.0/4.0 is required in the major.

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s research experience, academic preparation and potential ability as a graduate student.

• International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (Minimum Score: 550 paper test, 79 on Internet-based tests) TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be considered official.

• Interview with one or more faculty members of the Microbiology program including but not limited to the potential major advisor. Interviews should be conducted in person for domestic applicants and via Skype or other video-base call for international applicants

Prior degree requirements

Applicants should have a BA or BS in Microbiology or a related field, and as part of their undergraduate training, should have completed the following (or the equivalent): two years of biological sciences; one year of mathematics, preferably including calculus and/or statistics; one semester of college physics; one year of general chemistry; and at least one semester of organic chemistry. Other applicants will be considered if they have strong academic backgrounds in other scientific areas. Provisional admission may be offered with the stipulation that any deficiency in undergraduate training be made up (without graduate credit) during the first year of graduate study.

Change of Classification and Transfer Students

Students that are currently matriculated in other degree programs should complete a “Change of Classification” Form to seek approval to be admitted into the Microbiology Program. The Program Committee will evaluate the change in classification and transfer requests on a case-by case basis to determine if the applicant will need to complete a full application form submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Education. All transfer students will still have to meet the requirements listed above.

Special competencies needed

Applicants should provide evidence of research experience (academic or otherwise) in their personal statement and on their curriculum vita. Applicants with prior research experience will receive priority consideration.